Sanur

A charming fishing village turned beach resort with a calmer atmosphere than Kuta, featuring a long beachfront promenade and water sports. It's ideal for families and those seeking a more relaxed coastal experience.

Things to do

• Sanur Beach Promenade Walk — Stroll the scenic 5.5 km beachfront path lined with cafes, warungs, and local vendors, ideal for sunrise viewing and people-watching.
• Snorkeling at Nusa Penida — Take a morning boat trip to nearby Nusa Penida island for vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and excellent snorkeling opportunities departing from Sanur harbor.
• Le Spice Garden — Visit this working spice and herb garden showcasing traditional Balinese plants with guided tours and cooking demonstrations.
• Traditional Jukung Boat Experience — Rent a traditional outrigger fishing boat for a half-day adventure to learn fishing techniques or simply experience local maritime culture.
• Sanur Market (Pasar Pantai) — Browse the local fish and produce market in the early morning to witness authentic village commerce and purchase fresh seafood or tropical fruits.
• Kayaking Through Mangrove Forest — Paddle through protected mangrove ecosystems near Sanur to spot birds, monitor lizards, and experience the region's natural wetland habitat.

Food to try

• Jimbaran-style Grilled Fish — Fresh seafood grilled over open flames and served beachside with sambal, lime, and rice, a specialty of fishing villages along Bali's coast.
• Soto Ayam Sanur — A local golden turmeric chicken soup with traditional spices, served with rice cakes and hard-boiled eggs at family-run warungs throughout the village.
• Satay Lilit — Ground seafood or meat mixed with spices wrapped around lemongrass sticks and grilled, a specialty dish available at beach warungs and night markets.
• Udang Goreng Sanur — Crispy fried shrimp with a spicy chili and garlic coating, reflecting Sanur's heritage as a fishing village with abundant fresh catch.
• Bubur Injin — A traditional black rice pudding dessert made with coconut milk and palm sugar, commonly served at local cafes and warungs.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Temple Entrance Protocols — Wear a sarong (available for rent) when entering the small temples scattered throughout Sanur, and avoid stepping over offerings or religious items.
• Learn Basic Bahasa Indonesia — Simple greetings like 'Selamat pagi' (good morning) and 'Terima kasih' (thank you) are deeply appreciated by locals and enhance community interactions.
• Observe Quiet Hours at Dawn — Many locals practice meditation and prayer at sunrise; keep noise levels low during early morning hours to respect spiritual customs.
• Support Local Fishermen Directly — Purchase seafood directly from morning fish auctions or individual fishermen rather than only through tourist restaurants to contribute fairly to the village economy.