Sanur is a tranquil beach town in Bali Island, and is located about 15 minutes drive from the bustling city of Kuta. A vacation to Bali is considered incomplete without taking a tour to this traditional village. Situated on the opposite side of the island's southern peninsular, near Denpasar, Sanur has a long history dating back to 913 AD, the details of which are inscribed on an ancient stone pillar, namely, Prasasti Blanjong, which in turn is enshrined in a glass case at the rear of Blanjong on Jalan Danau Poso in the south side of the town. It is at this place where the Dutch forces landed in the beginning of 1900s to begin their quest for Bali. Further, Sanur boasts of the first luxury beach resort in Bali which was built more than 30 years ago. Sanur is now a much preferred destination for comfortable long stays, since it is not as feverish as Kuta or Nusa Dua. It is also a place where ancient Balinese ethnicity and modern comforts exist in harmony. The major draw of Sanur is undoubtedly its magnificent white soft sandy beaches, stretching south for about six kilometers with gleaming tidal crystal like water and ending in the mangrove marshlands opposite to the Serangan Island. Since it is bordered by a reef-sheltered lagoon, the Sanur beach is considered one of the safest in the island. An array of activities can be enjoyed in the beaches such as canoeing, paragliding, and jet skiing. Additionally, the placid waters between the reef and the shore make it excellent for such activities as wind surfing, paddle boating, and swimming, particularly during high tide. Certain parts of the reef are filled with fish species, which make it a great spot for snorkeling. One can also enjoy fishing in the area, for which the assistance of local boatmen as well as cruises are available. In times of low tides, the beach appears to be wide due to its natural formations. In contrast to Kuta beach, the beach in Sanur allows guest to enjoy a range of activities such as volleyball and sun bathing. The beach area also has a paved walkway, which is perfect for activities such as jogging, walking, and cycling. Above all, the beach allows visitors to savor the picturesque views of the surrounding including the magnificent vistas of the sunrise. Also, stunning is the scenic views of the sunset, during which the beach area is dotted with sail boats. Sanur is an important religious center, the evidence for which is a plenty of temples found here. The village is also home to many colorful ceremonies as well as traditional festivals and dances conducted here. One of the most popular festivals conducted here is the Sanur Festival, during which the place is thronged by large number of people. Further, in order to experience the traditional aspect of Sanur, a variety of options are available in the form of dances such as Barong, Janger, and Kecak and traditional puppet shows with themes taken from such great epics as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Also, a unique cultural art form of Sanur is Tabuh Rah, which in turn is a part of a sacred ceremony. A not to miss attraction in Sanur is its local art market, where you can see an array of traditional markets selling items such as handicraft specialties, clothing, paintings, ceramic items, and other unique accessories. Above all, the nightlife in Sanur is truly vibrant with a continuum of nightlife bars and clubs. When comes to accommodation, tourists can choose from a variety of choices including traditional Balinese accommodation and western style luxurious accommodation. Many of the hotels are coupled with high-end facilities and amenities. Additionally, majority of the chic hotels come with excellent restaurants serving a range of cuisines from Asian and western cuisines to Balinese cuisines. Apart from restaurants within the hotels, you can also find a large number of restaurants and eateries along the beachside, from where a variety of sumptuous meals can be tasted. For unique dining experience, Sanur has some superb choices in the form of open air cafes and restaurants. For those looking for privacy, some excellent accommodation choices are beachside villas and bungalows, each of the designed with luxurious facilities. These accommodation options are also great for those who are vacationing with large group. In addition, many of the service providers in the region provide packages crafted with accommodation, dining, sightseeing, transportation, and facilities to enjoy some of the top activities in the area. The internet undoubtedly serves as one of the best sources to find the most suitable accommodation option that goes with your needs. Travel magazines, yellow pages, and reviews are the other sources to search for a suitable hotel or resort in the area.
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