In 1970s Sanur was still a small traditional village with lush rice fields, high trees and coconut trees along the beach. Only Bali Beach Hotel was standing upright in contrast to the environment. The known Bali wide Sanur is consist of Banjar Taman – Sanur Kauh, Banjar Anggarkasih – Sanur Kaja, Banjar Bet Ngandang – Sanur Kelod, Banjar Semawang – Sanur Kangin, and Banjar Taman – Sanur Tengah. Among these villages in Sanur there were distances of plenty rice fields belong to the original people of Sanur. Banjar Anggarkasih of Sanur Kaja is the nearest area of Sanur from Denpasar city has a distance of 6 kims. All of these Banjars are known as Sanur. While Sanur is to refer an administrative area under the head of a Perbekel or Desa. So, the group of Banjars is managed by a chief which area is called perbekalan or Desa. So if we refer to the Banjar one of the villages above, while if we refer to Sanur, it means all those Banjars.
The uniqueness of Desa Sanur is that, the Desa is headed by Perbekel of Brahmana cast from the beginning, which is only happened in Sanur. Two important fact about Desa Sanur are the black magic and beautiful tranquil white sandy beach with magnificent view of east Bali shore line, and Nusa Penida view. The fame of Sanur black magic masters have been known by everyone in Bali, and in the past one would avoid to have conflict with Sanur resident due to scaring magician. It was probably springing from these 2 facts that had attracted various artists, archaeologists, anthropologists, and writers to come to Sanur and went deep to know aspects of Sanur, or just to get inspiration of it’s creations. In fact Sanur has been a center of culture from 998 AD is proved by the finding of stone pillar inscription of first known Bali king and his palace name which is still preserved at Blanjong temple, at Sanur Kelod, just near Sanur Beach hotel.
Today we can not see the border between villages in Sanur and Denpasar City, it has become one. With proliferation of hotels in Sanur area has made traditional villages under Desa Sanur a bustling business and resort area. In current Sanur area, there have been standing various hotels and villas, from simple hotels, medium hotels, and luxurious hotels. The whole beach area is blocked by hotels, villas, restaurants, and art markets. Only small parts of the beach area are still open to the public such as on Merta Sari Beach, in front of Art Market, and further north of Grand Bali Beach Hotel. On the beach at the front of hotels are not allowed for local people to swim or strolling, to keep the privacy of the hotel’s guests. Pioneer hotels in Sanur, such as Grand Bali Beach, Sanur Beach Hotel, and Bali Hyatt Hotel are luxurious international standard hotels. After the establishment of those hotels, Sanur was soon invaded by various hotels and villas, from small basic hotels, medium class hotels, and luxury hotels or villas. Beside Sanur Hotels which are already on-line above, there is just for your information some small and basic hotels around Sanur as in the box below.
WELCOME TO SANUR VILLAGE
This site takes you to discover the potentials Sanur offers to the avid traveler. As well as to seek optional activities, facilities and perfect ways to discover the true experience of a holiday in the Sanur Village. Tips and optional suggestions are found throughout as well as updated information on events and happenings that may assist you in planning your next visit.This comprehensive site also provides recommended accommodations, activities, wining and dining options and a complete description of the next Sanur Village Festival for 2007.We hope you enjoy your virtual experience of Sanur as we wait to welcome you to experience the unique traditional Balinese hospitality.
HISTORY
Sanur originates from two words, “Saha” and “Nuhur” which literally means the passion to visit a certain place. Located in the southern part of Bali, Sanur is famed for its beautiful strip of pure sandy beaches across the coastal line. It is also famed for its’ spectacular sunrises which literally marks a new day in the life of the Balinese. A talented laid back atmosphere is what is unique about the village of Sanur where hospitality is intertwined with the traditions of Balinese culture and religion. The atmosphere from sunrise till sunset provides endless opportunities of discovery into the daily lives of the Balinese, where each corner of the village provides a certain exploration for every visitor. Lines of shaded trees along the roads, a stretch of beach for sunbathing, a strip of shops for shopping and a variety of restaurants for wining and dining, the option is endless in Sanur. Sanur also represents a name that carries important history for tourism in Indonesia, and Bali more specific.
It was on the beach of Sanur that the first Netherlands troops set foot on the island of Bali in 1906. This was also the exact place that the first war occurred between Netherlands against the community of Bali in defending their land from colonialism. This war was later known as the Puputan Badung, a heroic event that is strongly remembered by every individual Balinese until today’s generation. Looking further back in history, around the Blanjong area, one can find an ancient stone epigraph with two languages written on it, using Old Balinese Language and Sanskrit; two totally different languages. It was believed that the place the artifact was found was an old harbor. Other epigraphs found within this area included the Ganesca and the Two Tailed Ox (Arca Dua Ekor Lembu), believed to be from the Kingdom of Warmadewa that ruled Bali in year 917.
The Ganesca (a statue of an elephant head with a human body) made from limestone was said not to come from Blanjong, and was believed from remains of historic events from past kingdoms reigning in Bali. Should this be true, it is believed that Bali in the early days had already tight relations with other kingdoms around the world. Another historic remain that marks the development or arts on the island of Bali is the Le Mayeur Museum, built in Sanur in 1953 and was the first museum built in Bali. Approximately 80 paintings are showcased in this museum which was once the home of famous artist Le Mayeur himself. This museum located just steps from the ocean is physical proof for the love of an artist towards the island of Bali. Adrian-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes originated from Belgium and left his hometown because his family was not supportive of his passion for painting.
Through his spectacular paintings and exhibitions, Le Mayeur introduced Sanur to the world.Art lovers will naturally agree that Le Mayeur was famous for his impressionist style and paintings carried the main focus of a beautiful Balinese girl, who became the artists’ wife, Ni Polok. She was a talented Legong dancer. From his painting collection he eventually bought a block of land in Sanur that remains until today as an object of this never ending love story. The pair then handed over the museum to the local government of Bali to maintain, when Le Mayeur past away in 1958, followed by his faithful wife in 1985. Sanur and Le Mayeur are two inseparable words. Originating from a small fishing village then with the development of arts, Sanur transformed into a tourist destination that introduced the island of Bali to the entire world. It is here that culture was found, it was here that arts transformed, it was Sanur the pioneer of tourism for Bali.
LIGHT, CAMERA SANUR IS IN ACTION
Before the up market Nusa dua tourist enclave was created, Sanur on Bali’s south-eastern coastline was the ideal tropical isle destination, with palm trees, long stretches of white sandy beach in a reef-sheltered lagoon. Sanur contrasted sharply with the packer Kuta with its discount shopping and surfing brigade. Today, sanur is back in favor wit discerning travelers seeking a more balanced and rewarding holiday experience somewhere between the top-end Nusa dua and the faster-paced Kuta. The fishing village of sanur, easily accessible from Denpasar Airport in a 15-20 minut taxi drive, was one of the first areas to be developed with new hotel resort when Bali was “discovered” about 35 years ago. Fortunately, development was restricted and the original charm of sanur retained.
Today thatched roofs and traditional Balinese architecture are displayed with pride. Cultural sites such as the historical Blanjong and the famous Le Mayeur Museum help transport you back to the early years of tourism in Bali. The traditional village at Intaran adds texture to a Sanur stay. The community is still as laid back as ever, with family heritage being the utmost importance. Quaint shops and street stalls sell an extensive range of arts crafts, souvenirs and casual clothing or you can test your bargaining skills at the lively beach markets. Dining choice is varied including quality Japanese, Indian and European restaurants together with Alfresco dining on Balinese favorites particularly freshly caught seafood. Sanur also offers elegant nightclubs and most hotels and resorts feature traditional music and dance performances. Sanur offers good facilities for sports enthusiasts. With such attractive beachside location water sport dominates.
Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, outrigger sailing and windsurfing are very popular. A sea walker is a new experience for those who have been to Bali before– all activities that take you underwater without the need for any diving skill. Golf enthusiasts can test their skills at the 9 hole golf course at Inna Bali Beach hotel. The latest course to be refurbished on the Island. MICE planners have been encouraged to take a fresh look at Sanur by the Sanur Development Foundation. The powerful and influential SDF coordinates the local community, business and government to ensure best practice outcomes. Sanur is the only destination in Bali with a 24 hours CCTV security system in operation following action by the SDF. The SDF uses a coordinated approach for event planners to ensure the most appropriate use of accommodation and meeting facilities. Sanur boasts a good range of accommodation and meeting facilities. Sanur boasts a good range of accommodation options from five-star right through to home stays with the five stars Hyatt and the next-door Sri Phala a good example of the policy. Here, the wisdom of sharing becomes the lure of Sanur, the foundation of a destination set to serve the MICE market. In sanur find yourself at..
How to get to Sanur Beach :
1. 20 minutes from Kuta
2. 60 minutes from Nusa Dua
3. 10 minutes from Denpasar
What you can see around Sanur Beach :
1. Bajra Sandhi Balinese People Struggle Monument, The monument was designed by Mr. Ida Bagus Gede Yadnya, His designed was elected as the winner of the design competition for the monument in 1981. The width of its building is 4,900 square meters, while the whole square is 138,830 square meters. If we witness from a distance, the shape of the Monument looks like a Bajra (a Hindu priest’s bell) which is standing up at the Puputan Margarana square.
2. Bali Museum, Originally established in 1910, by a Dutch official who was concern at the export of culturally significant artifacts from the island, the museum was destroyed in a 1917 earthquake. It was rebuilt in the 1920s, but used mainly as a storage facility until 1932, when the German artist Walter Spies and some Dutch official revived the idea of collecting and preserving Balinese antiquities and cultural objects, and creating an ethnographic museum.
3. Jagatnatha Temple, The high structure of the Padmasana is the unique shrine of the temple. Like other big temples, Jaganatha is very busy on big religious day, such as Galungan, Kuningan, Saraswati. The regular religious ceremonies are conducted on the new and full moons, shadow puppet shows are normally performed. This place is accessible within 20 minutes from Sanur.
4. Art Center / Taman Werdhi Budaya, This building was established on 14th February 1973 and has function to arrange the art and cultural attraction and supported with open stages and main buildings for: dancing, painting exhibition, seminar, music as specially big event of Bali art Festival is held on the middle of June to July every year. It’s located at Nusa Indah Street Denpasar.
The activities around Sanur Beach :
1. Water Sport activity at Tanjung Benoa Beach
2. Walking on the sea at Sea Walker
