Place to see · Sanur
Serangan: the island south of Sanur, off the usual circuit
Serangan is a small island south of Sanur, linked to Bali by a road and a bridge. People come for Sakenan temple, one of the most revered on the island, for the centre where turtles are released, and for a fishing-village atmosphere few travellers see.
- Updated on
- 3 min read
- By Kylian Dev
In short
Facts as of · sourced figures
Sakenan temple, old and revered, by the water; the turtle centre, with its pools and, on some days, releases; the mangroves along the channels; and the village with its boats and warungs. The island is small: you can get round it in half a day.
Contents
Key points
- Reached by road and a bridge from south Sanur, no boat needed.
- Sakenan temple draws large crowds of worshippers during the Kuningan festival.
- The turtle centre welcomes visitors; the fee or donation is stated on site.
- Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours on the island, more if you linger by the water.
Serangan is known as “turtle island”: sea turtles were long caught and traded here; today a conservation centre cares for them and releases the young. The island has been heavily reshaped by development works, but the village and its temple remain.
For temple etiquette, see Balinese temples and culture; for the festivals, Galungan and Kuningan.
What you see on Serangan
Sakenan temple, old and revered, by the water; the turtle centre, with its pools and, on some days, releases; the mangroves along the channels; and the village with its boats and warungs. The island is small: you can get round it in half a day.
- Sakenan temple, seen from outside outside of ceremonies, in respectful dress.
- The turtle centre: pools, care, explanations about conservation.
- The mangroves and channels, seen from the road or the banks.
- The fishing village and its boats, on the lagoon side.
Getting there from Sanur
From Sanur, take the road south towards the airport expressway, then the turn-off for Serangan and the bridge. By scooter or taxi the ride is short outside rush hour. On the island, you get between the temple and the turtle centre by scooter or on foot.
- Leave Sanur heading south, following the signs for Serangan.
- Cross the bridge linking the island to Bali.
- Start with the temple, then the turtle centre, then the village.
When to go
In the morning, before the heat: the island is flat with little shade. The turtle centre opens during the day; its hours can change, so check on site. On temple festival days the atmosphere is intense but access gets harder. The rest of the time the island is quiet, weekends included.
| Day | Atmosphere | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary day | Quiet fishing village | The best time to wander |
| Kuningan | Crowds of worshippers, processions | Heavy traffic, dress code applies |
What to pair it with
Back in Sanur, ride along the seafront path and visit the Le Mayeur museum in the shade around midday. Serangan in the morning, the path at lunchtime and a swim at high tide: a full day with no long drive.
- Sanur beachfront: 5 km by the sea and swimming behind the reef.
- Le Mayeur museum: the painter’s house, on the beach.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a boat to get to Serangan?
No: the island is joined to Bali by a bridge. You go by scooter or taxi from Sanur.
Can you go inside Sakenan temple?
The outer grounds can be visited in respectful dress, sarong and sash. Inner courtyards may be reserved for worshippers, especially during ceremonies.
Is the turtle centre ethical?
It presents itself as a conservation and care centre. Avoid handling the turtles and prefer guided explanations to photo sessions.
Sources
Figures and rules checked on October 27, 2026 against the sources below. Entry rules and fees change: always check them on the official websites before you leave.
