Sanur
Spend some time in tranquil Sanur and slip into a more relaxed frame of mind. Indulge yourself with luxurious spa treatments or spend long afternoons lying on the beach. Stroll around the colorful markets or ride your bike along the seafront. Don’t miss the galleries, which keep alive Sanur’s proud tradition of being an artists’ haven.
Located on Bali’s east coast, 9 miles (14 kilometers) north of Kuta, Sanur is known as a quieter, family-friendly alternative to the bustle of the Bukit Peninsula. With its white sand beach and calm waters, Sanur has been a favorite with visitors for decades and was Bali’s first resort.
Explore the town and discover many fascinating cultural attractions. Visit the Pura Blanjong Temple and look out for the large inscription on the stone pillar. Visit Le Mayeur Museum, the home and studio of expatriate Belgian impressionist painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur. Learn about his life and see examples of his work and his collection of Balinese art. Other attractions include the Mangrove Information Center, set in a 1500-acre (600-hectare) mangrove forest and the conservation center at Turtle Island, 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) south.
If you enjoy watersports, you can choose between surfing, diving, snorkeling and more. Otherwise, find a warm spot on the 3-mile (5-kilometer) beach and enjoy an afternoon dozing in the sun. End your day in one of Sanur’s many restaurants or head to the Night Market, which serves a range of tasty local food.
If you’re here in July, don’t miss the International Kite Festival when hundreds of kites as large as 30 foot (10 meters) fill the skies above Padang Galak beach.
The year-round warm climate makes Sanur a great place to visit in any season, although December through February is the wet season and tends to be quieter. Sanur is connected to most places in Bali by excellent transport links, making it an easy place to escape to for some serious relaxation.