Sanur
Introduction
Charming and tranquil
This historic little coastal town was one of the very first places that opened to tourism in Bali with charming hotels that date back to the 1950s. From the 1920s, it had attracted European artists including Belgian Le Mayeur, Swiss Theo Meier, Mexican Miguel Covarrubias, Walter Spies and Beryl De Zootes whom all made Sanur their home.
Sanur is famous for its tranquil vibes, golden sandy beaches and the calm and shallow sea. It has wonderful restaurants, cafes, spas and shopping, and is also home to Sanur Port, the gateway to the Nusa islands!
Accommodations
Places to stay
The very first hotels in Sanur were built in the 1950s. Then, Bali Beach Hotel, which is still standing today – was opened and officiated in 1963 by Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno. Other notable historic accommodations in the area are the Tandjung Sari Hotel – a favourite of Mick Jagger and his ex-wife.
Just like anywhere else in Bali, choosing a place to stay in Sanur really depends on your budget and preferences. You can find luxury hotels and villas. There are also plenty of mid-range boutique hotels, villas and guesthouses for you to choose from. Each is beautifully and uniquely designed and complete with all of today’s modern amenities.
Tandjung Sari Hotel
An ageless beauty since the 1960s, this historic hotel is a warm and welcoming icon with beautiful classic decor that invokes a sense of nostalgia.
- Bungalow-style villas
- Restaurant on-site
- Gym and yoga
Hyatt Regency Bali
A five-star beachfront resort hotel inspired by the ancient palaces of Indonesia and built on 9 hectares of lush tropical garden.
- Private spa complex
- 3 dining outlets
- 363 rooms and suites
Kayumanis Sanur
11 luxury 1& 2 bedroom villas inspired by the layout of a traditional Balinese village. Expect modern comforts, unparalleled service and warm Balinese charm.
- 24-hour butler service
- Restaurant on-site
- Private spa
Villa Cemara
A rare gem on 60 metres of absolute beachfront land comprising five ocean-facing living and sleeping pavilions with luxurious interiors & antiques.
- 5-bedrooms
- Direct access to beach
- Fully-staffed
Other accommodations in Sanur:
- Puri Santrian
- Jeeva Saba Estate
- Maya Sanur Resort & Spa
- Andaz Bali - A Concept By Hyatt
Dining:
Restaurants, Cafes and Warungs
Sanur’s dining scene is friendly and welcoming with a wide variety of choices that will satiate any cravings. Despite the pandemic, the area’s most beloved gems are still open and ready to serve!
Pizzaria at Hyatt Regency Bali
Great for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, Pizzaria is a spacious and sumptuous seaside venue with indoor-outdoor seating, and a wide array of handmade authentic Italian delicacies. Open to the public with Happy Hour every day and Sunday Brunch taking place every week.
- Lunch & Dinner
- Indonesian classics with a modern twist
- Vegetarian menu available
Soul On The Beach
Aneasy, breezy beachfront venue, Soul On The Beach serves mouthwatering international selections from smoothie bowls, pancakes and shakshuka eggs to salads and sandwiches, pasta, pizzas and burgers. Try a few items off the Small Plates menu, perfect for sharing!
- Dinner only
- Delicious flavours from the archipelago
- Impressive cocktail menu
Jalapeno
A cool, light and bright location serving delicious Tex Mex selections jam-packed with flavours. Must-tries would include their homemade salsa and tortillas, which are freshly made in-house every day. Try also their Tuna Tostada,Burritos, Tacos, Nachos and Churros. Finish off with an impressive bespoke cocktail or two at the bar!
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Family-friendly
- Weekly dance performances
Shotgun Social
Sanur’s very own brewhouse and beer garden, a large space that’s jovial and welcoming, with an outdoor play area for the little ones. Serving NYC-style pizzaand 16 draft beer options, unique signature cocktails and irresistible international food offerings. Try their new El Chapo Pizza with Jalapeno, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Cumin & Tomato Salsa!
- Lunch & dinner
- Weekly promotions available
- Family-friendly
Other Sanur restaurants:
- Kayumanis Seaside Restaurant
- The Village Cucina Italiana
- Warung Sanur Segar
- The Glass House
Beach Clubs
Cocktails in the island breeze
Sanur is relatively laid-back and extremely family-friendly. Visitors and residents here favour peace and quiet prioritizing quality over quantity, paired with great ambience, amazing service and beautiful views.
There already are many restaurants and cafes lining the beaches in Sanur that are either independent establishments or are part of a hotel. You could easily walk in and enjoy a meal or a drink with access to the pool and views of the sea.
Byrdhouse Beach Club
Sanur’s most popular beach club is a friendly and laid back space for guests of all ages housed within a lovely bamboo structure with a view of the sea. The menu is wide and varied offering delicious food and drinks including the all-time favourites salads, pizza, pasta and burgers. Try one of their signature cocktails and swim in the lagoon-shaped pool while the little ones can run around on the multi-purpose lawn and playground.
- Open daily
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Sophisticated fine fining menu available
Nyala Beach Club & Grill
Part of the Intercontinental Hotel in Sanur, Nyala Beach Club & Grill is slightly more fine dining than it is casual - “a sophisticated poolside dining venue” serving Mediterranean and European cuisine alongside Indonesian favourites and all-time must-haves such as gourmet pizza and pasta. There is an impressive wine list and refreshing ice-cold cocktails which you can enjoy while overlooking the gorgeous pool and the sea beyond.
- Open daily
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Kid-friendly menu available
Shopping
Balinese handicrafts & more
Shopping in Sanur is such a treat. The streets are lined with leafy trees and proper sidewalks which means it is safe for little children and baby strollers. Sanur isn’t as busy as Seminyak and Canggu so you can stroll along in comfort as you window shop and take in all the sights and sounds around you!
There are some designer brands and gorgeous accessories here but Sanur is more renowned for its arts and crafts and locally produced functional accessories like straw hats, bags, leather belts and sandals, handmade beach dresses and sarongs, interior and home decor products and traditional batiks. There are also shops that sell statues, paintings, wood carvings and spa products.
Some of the more notable must-visit shops would be Uluwatu Handmade Balinese Lace, Biasa, A-Krea and Goddess On The Go – all these brands sell gorgeous resort wear and accessories that are intricate, beautiful and unique. They are located along the main road of Sanur, Jalan Danau Tamblingan. Just take your time and enjoy a fun day of popping in and out of shops!
Spa & Salons
Wellness and relaxation
There’s nothing more wonderful than a cooling facial treatment or a soothing body scrub and a massage after a sun-soaked day along the shores of Sanur. Head to these highly-rated, popular Sanur spas to get your fix!
Glo Day Spa
Your one-stop-shop for all your pampering needs. This is a popular spa with outlets in Seminyak and Canggu. Relax and let the trained staff take care of you, using only vegan and cruelty-free products!
- Open daily
- Spa packages available
- Photoshoots allowed at an hourly fee
Koa Shala
Offers rejuvenating spa treatments in the peaceful vicinity of its yoga sanctuary, where yoga classes are also held. Offering spa, yoga and beauty treatments.
- Open daily
- Uses own products from New Zealand
- Appointments necessary
Other Sanur restaurants:
- Chantara Wellness & Spa
- The Nest
- Leha Leha Spa
- Wellness Jamu Sanur
Cultural Landmarks
Le Mayeur Museum
A historic site and home containing notable artworks and personal history of painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres, a Brussels-born artist who fell in love with Bali and then chose to set up a home in Sanur. His wife was a renowned Legong dancer Ni Pollok. She is also his muse and is prominently featured in his oil paintings. The museum used to be the former living quarters of the couple.
Quick Facts
Important Points To Note
- Location: Southeast coast of Bali
- 23 minutes or 14.4km from the International Airport
- Warm weather all year round: 29°C to 34°C
- Rainy season: January-March, November-December
- Best time to visit: From April to October