Things to do

Akmal, Majapahit Beach Villas’ manager, has a wealth of information about nearby places of interest and will help arrange transport and make any bookings required. Do also ask other staff about the local area. Invariably some of them will live nearby and will be able to give an interesting insight into some of the fascinating aspects of Bali life.

In the meantime, here is a taste of the many and varied activities on offer within reach of the villa.

Guests who book five nights or more at Majapahit Beach Villas are treated to a complimentary snorkelling trip aboard the villas’ private traditional Balinese fishing boat. The boat will take you from Sanur to the lovely Blue Lagoon, where you can swim amongst the exotic reef fish and colourful corals (max 6 people). The boat is available to guests for other fishing and sight-seeing trips for a reasonable fee.
Covering 3.8 hectares of tropical parkland in Kuta, Waterbom Bali has 16 water slides (including The Climax with its 360 degree loop) to entertain the young and the young at heart. A great family day out, but go early to beat the crowds.
The stretch of beach between Sanur and Ketewel is well known as a surfer’s heaven (especially in East Coast season, which runs from round about November to May, when the winds turn offshore on this side of the island), but beginners should be aware of strong, swirling currents. Good breaks can be found in front of the Grand Bali and Sanur Beach Hotels, while surf spots really close to Majapahit Beach Villas include Keramas, Ketewel and Cucukan.
Sukawati is famous for its cheap local arts and crafts market although better quality goods can be had in Ubud (art), Celuk (silverware) and Mas (woodwork).
Bicycles are available at Majapahit Beach Villas for exploring the scenic rice-field and tobacco plantation landscape, coastline and rural villages (a great way to get under the skin of the ‘real’ Bali.) Stop off at a local warung (café) to sample some basic Balinese fare or cool off with a cold drink.
Le Mayeur Museum in Sanur is the former home of noted Belgian impressionist Adrian Jean Le Mayeur. The building is now a museum which, as well as showcasing the artist’s work, gives visitors an insight into what it must have been like to be one of Bali’s very first expats. Although in need of some maintenance, this remains one of Bali’s true hidden treasures.
An annual international kite festival takes place at Padang Galak beach (just north of Sanur) every July. Traditional Balinese giant kites up to ten metres in length are made and flown competitively by teams from different villages around Bali. Originally, these kites were intended to send a message to the Hindu Gods to create abundant crops and harvests. Aside from the festival itself, visitors will see many giant kites being flown in this area from June through to August.
Saba Bay Horse Riding has a special horse riding track (suitable for beginners) on a beautiful black sandy beach overlooking the Indian Ocean and Nusa Penida Island.
There are several dive operators around Sanur, but this area is more suited to beginners or refresher courses. The better dive sites are further North in Tulumben, or out on the islands of Nusa Penida and Lembongan.
Bali Safari & Marine Park (7km) offers a fun family day out. Home to hundreds of amazing animals representing more than 50 species, it presents a tram ride through the animal enclosures, a marine aquarium, a theatre, animal educational and entertainment shows, as well as the Fun Zone where visitors can get wet and wild in the Waterpark or embark on a Jungle Cruise.