Sanur was a treat. We absolutely love Bali and look for any excuse to visit. Over the years, we’ve stayed in various locations, including Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Canggu, Lovina, Ubud, Munduk and many more. We decided to stay in Sanur this time, and I’m thrilled we did.

Sanur is one of the oldest tourist destinations in Bali, retaining much of its original Bali charm. The area features numerous winding lanes lined with stone walls, traditional fishing boats on the beach and local food markets. Sanur reminds me of why I fell in love with Bali 20 years ago. It is quieter than Kuta and has a relaxed vibe, making it a popular choice for families.

Sanur offers a range activities, including watersports, restaurants, bars with live music, markets, massages, spa treatments, and more. It is also an excellent starting point for day trips.

IDR – Indonesian Rupiah written here as Rp

Sanur is very walkable. It features a 5-kilometre promenade along the beachfront. Moreover, Jalan Danau Tamblingan, the main road running parallel to the coast, is only about a 5 to 10-minute walk away. This lively road offers a variety of accommodations, cafes, restaurants, and shopping experiences, including boutique shops and markets. Hiring a bicycle is a popular option for getting around Sanur, as is using ride-hailing vehicles.

Bali is busy and chaotic. To me, that is part of its charm. However, it does impact your ability to get around Bali. It can take a considerable amount of time to navigate during peak times. That makes hiring a personal driver, a metered taxi, or a ride-hailing service an excellent option. Then you can sit back, relax and let the driver take you safely where you want to go.

Personal Drivers

If you plan to hire a driver during your visit to Bali, it is advisable to book a licensed driver with positive reviews. For trustworthy recommendations, consider using online services like Klook or joining a Bali Facebook group, such as Bali Bogans, to ask fellow travellers for their suggestions. Once you’re in the group, use the search function to type in “drivers,” and you’ll find numerous posts with driver recommendations.

Metered Taxi

We always recommend using Bluebird Taksi, as they are known for their honesty and reliability. However, be cautious, as some local taxis may try to deceive tourists by using light blue vehicles that resemble Bluebird taxis. Look for the official Bluebird logo on the lights and sides of the car.

When using other taxi services in Bali, be aware that some may attempt to overcharge you by providing inflated fares or taking longer routes. Always verify the total price before getting into the taxi, and make sure the taxi meter is functioning at the start of your journey.

How to hire a Bluebird Taksi

Flag down a Bluebird Taksi on the street, or use the official My Bluebird app – both are  available on iOS or Android or call the Bluebird Taxi on – +62 (0361) 701111 or +62 (0361) 8498008

Price

Blue Bird taxi rates start with a tariff of IDR 7,000, then between IDR 6,500-10,000 per km.

Ride-Hailing Services

Bali offers two ride-hailing services: GoJek and Grab. Both are user-friendly and affordable.

To get started, download the app and create an account. You can link a credit card for added convenience, although doing so is optional. If available, you still have the option to pay with cash. The app provides a transparent upfront cost for your chosen vehicle. All drivers are pre-vetted, and every ride is tracked through the app. Before your driver arrives, you will be able to see their name, photo, and review score.

Scooter / Motorbike Hire

We always rent a scooter, and in 2011, we did a round-trip around Bali. It was fantastic to escape the touristy areas and experience the authentic side of Bali. However, as previously mentioned, Bali can be extremely busy, and the roads are chaotic. Many tourists have accidents (you’ll notice some of the lucky ones walking around with bandages on their legs and arms). If you are an experienced and confident rider, renting a scooter or motorbike is a convenient way to get around Bali.

Price

It costs around Rp70000 for a small scooter, Rp150000 for a larger scooter, and up to Rp750000 for motorbikes such as the Kawasaki Versys 650.

eSIMs are a convenient way to stay connected while traveling. Simply purchase and install your eSIM before your trip, and activate it from your device as soon as you land.

Simify makes the process easy. Click here to choose your destination and select a plan that suits your needs. After your purchase, you will receive an email with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to install your eSIM. Once you arrive at your destination, enable data roaming, and your eSIM will automatically connect you to a local network.

Why choose Simify? Enjoy unlimited data for overseas travel at an affordable price, gain access to the internet as soon as you land, and avoid any additional fees

To ensure your device is compatible, click here.

1. Explore The Promenade

A coastal path called The Promenade stretches over 5 km along the waterfront, making it the perfect place for walking, cycling, or even jogging. It is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops that sell jewellery, clothing, and various market items.

2. Enjoy the Watersports

A diverse range of water sports is available, including snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, tube riding, parasailing, and jet skiing. Numerous water sports operators are located along Sanur Beach, especially at Pantai Segara Ayu. Additionally, you can visit Heaven’s Corner for Sanur water activities.

3. Rent a sunlounger and spend a day at the beach

You will find many areas with sunbeds for hire, with two beds costing around Rp100000. Sunbeds can be rented from beach clubs, restaurants, and hotels.

The Sanur coastline is lined with beautiful sandy beaches, including Sanur Beach, Sembawang Beach, Cemara Beach, and Sindhu Beach. An offshore reef protects the coast, acting as a natural barrier against ocean waves and creating a safe swimming area popular with families.

4. Sunset drinks along the Sanur promenade

During our visit, we found happy hour specials at several venues offering two-for-one cocktails, including Tree Bar at Maya Sanur, Sand Beach Bar and Restaurant, Costa by Monsta, and Arena Seaside.

We also found that Costa by Monsta offers “free-flow wine” from 6 PM to 10 PM daily for Rp149000, plus government tax and service charge. The price is per person and includes unlimited white and red house wine for two hours.

5. Relax with live music

Casablanca is a popular favourite and has live music six nights a week. Tapha has live music seven nights a week. Bamboo Beach Bar & Lounge, Costa by Monsta, Sanur Beer Garden, and The Fire Station (just to name a few) also have live music.

6. Taste authentic Indonesian food at the Sindhu Night Markets 

You must try the local Indonesian food, especially the dishes from the markets, as they are exceptional. We love sate and have come to realise that it simply isn’t the same when ordered from restaurants. If you feel uncertain about eating food from a market, click here for tips on food stall safety.

Do bring small cash as most stalls do not accept credit cards. Don’t haggle as the prices are set. Do share tables. It is perfectly normal to share a table with others. Just politely ask if the seats have already been taken.

We recommend trying the sate kambing, gado-gado, bakso and soto ayam.

7. Get pampered with a massage or spa treatment

We enjoy getting massages when we visit Bali. Massage parlours are very common and easy to find, and you can even enjoy a massage on the beach. If you’re looking for extra pampering, consider trying Svaha Spa Sanur, where you can indulge in herbal detox wraps, deep-tissue massages, body scrubs, floral baths, and much more.

8. De-stress with a yoga workout

If yoga is your thing, you likely know that Bali offers a wide range of options, from beach classes to dedicated studios and retreats. One popular choice is Power of Now Oasis, which provides daily yoga classes at a beachfront bamboo shala. You might also consider a tour, such as the Healing and Aura Cleansing Tour with Yoga and Meditation, or the Kintamani Sunrise Yoga, Meditation, Earth, and Water Rituals. Both tours include pickup from your hotel.

9. Chill by the pool

If you aren’t staying at a resort but would like to enjoy the resort atmosphere, a pool pass can be an excellent option. Many hotels in Sanur offer pool passes, including Griya Santrian, Prama and Andaz. Additionally, beach clubs like The Bryd House are great choices if you want to relax by the pool all day.

10. Go island hopping

Sanur is the ideal location to venture to nearby islands where you can enjoy snorkelling, diving and sightseeing. Many island tours offer the chance to swim with manta rays, something I hope to do one day. The two closest islands are Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, and each has its own unique charm and stunning natural beauty, making them perfect destinations for a memorable day trip.

11. Join a day tour

Bali offers a wide variety of tours, including whitewater rafting, quad biking, and visiting Uluwatu at sunset with a fire dance. You can also explore the Ubud Monkey Forest and the beautiful rice terraces, or experience a sunrise at Mount Batur by jeep. A day tour is a fantastic way to venture out of town and discover more of what Bali has to offer.

Although money-changing scams are not as prevalent as they used to be, there are still many that target the unsuspecting traveller.

When exchanging money, always use an authorised money changer located on a main street. Avoid those in backstreets or alleys.

Be cautious of money changers offering significantly better exchange rates; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always check the current exchange rate on XeCurrency. If the rates offered by money changers are better than the current rate, it is likely a scam.

If a money changer counts out the money and then picks it up again before handing it to you, it’s a scam. They use sleight of hand to slip some of it back into the drawer. Only work with money changers who count out the money in front of you and do not touch it again. Ensure they provide a receipt that lists the amount exchanged.

Avoid changing money at airports or hotels, as they often offer poor rates and charge high transaction fees. We only exchange a small amount at the airport to tip our driver and the hotel porter.

The Wise card is an excellent option for travellers, offering lower fees and better exchange rates compared to traditional credit and debit cards when spending or withdrawing money abroad. It provides flexibility, ease of use, and enhanced security features.

The Wise app simplifies fund management, allowing you to track your spending in real-time and exchange currencies instantly. The card is equipped with security features, including two-factor authentication and the ability to freeze it immediately if needed. Overall, the Wise card delivers both convenience and safety for travellers.

One of the significant advantages is its significantly lower fees compared to traditional banks, which can result in substantial savings when spending overseas. The Wise card is linked to a multi-currency Wise account, enabling you to hold and convert various currencies easily. You can use the card in over 160 countries and withdraw cash from 3 million ATMs worldwide.

Additionally, the Wise card is reloadable and reusable, making it perfect for multiple trips without the need to obtain a new card each time. The app further enhances your experience by allowing you to manage your money, track transactions, and convert currencies on the go.

For a better rate and fewer fees, choose the local currency when using an ATM or your credit card in a foreign country.

We usually book our accommodations through Booking.com. We value the convenience of online booking, and there are typically no hidden fees. Additionally, Booking.com offers a variety of accommodation styles in Sanur, ensuring you can find the perfect place.

We also use Hotels.com,  Stayz,  Bookabach,  Expedia and Agoda

In Sanur, we stayed at Linda Villa 2

Cost – Rp583000 per night (AUD55)
Pros – Good location, a short walk to restaurants, shops, and the beach. Lovely large room, fridge, safe, good-sized bathroom. Great pool. Breakfast is simple but nice. Choice of eggs, rice, or noodles. With a fruit plate.
Cons – Didn’t have tea and coffee in the room. However, they do have it available to make in a common area.
Our verdict – Very pleasant stay, beautifully clean

Gojek – ride-hailing, motorcycle taxi and food delivery.

Grab – ride-hailing and food delivery.

Booking.com – accommodation and airport pickup.

XeCurrency – check the exchange rate.

MapsMe – offline maps.

Google Maps – online maps.

Google Translate – can text, speak or take a photo to get translation.

WhatsApp – widely used in Bali, and a good way to contact your accommodation and driver.

Bali tide Forecast – local weather, tide, currents, swell, wind.

Surfline – live surf report and forecasts.

Happy Cow – find vegan and vegetarian restaurants.

Happyfresh – grocery delivery.

More Bali? 

7 Extraordinarily Cheap Things to do Around Munduk  / 7 Beautiful Bali Waterfalls Worth Visiting! /  6 Mouth-Watering Balinese Street Foods

Photo credits

Manoj Prasad – 2012 Kia Pride Sedan taxi / The 3B’s – Sanur Beach / Zexsen Xie – Morning Sunrise at Sanur / Dennis Sylvester – Why I Didn’t Rent a Bike

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