Sanur Beach: Best Things to Do, Eat, and See

Sanur Beach is one of the best places in Bali to slow down and actually enjoy doing nothing. The water’s calm, the path is flat, and the mornings come with ocean sunrises and zero stress.

Whether you’re here for a lazy bike ride, a swim without waves, or a beachfront lunch, Sanur Beach keeps it simple in the best way. It also happens to be home to some of the best Sanur cafes, and if you feel like wandering inland, Icon Bali Mall is just a short stroll away.

If you’re planning to explore more of Sanur Bali, don’t miss my full guide on the best things to do in Sanur.

Quick Overview of Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach isn’t one specific beach — it’s a stretch of coastline about 7km long that runs down Bali’s east coast. The whole thing is walkable, flat, and linked by a beachfront path that locals and tourists use for morning jogs, bike rides, and beach-hopping.

Technically, the coastline is made up of multiple beaches (pantai), each with its own name:

• Padang Galak Beach (north)
• Sunrise Beach (Pantai Matahari Terbit)
• Segara Ayu Beach
• Sindhu Beach
• Karang Beach
• Duyung Beach
• Semawang Beach
• Mertasari Beach (south)

There are also a few more tucked in there like Icon Mall Beach and Pantai Sunshine. Most people don’t bother with the names. They just refer to all of it as “Sanur Beach” – and for good reason, it’s one of the most relaxed and walkable entries on any list of the best beaches in Bali.

Map of Sanur Beach

Waves are blocked by a reef, so the water stays calm — ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or letting kids mess around without current anxiety. You won’t find big beach clubs or party scenes here. It’s low-key, clean, and way more functional than flashy.

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Best Beaches in Sanur

While most people just refer to the entire coastline as “Sanur Beach,” it’s technically made up of several smaller beaches, each with its own vibe. You can walk the whole stretch in a day, but here’s what to expect from each one, north to south:

• Padang Galak Beach – Northernmost and mostly local. No loungers or cafés; wide sand and big waves make it better for walks and photos than swimming.
• Sunrise Beach (Pantai Matahari Terbit) – Great for sunrise, with a calm vibe and fishing boats along the shore. A few warungs serve early breakfast right on the sand.
• Segara Ayu Beach – Busier area near Grand Inna hotel. Swimmable, with paddleboard rentals and a more active local crowd.
• Sindhu Beach – Central, walkable, and full of laid-back warungs. Clean and easy-going with a mix of locals and tourists.
• Karang Beach – Home to Sanur’s iconic twin gazebos. Shallow water, mellow crowd, and a good sunrise photo spot.
• Duyung Beach – Quiet and underdeveloped. Not much happening, but peaceful with a few hidden resorts.
• Semawang Beach – More residential feel. Older cafés, budget villas, and fewer crowds, but still decent access to the beach.
• Mertasari Beach – Southernmost and more open. Only surf break in Sanur, plus beach ceremonies, kite flying, and horse rides.

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What to Do in Sanur Beach

If you’re coming to Sanur Beach, you’re not here for surf breaks or beach clubs — and that’s the point. It’s all about slow mornings, calm water, and simple stuff that doesn’t require a schedule.

Here’s what people actually do at Sanur Beach:

Relaxing & Scenic Activities

• Catch the Sunrise – Sanur’s east-facing coastline gives you Bali’s best ocean sunrises, peaceful and crowd-free.
• Go for a Walk – The flat beachfront path is perfect for an easy stroll with sea views and no traffic.
• Ride a Bicycle – Rent a cruiser and explore the 7km coastal path at your own pace.
• Visit the Sanur Beach Gazebo – An iconic photo spot and quiet lookout at the southern end of the path.
• Visit the Turtles – at Sindu Dwarawati Turtle Conservation.

Water Activities

• Swim Without Stress – Reef-protected, calm water makes Sanur ideal for relaxed swimming and families.
• Paddleboard – The smooth, flat sea is perfect for beginners looking to paddle without wobbling.
• Go Kayaking – Rent a kayak and explore the shoreline in calm, reef-buffered water.
• Go Surfing at Mertasari Beach – One of the only spots in Sanur with a small surf break, good for beginners.

Wellness & Beach Comfort

• Get a Beach Massage – Skip the spa and get a breezy massage right under the trees by the sand.
• Grab a Coffee by the Beach – Sanur has plenty of low-key cafés where you can sip with a sea breeze. See my list of best cafes in Sanur.
• Go for a Beachfront Dinner – Dine with your feet in the sand while the waves quietly roll in.

Off-Beach Extras

• Go Shopping – Icon Bali Mall is a modern beachfront mall with air-con, cafés, and boutique stores for a mid-day escape.
• Ride Horses on the Beach – A few stables offer peaceful, guided horseback rides along the sand.
• Visit the abandoned festival – Taman Festival Bali is an eerie but fascinating place to explore.
• Bali Kite Festival (Seasonal) – If you’re in town mid-year, catch the massive traditional kites soaring over Padang Galak.

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Best Sanur Beach Restaurants

Some of the best restaurants in Sanur are right on the beach, where you can eat with your feet in the sand and the ocean just a few steps away. Whether you’re after grilled seafood, Balinese classics, or just a cold drink with a view, these beachfront spots get the job done without trying too hard.

Here are a few of the most popular Sanur Beach restaurants:

• Warung Mak Beng: Jalan Hang Tuah No.45 – Legendary Indonesian seafood restaurant by Sanur Beach.
• Morena Beach Bali: Jl. Segara Ayu No.42 – Great spot for breakfast.
• Byrd House Bali: Jl. Segara Ayu – Located in Segara Village Hotel. Perfect for date night.
• Fisherman’s Club: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.89a – Located in Andaz Bali by Hyatt. On the pricier side on this list.
• La Playa Cafe: 77W7+HQW, Jl. Setapak – Large casual open air restaurant.
• Blossom Steakhouse: Inside of Icon Mall – Some of the best steak in Sanur.
• TAPHA: Jl.Kusuma Sari. 3A – Simple spot right by the beach. Grab some dinner and a Bintang.
• Bamboo Beach Bar & Lounge: Jl. Cemara – Located in Prama Sanur Hotel. Highly recommended for a scenic happy hour.
• Sindhu Night Market – Okay, not a restaurant. But if you’re craving some cheap local food, Sindhu is just walking distance from the beach.

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Where to Stay in Sanur Beach

You really don’t need to look specifically for a hotel or villa by the beach. Sanur is small and it stretches along the coastline so even if you don’t manage to score a beachfront accommodation, you will still be within walking distance.

Here are a few of the more sought-after Sanur Beach hotels – if you’re picky and absolutely need to be by the ocean:

• Griya Santrian a Beach Resort & Spa – Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.47
• Maya Sanur Resort & Spa – Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.89M
• Andaz Bali, by Hyatt – Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.89a
• Artotel Sanur – Jl. Kusuma Sari No.1
• Hyatt Regency Bali – Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.89

Remember, beachside = high prices. If you’re on a budget, head inland for low cost accommodations. You will still be able to access the beach.

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How to get to Sanur Beach

If you’re already staying in Sanur, you’re just a quick Gojek or Grab ride away from the beach — most places are less than 5–10 minutes from the sand.

Coming from further out, like Seminyak or Ubud (which, by the way, has no beaches), Book a private car and driver. It’s the easiest way to get dropped right at the beachfront without the hassle of parking or getting lost down side streets.

You can also rent a scooter, but only if you’re confident in Bali traffic and have the right license. There’s parking available near most beach entrances, but it can get crowded on weekends. Rent one from Bikago.

Bali Taxis are fine too, just make sure it’s a metered Bluebird or a Grab. Avoid the guys quoting “special prices” unless you enjoy being overcharged for short distances.

If you’re heading to your hotel in Sanur straight from the airport, you will definitely need a Bali Airport Transfer. See my full list of options for getting from Bali Airport to Sanur.

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Best Time to Visit Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach is open year-round, but the experience can vary depending on the season. Like the rest of Bali, Sanur has two main seasons — dry and wet — and each comes with its own pros and cons.

Dry season in Bali (April to October) is the sweet spot. You’ll get blue skies, low humidity, and calm seas.. This is when Sanur Beach really shines: clear sunrises, clean paths, and little to no rain to disrupt your plans. July and August are the busiest months, especially with families and kite festival crowds.

Wet season in Bali (November to March) brings more humidity and short bursts of heavy rain, usually in the afternoon or evening. The beach path stays usable, and the water remains calm thanks to the reef, but expect cloudier skies and less predictable weather. The upside? Fewer tourists, cheaper accommodation, and perfect mornings for long coffee sessions by the sea.

If you’re trying to plan around weather, crowds, or pricing, check out my full breakdown of the Best Time to Visit Bali — it covers every month in detail so you know what to expect beyond just Sanur.

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Is Sanur Beach Worth Visiting?

If you’re already in the area, there’s no good reason not to visit Sanur Beach. It’s calm, clean, and easy — no traffic chaos, no crashing waves, no one trying to sell you sunglasses every five minutes. Just a solid beachfront that does exactly what it needs to do.

If you’re staying nearby, it’s a no-brainer. Go for a walk, catch the sunrise, grab a coffee — it’s the kind of place that grows on you fast. And if you want to see what else is around, check out my full list of things to do in Sanur. There’s way more to this neighbourhood than just the sand and old people.

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FAQs about Sanur Beach

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Comments

Have a tip or learned something new about Sanur Beach that I haven’t mentioned here? Feel free to drop a comment below to help others out.