Family-Friendly Guide to Pantai Sanur & Surroundings, Bali
Sanur, located on the east coast of Bali, is known for its serene atmosphere, stunning sunrises, and family-friendly environment. If you're planning a trip to Bali with your family, Sanur is an excellent choice that offers a variety of activities, accommodations, and dining options that cater to families. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Pantai Sanur and its surroundings.
While Sanur is known for its calm shoreline and family-friendly promenade, it is located on a different stretch of Bali’s coastline. For families staying at Montigo Resorts Bali, Sanur can be considered as an optional day excursion to experience Bali’s quieter eastern beaches. However, many guests find that Montigo’s beachfront setting, resort amenities, and curated family activities provide everything needed for a comfortable and safe family holiday without having to travel far.
Overview of Sanur
Sanur is approximately 14 kilometers north of Kuta and is often regarded as a quieter alternative to the bustling areas of Seminyak and Kuta. The area features calm beaches that are ideal for families, with shallow waters perfect for young children. The walkable coastal paths make it easy to explore the area on foot or by bicycle, ensuring a relaxed family holiday.
Key Attractions
Sanur Beach (Pantai Sanur) : Known for its safe swimming conditions and beautiful promenade lined with hotels and restaurants, Sanur Beach is the heart of the area. Families can enjoy beachside activities, sunbathing, and early morning walks to catch the sunrise.
Family-Friendly Activities
Sanur offers a plethora of activities that cater to families, ensuring that both kids and adults have a memorable experience.
Top Activities:
- Bicycle Rentals: Rent bicycles to explore the beautiful beachfront path. Cycling is a popular activity in Sanur, allowing families to enjoy the scenery while staying active. Prices for bike rentals typically range IDR 50,000–60,000 per day (~USD 3–4).
- Beach Activities: Engage in fun beach activities such as building sandcastles, swimming, or simply relaxing under the sun. The beach is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, often available for rent.
- Sindhu Night Market: Visit the vibrant Sindhu Night Market for a taste of local culture and cuisine. It's an excellent place for families to sample a variety of foods, from traditional Balinese dishes to international options. The market is open in the evenings and is a great way to experience local life.
- Water Sports: Sanur is a hub for various water sports, including canoeing and glass-bottom boat rides to explore the underwater world. Many local operators offer family-friendly packages starting from $20 per person.
- Cultural Experiences: Take the family to the Le Mayeur Museum, which showcases Balinese art and culture. This cultural experience is both educational and enjoyable for children and adults alike.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Sanur offers a variety of attractions that are well-suited for families seeking both relaxation and engaging activities. With its calm environment, cultural experiences, and outdoor spaces, the area provides opportunities for children to explore safely while parents enjoy the surroundings.
Big Garden Corner
Big Garden Corner is a spacious outdoor garden park known for its impressive stone statues, landscaped grounds, and family-friendly layout. The park features a playground area and open spaces where children can run and play freely. Families can enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the sculptures, taking photos, or having a casual picnic. The wide walkways and shaded areas also make it comfortable for younger children and strollers.
Traditional Fire Dancing Performances
Families can experience traditional Balinese culture through evening fire dance performances often hosted by major resorts. These performances showcase traditional music, costumes, and storytelling through dance. The fire dance, in particular, is visually captivating and suitable for all ages when supervised. It provides children with an engaging introduction to Balinese traditions and cultural heritage in a safe, organized setting.
Sanur Beach Promenade
The Sanur Beach Promenade is one of the area’s most family-friendly highlights. Stretching several kilometers along the coastline, the paved path is ideal for leisurely walks, cycling, or pushing strollers while enjoying ocean views. The beachfront is known for its calm and shallow waters, making it safer for children compared to other parts of Bali. Families can stop at small cafés, playground spots, or shaded seating areas along the way, creating a flexible and enjoyable outing for all ages.
Overall, Sanur’s attractions combine outdoor recreation, cultural exposure, and safe environments, making it an ideal destination for families traveling with children.
Dining Recommendations
Dining out with children in Sanur is generally convenient and enjoyable, as the area offers a wide range of restaurants and cafés that are welcoming to families. Many dining venues provide spacious seating, relaxed atmospheres, and menus that accommodate younger diners, allowing parents to enjoy meals without added stress.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
1. Montigo Resorts Bali – Beachfront Dining
Montigo Resorts Bali offers one of the most comfortable and upscale family dining experiences in Sanur. The resort’s beachfront restaurant provides spacious seating, ocean views, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere suitable for families traveling with children.
The menu combines international and Indonesian cuisine, with child-friendly options such as pasta, grilled chicken, mini burgers, and fresh fruit platters. The secure resort setting allows children to move around more freely compared to street-side venues, giving parents peace of mind. High chairs and attentive service further enhance the experience for families.
Its quieter environment, compared to busier public beach clubs, makes Montigo a balanced choice for families seeking both comfort and safety.
2. Warung Little Bird
Warung Little Bird is a charming, smaller-scale restaurant in Sanur that offers a welcoming and informal atmosphere. While not as internationally famous as major beach clubs, it is well-regarded among repeat visitors for its friendly service and authentic Indonesian dishes.
The menu features mild and flavorful options such as Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, satay skewers, and fresh juices, which are generally suitable for children. The compact and calm environment makes it manageable for families with younger kids who may feel overwhelmed in louder venues.
3. Soul in a Bowl
Soul in a Bowl is a relaxed café-style restaurant popular for healthy breakfast and lunch options. It is less commercial than large beach clubs but appreciated for its fresh ingredients and comfortable seating.
Families can find simple dishes such as smoothie bowls, pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, and fresh juices. The open layout and laid-back setting allow for a stress-free dining experience, especially for families looking for lighter meals after beach activities.
Transportation
Getting around Sanur is generally easy, safe, and convenient, making it particularly suitable for families traveling with children. The area is known for its compact layout, flat terrain, and well-developed infrastructure, which allows families to move around comfortably without long travel times.
One of the most popular transportation options in Sanur is bicycle rental, especially along the beachfront promenade. The coastal path stretches several kilometers and is separated from main roads, making it safe for children to cycle or ride in child seats. Bicycle rentals are widely available near the beach, with standard bicycles typically costing around IDR 50,000–60,000 per day. This option is ideal for short trips, sightseeing, and family leisure activities along the coast.
For families traveling longer distances or with younger children, taxis and ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek are commonly used. These services are affordable, reliable, and convenient, particularly for trips to shopping areas, restaurants, or nearby attractions. Ride-hailing apps also allow parents to track routes and fares in advance, which adds an extra layer of safety and predictability.
In addition, many hotels and resorts in Sanur offer private transfers, shuttle services, or car rentals with drivers, which can be especially helpful for airport transfers or day trips outside the area. Renting a car with a driver is a popular choice for families, as it reduces navigation stress and allows for flexible schedules while ensuring children travel comfortably in air-conditioned vehicles.
Overall, Sanur’s transportation options support a relaxed family travel experience by combining walkability, safe cycling routes, and accessible motorized transport for both short and long journeys.
Conclusion
Sanur, Bali, is a hidden gem for families looking for a peaceful and enjoyable vacation. With its beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities, and a range of accommodations, Sanur for families provides the perfect setting for a memorable getaway. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, exploring local markets, or enjoying delicious meals, Sanur offers something for everyone in the family. Experience the beauty of Bali with your loved ones and enhance your stay at Montigo Resorts Seminyak, a top choice for a family-friendly resort in Seminyak. Plan your trip today!