Sanur

Sanur on the coast of Bali offers a completely different experience compared to some of the busier parts of the island.

Located in the southeast of Bali, Sanur is is a great choice for families thanks to its long strip of sandy beach. Plus, the boardwalk hugs the coast, and while there are no waves suitable for surfing, it’s the perfect place for swimming as you do not have to worry about currents or strong swells.

Families with small children can spend their days enjoying and swimming on the beaches, and the evenings eating freshly-caught and prepared seafood to their hearts’ delight on the small restaurants. At the same time, you can find a number of restaurants, craft shops, and local temples in town. There are no real “sights” in Sanur, but this is one of its charms as you can relax and enjoy the laid back Balinese atmosphere.

Attractions

Sanur does not boast of a huge number of attractions, but make sure to check out Pantai Indah, which is the most beautiful beach in Sanur. It is popular for the water sports (except for surfing) such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. And since Sanur is naturally exposed to the winds along the coast, kite surfing is also a popular pastime.

Getting There

Most people will get to Bali by flying in the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. From here you can take an airport taxi to Sanur, which takes around 45 minutes without traffic. From neighbouring nightlife hub Kuta, it takes around 30 minutes to reach Sanur.

Money Matters

There are international access ATMs all over Sanur as well as a wide range of money changers. The money changers however may not charge you the best rate so it is preferable to change money in a local bank. The international access ATMs might also be rigged to copy your bank details so it is better to withdraw money from a local bank, of which there are several scattered around Sanur.

Weather

As Sanur is on the southeast coast of Bali it has a coastal climate and is monsoonal, as is the rest of the island. You will find that the weather here falls into two seasons, wet and dry. Peak season in Sanur usually coincides with Western holidays so you can expect it to be busy during July and August. Sanur also gets busy during December and January in line with the Christmas and New Year period and you may consider booking accommodations in advance during this time. Rainy season usually falls from October to April, and while it rarely rains all day, you can expect heavy showers that can last a few hours. Shoulder season happens in May, June, and September when the weather is usually dry, resulting to fewer crowds.

Getting Around

As opposed to many parts of Bali, Sanur is actually an excellent place to go for a walk. For a start a boardwalk runs the entire length of the beach, which is perfect for strolls and enjoying the sea breeze. The main road in Sanur also has pavements so you can wander through town and explore that way. If you want to travel longer distances then you can hire a car and driver or a motorbike. Plenty of taxis also operate in Sanur.

Food

Sanur has a great food scene and you will be spoiled for choice. A huge number of Western-style restaurants can be found here along with big resort hotels that offer upscale dining experiences. You can also find many Indonesian restaurants in Sanur that offer delicious local bites at cheap prices. These include traditional Balinese restaurants as well as other cuisines from around the archipelago.

Sanur is not the first place you would consider of visiting in Bali especially if you are looking for a busy bar and club scene, but if you want a relaxing beach holiday then it is hard to beat. For anyone who does not want to surf, or for families traveling with children, the beaches here are clean and perfect for spending a few hours enjoying the views and reclining on the sand.