Bali, the enchanting Island of the Gods, beckons travelers with more than just its pristine beaches and vibrant culture. Amidst its extraordinary natural panorama, numerous tourist attractions offer incredible things to do in Sanur. Take a look at the recommendations below!
1. Pulau Serangan: Sea Turtle Conservation
Engaging in the sea turtle release in Sanur supports conservation initiatives and leaves participants with a profound connection to the delicate balance of nature in this tropical paradise.
The program typically begins with an informative session about sea turtles, their lifecycle, and their conservation challenges.
Then, visitors have the opportunity to actively contribute to the preservation of these endangered creatures by releasing hatchlings into the vast ocean.
The sight of tiny turtles making their way to the sea is a mesmerizing moment and a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our marine ecosystems.
Beyond releasing turtles into the sea, visitors can explore the intricacies of these shell-clad creatures and stroll around the Mangrove forest surrounding the island. If fortunate, you might encounter dolphins living in captivity and witness various awe-inspiring performances from a distance.
To reach Serangan Island, you can travel by land, drive a car, and cross the bridge when the tide is low. You can hire a boat from Sanur to cross if the sea is high.
2. Sanur International Kite Festival
Every July, the shores of Padang Galak or Mertasari Beach in Sanur, Bali, come alive with the vibrant hues of the International Kite Festival. Hundreds of kites, varied in shape and color, decorate the sky.
This festival is visually stunning and carries a deeper meaning that resonates with spectators. In Bali, the event conveys a religious message. Balinese Hindus send messages to Rare Angon, the embodiment of Lord Shiva, in the form of a shepherd boy who loves to play kites and ask for bountiful harvests.
Thus, groups from various banjars from Denpasar come with traditional giant kites, typically measuring 4 meters in width and 10 meters in length. These kites come in the shapes of bebean (fish), Janggan (bird), and Pecukan (leaf).
A kite-carrying group comprises 70-80 people, 10 men are responsible for flying the kites, and the rest carry flags and play gamelan music, adding to the delightful atmosphere.
Since it's an international event, your eyes will also be treated to various contemporary-designed kites brought by participants from around the world.
3. Sanur Seawalker
Indulging in the beauty of the ocean while sipping coconut water on the beach or aboard a boat is a common experience. How about immersing yourself in its beauty by leisurely walking on the ocean floor?
This activity is called Sea Walking or underwater ocean walking. Unlike scuba diving or snorkeling, Sea Walking doesn't require you to wear diving gear such as a heavy oxygen tank and diving suit.
All you need is a comfortable swimsuit. Then, you'll be equipped with a special helmet that allows you to breathe and talk normally underwater. You also do not need to have the ability to dive or swim to enjoy the sensation of walking underwater with fish and beautiful coral reefs.
A professional guide will accompany you throughout the experience. For sea lovers, this activity will undoubtedly be an unforgettable 30 minutes of their lives. Relieving stress while being hugged by seawater.
4. Griya Santrian Art Gallery
Griya Santrian Art Gallery is the perfect choice for art and culture enthusiasts. The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions featuring works by both local and international artists, showcasing visually captivating artworks inspired by spiritual and holistic themes for the enjoyment of the wider community.
Renowned names who have showcased their masterpieces in this gallery include Le Mayeur de Merprès, Auw Kok Heng, Ni Nyoman Sani, I Ketut Muja, Syahrizal Koto, I Wayan Sujana, and the late Nyoman "Si Tangan Emas" (The Golden Hand).
In addition to enjoying these mesmerizing masterpieces, you can also participate in seminars, workshops, collaborative painting events, and more as per the scheduled agenda. Check the event schedule and make reservations before visiting the Griya Santrian Art Gallery.
5. Nusa Penida: Swim with Manta Rays
Sanur serves as one of the gateways to Nusa Penida, a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts. Nusa Penida is one of the largest islands, approximately 20 km from Bali.
Due to its lesser-known status among tourists, Nusa Penida still presents a pristine panorama, with dramatic landscapes comprising steep cliffs against the backdrop of the deep blue ocean. You will relish this spectacle during the journey to Manta Point, the central snorkeling area, where you'll swim with manta rays.
While snorkeling at Manta Point, you'll encounter manta rays with wingspans ranging from 4 to 7 meters— such a majestic and awe-inspiring creature.
They tend to exhibit friendly behavior and delight in swimming around divers while expressing a desire to interact. Observing the sweet demeanor of these large marine creatures undoubtedly warms the heart and instills a sense of peace.
In addition to meeting Manta Rays, you can swim with sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and beautiful tropical fish, making the 1.5-hour snorkeling experience feel fleeting.
Another thing to note is that the best time to visit Nusa Penida and swim with Manta Rays is between April and May and September and November, when the sea is calm and the temperature is warmer.
6. The Natural Kitchen: Make Natural Skincare
Besides Nusa Penida, there is another significant island around Bali, Nusa Lembongan. You can take a boat from Sanur to reach this island.
When visiting this island, you can enrich your journey by stopping at The Natural Kitchen or Dapur Alami to craft skincare from natural ingredients and learn about the plastic waste issue resulting from commercial skincare products.
This experience, in addition to being enjoyable and awakening your creative side, will help you choose skincare products that are safer for your body and the environment.
These are recommendations for enjoyable things to do in Sanur that provide unforgettable experiences that can warm your heart. Thus, upon returning from Bali, you can continue your activities with a fresher and more serene body and mind, adding a touch of indulgence to your everyday life.
7. Sanur Culinary Tour
In addition to enjoying Bali's magnificent panorama, you can indulge in various culinary delights rich in flavor when in Sanur. Don't worry, this culinary adventure won't lead to a drastic increase in your body weight or disrupt other healthy diets you may have been following.
Sanur boasts numerous healthy culinary destinations that meticulously craft dishes using only the finest ingredients, focusing on plant-based foods.
It is perfect for those who wish to explore healthy traditional Balinese dishes bursting with spices, fusion cuisine, and even Western courses.
One of the finest restaurants you can visit is Arunika by The Meru Sanur, a 5-star hotel located in the Sanur Special Economic Zone (SEZ) or The Sanur.
This exclusive culinary destination emphasizes the theme of holistic wellness, seamlessly blending the pleasures of Western cuisine with a commitment to nurturing both mind and body through its finest dishes and comfortable dining atmosphere.
As such, you can enjoy every delicious meal at this restaurant without worrying about compromising your healthy lifestyle.
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