8 Things to Do in Sanur, Unveiling the Coastal Heaven

If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, Bali is often the first destination that comes to mind. Known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, this tropical island offers something for every kind of traveler. If you’re the type who seeks a calmer escape with a mix of nature, culture, and shipping, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Sanur!

Sanur is a charming coastal town on the southeastern shore of Bali. It offers beaches with gentle waves and shallow waters, perfect for swimming or trying beginner-friendly water sports. Though its charm isn’t limited only to the beach, you’ll also find vibrant markets and cultural spots filled with authentic handcrafted goods.

Excited to know more about Sanur? Find out more about this tranquil seaside town and make the most of your trip by knowing the best things to do in Sanur, Bali!

Read Also: Weather in Bali: A Season Breakdown for Travelers

8 Best Things to Do in Sanur

1. Catch Sunrise at Sanur Beach

One of the best things about Sanur is its east-facing coastline, making it one of the best places in Bali to welcome the sunrise—and Sanur Beach is without a doubt the highlight. You’ll get to watch as the first rays of sunlight touch the horizon as the perfect start to your day.

Visiting Sanur Beach at dawn feels like stepping right into a painting. The soft sounds of waves, chirping birds, and cool morning breeze allow for a quiet reflection moment. On clear mornings, you’ll even get to see the view of Mount Agung and Mount Rinjani in the distant outline!

2. Fun Water Sports

After spending a serene morning, it’s time to welcome a little more challenge! Whether you’re traveling with your friends or family, Sanur Beach is also the perfect place for various fun water sports.

Some water sports you can do include banana boat, jet ski, water ski, rolling donut, wakeboard, paddle canoe, and even water walk! Or, you can also enjoy the view of the beach from high up, you can choose parasailing, where you’ll get suspended by a parachute attached to a speed boat.

Don’t worry if you have never done any of the sports; you’ll be guided through each activity by a professional team. Each activity is priced differently, starting from Rp203,000 per pax for paddle canoeing to Rp945,000 per pax for water walk, including the instructor and safety equipment.

Read Also: 14 Things to Do in Bali with Kids They Will Brag about Forever

3. Sea Turtle Release

Sea turtle populations have drastically reduced over the years due to facing serious threats every day from habitat loss, plastic pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Repopulation programs play a crucial part in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, so that sea turtles can play a role in keeping seagrass beds balanced to help other marine species prosper.

Organized by the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) on nearby Serangan Island, the Sea Turtle Release in Sanur is a part of a local initiative supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to repopulate sea turtles since 2006.

Though the turtle releases in Sanur don’t happen as often as the ones in Kuta, you can still join the activity at least once or twice a month. Be sure to look for information online, or ask local cafes such as Genius Cafe or Byrdhouse in Sanur for information on the time and place!

4. Beachfront Massages

You may have experienced a spa treatment, but have you tried having one facing the beach? You can find various spas in Sanur that offer massage treatments while you bask in the view and sounds of the waves to rejuvenate the body and soul.

The price ranges from around Rp150,000 for a 60-minute session. But the prices differ for the type of treatment you’re getting, so be sure to decide whether you’re getting a neck & shoulder massage, foot massage, or both.

Read Also: Find Serenity of the Body, Mind, and Soul at These 10 Top Best Spas in Ubud!

5. Cafe-Hopping Around the Beach

If you’re a foodie or simply love exploring flavors from around the world, cafe-hopping along Jalan Danau Tamblingan is a must on your list of things to do in Sanur. This lively street is lined with cozy cafes and restaurants where you can indulge in both local and international cuisines while enjoying Sanur’s laid-back seaside atmosphere.

One of the most popular stops on the street is Batujimbar Cafe, where you can enjoy authentic Indonesian breakfast dishes such as Nasi Kuning Manado, Bubur Ayam, and Serabi Kinca. Don’t forget the mouth-watering all-day menu, featuring classics like Nasi Campur, Ayam Betutu, and Rendang. If you’re in the mood for something different, Batujimbar Cafe also offers a variety of Western favorites.

Or, you can also enjoy an all-day refreshing breakfast menu at Cafe Akaya, with an Acai Bowl as its staple. Another option is to try various Swedish delicacies with a beachfront view at Cafe Smörgås.

6. Explore Mertasari Beach

Known as a beach that locals often visit to unwind, Mertasari Beach is a quiet beach that provides comfort for its visitors. Instead of loud music and crowded establishments, you’ll find plenty of space to fly a kite and try out various street food in food stalls that line up the beach.

Mertasari beach is one of the few swimmable beaches in Bali. The waters are relatively calmer, so be sure to take the chance to escape the heat in the cold waters of Mertasari Beach.

Read Also: How to Save Money in Bali During Holidays?

7. Go Shopping at Baruna Beach Market

Now, if you’re a shoppaholic who is looking to get the best bargains, Baruna Beach Market should certainly make it to your things to do in Sanur list. The market operates from 9 AM to 6 PM, so be sure to get there early to fully explore the market and get the best goods there!

The market is known for selling genuine fake designer brands, such as perfume, shoes, t-shirts, dresses, handbags, and sunglasses. But among these, you can also find authentic handcrafted goods. Don’t forget to sharpen your haggling skills—it’ll definitely come in handy to help you get the best deals.

8. Try Local Street Food at Sindhu Night Market

Yet another foodie haven! By day, this market is frequently visited by the locals to get fresh produce and daily needs. Then, starting from around 7 PM, the market area is turned into a lively area swarmed by small food stalls with open grills and communal tables.

Sindhu Night Market offers a great selection of Balinese and other Indonesian street food in one place. To help you narrow down the options, the must-trys include Sate Ayam or juicy chicken skewers, Bakso or meatball soup fitting for a rainy day, and Ayam Bakar or grilled chicken. Not just limited to savory dishes, you can also find sweet dishes and beverages such as Roti Bakar or grilled bread, and fresh tropical fruit juice.

Seeking to Explore More of Bali? Stay at Bobocabin Ubud!

Don’t just stop at Sanur, there’s still so much to explore in Bali! Bobocabin Ubud can help you make the most of your time in Bali. For your convenience, we have provided various packages you can choose to enjoy all the best things to do in Ubud!

From rice terrace hike, ATV tour, tubing, to a full-package tour around Ubud, you won’t have to arrange a thing and simply let us take you on an exciting adventure! After spending a full day of activities, rest in our comfy cabin overlooking the view of lush rice fields and high cliffs from your window.

For your comfort, each cabin is equipped with our signature modern features, such as the smart window for added privacy, adjustable lighting to enhance your comfort, and a Bluetooth speaker for a great ambience—all within your fingertips.

Don’t miss any great deals and book your stay by downloading the Bobobox app here.

 

Article author: Sheila Lalita

Featured photo: Viar Suganda via Unsplash