Everyone has their favorite spot in Bali – for some its Jimbaran Bay, for others its Nusa Dua but rarely do you hear of people going to Sanur. Why? Well, it seems the historic image of Sanur, the birthplace of tourism in Bali, has been forgotten with time. Back in the late 1960’s tourists started coming to Bali in large numbers. It started with the opening of the Bali Beach Hotel in 1962 (now the Grand Bali Beach Hotel) and the Bali Hyatt, Sanur Beach Hotel, and others followed. As these original tourist hotels matured, the appeal of the newer, more modern and glitzier hotels of Nusa Dua started drawing the crowds from Sanur. The hot new destinations of Bali now include Seminyak, Jimbaran and Tuban but things are changing rapidly.

The lure of Sanur has returned. This has been helped by a USD$200,000 beachfront renovation. The 6 km stretch of beautiful white sandy beach is not only as alluring as ever, but a series of break waters have been created with small contemplation temples now sitting at the pier of each break. The project has been successful and the beautiful beach is back.

If you are tired of hawkers then rest assured, the anti-hawking law stands firm in Sanur and restricts the sellers to their beachfront kiosks. A stroll along the main street of Sanur reveals many new up market restaurants and open air dining cafes, most of them built in the last six months.

Next to Hardy’s, the main supermarket, a new ex pat stylish deli has opened with imported quality items and a nice international selection of wine.

What you will find missing from Sanur is a string of late night nightclubs. This keeps the area free of rowdy crowds and yodeling yobos. What you will find is a quiet and comfortable charm after hours as you wander the streets after dinner and find yourself tempted to stop for a quiet drink at one of the many small intimate bars and cafes.

For golfers the nine-hole golf course next to the Grand Bali Beach Hotel is conveniently located, and for water sport fanatics there is every sport under the sun available on the beach front – snorkeling, fishing, sailing, surfing – one just has to take a stroll along the beachfront and the choice is yours.

So, where do you stay? Well, tucked away only 25 meters from the beach, I discovered a wonderful small private private bungalow complex and with Kitas rates of only Rp300,000 (US$30) per night, this is a luxury we can all afford.

The Sari Sanur Resort has 18 private bungalows, built in traditional Balinese style and opened a year and a half ago. What I liked about this resort was the low-key atmosphere and privacy of your own Bungalow. Breakfast is included daily with a call by phone, when you are ready, and it is brought to your private bungalow dining table outside, in your own little private tropical garden. Drinks are available any time and the selection of restaurants, cafes and beachfront dining is only a one-minute walk away. In front of the resort is the Bonsai Café, where you can have a cappuccino and delicious food at very reasonable prices, with your toes in the sand.

There are many beautiful spas close to the resort and when you tire of all the water sports, the front desk can arrange a car to take you on day trips to Ubud (only 30 minutes away), Kintamani, Tanah Lot and Uluwatu and suggest many other tours to individually suit you and your family.

Let yourself by lured by Sanur and experience its charm first hand next time you visit Bali.

Selected Restaurants and Bars

The Village – Cucina Italiana

Bali’s new talk of the town. A very stylish restaurant opened only 8 months. The Italian Chef blends a combination of authentic Italian flavors, accompanied by an extensive wine selection. You can venture into the walk-in, climate controlled wine cellar and chose a beautiful wine to accompany your meal. A cozy lounge sets the scene for a romantic pre dinner cocktail. I tried the Venetian scallops cooked in white wine sauce and the portabella mushrooms topped with mixed baked cheese served on a rucola salad.
Jl Danau Tamblingan No 47, Sanur
Tel: 0361-285 025

Ming le Recto

A very reasonably priced restaurant with good food. Free pick up and drop off service in Sanur area.
Jl Danau Tambingan No 105, Sanur
Tel: (0361) 281 948 for reservation after 4.00pm

Pala 4

This is one of the newest places on the Sanur strip. Pala 4 is an open plan restaurant with elegant surroundings. Local artists work adorn the walls and the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. It is suitable for family dining, with a versatile pasta and pizza menu. I skipped the western choice and went for the popular Indonesian Pepes Ikan Udang at 27,500. This dish featured grilled marinated prawns and a fillet of fish cooked with Balinese herbs wrapped in a fresh banana leaf. With ice cream scoops for only 4,500 this makes for a very reasonable dining experience that won’t break the budget. Pala 4 has been opened only five months.
Jl Danau Tamblingan 77, Sanur
Tel: (0361) 288 335

Soda Pub Sanur

Located on the main street, this lively pub offers music, a big screen for sport and movies.
Jl Danau Tamblingan No 96, Sanur

The Joli Cafe

A small informal cocktail bar with a snack and dessert menu and a fashion showcase. This quaint outlet is very friendly and cute. The manager will even give you a ride home, if you ask.
Jl Danau Tamblingan No 65, Sanur
Tel: 0361 283851 or 081 755 0885

Boutiques
Uluwatu
Jl Danau Tambingan

Supermarket
Hardy’s Supermarket
Jl Danau Tamblingan 136

Sari Sanur Resort
18 Private Bungalows
Jl Danau Tamblingan No 27, Sanur
Tel: 0361 281 555
E-mail: sari_bali@indo.net.id
www.sarisanurresort.com

Author@TravelWriter-Asia.Com