It’s hard to say what the best places in Sanur really are. As long-term residents, we can give some Ideas on where you should go once you’re in this lovely little beachtown.
A large coral reef protects the sunrise beach of Sanur in Bali, Indonesia. You can swim very safely, more than anywhere else in Bali, that’s why Sanur is very popular. We prepared a list of the best places in Sanur.
A bit of History Sanur
In 1906, the northern part of Sanur Beach was used as a landing site for the Dutch invasion troops during the intervention in Bali. During the Second World War, Sanur was again the entry point through which the Japanese forces landed to occupy the island of Bali.
The Belgian painter Adrien Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes (1880-1958) lived in Sanur from 1932-1958. His house has been converted into a museum, Museum Le Mayeur, which exhibits around 80 of his most important paintings.
Another interesting sight can be seen in the south of Sanur on Jalan Danau Poso Street next to Pura Blanjong, a small Hindu temple. There’s a stone pillar under a roof at the end of a small and short dead-end street. This is the oldest man-made object in Bali. The column bears inscriptions from the 9th century, written in Sanskrit and a very old Balinese writing form.
The first hotel built in Bali, the “Bali Beach Hotel”, nowadays is called “Grand Inna Bali Beach”. It was built in 1966 and hosted many world stars such as David Bowie, Mick Jagger, U2 singer Bono, the Beatles, and many other celebrities as its guests. At that time, Sanur was the most popular place in Bali where all the stars worldwide went on vacation.
A large coral reef protects the bay so you can swim very well and safely, more than anywhere else in Bali, that’s why the beach of Sanur is very popular with families and the elderly. When you’re not swimming or kite-surfing, you can stroll along the famous beach promenade. Either on foot or while riding bicycles. A wonderful holiday feeling, very different than in the south. There are many shops, restaurants and water sports here.
Sanur is known for its good location, its famous sunrise, and its beach promenade with its shady trees and therefore it is a popular destination for tourists.
Compared to other places like Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta or Legian, Sanur is rather quiet, but there is a lot to discover as it has countless shops and restaurants.
The best places to swim in Sanur
Pantai Mertasari
Here you have Kite & Surf courses and rentals.Enjoy a Coconut at the “Genius Café” or have a look at the “Power of Now”, a wonderful yoga place on the beach with a sacred cow in the garden. For a delicious cocktail visit the “Bamboo Bar & Lounge” next to the Prama Sanur beach resort.
Pantai Sindu
Pantai SinduThere are surf courses and countless restaurants here. Insider tip: If you really want to eat good fish, you should definitely go to “Amphibia”, a simple fisherman’s restaurant with the best and freshest fish.
Pantai Sanur
Pantai SanurA popular restaurant is the Lilla Pantai. If you want to treat yourself to a massage, just go next door and make an appointment in “The Nest” SPA.
Pantai Matahari
Here is the “Le Mayeur Museum”, founded by the Belgian painter Adrien Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes (1880–1958). The first hotel ever built in Bali is located here. The “Bali Beach Hotel”, today it’s called “Grand Inna Bali Beach”Here is the famous port where all ferries and speedboats start to get to the other islands. Choose your destination and buy your ticket to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Lombok and Gili.
Best places to eat out in Sanur
The “Pasar Sindu Sanur”
Always follow the locals when it comes to the kitchen. The Sanur Night Market offers authentic Indonesian food with an authentic local vibe. Be prepared for a delicious experience as you stroll among food vendors’ stalls. From traditional snacks to Indonesian cuisine, around 25 providers are available to customers.
The prices are local too. Very affordable and without tourist tax. Entry: 2000 IDR, as a rule
Warung Kembang
A nice little Warung, that serves Seafood & Chinese Food. Insider tip: the best “Es Jeruk”, an orange lemonade that you won’t soon forget
Warung Amphibia
When you arrive at Sindhu Beach, turn to the right-hand side (south). You’ll see a Bale, a traditional Balinese sitting house. Then just turn to the sea. It’s one of the best places in Sanur to eat fish like a local.
Bucu Sanur
Everyday from 10am to 10pm live music and authentic Indonesian and Balinese cuisine, friendly and helpful staff and local prices. A real Balinese Warung.
The Byrdhouse Beach Club
Cool beach club with a good mood. Delicious food with the groovy, funky, jazzy music playlist subtly in the background.
Café Smörgås
A tasty restaurant, with the best internet connection.They also have a bar with IPA beers. Try the Tarragon Chicken & Huevos Ranchero, the best after a Hangover.
Massimo
The in-place for pizza and gelato. Always full, even during the COVID pandemic.
KOOD
A vegan restaurant in industrial design, super local. That in the best place for vegan food in Jalan Batur Sari, Sanur.
Taman Asri
Coffee & Bali, they can’t be separated. The coffee cul–ture in Bali is offered everywhere. If you want to enjoy a really good cafe in a nice ambiance, go to Taman Asri. This place is a little outside of Sanur but really highly recommended. Taman means “garden” and Asri means “original”. You drink your coffee surrounded by hibiscus, frangipani, and all other tropical plants. Incredibly beautiful and very local.
Tanaman Terracotta
A beautiful garden for meeting and having coffee. They also offer gardening and landscaping service.
Conclusion
Sanur is a great place to have a good time in Bali. From here you can also easily reach other places like Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud and Nusa Penida.
