SANUR SUNRISE
Greet the sun as she gradually rises from below the horizon radiating the most brilliant colors over Sanur Beach, while
the soft white sands embrace the oncoming waves: a perfect picture of a
beautiful sunny morning, where nature displays her fascinating features
at the tranquil, laid back retreat of Sanur, east of Denpasar, capital of the fabled island of Bali.
Located just 25 minutes from the
international airport, 30 minutes from the Kuta area, and 15 minutes
from downtown Denpasar, Sanur is renowned as Bali's first beach resort
and is actually where the early tourism industry grew on Bali.
Sanur is also recognized as the largest
village in Bali where its people - as with the rest of east Bali- are
particularly friendly, welcoming and accommodating. Despite the locals’
activities and the abundance of restaurants and accommodation, it is
surprising how uncrowded and peaceful Sanur is. There are many
activities to try as well as beach resorts and restaurants but these are
all spread along a long coastline, creating a secluded feeling where
the action goes unnoticed to sunbathers and loungers on the unspoiled
beaches that continue to maintain the traditional Balinese feel.
Sanur beach is a long stretch of
beautiful white sand lined with palm trees that shade dreamy footpaths,
market stalls and relaxed beach cafes. Along the beach are traditional
Balinese Bale (raised shaded open verandas for lying down or
relaxing). Most are no longer in use although a few are sometimes
occupied by fishermen who fish in these waters.
The waters of Sanur are protected by a
long string of offshore reefs, creating large, warm shallow, safe
lagoons that are perfectly clear and excellent for swimming, snorkeling
and a whole array of water sports. Surfers will be pleased to know that
the reefs around Sanur produce some of the best waves in the world in
the right conditions although they can be very shallow at low tide. But
there are more consistent waves beyond the reefs good for surfing.
Sanur is also the launching pad for visitors who want to dive and explore the splendors of the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan. Nusa
Lembongan is approximately 8 square km in size, and is one of three
neighbouring islands, the others being much the larger Nusa Penida and tiny Nusa Ceningan.
Many areas around the island are good for diving and snorkeling, with
abundant marine life and healthly corals. Surfing can get a bit crowded,
but the waves are good. There are several white sand beaches away from
the main centers which are virtually never crowded.
Sanur Beach was first introduced by A.J. Le Mayeur,
a renowned Belgian impressionist painter who arrived in Bali in 1932
and soon immersed himself in the culture of the island. He married a
noted Balinese Legong dancer named Ni Polok and made
her his model. Here he created some of his famous masterpieces. Today,
the house of Le Mayeur has become a famous museum where visitors can
view some of his artworks and gain an insight into the romantic aura of
the time when Le Mayeur was one of a handful of expatriates.
As a place where tourism first
flourished in Bali, Sanur has some of Balis’ historic hotels. Built in
1965, the Inna Grand Bali , formerly called Bali Beach Hotel,
was the first five star and the only high rise hotel in Bali. After its
construction a new law came into force where in Bali no hotel may be
built higher than a coconut tree.
Here are also the Sanur Beach Hotel (Initialy called Hotel Garuda) and the Bali Hyatt. All
of these hotels still operate until today with that certain touch of
modernity that offers that nostalgic ambience for those who knew Bali
decades ago before the onrush of tourism. But even today Sanur still
maintains that pleasant ambience with places shaded by high and age old
trees that continue to radiate the serene magic of Sanur.
No comments:
Post a Comment