BALI: SANUR

Sanur is the original Bali seaside resort that has developed naturally over the years due to its physical and cultural characteristics and beauty. Located just 25 minutes from the international airport, 15 minutes from the Kuta area, 10 minutes to Denpasar and with excellent by pass access to the rest of the island Sanur is a very well positioned venue.

The locals of Sanur have been interested in Balinese spirituality and magic for generations and as with the rest of east Bali are particularly friendly, welcoming and accommodating. With this said it is surprising how uncrowded and peaceful Sanur is, there are many activities to try on the beach as well as beach resorts and bars and restaurants but this is all spread along a long coastline creating a secluded feel where the action goes unnoticed to the sunbathers and loungers upon unspoiled beaches that maintain the traditional Balinese feel.

Sanur beach is a long stretch of beautiful white sands lined with palms that shade dreamy footpaths market stalls and relaxed beach cafes. Along the beach are a number of traditional groins complete with traditional Balinese Bale (raised shaded day sleeping and relaxing areas). Most are no longer used although a few are sometimes occupied by the odd fisherman who fish from these waters. The waters of Sanur are protected by a long string of offshore reefs creating large, warm shallow, safe lagoons that are perfectly clear and excellent for swimming, snorkeling and a whole array of water sports. Surfers will be pleased to know that the reefs around Sanur produce some of the best waves in the world in the right conditions although they can be very shallow and dangerous at low tides. There are also plenty of more consistent spots around the area for surfing.

Other activities in Sanur are include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and cycling although the most popular activity by far is relaxing in the amazing beach resort’s beach access, pools and at cafes and on the sun loungers and sands.

Accommodation in Sanur is of a mid to high range standard offering many dazzling beach resorts, international hotels and villas. There are some budget places but not in the abundance of Kuta, for budget accommodation look slightly outside Sanur in neighboring towns. This is due to Sanur being more of a family or couples holiday area, there are no big clubs and loud youths in Sanur, instead there are more classy relaxed bars and pub style bars that can be hard to find in Bali, food and drink is generally very good here and prices are not at all extortionate.

Sanur’s positioning also makes for an excellent luxury base from which to explore the rest of the island, particularly the southern Bukit, east, Ubud and the mountains. Further up the east coast are many sleepy fishing villages that are far less visited then south Bali and offer a real taste of Bali.

Sanur in round up is the perfect spot for many people who seek a family holiday or a more sophisticated beach holiday for couples or friends. Sanur is in the mid price range and is far cheaper than Nusa Dua but offers a more refined atmosphere than Kuta. Sanur’s positioning, activities and beautiful safe beaches all create the perfect spot where every family member’s needs are catered for in an area that still retains tranquil serenity. Sanur is more than unobjectionable and a recommendation for all but the more budget conscious backpackers and young.

Sanur Beach Activities

Snorkeling in Sanur Beach

For snorkeling, Sanur is the second best site on the island. To find the best spots you could rent a dinghy and reach places further away than the immediate vicinity of the beach, although to be safe perhaps it’s a good idea to sign up for a snorkeling package at your hotel or with a diving provider. Snorkeling in Sanur is better during the high tide: as the level gets higher the underwater life animates naturally.

Diving in Sanur Beach

As it has cooler water than Kuta, Sanur makes the best home for hundreds of species of fish, not to mention the various types of sea urchins, crustaceans, and coral reefs. Sanur can be your starting point to discover Bali’s treasures below the surface.

Bali International Diving Professionals have identified 12 diving sites that divers of every level can enjoy, including minors from the age of eight and disabled individuals. All official providers and instructors are P.A.D.I. Certified, so don’t hesitate to explore the spectacular underwater panorama.

Surfing in Sanur Beach

Sanur doesn’t have as much to offer as other parts of Bali, but it does own one surf spot that can be compared to the Bukit’s. Keramas Beach was discovered soon after rumours began circulating from local fishermen about the opposing twin swells reaching the reef break. Shortly after, a number of the world’s most famous surfers went to confirm the existence of the newly discovered break.
Another premier break is located a few kilometres north from Keramas Beach. Bangsal Beach has also become a surfing venue for the world series. To surf in Sanur you have to use a boat (or face a long paddle) to cover the half kilometre distance between the shore and the curly barrels.

Kite Surfing in Sanur Beach

The relatively new type of water sport could be more aptly called kite boarding since it uses a wakeboard instead of a surfboard. As evidenced by its name, kite surfing incorporates parasailing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Although more tricky to perform, kite surfing is similar to wakeboarding and waterskiing, except is uses a large kite to tow the wakeboard instead of a boat.If you’re accustomed to either of the two better-known disciplines, this sport is definitely an upgrade but for those who are not, a professional instructor will gladly give you a short course. This challenge requires constant practice to gain balance and control.

Windsurfing in Sanur Beach

Windsurfing happens to be more popular in Sanur than surfing. Its steady wind and constant currents create conditions perfectly suited to a combination of speed and manoeuvres. For professionals, the wind at Serangan Island is always a few knots stronger than elsewhere and the reef breaks make ramp waves for better stunts. The sport itself combines rules and aspects of both sailing and surfing but to steer a sail attached to a surfboard requires some serious skills. Sanur’s waters are always suitable but the dry season serves you the best.

Cruise and Underwater Cruise in Sanur Beach

What better way to enjoy the ocean than to sail on it? Sanur, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are the premier sailing points in Bali. The basic and most common route is to depart from Sanur, stopover on a pontoon at Lembongan bay for water pastimes and a village outing, and return to Sanur’s Benoa harbour by dusk.
The floating dock is set up to be a one-stop water activity and entertainment station, consisting of slides, a swimming pool, an underwater viewing chamber, glass bottom boat, banana boat, canoe and snorkelling equipment, and providing an international buffet accompanied by sounds from the live band. There are lots of travel agent offer special package for cruising and underwater cruise like scoot, quicksilver cruise and bounty cruise.

Marine Walk in Sanur Beach

As exciting as its name suggests, the marine walk is a new treat for underwater activity enthusiasts in Sanur. The idea is very simple: participants put on a scuba helmet connected to an air tank, step down a ladder and just walk across the sea floor normally. This method is actually adapted from the oldest diving practice of mankind whereby weightier equipment and a manual compressor for air supplies were used.
You don’t need to be a good swimmer nor an experienced diver to feel the excitement of an underwater stroll. It’s a totally safe activity, even for children of age nine and upwards – you don’t even have to remove your glasses or contact lenses because the helmet is impermeable. For safety matters participants can only dive five to eight metres below for fifteen minutes at a time to avoid decompression sickness. This exciting activity is provided by Bali Marine Walk and Sea Walker.

Kite Flying in Sanur Beach

Sanur’s shoreline is more than enough for kite hobbyists, but for die-hard fans the annual Bali Kite Festival at Padang Galak beach should not be missed. This three-day event covers Padang Galak with animal figures, giant fish, birds, and other traditional-shaped kites. It creates an artificial screen, which the sun can shine through, showing a vibrant and colourful animal-shaped cloud.
Balinese traditional kites are very big: with an average diameter of six to eight metres it takes a team of more than twenty people to fly it. In 2008, teams from 12 countries took part in this festival including Indonesia, Australia, Russia, Taiwan, New Zealand, The Philippines, Malaysia, Germany, The USA, Japan, India, and China – between them there were more than 700 kites. The festival usually takes place in July and it has been held since 1978, so don’t miss this 31st year.