Sanur

The best way to describe Sanur is like a small Balinese mountain village - by the sea. Sanur has one lazy street which winds its way behind the beachfront hotels, dotted with small restaurants, and shops which cater for every taste. Up until 1991 Sanur was the favoured area by the majority of tourists to Bali. With the advent of resorts in Nusa Dua and the Kuta side of the Island, it was relatively forgotten except for those who new better.

Sanur is one of the best places to stay in Bali if you are looking for some relaxation but still having the convenience of local shops and restaurants - without the constant hassling from hawkers. It is easy to travel anywhere from Sanur, the frenetic shopping and bartering and nightlife of Kuta is only 20mins away by taxi, Ubud is only 40mins, and the airport 20mins.

The beach in Sanur is protected by a reef so is very safe to swim but only at high tide. At low tide, rock and some reef become exposed. The beach is white sand and quite wide. The best part about the beach here is the views offered across the water from a number of small hotels and the restaurant at the Raddin.

If you are looking for small Balinese style villas with perhaps a thatched roof or a resort style property with beautiful gardens, you will find it in Sanur. If shopping and eating in a laid back, relaxed style, contained within peaceful surroundings is what you are looking for, this is the place.