Sanur is Bali's original beach resort and still its most relaxed: a calm, swimmable lagoon on the east coast, a long paved boardwalk perfect for a morning stroll or cycle, and sunrises over the sea. It's quieter and gentler than the south's party towns — beloved by families and repeat visitors — and it's the launch point for the islands. Here's everything worth doing.
Sanur's beach is protected by an offshore reef, so the water is calm and shallow — the safest, easiest swimming in southern Bali, ideal for families. Because it faces east, it's also Bali's sunrise town: set an early alarm once and watch the sun come up over the sea and the outline of Nusa Penida. Beachfront cafés and warungs line the sand for a lazy breakfast after.
A paved beachfront path runs about 5 km along the coast — one of the nicest walks or bike rides in Bali, passing hotels, cafés, temples and quiet stretches of sand. Rent a bike (Sanur is flat and very cycle-friendly) and pedal the length with café stops; it's the definitive Sanur activity.
The calm water suits gentle watersports: stand-up paddle, kayaking, and beginner-friendly boat snorkelling trips out to the reef. It's also a jumping-off point for diving trips. Nothing here is extreme — it's watersports at an easy, family pace.
Sanur's harbour is the main departure point for the fast boats to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and the Gili Islands. That makes it a smart, calm base for island day trips — you can be on a boat within minutes of your hotel. See our Nusa Penida day trip guide and Bali boat tickets to plan a crossing.
Heading to the islands from Sanur?
Compare & book boat tickets →Sanur has a genuine local life beyond the beach: the Le Mayeur Museum (the seaside home of the Belgian painter), old temples, and the excellent Sanur night market (Sindhu) for cheap, delicious local food in the evening. It's a lovely, low-key way to eat like a local.
Sanur is about 30 minutes from the airport on the east coast. Getting around: