Experience Bali’s calmer side in its eastern coastal town of Sanur. Magical sunsets, shallow lagoons and a low-key nightlife make this part of the island a serene escape for a few days of pure relaxation. Sunbathing aficionados can spend time on its sandy shores, and those looking for physical activity can try kitesurfing or snorkelling in its offshore reefs. At night, the street markets come to life and offer delicious local delicacies that you won’t want to miss.
Find a slice of Balinese Zen in a Sanur hostel. Discover stays with plant-fringed swimming pools, gardens and pretty Balinese architecture, as well as modern pads with colourful interiors and shaded communal areas. You can wake up to a free breakfast in most Sanur hostels, and enjoy free Wi-Fi and 24-hour staff assistance throughout the day. Some hostels in Sanur offer bike hire, while others can help you to arrange car rental or day trips.
Sanur is relatively small, with one main area containing its local conveniences. The beachfront stretches for about 5km and is backed by lush, green gardens. To the west is the town’s main street Jalan Danau Tamblingan, where you’ll find places to eat and shop. Just before the main strip (to the north of the town) you’ll come across Jalan Pungutan with an art and crafts market selling Balinese handmade souvenirs. This is also where the night markets are held.
Sanur’s beachfront promenade makes for an idyllic place for a bike ride. There are plenty of cafés along here too for when you need to refuel. Also along the beachfront, you’ll find a dreamy yoga studio in a bamboo hut, as well as a number of water sports outlets offering kitesurfing, sea kayaking, wakeboarding and windsurfing. If you're a foodie, check out a nearby cooking class where you can make traditional Indonesian food in a mango tree-filled garden. For a day trip you could head over to neighbouring island Nusa Penida for its wild coastline and traditional villages.
Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 25-minute ride away from Sanur. From the airport you can pick up a taxi or organise a shuttle service to take you into town. There’s also a shuttle bus that links Sanur to Kuta and Ubud. From Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Lombok and the Gili Islands, you can catch a boat to Jalan Hang Tuah port. In town, you’ll see a number of car, motorbike and bike rental outlets to help you get around.
