Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Improvements To Bali’s Sanur Highlight Why Island’s Original Tourism Resort Will Always Be Trending

The Bali Sun

Sanur is Bali’s oldest tourism resort, but it is seriously feeling like the most modern of all the vacation destinations along the southern coast.

Sanur has been transformed into Indonesia’s Special Economic Zone for Medical Tourism, and this change of function has opened the door to a whole new chapter of travel and tourism in the coastal hotspot for tourists of every kind. 


While Sanur is now Indonesia’s Special Economic Zone for Medical Tourism, the area is still very much functioning as a beachside vacation resort. Sanur has long been loved by holidaymakers and tourists for its quiet, laid-back feel.

A traditional Balinese fishing village at heart, though Sanur is home to major brand hotels and resorts, it is not home to a big flashy nightlife scene, meaning things always feel pretty low-key and relaxed.

Leaders in Denpasar City, the regency within which Sanur sits, are working to ensure that the resort continues to evolve in modern and sustainable ways. The Mayor of Denpasar, I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara, has officially designated Sanur as a Low Emission Area, through Mayoral Regulation Number 39 of 2025 concerning the Implementation of Traffic and Transportation in the Sanur Low Emission Area.

During the official launch ceremony for the Sanur Low Emission Area, Mayor Jaya Negara was joined by elders from Sanur Kaja Village, Sanur Kuah Village, Sanur Traditional Village, and the Intern Traditional Village. During the ceremony, doves were released, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting took place.

The Mayor explained to reporters that Sanur sits at the heart of Denpasar’s tourism offering and that it must remain a high-quality destination. The way to achieve this, he stated, is through prioritising sustainable tourism.

The Mayor explained, “Sanur is the face of Denpasar tourism. Transportation planning nd emission control are priorities to ensure economic growth continues without sacrificing environmental quality and the well-being of residents.”

He confirmed that the launch of the Sanur Low Emissions Area is more than just a policy, that additional infrastructural developments will be put in place to improve the quality of life of local residents and improve tourists’ experience of the area.

The Mayor explained, “We are grateful that the local community has given us their full support. First, we’ve installed a jogging track, followed by drainage and sidewalks, an electric shuttle, and now low emissions management. Hopefully, Sanur will continue to grow and develop, maintaining quality based on the values of local wisdom.”

The Head of Intern Sanur Traditional Village, I Gusti Agung Alit Kencana, conveyed that these upgrades are having a positive impact on both community members and tourists.

He shared, “The area is now more orderly and comfortable. With the presence of 12 electric shuttles like the Intaran Shuttle, the density of private vehicles is reduced. Improved sidewalks and better lighting have also made it easier for residents and tourists to walk.”


He noted how pedestrian activity has been increasing throughout Sanur, by both locals and tourists. Indonesians are famed for being amongst the least pedestrian nations in the world, for a number of reasons, so these improvements are welcomed by local leaders.

The increased pedestrian activity not only has an impact on health, but also on local businesses. With more people exploring Sanur on foot, foot traffic into local businesses and market stalls is increasing and resulting in more sales. 


Kencana explained, “Streetside vendors and art shops make the area feel more vibrant. Because people are now walking more, they feel more comfortable stopping, browsing, and shopping.”

“This shows that low-emission area planning also supports economic growth.”


Sanur is one of the best places to stay in Bali, especially for first-time visitors and those who want to enjoy a relaxed vacation while ticking off the island’s must-visit bucket list spots.

Top hotels in Sanur include Prama Sanur Beach Hotel and Hyatt Regency Bali. Must visit eateries and hangout spots include Shotgun Social and Genius Cafe.

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