How To Spend One Day In Sanur

Whether you live in Bali or travelling to the Island of Gods, you will need at least a one-day break from it all! Sanur is the perfect day to relax completely and come back to your home/travel itinerary feeling refreshed – yes even after only one day! This Sanur travel guide will tell you exactly how to spend one day in Sanur, what to do while there, and where to stay if you decide to extend your trip.

Are you ready?

Let’s dive in!

Why You Should Go to Sanur for a Day

While Bali’s west coast is often filled with beach clubs, high-end restaurants, and lively crowds, Sanur is quite far from all this. It’s a coastal town where you can still see the local Balinese life with the convenience of modern amenities, without feeling too commercial.

Sanur is quieter and more chilled compared to popular areas like Seminyak or Canggu. However, it still offers plenty to see and do. I would say that this town is a lot less pretentious than anywhere on the west of the Island. In fact, you will see many families and more senior tourists.

That being said, there is still a lot to do in Sanur! Unlike some other parts of Bali where the beaches can be rough and packed with surfers, Sanur Beach is known for its calm waters and shallow, clear sea—ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkelling. The well-maintained promenade along the beach is perfect for a relaxing stroll or bike ride, making it an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a slower pace.

One of the reasons why a day trip to Sanur is appealing is its easy access from other parts of Bali.

It’s only about a 40-minute drive from Ubud (check this detailed blog post on how to get from Ubud to Sanur) or 30 minutes from Denpasar (know more about how to get to Sanur from the airport here), which is super convenient for those who want to explore a different side of Bali without having to travel far.

For solo travellers, couples, or families, Sanur offers a lovely environment that feels worlds apart from the more crowded areas of the island.

If that sounds good enough, keep reading!

How to Spend 1 Day in Sanur

To make the most of your one-day trip to Sanur, start early and follow this detailed itinerary:

1. Get to Sanur Early in the Morning to Avoid Traffic

Start your day by leaving for Sanur early in the morning, ideally around 7 am, to avoid the traffic that can sometimes clog Bali’s roads. By arriving early, you’ll also be able to enjoy the tranquillity of Sanur before the midday rush, and you can enjoy a chilled breakfast on the beach!

If you are driving yourself, follow the indication on Google Maps that takes you to this spot in Sanur Beach. If you are taking Grab instead, find a place nearby (for example this cafe called Stuja di Pantai).

From there, go for a lovely stroll towards this delicious restaurant called Costa for breakfast! They have the usual avo on toast and delicious smoothies – it’s definitely one of the best places to eat in Sanur!

The best ways to get to Sanur is either 👉🏽 private driver or renting your scooter via 👉🏽 BikeAgo! You can even get the scooter delivered to your accommodation – super easy and convenient!

2. Rent Your Sunbed at Prama Sanur Beach Hotel

After breakfast, I would recommend annoying the sea as much as possible because there will be a low tide in the afternoon! So this is your time to really relax, go for a swim, try some water sports and so on!

My favourite spot for swimming in Sanur is in front of Prama Sanur Beach Hotel. At this point, you can either lay your beach towel on the sand or rent a sunbed for the day. I would recommend the latter! At Prama Sanur Beach Hotel, you can rent a sunbed for IDR 150k (around $9) per day. With this fee, you get:

🏖️ Sunbed by the sea (under the trees) or by the pool

🌴 beach towel

🚰 water bottle

🏊 access to the pool

🚾 use of bathroom

Not bad right? Another good thing about this place is that you can just leave your towel on the sunbed and go away, when you are back the towel will still be there and you can come back to your spot.

3. Hire a Bike and Explore Jalan Danau Tamblingan

After spending your morning at the beach, consider renting a bike to explore Sanur further. One of the best ways to get around is to cycle along Jalan Danau Tamblingan, the main street that runs parallel to the beach. This street is lined with shops, restaurants, cafés, and markets, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way. Otherwise, you can ride by the beach, there is a bike route to take!

Once you’re on the bike, you can stop for lunch. There are many alternatives based on what you fancy. If you are looking for delicious local food, head to Warung Anna, this place is yummy!

Looking for more restaurants in Sanur? Check out this blog post where I listed the best spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner! You’re welcome! 😉

As you cycle down the main street, you’ll notice a mix of old and new: traditional Balinese houses alongside modern establishments, giving Sanur a unique blend of culture and contemporary life. Don’t forget to make a quick stop at one of the local fruit vendors for some fresh fruit, or visit a café to enjoy a Balinese coffee.

For those who enjoy more active exploration, consider taking a detour to some of Sanur’s art galleries or local shops. Many of these stores offer handmade crafts and souvenirs.

4. Visit Turtle Sanctuaries

One of Sanur’s unique attractions is its turtle conservation efforts. The Bali Sea Turtle Society is involved in protecting and preserving Bali’s sea turtles, and you can visit some of the turtle sanctuaries in the area to learn more about their work.

Visitors are encouraged to take part in turtle releases, particularly during nesting season, when baby turtles are released back into the sea. This is a great way to support local conservation efforts and make your trip to Sanur even more memorable. There are quite a few turtle sanctuaries you will notice while cycling by the sea. I would recommend stopping because it’s a beautiful experience!

👉🏽 Check out this short tour including the turtle sanctuaries, rice fields, markets and a lot more on an e-bike!

5. Visit Icon Bali

While Sanur is known for its peaceful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, it also offers a touch of modern shopping with Icon Bali. Located conveniently along Jalan Danau Tamblingan, this boutique shopping centre provides a variety of upscale stores, local boutiques, and unique gift shops. If you live in Bali, you will appreciate Sephora!

That’s because if you live in more remote areas of Bali, access to great skincare is not that easy! However, I have to say it’s really expensive because everything would have to be imported from Western countries! Another way to access Icon Bali is by the beach, which sounds insane for people like me coming from Europe!

6. Watch the Sunset at Sanur Beach

As your afternoon comes to a close, and the low tide is at its highest, make your way back to Sanur Beach. Here you can enjoy one of Bali’s most stunning sunsets. Although the sun sets towards the west side of the island, at Sanur Beach you can still enjoy the sun going down! This is because of the low tide as well and Nusa Penida island is visible in the distance, it’s just magical!

7. Live Music in the Evening at Bamboo Beach Bar & Lounge

One of the best things about Sanur is the live music in the evening! As the day winds down, head to Bamboo Beach Bar & Lounge for a relaxing evening of live music. This place is located right by the beach and is known for its chilled vibe and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy some local food or a cocktail while listening to live performances from local musicians.

Live music at Bamboo Beach Bar & Lounge is typically acoustic and low-key, making it the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring Sanur. Every day there are different artists and music styles but I have to say it’s always enjoyable! Depending on the day of the week, you can find more live music walking towards Icon Bali by the beach, so there is plenty of choice!

Best Places to Stay if You Decide to Stay Overnight

As mentioned before, Sanur in the evening has a lot to offer. From the live music to lovely walks and delicious BBQs by the sea. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget and style. Here are some recommendations:

Check out more places to stay in Sanur in this detailed blog post 🌟

FAQs About Sanur

Is Sanur, Bali worth visiting?

Absolutely! Sanur offers a peaceful alternative to the busier areas of Bali. With its calm beaches, rich culture, and laid-back vibe, it’s a fantastic place to spend a day or more.

How long should you stay in Sanur?

One or two days is usually enough to experience the best of Sanur. However, if you love a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, staying a few extra days wouldn’t be a bad idea. Sanur is actually a great base if you want to explore Bali and nearby islands (check out this blog post for cool day trips from Sanur). Basically, from Sanur, you can go on some amazing snorkelling trips.

The stunning Nusa Lembongan is also great to visit and it’s nearby, you can simply book a ferry from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan.

👉🏽 I use Rocky Fast Boat to do that, it’s the only boat I’ve trusted in the last 5 years!

If you want to know more I would recommend this island because it’s beautiful and a lot less touristy than its neighbour Nusa Penida.

You can even go all the way to Gili Trawangan from Sanur!

Is Sanur better than Seminyak?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Sanur is quieter and more peaceful, making it perfect for those looking to relax. Seminyak, on the other hand, has a more vibrant nightlife and shopping scene.

Which part of Sanur is best?

The area around Jalan Danau Tamblingan is a great base for exploring Sanur. It’s close to the beach, restaurants, and shops, making it the most convenient part of town.

Is Sanur safe at night?

Yes, Sanur is generally safe at night. The town has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, and many visitors feel comfortable walking around after dark. I noticed that most of the activities would end around 10pm so you would probably be back to your hotel room by 11.

What would be the best possible itinerary for Bali?

The best Bali itinerary should be a balanced mix of Bali and nearby islands. I would explore less-touristy places as well such as Amed and Lovina.

Conclusion

I hope you felt inspired by this blog post, I would highly recommend spending at least one day in Sanur because you can really relax and see a different side of Bali.

I normally go on weekends and I have to say, it’s not that busy at all. So if you can’t make it during the week, you can definitely visit on the weekend and enjoy the evening events and live performances in Sanur!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

Related Blog Posts:

• How to Get From Ubud To Sanur
• Guide To Best Restaurants in Sanur
• Best Day Trips From Sanur For Solo Travellers
• What do to in Sanur at Night
• Best Hotels in Sanur for Solo Travellers
• How To Get From The Airport To Sanur
• Bali and Gili Islands Itinerary: A Perfect 2 Weeks in Paradise
• The Ultimate 10-Day Bali Adventure: Your Perfect Itinerary
• How to Get from Ubud to Nusa Lembongan: Step-by-Step Guide
• Top Snorkelling Trips To Book in Nusa Penida For Solo Travellers
• Best Places to Stay in Nusa Lembongan for Female Solo Travellers
• Travel Guide To Nusa Lembongan for Female Solo Travellers

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