Sanur

Sanur boasts one of Bali’s finest stretches of beach, backed by a palm-fringed boardwalk, which is great for a walk, run or cycle ride, along its 5-kilometer length. The path curves around beachfront restaurants and cafes, the faded grandeur of ex-pat villas and the colourful wooden fishing boats pulled ashore for repairs.

The atmosphere is less hectic than the western beaches and you’ll enjoy the town’s laidback charm. In Sanur, the east coast sunrises are as legendary as the west coast sunsets, so do be sure to watch this miracle of nature against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Agung volcano. Once the town is awake, grab some breakfast by the beach and watch the fisherman come ashore after a night of fishing. Dining on the beach is always a treat and there are lots of options in Sanur for eating freshly-caught seafood with the sand beneath your toes.

If you fancy getting out on the water yourself, there are plenty of water activities to enjoy, including windsurfing, wake-boarding and kite-surfing. There’s also the option to take a ride on a jukung, a traditional fishing boat, with plenty of fishermen keen to sail you around on their colourful boats. Unlike Bali’s western beaches, the water here is great for swimming, as it is protected by a string of offshore reef, which creates warm, shallow and safe lagoons of crystal clear perfection. For those who enjoy snorkeling and diving, we suggest a visit to the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan, where there are also great surfing waves to catch. It is around a 30-minute boat trip.

Those visiting Sanur between July and September, will be treated to the incredible spectacle of the International Kite Festival, a competition of giant kite flying skill and bravado.