Bali Diaries: Serenity in Sanur

Looking for a relaxed, family-friendly vibe in Bali with calm beaches and local amenities, then Sanur ticks all the boxes. 

If you are looking for a laid-back vibe away from youthful Kuta or trendy Canguu, then Sanur is perfect. Don’t get me wrong, Seminyak was a lot of fun on our last trip to Bali. But that was ten years ago when we were a young(ish) childless couple. Back then, it was all about chilling at the villa or the beach, sunset drinks at popular KuDeTa or Potato Head, and dining at trendy restaurants. Now that we’re in a different phase in life, it is all about a relaxed vibe in a serene setting. Enter Sanur. Here are few reasons to love Sanur.

Short Drive from the Airport

Located on east coast of southern Bali, Sanur is a short 30 minute drive from Bali airport. This means you’ll be able to check into your hotel and hit the beach in no time. A huge bonus after a long-haul flight. In our case, it was a 13hr non-stop flight from LHR to SIN and an overnight stay at Changi Airport. The last thing we want is a long car journey to our final destination. It is best to pre-arrange a taxi prior to arrival who will meet and greet you at the airport. For short rides around town, you should download the Gojek app. It is super reliable and cheap to get around Bali. To get to Point A to Point B, I recommend pre-arranging a driver. Prices are very reasonable. Last, I would not recommend renting a car in Bali as the roads are difficult to navigate.

Excellent choice of Accommodation and Amenities

Sanur also has a wide range of accommodations from family-friendly villas to luxury 5* resorts, and everything in between. There is also no shortage of dining options along the beach and on the main “high street”. Nearby Arta Sedana is perfect for picking provisions, gifts, and souvenirs. Kenz accidentally left his reading glasses and extra supply of contacts at home. To the rescue was Bali Top Optical who were excellent, getting him a replacement pair in 48 hours. The new beachfront Bali ICON shopping mall has everything you need from international brands to local boutiques and plenty of restaurant options. Our favourite local restaurant is Batujimbar Café, a lovely modern Balinese restaurant. For old-time sake, we also visited Naughty Nuri’s Warung, which is a short Gojek ride away. The original roadside shack is in Ubud where we dined ten years ago when it was a hole-in-the-wall.

Sanur Beach Promenade

Running parallel to the ocean, the 5km Sanur Beach Promenade is fantastic for walking, jogging, and cycling. Along the way, there are lovely beachside cafes, shops and local Balinese temples and shrines. I recommend an early-riser jog to catch the sunrise before the tropical heat sets in, usually by 8:30am. On a clear day, you can see Mount Agung in the distance. It is also lovely in the evenings when locals turn up to enjoy the cool coastal sea breeze, and the perfect way to burn some calories.

Calm, Shallow Beaches

Unlike other parts of Bali with huge waves, Sanur Beach has shallow, calm waters, making it perfect for families. The soft brown sand is perfect for classic bucket-and-spade summer fun. There are also some local snorkelling spots nearby which for a few rupiahs, a local fisherman can take you out on his boat. Sanur beaches were never crowded with a peaceful atmosphere and relaxed local vibe. But to be honest, it is too far to hot to sit on the beach during the day. The best time to frolic in the ocean is around 4pm when the sun is more gentle.

Easy Day Trip to Nusa Islands

A 30 minutes fast boat from Sanur Port takes you to the twin islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Both islands are known crystalline waters and abundant marine life. With exception of Jungutbatu Beach with a  handful of boutique hotels, Nusa Lembongan is untouched by mass tourism. Upon arriving to Nusa Lembongan, the driver took us for a Mangrove Tour through the brackish backwaters, then it was on to some snorkelling off of Mangrove Point. After lunch, he took us to a few beauty spots around Nusa Lembongan: Panoramic Point, Dream Beach, and Devil’s Tear to marvel at the view and enjoy the local scenery. Nusa Lembongan is an easy day trip to explore of one of the untouched islands in Bali.

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Sanur is perfect for families looking for relaxation with a nice local vibe and excellent amenities in case you need a new pair of reading glasses or restock on sun cream!