Everything about Sanur makes it perfect for strolling – the pace, the laidback lifestyle, and the proximity of cafes, bars and markets to the beautiful beaches of the village. Start at Jl. Danau Tamblingan and make your way from there through the streets or on the beachside path, all the way from one end of the village to the other. Stop at Sala Bistro for breakfast and amazing coffee – with its stunning interiors and funky, cool vibes, you’ll find it hard to head out of the air con and back onto the street.
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Sanur Shopping: Jl. Cemara and Local Markets
Make it count, as you continue along Tamblingan, the place to find the best markets, shopping and bargains. And once your feet tire out, sit down and recharge with a foot massage at one of the clean, airconditioned day spas along the strip. Head to Jl Cemara for its arts and crafts markets, and some old faves like bintang singlets, sarongs and incense.
When you’re ready for an icy cold beer, there are so many restaurants and bars to choose from. Try local favourite, Hanoi by MeVui at the front of Sagara Villas Sanur. Not only is the beer as cold as they come, but they have an amazing Vietnamese menu and both indoor and outdoor dining.
Sanur at Sunset: Beach Bars and Seafood
Next stop, Hatten Wines for a glass of something delicious. Jump in a taxi and head to their cellar door on the Sanur bypass to try some wine tasting, wine pairing, or even book a tour of their vineyard on the other side of Bali.
And don’t forget to head back to the beach in time for sunset drinks in the sand. While Sanur is famous for sunrises, the incredible pink and purple sunset skies from Benoa down the coast are worthy of anyone’s timeline. There’s no better place to take it all in than at Bali Izakaya, with its fresh seafood grilled right on the beachfront, and the iciest of beers to help the sun go down on the perfect day.
Why Sanur Is Perfect for Walking: Practical Tips
Sanur is one of the few places in Bali where walking is not just possible but genuinely pleasurable. The beachside path stretches for several kilometres without a single motorbike, and the relative flatness of the village makes it easy on the legs at any time of day. Early morning is the best time to explore, when the light is golden, the air is cool, and the beach is quiet. Grab a takeaway coffee from one of the many cafu00e9s on Jl. Danau Tamblingan and head straight for the beach path. You will pass outrigger fishing boats heading out for their morning catch, dogs stretched lazily in the warm sun, and the occasional local kneeling in quiet prayer at one of the small beachside shrines that appear every few hundred metres along the path. The path continues south if you want to extend the walk towards Mertasari Beach, which is quieter, less developed, and wonderfully local in atmosphere. A bicycle or scooter is another excellent and affordable way to explore the area and can be hired from many of the guesthouses and shops along Tamblingan for a very reasonable daily rate, and the flat roads make it genuinely ideal for all fitness levels and ages. For more on the best of Sanur and Bali, explore our guides to Bali traditional villages, Bali luxury villas, and the best Bali villa areas. For background on Sanur, see Sanur, Bali on Wikipedia.
