Mertasari Beach is one of Sanur’s most loved coastal spots, known for its wide stretch of clean white sand and calm, family-friendly waves. Unlike some of Bali’s busier beaches, this stretch of coastline feels relaxed and spacious, which makes it a favorite for both local families and visiting travelers. Every year, the beach also turns into a colorful stage for traditional Balinese kite festivals, adding a cultural touch that few other Sanur beaches can match.
If you enjoy exploring Bali’s coastline, Mertasari Beach deserves a spot on your list. The calm waters and open sky make it an easy place to unwind, watch the sunrise, or simply spend an afternoon with family away from the busier tourist crowds.
Travel to Mertasari Beach
Mertasari Beach sits on the eastern coast of Denpasar, along Jalan Tirta Empul in Intaran Village, Sanur. It marks the southern end of Sanur’s long beach strip, and getting there is straightforward from almost anywhere on the island.
Visitor Information
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Jl. Tirta Empul, Intaran Village, Sanur, Denpasar, about 20-30 minutes from central Denpasar
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Open 24 hours daily, best visited around 5:00 AM for sunrise or 6:00 PM for sunset
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Free to enter the beach. Parking is IDR 2,000 for motorbikes and IDR 5,000 for cars. The nearby Dream Island area charges IDR 20,000 for adults and IDR 15,000 for children
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On-site parking available near the beach entrance
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About 2 to 3 hours
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Sunrise near the wooden pier and gazebo, or sunset facing the mangrove trees
- Denpasar Area: The drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes via Ngurah Rai Bypass Road, following signs toward Mertasari Beach.
- Jimbaran or Nusa Dua: Expect a 30 to 40 minute drive using the Bali Mandara Toll Road, then continuing toward Sanur.
- Ubud: The journey takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours through Goa Gajah Highway and Bypass Ida Bagus Mantra Road before reaching Sanur.
- Kuta or Seminyak: Plan for 45 minutes to 1 hour, starting on Sunset Road and continuing along Ngurah Rai Bypass Road toward Sanur.
Google Maps works well for navigation once you’re close to Sanur. Renting a car or motorbike gives you the most flexibility, and if you would rather skip the driving altogether, our car rental with driver service can take you straight to the beach in comfort.
The Attraction of Beautiful Beach That Makes It Popular
Like other beach destinations, Mertasari Beach has its own charm that keeps local and foreign tourists coming back. It regularly makes the list of interesting places to visit in Denpasar for travelers looking to explore southern Bali’s coastline. Here are some of the main attractions that set it apart.
- White Sand
The beach is known for its clean, fine white sand, free of sharp pebbles. It’s a favorite for children building sandcastles or for anyone who enjoys a barefoot stroll along the shore.
- Sunrise and Sunset Views
Mertasari Beach offers striking views during both sunrise and sunset. Many visitors arrive around 5:00 AM to catch the sunrise, while others return around 6:00 PM to watch the sky turn orange over the mangroves.
- Photogenic Spots
A cement and stone pier with a small gazebo at the end is one of the most popular photo spots on the beach. Nearby, a row of dry mangrove trees creates a striking backdrop, especially during golden hour.
- Dream Island
Dream Island, technically part of neighboring Pengembak Beach, is accessed through Mertasari Beach and has become one of its biggest draws. It offers beachside lounging, a photo platform, a spa, a restaurant, a children’s play area, and animal rides including camels and horses, plus a swing overlooking the sea, similar to some of Bali’s other famous swing spots and the iconic ones in Gili Trawangan.
Fun Activities to Do at Mertasari Beach
Mertasari Beach suits a wide range of activities, whether you’re traveling with family or on your own. Here are some of the best things to do during your visit.
- Playground Time: The beach has a safe playground right on the sand, making it easy to keep kids entertained during a family day out. It pairs well with other fun kids activities in Bali if you’re planning a longer family trip.
- Sand and Water Play: The wide stretch of soft sand is ideal for building sandcastles, while shallow, calm water lets children splash around safely under supervision.
- Cycling Along the Coast: A dedicated bike lane runs along the beach, and bicycles can be rented on-site for around IDR 25,000 per hour if you would rather explore on two wheels.
- Photography: The combination of calm water, wide sky, and interesting structures like the pier and mangroves makes this beach a rewarding spot for photos.
- Water Sports: Snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking are all popular here thanks to the calm, clear water protected by an offshore reef.
- Turtle Encounter: A short drive away, the Sea Turtle Village at Hyatt Regency Bali offers guided hatchery tours and seasonal hatchling releases, a great add-on to your Sanur beach day.
- Mangrove Walk: About 20-25 minutes away, the Bali Mangrove Forest offers a wooden boardwalk, birdwatching, and boat rides for a nature-focused half-day trip.
Mertasari Beach Kite Festival
Mertasari Beach is also known as one of Sanur’s main venues for Bali’s traditional kite festivals. Local communities and international kite enthusiasts gather here to fly giant handmade kites shaped like bebean (fish), janggan (dragon-bird), and pecukan (leaf), a tradition rooted in Balinese Hindu culture as a form of thanksgiving. The Sabhayowana Intaran Traditional Kite Festival, held at Mertasari Beach in June 2026, is one recent example, drawing crowds with colorful kite displays and community competitions. Admission was free and open to the public.
Beyond kite events, the beach also hosts the Mertasari Beach Festival, a free international event featuring cultural performances, environmental activities, and local tourism showcases. These festivals typically take place during Bali’s dry, windy season between June and September, so it’s worth checking local event calendars if you want to time your visit around one.
Facilities, Ticket Prices, and Opening Hours
Mertasari Beach offers solid facilities for a day at the beach, and unlike some Bali attractions, there is no entrance fee to worry about. Here is what to expect in terms of cost and amenities.
Entry to Mertasari Beach itself is free for everyone. If you arrive by vehicle, you will only need to pay for parking, which is inexpensive. The nearby Dream Island area charges its own separate entrance fee, which includes a welcome drink and snack voucher. Bicycle rentals, watersport activities, and animal rides at Dream Island come with additional fees on top of that.
Along the coastline, you will find warungs and restaurants serving Balinese and Western dishes, along with clean bathrooms and rinse facilities. Other amenities include a playground, a jogging track, an outdoor gym, and several photogenic corners such as gazebos, mangrove trees, and swings.
If you would rather have lunch away from the beach, Margot Riverside Restaurant is a short drive into central Denpasar and offers a scenic riverside dining option with Balinese and international dishes.
| Visitor Type | Price |
| Beach entrance | Free |
| Parking (motorbike) | IDR 2,000 |
| Parking (car) | IDR 5,000 |
| Dream Island entrance (adult) | IDR 20,000 |
| Dream Island entrance (child) | IDR 15,000 |
| Bicycle rental (per hour) | Approx. IDR 25,000 |
| Day | Opening Hours |
| Every day | Open 24 hours (best visited 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM) |
Plan Your Visit to Mertasari Beach Today
Mertasari Beach brings together natural beauty, cultural events, and family-friendly facilities in one easy-to-reach spot. Whether you are chasing a peaceful sunrise, trying out water sports, or catching a traditional kite festival, this beach has something for almost every kind of traveler. Its closeness to central Sanur also makes it a convenient stop if you are staying nearby.
Explore Mertasari Beach and the rest of Sanur with our Bali tour packages, which include comfortable transportation and a local guide to help you make the most of your day. If you are flying in, book our airport transfer service for a smooth start to your trip, and pair it with a car rental with driver if you would like the flexibility to explore more of Bali afterward.
Looking to explore more of the island’s coastline? Our guide to the best beaches in Bali rounds up more spots worth adding to your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mertasari Beach
What is special about Mertasari Beach?
Mertasari Beach stands out for its clean white sand, calm waves, and free entrance. It is also one of the main venues for Bali’s traditional kite festivals, and it sits next to Dream Island, a nearby attraction with photo spots, a swing over the sea, and animal rides.
Is there an entrance fee for Mertasari Beach?
No, the beach itself is free to enter. You will only pay for parking, which is IDR 2,000 for motorbikes and IDR 5,000 for cars. The nearby Dream Island area charges its own separate fee of IDR 20,000 for adults and IDR 15,000 for children.
What activities can I do at Mertasari Beach?
You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, cycle along the dedicated bike lane, or simply relax at one of the beachside warungs. Photography is also popular here, especially around the pier, gazebo, and mangrove trees.
When does Mertasari Beach host kite festivals?
Kite festivals and cultural events at Mertasari Beach typically happen during Bali’s dry, windy season between June and September, including events like the Sabhayowana Intaran Traditional Kite Festival. Exact dates change each year, so check local event listings before planning a trip around one.
What is the best time to visit Mertasari Beach?
The beach is open 24 hours, but most visitors prefer early morning around 5:00 AM for sunrise or early evening around 6:00 PM for sunset. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends.
Is Mertasari Beach good for families?
Yes, it is one of the more family-friendly beaches in Sanur. The water is calm and shallow near the shore, there is a playground and cycling lane for kids, and Dream Island adds extra activities like animal rides and a children’s play area. Pair your visit with one of our family-friendly Bali tours to combine the beach with other kid-approved stops.
How do I get to Mertasari Beach from the airport?
Mertasari Beach is about 30 to 45 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, depending on traffic, via the Bali Mandara Toll Road or Ngurah Rai Bypass Road. Book our airport transfer service for a comfortable, hassle-free ride straight to the beach.
