Forget Seminyak and Canguu — savvy Australians have found a quieter, more relaxed place to holiday in this much-loved island paradise!
It’s been popular with European travellers for decades, but now more and more Australians are shunning hip destinations like Seminyak and Canguu and heading to the coastal town of Sanur for their Bali family holiday.
Here’s everything you need to know about this up-and-coming Bali destination.
Where is Sanur in Bali?
Sanur is located on the eastern side of the island, around 14 kilometres from the international airport in Denpasar. It’s just a short drive from the capital and from the cultural and artistic hub of Ubud.
The coastal destination was discovered by Europeans in the 1920s, when Belgian artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres fell in love with the quiet fishing village and its people. He built a house there, where he lived with his Balinese wife, dancer Ni Polok, until his death in 1958. Their home has since been converted into a museum that showcases the artist’s work, which is well worth a visit.
In the 1930s, Sanur began to attract more visitors, mainly from Europe, who were drawn to its stunning beaches, calm waters, and laidback atmosphere. The first hotel in Sanur, the Bali Beach Hotel, opened in 1963, and many other hotels and resorts followed.
Is Sanur a good family holiday destination?
With a quieter, more relaxed vibe than the bustling western side of the island, Sanur is increasingly popular with families. Since the Bali tourism boom of the 1970s and ‘80s, it’s become a favourite among families and older travellers who prefer its laidback atmosphere to the busy nightlife and party scene in places like Kuta and Legian.
Top things to do in Sanur with kids
Swim and play at Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is protected by a coral reef and the waves are generally calmer than in other parts of Bali, making it a safe place for children to swim and play.
Take a cycling tour of the villages
The town is surrounded by rice paddies and villages, and there are many operators offering cycling tours through the area. With Bluewheels Ebikes, you can combine your local cycling tour with a turtle sanctuary visit.
Visit Sanur's temples
There are also several temples near Sanur, including Patal Temple and Pura Blanjong.
Take an island-hopping tour
You can also book a boat trip to nearby islands including Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, where you can go snorkelling, kayaking and even swim with manta rays.
Visit the Duta Orchid Garden
North of Sanur, the Duta Orchid Garden has a large collection of orchids and other tropical plants. Visitors can take a tour of the garden and learn about the different species of orchids.
Browse Sanur's fabulous markets
Sanur has several markets where you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts and local products, with Pasar Sindhu Market the most popular. Be sure to visit Pasar Sindhu night market to try authentic Indonesian street food.
Unwind at a Sanur day spa
Sanur is also known for its many spas and wellness centres, where you can relax and rejuvenate with a massage, facial or other treatment. Busy parents will love The Lotus Spa Bali – a relaxing experience that brings the spa experience to your hotel room!
Where to stay in Sanur with kids
With a pool with a 30-metre-long waterslide and basketball hoop and a kids’ club offering activities like movies under the stars, cooking classes and face painting, Prime Plaza Suites Sanur – Bali is an ideal choice for families.
The acclaimed resort, featuring contemporary one, two, and three-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to seven guests, is managed by Prime Plaza Hotels and Resorts — the same hotel management company as Bali Dynasty Resort.
The resort’s Camp Splash kids’ club offers fun activities like giant chess, with a games room with pool tables, foosball, video games and comfortable bean bags for older kids to hang out. The resort, which also has a gym and a spa, is around seven minutes’ walk to shops, bars and restaurants, with a free shuttle service operating to the beach.
Guests can enjoy Indonesian and international cuisine at the Terrace Restaurant, which overlooks the pool and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy hour takes place at the attached poolside bar every day from 4pm to 5.30pm, just in time for sunset! Don’t miss the signature cocktail, Sanur Delight, which is made with rum, and coconut and banana liqueur.
Where to eat in Sanur with kids
Sanur has a good selection of restaurants and warungs (small local eateries) that serve Balinese and Indonesian cuisine, with more trendy restaurants opening all the time. Check out Oomba Beach House, Sala Bistro & Coffee, Soul on the Beach, Brasserie Republique and Stuja Dipantai.
Opening image: An aerial view of Sanur Beach in Bali, Indonesia
In partnership with Prime Plaza Hotels and Resorts
