Sanur Beach is one of the oldest and most popular beach resorts in Bali, located on the southeast coast of the island. It is known for its calm and clear water, its colorful coral reef, its vibrant and friendly community, and its stunning and unforgettable sunrise views.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Sanur Beach, including how to get there, what to do and see, where to stay, eat, and shop, and when to visit. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something that suits your taste and budget in Sanur Beach.
Why Visit Sanur Beach?
Sanur Beach is not your typical beach resort. It is a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the modern and the traditional, the lively and the peaceful, the adventurous and the relaxing. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Sanur Beach:
1. Relaxing and peaceful atmosphere
Sanur Beach is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and the crowds of the other beach resorts. The beach is protected by a reef, which makes the water calm and safe for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is also lined with a paved walkway, which is perfect for strolling, cycling, or jogging along the shore.
2. Rich and diverse culture
Sanur Beach is one of the oldest and most historic areas in Bali, and it has preserved its strong local identity and heritage. The beach is dotted with many temples, museums, art galleries, and cultural events, where you can learn about the history, religion, and art of Bali. The beach is also famous for its annual kite festival, which is a spectacular display of creativity and craftsmanship.
3. Stunning and serene ocean
Sanur Beach is blessed with a beautiful and diverse marine life, thanks to its coral reef and seagrass beds. The beach is a paradise for snorkelers and divers, who can explore the underwater world and see colorful fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and even dolphins. The beach is also a great spot for sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and other water sports, where you can enjoy the breeze and the views. The beach is also renowned for its sunrise views, which are among the best in Bali.
4. Vibrant and friendly community
Sanur Beach is a place where you can feel the warmth and hospitality of the Balinese people. The beach is full of life and activity, with many cafes, restaurants, bars, markets, and shops, where you can mingle with the locals and other travelers, and taste the delicious and diverse cuisine of Bali. The beach is also a place where you can experience the fun and festive side of Bali, with many live music, dance, and comedy shows, as well as parties and nightlife options, where you can have a good time and make new friends.
How to Get to Sanur Beach?
Sanur Beach is located on the southeast coast of Bali, about 16 km from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, and about 12 km from the capital city of Denpasar. It is easy and convenient to get to Sanur Beach from different locations in Bali, by using various modes of transportation, such as taxi, bus, shuttle, bike, or car.
Here are some of the options on how to get to Sanur Beach from different locations in Bali:
From the airport: The fastest and easiest way to get to Sanur Beach from the airport is by taxi, which will take about 20 minutes and cost about 150,000 IDR (10 USD). You can find the official taxi counter at the arrival hall, and book a metered or fixed-rate taxi. Alternatively, you can use online ride-hailing apps, such as Grab or Gojek, which will offer cheaper and more flexible rates, but you may have to walk to the pickup point outside the airport. Another option is to take a bus, which will take about 40 minutes and cost about 40,000 IDR (3 USD). You can find the bus stop at the domestic terminal, and take the Trans Sarbagita bus, which will stop at Sanur Beach.
From Kuta: The most popular and convenient way to get to Sanur Beach from Kuta is by shuttle, which will take about 30 minutes and cost about 60,000 IDR (4 USD).
What to Do and See in Sanur Beach?
Sanur Beach is a place where you will never get bored, as it offers a wide range of activities and attractions for all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, nature, or entertainment, you will find something that suits your taste and budget in Sanur Beach.
Here are some of the best things to do and see in Sanur Beach:
1. Snorkeling and diving
Sanur Beach is one of the best places in Bali for snorkeling and diving, as it has a rich and diverse marine life, thanks to its coral reef and seagrass beds. You can rent snorkeling or diving equipment from the many shops along the beach, or join a guided tour or a boat trip, and explore the underwater world and see colorful fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and even dolphins.
2. Water sports
Sanur Beach is also a great spot for water sports, such as sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, where you can enjoy the breeze and the views of the ocean and the coast. You can rent water sports equipment from the many shops along the beach, or join a lesson or a course, and learn the skills and techniques from the professional and friendly instructors.
3. Cultural attractions
Sanur Beach is one of the oldest and most historic areas in Bali, and it has preserved its strong local identity and heritage. You can visit the many temples, museums, art galleries, and cultural events in Sanur Beach, and learn about the history, religion, and art of Bali.
4. Historical landmarks
Sanur Beach is also a place where you can witness the history and legacy of Bali, as it has many historical landmarks that tell the stories of the past.
When to Visit Sanur Beach?
Sanur Beach is a year-round destination, as it has a tropical climate, with warm and sunny weather throughout the year. However, there are some factors that may affect your travel plans, such as the seasons, the festivals, and the prices.
Seasons
Sanur Beach has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season runs from April to September, and the rainy season runs from October to March. The dry season is the best time to visit Sanur Beach, as it has less rain, lower humidity, and cooler temperatures.
Festivals
Sanur Beach has many festivals throughout the year, that celebrate the culture, art, and spirit of Bali. Some of the most popular and recommended festivals in Sanur Beach are Nyepi, Galungan and Kuningan.
As you can see, Sanur Beach is a place that you can visit anytime, but you should consider the factors that may affect your travel plans, such as the seasons, the festivals, and the prices. You should also check the weather forecast, the calendar of events, and the online reviews, before you book your trip to Sanur Beach.
