Sanur sits on Bali’s sheltered eastern coast, facing calm, reef-protected waters and separated from the intensity of Kuta by the Ngurah Rai bypass. It is, by most measures, the most established expat residential area in Bali — quieter than Canggu, more genuinely Balinese in character than Seminyak, and consistently preferred by long-term expat families who have tried the alternatives and chosen to stay. If you are relocating with children, or simply value a calmer lifestyle without giving up quality amenities, Sanur deserves serious consideration.
Why Expats Choose Sanur
Sanur has a quality of life that other Bali neighbourhoods aspire to. The beach promenade (Jl Danau Tamblingan and the coastal path behind it) is lined with cafés, warungs, and mature trees. Traffic is manageable compared to Canggu or Kuta. The local community — a mix of Balinese, long-term Indonesian residents and multi-generational expat families — gives the area a settled, neighbourhood feel that is rare in Bali’s faster-moving zones.
Renon, immediately west of Sanur, offers similar amenities at generally lower rents — a practical choice for families watching their budget without wanting to sacrifice the Sanur lifestyle.
Housing in Sanur
Sanur offers a wide range of rental options — from simple houses in residential lanes to modern villas with pools on or near the beach. As a general guide:
- Simple 2-bedroom house in a non-prime residential area: USD 400–700/month
- Modern villa with pool closer to the beach: USD 1,200–2,500/month or more
Many leases are offered on a one or two-year prepaid basis (the local norm across Bali). Always engage a reputable notaris before signing long-term agreements. For rental listings, the most useful resources are Facebook groups “Bali Villa Rentals” and “Bali Long Term Rentals”, [Flissy.com](http://www.flissy.com), and the Bali Advertiser ([www.baliadvertiser.biz](http://www.baliadvertiser.biz)).
Schools in Sanur
Bali International School (BIS Sanur)
Jl Danau Buyan IV No.15, Banjar Taman Sari, Sanur | Tel: (0361) 288-770 | [www.baliinternationalschool.com](http://www.baliinternationalschool.com)
Note: BIS Sanur has undergone management changes in recent years — verify current accreditation and programme details directly with the school before enrolling.
Dyatmika School
Jl Pucuk, Banjar Tangtu Kesiman (just north of Sanur, off Jl Prof Dr Ida Bagus Mantra) | [www.dyatmika.org](http://www.dyatmika.org)
TK to Grade 12. A well-regarded bicultural school at a beautiful location overlooking the water.
Sanur Independent School (SIS)
Jalan Tukad Nyali, Gang SMU 6 No.3, Sanur | Tel: (0361) 286-554 | [www.sisbali.sch.id](http://www.sisbali.sch.id)
International school fees across Bali typically range from USD 8,000–20,000+ per year. Always visit in person and verify current accreditation before committing.
Healthcare in Sanur
International SOS / SOS Medika Bali
(primary expat clinic)
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai No.194, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar, Bali 80227
Clinic Tel: +62 (0)361 2014 505 | 24-Hour Assistance: 0361 710 505
Operating hours: Mon–Fri 8am–10pm (including public holidays). The 24-hour assistance line covers emergencies at all times.
YPK Bali Physiotherapy
Jl Badak Agung No.18, Renon, Denpasar | [ypkbali.org](http://ypkbali.org)
Tel: 0361 228530 / 0812 364 78461 (Mon–Fri, 8am–2pm)
Treatment fees go directly towards the physiotherapy and rehabilitation of disabled Balinese people who cannot afford health services — your fees do double duty here.
Dentists in the area:
- Dr Herman Kusumo, DDS — Jl Raya Sesetan 275A | Tel: 228-531 / 744-5955. Trained in Taiwan, highly regarded.
- Dr Soecipto — Jl Diponegoro 150 A32/34 | Tel: 222-541. Three dentists in this family, all recommended.
For major medical needs, BIMC Simpang Siur, Siloam Hospitals Bali (Kuta), and BIMC Nusa Dua are all within reasonable reach. Comprehensive international health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential for all Bali expats.
Dining in Sanur
Sanur’s restaurant scene is excellent — relaxed rather than trendy, and with a quality and consistency that visitors often find surprising.
Kafe Batu Jimbar
Jl Tamblingan, Sanur. A Sanur institution for decades. Home-made dark bread, wonderful cakes, apple butter and a lovely shaded terrace. A reliable lunch spot and a great place to while away a morning with coffee. Also open for dinner with live music on Thursdays.
Café Dijon
Simpang Siur Square, B1-2 | Tel: (0361) 759-640 | [email protected]
Opened in 2001, Café Dijon is a favourite for quick lunches, lingering conversations and reliable WiFi. The menu is original and full of flavour — fish tacos, nasi goreng kambing, halloumi salad and a changing specials board. The baked cheesecake is legendary. Monthly bookswap for book lovers. Open daily 9am–10pm.
Koral, The Apurva Kempinski Nusa Dua
(day trip from Sanur)
Michelin-recognised underwater dining experience. One of Bali’s most extraordinary restaurant settings.
Beyond these highlights, Sanur’s Jl Tamblingan and the beachfront strip offer dozens of excellent warungs, seafood grills, Italian restaurants and casual cafés.
Shopping in Sanur
Icon Bali Mall — Jl Danau Tamblingan No.27, Sanur | Open daily 10am–10pm
Opened mid-2024, Icon Bali is the newest and most talked-about mall on the island, sitting right on Sanur Beach with direct beachfront access. Spanning five floors, it features Marks & Spencer, Sephora, Uniqlo, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein, Bath & Body Works, Swarovski, an IMAX cinema, a unique indoor floating market, a Lego store, a jogging and cycling track, and a cultural amphitheatre. Pet-friendly. One of the best spots in Sanur to spend a rainy day or a Sunday afternoon.
Bali Deli — Jl Danau Tamblingan, Sanur. A wide range of imported goods with an indoor/outdoor café. A popular expat staple.
Hardy’s Sanur — a Balinese-owned supermarket chain, convenient for everyday needs.
Sindhu Market — Jl Danau Tamblingan, Sanur. A popular night market for local produce, street food and everyday goods.
Tom’s Music — just off the Simpang Siur intersection on the Sanur side. Music lessons also available.
Sports & Recreation in Sanur
Golf:
- Udayana Driving Range — Jl Hang Tuah, Sanur
- Denpasar Golf Club — Jl Hangtuah No.58, Sanur
- Raffles Golf Club (New Kuta Golf course) — non-profit social tournaments Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. [www.rafflesgolfbali.com](http://www.rafflesgolfbali.com)
Water Sports & Diving:
- Mega Dive Center — Sanur area
- Omni Dive Center — Sanur area
Running & Hash:
- Bali Hash House Harriers — running Monday and Thursday from 4:30pm. [www.bali-hash.club](http://www.bali-hash.club)
- Padel and pickleball courts are now found across key expat areas — ask in the Bali Expats Facebook group for Sanur-area options.
Community Life in Sanur
BIWA (Bali International Women’s Association)
BIWA Center, Jl Tirta Ening 15A, Sanur | Tel: 0819-9985-5686 | [biwabali.org](http://biwabali.org) | Facebook
An excellent first port of call for newly arriving women and families. BIWA runs a wide range of social, cultural and charity activities throughout the year.
Bali Community Choir
Meets every Tuesday evening at the Gateway Community Center, Jalan Danau Batur Sari No.3, Sanur. Verify current conductor details via the Facebook page.
Counselling:
Fiona Paton BSc MSc (UK), Chartered Counselling Psychologist
Jalan Hang Tuah, Gang Mawar No.5, Sanur 80227 | Tel: 0361 286-558 | Hp: 0813-38744018
Counselling for stress and anxiety, depression, fears and phobias, post-trauma, eating disorders, drug and alcohol problems, relationship and family issues, and adaptation to change. (Verify current availability.)
Island Communications
Quality advertising, marketing and graphic design.
Jl Danau Tamblingan 150, Sanur | Tel: 0361 282010 | [www.icommbali.com](http://www.icommbali.com)
Sanur is one of six areas covered in our Bali Expat Guide series. For other areas, see our guides to Ubud, Canggu, Kuta & Denpasar, Seminyak & Kerobokan, and Bali in General.
