3 weeks in Bali, Indonesia- 5/28- 6/15/2024

Day 17 Sunrise-6/12/2024

The next morning, we woke up early to catch the sunrise. We walked quietly to the beach just behind the hotel and waited there as the sky slowly began to change. The air was still, and the sea was calm, as if everything was holding its breath.

Gradually, a bright orange hue spread across the horizon, growing stronger as the sun rose higher.

The color reflected off the water, turning the surface of the sea into soft bands of light and shadow. As the sun finally emerged, the warmth of the light felt gentle and hopeful, signaling the start of a new day.

At first, the sky was filled with a bright orange sun, partially veiled by low clouds that softened its edges. As it slowly rose higher, the color intensified, shifting from orange to an almost fiery red, glowing with incredible strength against the morning sky.

The clouds caught and reflected the light, deepening the colors and adding layers of texture to the scene.

The moment felt magnificent and powerful, far more dramatic than a typical sunrise. Watching the sun break through the clouds and burn brighter with each passing minute made the whole horizon feel alive, as if the day was being lit from within. It was one of those rare sights that stays with you long after the colors fade.

The sun is up and we are now going back inside toward the swimming pool.

View of the sunrise from the swimming pool.

Our waiter brought out coffee and tea for us while we watch the sunrise.

What a great way to start our morning, watching the sun rise and sipping a hot cup of coffee.

I hang around the pool a bit until it was time for breakfast.

Last breakfast in Amed

After breakfast, we had a little time before our tour guide arrived at 10:30 a.m. to drive us to Sanur, so we took a quiet walk along the beach just behind the hotel.  This stretch of coastline is generally known as Amed Beach, locals often refer to it simply as Amed, since the shoreline here blends seamlessly from one small village area to the next.

A lot of boats were lined up along the shore, resting on the dark volcanic sand, their shapes and colors standing out in the morning light. With the sun fully up, the waves crashing against the shore, and the air felt fresh and calm.

We had more time to kill so we just hang around the swimming pool.

One last view of Amed before we are leaving the area.

Sanur, Denpasar

After our tour guide picked us up, he drove us to Two Lizards Villa in Sanur, Denpasar.

Once we checked in and saw the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, it already felt like a nice change of pace.

The swimming pool is really nice and the villa is also very comfortable.

Not long after, we headed out toward Sanur Beach.

Sanur Beach feels calm and easygoing, very different from the wilder coasts we had just left.

The shoreline is long and flat, with soft sand and gentle water, protected by a reef farther out that keeps the waves small. The sea here feels approachable and relaxed, more for strolling and swimming than dramatic surf.

We paused for fresh coconut juice.

Sanur has a softer rhythm. The light is gentle, the water calm, and the whole beach feels welcoming and unhurried, a place to slow down, walk barefoot along the shore, and ease into the next chapter of the journey.

Sanur tends to have more locals than tourists, especially compared to places like Canggu, Seminyak, or Uluwatu. Sanur has long been a working coastal community, not just a resort area, and that everyday local presence is still very visible.

The fishing boats anchored in the water close to shore are a big part of the local community.

Many local fishermen keep their boats floating just offshore rather than pulling them onto the sand.

Because the sea is calm and protected by the reef, it’s safe to moor them there, and it makes it easy to head out early in the morning or return quickly after fishing.

How peaceful is this?  just sitting on the beach and enjoying a picnic by the sea.

Large beach sport nets, most commonly used for beach volleyball or beach handball. In Sanur, these open nets are set up for local community use, not just for organized events.

Sanur has a strong culture of outdoor group sports, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when the weather is cooler. Locals, students, families, and community groups often gather on the beach to play volleyball, handball, or other informal games. The wide, flat stretch of sand and calm atmosphere make Sanur ideal for this kind of activity.

Along the beach runs a wide walking and biking path, lined with palm trees, small cafés, and beachfront hotels. Traditional boats rest near the shore, while others float quietly in the shallow water. The atmosphere is peaceful and lived-in, locals exercising in the morning, families walking together, and visitors enjoying the shade and breeze.

It is so calm here and also so beautiful.

Walking along the path, I noticed large, mature trees lining the walkway, their branches stretching wide and casting generous shade.

In a few spots, I stopped to take photos where the trees perfectly bordered the scene of a rows of lounging chairs, neatly arranged, and hardly anyone on the beach, which made everything feel calm and spacious.

The big trees frame the beach beautifully, creating natural windows toward the water.

Fishing boats.

In the distance, Mount Agung rose quietly beyond the shoreline, its presence subtle but unmistakable.

Seeing the mountain from the coast added depth to the view, tying the calm sea, empty beach, and shaded walkway together into one peaceful, balanced scene. It felt like a gentle pause, Sanur at its most serene.

The two towers, one red and one green are navigation markers used for maritime safety. They mark a safe channel for boats entering and leaving the shallow coastal waters off Sanur. The colors follow international maritime rules: Red marks one side of the channel and Green marks the opposite side.  Together, they guide fishing boats and other small vessels through the reef and shallows so they can safely reach deeper water without running aground. Because Sanur has coral reefs and very shallow areas close to shore, these markers are especially important.

NEXT... Day 18-Boat ride to Nusa Penida