Bali’s original beach town still has a few surprises up its sleeve. From slow mornings by the shore to craft workshops with top-notch coffee, here’s how to spend 72 hours in Sanur.
As one of Bali’s first tourist spots, Sanur has seen it all. Today its reputation is that of a quaint postcard version of Bali from a few decades ago. While there’s some truth to how its most iconic hotspots are callbacks to a different era, there’s more to the area than just staring at the sea and the distant twinkle of its red and green lighthouses.
Sanur’s specialty might be slowing things down, but that doesn’t mean you’ll run out of things to do. In fact, three days can feel surprisingly short. Here’s how to spend it to get the best of Sanur.
DAY 1: Beachfront Mornings and Coconut Themed Nibbles
The first half of the day has always been Sanur’s thing, with the coastline coming alive even before the sun is fully awake. While sunrise is a little ambitious for an early check-in, our villa teams are usually more than happy to safely store your luggage so you can start exploring straight away. It’s always worth checking with our reservations team ahead of your arrival. After all, our signature service begins long before you step through the villa doors.
Go nuts for coconuts and lean all the way into your quintessential tropical fix. Start your day at Nelayan Bali with their coconut ginger pancakes, or ease into the morning with a Coconut Coffee Latte at On the Rock x LeMo. For more coconut-inspired treats, make your way to Icon Bali Mall, where you can try traditional klepon; a coconut covered chewy pandan ball filled with molten palm sugar at Klepon Gianyar, or cool down with a cup of Tukies Coconut Shop’s coconut-based desserts. For a caffeine kick with a twist, try % Coconut Americano at % Arabica that keeps things refreshingly simple, cold, and very much on theme.
Check-in at Manu Gede’s four-bedroom and a bonus bunk room setup, complete with entertainment room, gym, sauna, and ice-bath. As part of Manu Villas, Manu Gede can be booked with Manu Made right next door, to accommodate a total of 13 adults and 8 kids. The two adjacent family-friendly villas are perfect for group getaways where you’ll set the mood wherever you go by bringing your own crowd.
Learn More: Villa of the Week: Manu Villas in Sanur, Bali
DAY 2: Choose Your Own Adventure
While you could easily spend 72 hours in Sanur doing little more than picnicking by the beach, napping under the shade of a tree, and wishing you had another week to do exactly the same, there’s far too much to discover if you’re willing to venture beyond the shoreline.
Creative souls are particularly well catered for in Sanur. Book a ceramics class at Kevala Studio, try your hand at wax carving and jewellery-making at Charista Bali — a refreshingly unique alternative to Bali’s many silver workshops. Keep an eye on the community events and mini workshops hosted by Kopitoko Sanur, best enjoyed alongside a good coffee. And if watching a traditional Balinese dance performance has left you wanting to learn more, private Balinese dance lessons can even be arranged in the comfort of your villa.
For those who prefer to stay active, there are plenty of ways to work up a sweat. Join a class at Sunset Pilates Sanur just a short walk away from Manu Villas, or find your flow surrounded by bamboo architecture and tropical greenery at Power of Now Oasis. If you prefer to stay beachside (we can’t blame you), sunrise and late afternoon jogs and bike rides along the eight-kilometre coastal path is a beloved Sanur pastime for tourists and locals alike.
If you’re travelling with children, burn off some energy at dedicated play spaces like Clip n Climb Bali or AeroXSpace Adventure Bali, both offering hours of entertainment. For shorter outings, family-friendly cafés with play areas such as Shotgun Social make an easy stop.
More Activities in Bali: Hands-On Activities in Ubud: The Best Craft Workshops, Cooking Classes and Cultural Experiences To Try
Day 3: The Art of Doing Nothing
Sanur is perfect for taking it slow, like a beach day that truly stretches between all the hours, merging sunlight to moonlight softly with relaxed meanders between cafés, the occasional pause on the beach, and naps you didn’t plan but absolutely needed. Pro tip: Towels are an essential beach bag item. You’ll need it for everything from impromptu beach naps beneath the trees to drying off after a cooling swim.
Start early with coffee and light morning bites at Stuja di Pantai, or cross over to Na-Ta by Patio and watch the traditional jukung boats drift across Semawang Beach as you sip your brew. Looking for take away? Do a quick coffee stop at Crema Illy Beach Café or an iced matcha at Helloarlo before you sprawl on the beach.
Fully embrace relaxation mode with a seaside spa session at The Nest Beachside Spa, where advance bookings are highly recommended. Alternatively, head to Byrd House for an easy all-day stop for families, complete with a spa, boutique shop, and playground all within the same beachfront setting. When snacks no longer cut it and real food calls, settle in at Fisherman’s Club or enjoy the timeless charm of The Restaurant at Tandjung Sari. For something more laid-back, Soul on the Beach offers a toes-in-the-sand dining experience.
Sanur’s Best Bites: Where To Eat In Sanur: Iconic Tables, Family-Friendly Restaurants, and Beachfront Dining Spots To Know
Day 4: Post Check-Out Planning
If the post-holiday blues start creeping in, the best cure is simple: start planning the next escape.
Consider slowing things down even further in Ubud at Villa Crystal Castle, where you’ll be nestled comfortably among rice paddies. Or stay seaside-adjacent in Jimbaran and settle into Villa Kapungkur, where beginner-friendly surf, soft sandy stretches, and endless beachfront seafood dining keep the ocean at the heart of your stay.
Consider your check-out as a cheeky little pause before the next version of your journey kicks in. Bali has a habit of turning “goodbye” into “see you again soon.” And honestly, no matter how many times you rewind and repeat visits to Bali, there’s always something new to discover!
Read our other 72 Hour Neighbourhood Guides for your next Bali trip:
72 Hours in Seminyak, Bali: The Best Places to Stay, Dine, Shop, and Unwind
72 Hours in Jimbaran and Uluwatu, Bali
Pererenan Guide: 72 Hours in Bali’s Coolest Neighbourhood