Mertasari Beach, Sanur: Kitesurfing, a Calm Lagoon and a Shady Park

At the southern end of Sanur, where the beachfront promenade runs out, sits a wide beach that rarely makes the standard tourist lists: Mertasari Beach. The sand is off-white, the lagoon in front is shallow and reef-protected, and once the dry-season wind arrives the sky fills with kitesurfing kites. Inland stretches Taman Inspirasi Mertasari, shaded by casuarina pines.

East Bali's kitesurfing hub

• Wind season: from around June to September, east to south-easterly wind blows steadily at 10–20 knots most afternoons.
• Shallow water: the lagoon behind the reef stays flat and only waist-deep at low tide — ideal for beginners.
• Certified schools: several kite schools operate here; take a proper course rather than borrowing gear from strangers.

The park and the promenade

The park is big enough for picnics, jogging and kids' play, with shaded paved paths and simple warungs. From here you can cycle the Sanur promenade north past Sindhu Beach all the way to Matahari Terbit Beach — about 5 km, flat and car-free.

Sunrise and best timing

Arrive at 05:45–06:30 for a sunrise far quieter than the main Sanur beach. Kite wind usually builds after 11:00 and holds into the afternoon; during the rainy season from December to March it is unreliable.

Safety and access

• Kitesurfers must stay clear of the swimming zone; a falling kite can drag a person.
• Water shoes help — there is broken coral at some spots at low tide.
• Parking is plentiful on Jl. Mertasari, roughly IDR 2,000 for scooters and IDR 5,000 for cars.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: Jl. Mertasari, Sanur Kauh, South Denpasar — the southern tip of Sanur's coastline. View on Google Maps
• Hours & tickets: the beach is open all day; the Taman Inspirasi Mertasari grounds cost around IDR 20,000 per person, parking roughly IDR 2,000 for scooters and IDR 5,000 for cars.
• What to bring: sunscreen, a hat, drinking water, water shoes, and a mat if you plan to picnic in the park.
• Booking/Info: book kitesurf lessons a day ahead through a certified school on site; search on Instagram

Mertasari is the side of Sanur that still feels like a coastal village: open, shaded and unhurried. If you plan a few nights in Sanur to chase the wind season, check AccessiaPass hotel vouchers to keep the room rate light.