15 Best Things to Do in Sanur: Beaches, Temples, and More!

Things to do in Sanur for all ages, we discovered that there are plenty of activities. One of the highlights of Sanur is its long beachfront boardwalk, perfect for strolls while enjoying the scenic views.

The town also offers a variety of water sports activities, from kayaking to snorkeling, ensuring that adventure seekers have their fill of excitement.

For those looking to unwind, the numerous luxury spas provide a perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation. Foodies will be delighted by the diverse culinary experiences available, from local warungs to fine dining establishments.

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Best Things To Do in Sanur Bali

So, if you’re planning a trip to Bali, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sanur. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Sanur and making the most of your time in this delightful beachfront town.

1. Sanur beaches

When planning your visit, be sure to include the things to do in Sanur The coastline of Sanur, stretches approximately 8 kilometers from north to south, nestled between the coastal border of Gianyar regency and the mangrove forests of southern Denpasar.

This extensive stretch offers an array of beautiful beaches, each connected by a paved footpath that doubles as a picturesque jogging track and a scenic route for cyclists.

2. Bali Kites Festival

The annual Bali Kites Festival is a vibrant and captivating event that takes place at Padang Galak Beach, situated on the northern end of Sanur. This festival is one of the most important things to do in Sanur, a significant highlight on Bali’s provincial calendar, occurring just before the Bali Arts Festival.

On this festive day, you will witness thousands of traditional kite troupes and youth groups transporting their gigantic kites to the beach using large trucks. These impressive kites often boast wingspans ranging from 5 to 10 meters, creating a stunning spectacle.

3. Snorkelling and swimming

Sanur Beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it a prime destination for snorkeling enthusiasts. The shallow reefs teem with colorful tropical fish, including parrotfish, pufferfish, and batfish. For the best snorkeling spots, visitors can rent a dinghy or join a snorkeling tour offered by hotels or local dive centers.

For those looking to explore things to do in Sanur, day trips to nearby islands such as Nusa Penida, Padang Bai, or Tulamben are highly recommended. These areas are famous for their abundant marine life, including manta rays and turtles.

Swimming at Sanur Beach is another delightful activity, especially for families. The beach is known for its lower tide and cooler waters compared to other Bali beaches, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for children.

4. Experience Massage on the Beach

Bali is renowned for its abundance of massage spots where you can indulge in anything from a simple foot rub to a traditional Balinese massage or soothing aromatherapy treatments. Sanur, a charming beach town, is no exception and offers numerous full-day spas that promise a rejuvenating experience.

As you stroll along the shoreline, you’ll encounter numerous beach massage stations where you can experience a no-frills, oceanfront massage.

The combination of the gentle ocean breeze, the soothing sounds of the waves, and the skilled hands of the masseuse make for an unforgettable and deeply relaxing experience. One of the many things to do in Sanur is to take advantage of these beach massage services.

5. Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (TCEC)

If you are exploring Bali, particularly seeking things to do in Sanur, a visit to the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre is highly recommended, a dedicated sanctuary for rescued turtles, functioning as a hatchery, nursery, and sanctuary.

Open to the public year-round, the TCEC offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about and engage with these fascinating creatures. Visitors can often receive informative tours and guidance from the knowledgeable staff.

In addition to the turtle pools, TCEC includes a small sandy enclosure specifically for tortoises, allowing visitors to observe different species in a naturalistic setting. The center also has a hatchling pen where the youngest turtles are cared for before they are old enough to join the larger pools.

6. Make a pot at Kevala Studio Ceramics

Among the many things to do in Sanur, a visit to Kevala Studio Ceramics stands out as a unique and enriching activity, renowned for supplying exquisite ceramics to some of the island’s finest restaurants.

Nestled in the tranquil environment of Sanur, Kevala Studio offers an inviting space where creativity flows freely. Here, you can choose from six different workshops, each designed to teach you the art of ceramics.

Whether you are interested in hand-building your clay masterpiece, experimenting with wheel throwing, or learning the delicate art of decorating, Kevala Studio provides comprehensive sessions to cater to all skill levels, including specialized classes for kids and advanced potters.

7. Diving in Sanur

Sanur’s waters, though cooler compared to Kuta, are teeming with an array of marine life, including hundreds of fish species, sea urchins, crustaceans, and vibrant coral reefs. This makes Sanur an ideal starting point for those eager to explore Bali’s underwater wonders.

Scuba diving here offers a unique opportunity to witness the diverse aquatic life that thrives in the cooler currents. Several reputable diving centers in Sanur provide guided trips to the Nusa Islands, making it easy for both beginners and experienced divers to enjoy the marine beauty.

The Bali International Diving Professionals is one such center, offering twice-daily excursions led by PADI-certified instructors. In addition to the Bali International Diving Professionals, other notable diving centers in Sanur include Bali Marine Diving (BMD), Joe’s Gone Diving Bali, and Crystal Divers.

8. Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing has rapidly become one of the most popular water sports in Sanur, attracting adventure seekers from all over the world. This exhilarating activity combines elements of parasailing, wakeboarding, and water skiing, using a large kite to tow the wakeboard instead of a boat.

One of the best places to experience kitesurfing in Sanur is Kite Beach, where the conditions are perfect for catching the wind and waves. Kite Beach is home to some of Sanur’s top surf schools, such as the renowned Rip Curl School of Surf.

Beyond kitesurfing, Sanur offers a plethora of activities to explore. From relaxing on its pristine beaches to exploring local markets and trying traditional Balinese cuisine, there is no shortage of things to do in Sanur.

9. Bali Beach Golf Course

There are numerous things to do in Sanur, an excellent destination for a golfing getaway. Located within the serene grounds of the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel, the Bali Beach Golf Course stands as one of Bali’s most intimate golfing destinations.

This course offers both 9- and 18-hole options, providing a private country club ambiance that is perfect for both novice and seasoned golfers. Despite its modest size, the course presents a formidable challenge with its meticulously designed greens, which are framed by ponds, fountains, and intricate garden bridges.

The Bali Beach Golf Course is well-equipped with a variety of amenities to enhance your golfing experience. Notably, it features a night driving range on the second floor, allowing golfers to practice their swings under the stars.

10. Surfing and windsurfing

Sanur Beach offers a unique blend of surfing and windsurfing experiences that cater to a range of skill levels. The renowned Keramas Beach, situated on Bali’s eastern coast in Gianyar, is a hotspot for surfers.

It is known for its distinctive twin swells that meet at an uneven lava reef, creating a thrilling challenge. The black-sand beach faces Nusa Lembongan and features waves that predominantly break as fast right-handers, averaging around 1.5 meters in height.

Surfers looking to ride these waves will need to either take a boat or prepare for a lengthy paddle, as the surf breaks are approximately 500 meters from the shore. In contrast, windsurfing is the more popular choice among enthusiasts visiting Sanur Beach.

11. Visit Sindhu Night Market

The Sindhu Night Market offers a lively contrast to the serene daytime atmosphere of Sanur. As the sun sets, this bustling market comes alive, providing a vibrant and immersive experience for visitors.

It’s an ideal destination for those looking to explore a diverse array of Balinese and Indonesian culinary delights. Beyond the main dishes, the market is brimming with a variety of traditional snacks and sweets that are perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely exploration.

Refreshing drinks are also available, offering a great way to cool down as you wander through the stalls. For those looking for things to do in Sanur, the Sindhu Night Market is a highlight that should not be missed.

12. Enjoy Jet Skiing in Sanur

Sanur is renowned as one of Bali’s premier destinations for an array of exhilarating watersports. From parasailing and kitesurfing to kneeboarding and banana boat rides, there’s no shortage of aquatic adventures to choose from.

However, among all these thrilling activities, jet skiing stands out as our absolute favorite. The expansive coastline of Sanur provides ample space to zip up and down, with calm waves and relatively shallow waters making it an ideal spot for beginners and families alike.

For those seeking things to do in Sanur, jet skiing offers a perfect blend of excitement and safety. The serene waters ensure a smooth ride, while the broad stretch of ocean allows you to maneuver freely.

13. Savoring Balinese Wine

Bali might not be globally recognized for its wines, but it boasts several wineries across the island, with Hatten Wines standing out as the original and most prominent. If you prefer not to drive over four hours to northern Bali to visit the vineyards, you can head to The Cellar Door in Sanur.

This is Hatten Wines head office and tasting room, offering a convenient location to indulge in a variety of wine-tasting experiences. The Cellar Door is an excellent stop for anyone looking to explore things to do in Sanur, visitors can enjoy several different wine-tasting experiences from a diverse range of brands.

14. Enjoy Free Samples at JungleGold Chocolate

Who wouldn’t love free chocolate? JungleGold Bali, a renowned plant-based chocolate factory in Ubud, offers a unique tasting experience at their shop in Sanur. Visitors can enjoy complimentary samples of their award-winning chocolates, making it a must-visit spot for chocolate lovers.

The store in Sanur features an impressive range of flavors, from rich dark chocolates to smooth coconut and cashew-based milk chocolates. This delightful experience is one of the many exciting things to do in Sanur. Although the samples are free, it’s hard to resist purchasing some of JungleGold’s delightful products.

15. Visiting Sanur Cat Cafe

Nestled along the main high street, the Cat Cafe Sanur has been a beloved spot for both locals and tourists since its establishment in 2019. Spending an afternoon here is one of the most delightful things to do in Sanur.

This charming cafe was created with a noble mission: to care for the numerous rescue and street cats in the area. The organization behind the cafe tirelessly works to provide a safe haven for abandoned and injured cats, ensuring they receive the necessary love and medical care until they can find a forever home.

The entrance fee is 35,000 IDR per person (cash only), granting you unlimited time to enjoy the company of over 30 friendly cats. This fee directly supports the charity’s efforts in caring for these feline residents, making your visit both enjoyable and meaningful.

15 Best Things to Do in Sanur: Beaches, Temples, and More!