Mertasari Beach (Pantai Mertasari)

Mertasari Beach, or Pantai Mertasari, lies at the southern end of Sanur on Jl. Mertasari in Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, in Bali, Indonesia. It is a quieter, more local stretch of coast than central Sanur, with a broad sandy shore, a calm lagoon-like shallows near the shore and a relaxed, uncommercial atmosphere. Because it sits beyond the main hotel strip, the beach is used mostly by local families, fishermen, joggers, and water-sports enthusiasts. Wind conditions here are favourable for kite flying and kiteboarding, and from about May to September, when the winds are stronger, the sky above the beach fills with colourful kites, including the large traditional Balinese kites. Windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding are also practised in the shallows. A coastal path connects Mertasari to the rest of the Sanur boardwalk, so visitors can walk or cycle from the centre in around ten minutes by vehicle or a longer stroll. Facilities are simple: a few small warungs (local food stalls) sell drinks and snacks, and shade comes mainly from trees at the edge of the sand. Visitors typically spend one to two hours. Mornings are the best time for walking, photography and swimming, when the light is soft and the sand is cooler. Entry is free. Photo angles include the line of kites against the sky in windy months, fishing boats along the shore and the long sweep of beach with Nusa Penida visible on clear days. Weekends and holidays attract more local visitors, while weekday mornings are very quiet. Swimmers should check currents and tide, as conditions can change.