Bali Tourist Information

Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) at the center of Nusa Dua complex, Phone 771010.

How to get to Nusa Dua

The airport taxi co-op counter is outside customs ‘ near “left luggage”. The average fare is Rp 35,000 to Nusa Dua, Rp 40,000 to Tanjung Benoa and Rp 45,000 to Pecatu/South Nusa Dua.Most hotels have a taxi counter run by a private company or co-operative. Prices are significantly higher (30%) than other resorts, with the drive to the airport costing $10 or more. Open-topped buses with tropical motifs travel throughout the complex and to Benoa village. The fare is Rp 1,000. There are car rental companies at each of the three gates of the Nusa Dua complex, near the Tragia Supermarket and at several hotels. There’s also a bemo terminal. The fare is between Rp 1000 and Rp 2,000 to Denpasar, and Rp 2,000 to Tanjung Benoa.

Eating in Nusa Dua

The Nusa Dua complex has many international restaurants (with international prices) in the five star hotels. A 7-course French meal at the chic Semeru Rotisserie in the Putri Bali costs $55/person. All hotels hold theme buffet dinners featuring Balinese dance for $30-$40/person. The Galeria area offers Spanish, Indonesian, Balinese, Italian, Korean, Thai, Swiss-German, Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisines. Try Warung Bali to taste some local flavor, Sendok Restaurant for a variety of international dishes and Escargot for French cuisine. For fresh spicy seafood, try the Jala-Jala restaurant in the new Nikko Bali hotel. For excellent Japanese food including sushi and teppanyaki, the Matsuri Japanese Restaurant, next to the Galleria Shopping Complex, is a must.

For cheaper food and more natural surroundings, head for the village of Bualu just outside the resort. Outside the main gate to the right is the big Lotus Garden (free transportation in Nusa Dua area) restaurant which serves fesh, homemade pasta, grilled seafood and steaks. If you like spicy West Sumatran food, try Mega Meriah Padang on JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai. The best price-quality deal, though, is the Ulam Restaurant, just outside the gate facing the Hilton. The specialty is the seafood basket for $8 per person. It’s a favorite haunt of ministers and celebrities. Kuta’s popular Poco Loco Mexican food has opened a branch at JI. Pantai Mengiat. Also on JI. Pantai Mengiat is Nyoman Beer Garden with its extensive international menu, featuring great pasta and fresh seafood.

Finally, if you decide to go native and eat for a dollar, there’s a sate stall near the main entrance, or try the bakso Solo (meatball soup) at the night market in front of the local movie theater.

Bali – Tanjung Benoa

Tanjung Benoa is the natural northern continuation of Nusa Dua, with the white sand beach stretching the length of the coast. It is a booming resort, popular with water sports enthusiasts.

The Tanjung Benoa area has an increasing number of good restaurants. Near the peninsula tip, the sumptuous Beluga Watersport Complex is a hull shaped restaurant renowned for its rijsttafel, only $10/person. The beach side Rai restaurant features lobster and fresh fish grilled to perfection. For good European fare and pizza, dine at Novotel Benoa. At the southern end, across from Club Mad (and a favorite of its staff), is the Casanova Italian restaurant. For Indonesian food, Bambu Indah has a good reputation among locals. More upscale but excellent quality is Pasar Senggol, nightly at Grand Hyatt Bali. For $37, all you can eat of a variety of Indonesian fare from vendor carts and stalls, plus an excellent dance performance. Tanjung Benoa Café Jl. Padma #216. Enjoy Indonesian, Chinese and European cuisine and the romantic atmosphere.

Tanjung Benoa Activities

Facilities are available at reasonable rates in over 10 locations. The following is a rough price guide. Canoes: $6/hour. Deep-sea fishing: $50-$75. Scuba Diving: $34-$85 for certified divers, $55 (boat dive). Snorkeling around Nusa Dua: $10. Day trips to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan: cost $60/boat. Banana boats, water scooters, water skiing, jet skis, wave runners, windsurfers, and parasailing are also available.

Tanjung Benoa Shopping

Although the Nusa Dua / Tanjung Benoa area does not compare to Kuta or Denpasar for choice, you can find a wide range of products in a much smaller area. Prices are fair.

Set inside the Nusa Dua resort, the Galeria Shopping Complex has textiles and handicrafts, including leather, batik, woodcarving, and paintings. Galeria has expanded and improved with greenery and lively kiosks selling crafts and fast foods. A new games center entertains youngsters and the island’s largest music outlet is here. Keris Gallery is an up-market department store. There’s also a Duty Free Shop, a Tragia supermarket, a huge branded jeans warehouse and numerous international restaurants.

Another shopping area is near the main Tragia supermarket on JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai. There are a number of leather shops where you can bargain for custom-made leather jackets for as little as $120. Most of the other stuff on sale is the same as that found in all the main tourist areas, minus the chic of some of the Legian and Sanur shops. The Tragia supermarket itself is a good place to buy souvenirs for a fixed, higher price, but minus the hassles. For an excellent and wide selection of local wood furniture, visit Tuahta Furniture, JI. Pratama 100X, Tanjung Benoa. They will also help with shipping if something large catches your eye.

Tanjung Benoa Night Life

Nusa Dua is a resort for short stays, conventioneers and families who generally don’t go out. If they do, it’s either to Jimbaran or Kuta. There are a few nightspots in the resort, however: Bali Hilton’s Octopus Fun Pub with live music from 7 pm-10 pm and karaoke until 2 am; live bands and big screen video at Grand Hyatt’s Lila Cita, 6 pm-2 am; or Quinn’s Pub at the Sheraton Laguna with music from 9 pm; for an elegant night out, Club Tabuh at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel has a nightly band alternately featuring jazz, Caribbean and Top 40 music from 9 pm-1 am. In Tanjung Benoa, try Grand Mirage Resort’s Cool Bar with karaoke and dancing 9 pm – midnight , or Hemingway’s Piano Bar for after-dinner drinks and piano with vocals, 6 pm -midnight.Nusa Dua’s Amphitheater frequently sponsors cultural performances from across the archipelago and often has international performing artists appearing.

Banks and money changers: Both are available at Galleria or outside the main gate to Nusa Dua.

Medical Service: The BTDC Clinic, across from Nusa Dua Galleria, and the Nusa Dua Clinic, across from Bali Royal in Tanjung Benoa are both open 24-hours.

Telecommunications: Wartels are located at the BPLP/STP Hotel & Tourism Institute in Nusa Dua, Phone 7771165 and behind the Police in Tanjung Benoa, Phone 773648. Both open 8 am-11 pm .

Postal Service: Most hotels will post letters for guests. The Nusa Dua post office is outside the resort’s main gate. Hours: Mon-Sat 8 am-8 pm, Sun 8 am-noon, holidays 8 am-2 pm.

Newly discovered quiet beaches are cascading down to the South up to Uluwatu at the South tip where the sacred cliff-top temple is located. Balangan, Dreamland, and Pecatu to name some which mostly the paradise for seasoned surfers.

A newly developed cultural centre named Garuda Whisnu Kencana is also located in the area. Some construction is underway, some parts have even opened for public. The centre-point will be a giant statue which will be overlooking the ocean, just like the American Liberty statue.

Taxis can be booked at the airport taxi counter, Rp 25,000 to Jimbaran and Rp 45,000 to the Bali Cliff Resort. The blue bemo from Denpasar’s Tegal station costs Rp 2,000. Bemos to and from Kuta are Rp 1,500 and require a walk from the end of the airport road. To Sanur, via Tegal and Kereneng stations, Rp 2,000 to the Central terminal in Nusa Dua, Rp 2,000.

An ojek motorcycle taxi can be taken from Jimbaran market. Bargain first based on the distance you want to cover. You must wear a helmet.

Eating in Jimbaran

Cafe Latino on JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai, is well known to Kuta regulars. Open from 7 pm. Italian seafood restaurant.

PJ’s at Four Seasons Resort has the best pizza on Bali . Open 11 am-10 pm .

La Indonesia , JI. Uluwatu 108, offers garden dining and dishes from around the archipelago.

Next door is Depot Windy, serving Chinese food.

Down the street, Puri Lombok Bar and Restaurant, JI. Uluwatu 8A, offers Chinese, seafood, Indonesian, European and pasta.

M’Mam, JI. Uluwatu 39B, has Indonesian, Chinese, barbecue, grilled fish and steak.

If you wish to “go native,” try the stalls near Jimbaran Market, Sari Bundo, or Gong Minang, JI. Uluwatu, good Padang restaurants with spicy Sumatran food for around $3 a dish.

On JI. Bukit Permai, the road to Four Seasons, you will find Kakul Kafe serving Indonesian and Western fare beachside.

Nearby and stretching right along Jimbaran beach is a succession of simple beachside seafood restaurants. Coming alive after sunset, the restaurants grill the choicest prawns, squid, snapper, and lobster over coconut husk fires. The setting is unbeatable with the tables right on the water’s edge. Choose your fish from the ice boxes, pick a table and enjoy. This is definitely a must-do while in Bali.

Shopping in Jimbaran

There is a range of small shops and the village market has plenty of color. Apotik Darma, near the market, has pharmacy essentials, as does Swastika Drugstore on JI. Uluwatu.

Jatis Art Shop has paintings and the Art Shop next to Avis has a variety of souvenirs. Both are on JI. Uluwatu.

YG Collection tailors export quality leather clothing in 24 hours, JI. Uluwatu 39A.

Anniso Tailor is south of the intersection of JI. Uluwatu and JI. Tukad Badung. Also on JI. Tukad Badung is Dewi Kini House of Beauty and Traditional Treatments. Also try Sol reflexology on JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai.

Medical and When youre Sick

Jimbaran Clinic 24-hour service, JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai 95XX, Jimbaran (Phone 701467).

Activities in Jimbaran

If you are a hiker, there’s a path running along most of the cliff, passable during the dry season: don’t miss the caves of the Balangan area.
For water sports, contact your hotel or a company such as Baruna, JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai 300B. Hire fishing boats in the harbor for $12 an hour.
The Bukit area south of Jimbaran is sacred to the world’s surfers. For tips on the best spots, contact the surf shops in Kuta orjust inquire on the beach.

Other info : Bank. Bank Rakyat Indonesia , JI. Uluwatu.

Central Telecommunications Office: JI. Uluwatu, north of the market.

Laundry Service: Toko Umum, north of the market.

Post Office: Bukit Jimbaran Post Office, JI. Uluwatu 35. Open Mon-Thurs at 8 am-2 pm , until noon on Fri, till 1 pm on Sat, closed on Sun.

Money Changer & communication: Dewata. JI. Uluwatu 9A.

PURI LUKISAN / GALLERY
The Museum Lukisan Ratna Warta, usually called the Puri Lukisan (the palace of paintings), was opened in 1953. Set amongst a restful sculpture garden, this museum contains a magnificent collection of modern Balinese paintings and sculptures, chosen under the discerning eye of the Dutch artist, Rudolf Bonnet (1895 – 1978), over the years since he first arrived in Bali .

CELUK
Balinese jewellery is unique, and Celuk is the home of much of it. Nearly every family in Celuk is involved in some aspects of the delicate gold and silver work, which has become very famous over the years.

MAS VILLAGE
Mas is a village specializing in woodcarvings of any kind. Most of the prominent wood carvers of Bali dwell in the village, producing elaborate and fine woodcarving and this is where they teach the young generation to carve by imitating the master carvers.

BATUBULAN
Just outside of Denpasar on the road to Ubud, is a small village where stone statues line the roadside in an impressive array. Terrible fanged demons, noble warriors, and animals of all shapes and size and at all stages of completion rest under the shady trees.

UBUD
Famous for its painter’s community, Ubud is special in more ways than one. It has its own magic, and its particularly beautiful surroundings and gracious way of life have drawn celebrities and artists from all over the world in recent decades; some have even adopted Ubud as their own home. The magic is easy to find – just take a walk south of the village through its terraced paddy fields to the monkey forest. Fresh water spouts out of the sheer rock at the base of the ravine, and a bath in a secluded shady spot is purifying.

GOA GAJAH
Literally means Elephant cave, and it is a “T” shapped cave. This was an ancient monastery of Hindu and Buddhist monks who used to meditate in the cave. It is believed that the cave was built in the early 11th century. Its face is elaborately carved, depicting a demon head splitting open the rock with its bare hand at the mouth of the cave.

BALI BIRD PARK
The Taman Burung Bird Park Situated in Batubulan, is home to more than thousand birds (250 exotic bird species) from Indonesia and all over the world. It is set in Two hectares magnificent gardens filled with tropical plants, water features and spectacular rain forest in aviary. Also see the famous komodo dragon. Has restaurant for visitors to interact with nature by having breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea with birds.

TAMPAK SIRING
A holy spring which bubbles up in the inner courtyard of the Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring is believed to have magic curative powers, and throngs of people visit the special bathing pools where clear cool water spouts from mossy walls. Legend has it that the God Indra created the spring, piercing the ground in search of holy water.

GUNUNG KAWI
These 11th century tombs , carved out of the rock face of the gorge of the Pakrisan river, are approached by a steep descent through breath- taking rice terrain scenery . Historically, the tombs probably have some connection with King Anak Wungsu. Across the gorge are some more impressive tombs that were the resident meditation caves of the only men who were the keepers of the tomb.

While it’s possible to visit Ubud in just a day, such a short trip would barely touch the surface of this extraordinary village. An interesting mélange of rural Balinese life and modern services co-exist here. Only 60 minutes from Ngurah Rai airport, Ubud is close to many of central Bali ‘s major sights. Despite the fact that visitors may outnumber residents during peak periods, Ubud retains the atmosphere of a small country community and, in contrast to the hassle of Kuta, the pace of life is very relaxed. It’s a great place to tour on foot or by bicycle and there’s a wide range of facilities for tourists of all budgets, as well as beaches 10 km away. For those who enjoy being close to natural beauty, yet within easy reach of creature comforts, Ubud is ideal.

UBUD

The main crossroads in front of the Puri Saren palace is the “navel” of Ubud-its cultural and historical focal point. The main street is lined with restaurants, hotels, shops and galleries, stretching all the way from the T-junction at the eastern end of Ubud to the Campuhan Bridge in the west. Small lanes lined with home stays, warungs and Balinese compounds extend north and south from the main road.

Jl. Monkey Forest , branching south from the middle of Ubud is lined with hotels, restaurants, artists’ studios, and boutiques for a distance of some 2 km. A parallel road just to the east through Padang tegal is similar, though less congested. Away from these main streets, Ubud is still relatively quiet.

Roads radiate west out of the main town to Campuhan and Payangan, south to Pengosekan and east to Goa Gajah. Local bernos can be flagged down in the daytime on the main road. Ubud to Campuhan, for example, costs Rp1000.

Ubud Tourist Information

For information on performances, transport schedules, temple festivals, and special activities, inquire at the Ubud Tourist Information Center , across from the Pura Desa (village temple).

How to get to Ubud

Ubud is 60 minutes by car from the airport and southern beach resort areas and 40 minutes from Sanur. Taxis from the airport cost Rp. 90,000 (AC). Look for the booth at the airport: turn right after you leave customs. Alternatively, charter (and bargain for) a bemo outside the airport for about Rp 75,000.

From Denpasar, take a bemo from Kereneng Terminal to Batubulan Terminal. Then transfer to Ubud (Rp. 1,000). Chartering a bemo from Denpasar costs about $9. Alternatively, hop on one of the many shuttle buses which depart Kuta for Ubud at 8.30, 10 and 11.30 am, 1, 2.30 and 4pm ($4). Contact Perama Tour, JI. Legian, Kuta.

Although it’s easy to get around Ubud on foot, you may choose to rent a mountain bike to save time and effort. Mountain bikes can be rented everywhere for $2/day. Motorbikes (100cc) cost $5.50/day. A Suzuki jeep costs $20 to $30 daily; cheaper by the week or month. Look for signs along all main roads.

Buy shuttle bus tickets to Kuta (Rp. 10,000) and Candidasa (Rp. 15,000) from the many travel agencies in town. For a full schedule, contact Peramaswara Tour & Travel, Jl. Hanoman. Shuttles to Sanur, Kuta and the airport depart at 8.30, 10 and 11.30 am, 12:30 , 3.30, 5.30, 6.30, and 7.30 pm. Direct Kuta shuttles depart Ubud the same hours. The shuttle to Lombok via Kuta leaves at 6 am .

KINTAMANI

Kintamani is great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days. At Penelokan you can view the panorama of Mount Batur set in a huge volcanic crater basin. Stop here on the way to Singaraja to climb to peaceful Pura Tegeh Kuripan. Try to arrive at Kintamani in the morning, as it’s often overcast in the afternoon, especially during the rainy season.

There are two possible options for staying near Lake Batur : up on the ridge or down inside the crater. The villages within the crater tend to have a rather unpleasant atmosphere with a lot of people hassling you. The views, however, are stunning. The main reason to spend the night in the crater is to climb Mt. Batur at dawn.

There are several attractions from Penelokan, starting with the view from the crater rim toward Lake Batur . Rim temples include Pura Ulun Danu Batur and Pura Tegeh Kuripan, both on the main road. A visit to the crater might include a boat trip to the traditional village of Trunyan , the lava fields, the hot spring at Toya Bungkah, or climbing Mt. Batur .

The best way to visit the crater is with your own transportation or chartered minibus. Walking is possible, but distances are long and the descent into the crater is very steep. You might want to finish your visit with a dip in the lake.

Penelokan and the crater villages are rather “un-Balinese” with vendors hassling you and people approaching you in the street to book accommodations.

There’s a local authority charge of Rp550 per person for any car with tourists crossing into the region, plus Rp250 for the car. A similar fee is charged in Toya Bungkah.

Kintamani is the end-point of several tour itineraries heading up from the lower rice plain in the south. Most buses come up the good, scenic road via Tampaksiring, with stops on the way at Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul, then going back down through Bangli and Pura Kehen. But there are other interesting routes. One leads from Peliatan in the Ubud area through the wood-carvers’ villages of Tegallalang, Pujung and Sebatu. The views along the way are superb. Other roads from Ubud to

Kintamani run through Payangan or from Denpasar through the Sangeh monkey forest, Plaga and Lampu, arriving to the north of Kintamani.

Bemos to Kintamani are available from Ubud via Sakah (notable for its huge “Baby” statue). They also run via Tampaksiring and Bangli.

From Denpasar bemos leave for Kintamani from the Batubulan terminal until late afternoon. The normal fare from Batubulan is Rp2,000 and from Singaraja Rp4,000. Rent a motorbike or car if you want to explore the great back roads in the Kintamani area.

Shuttle buses which run between Ubud and Singaraja stop in Penelokan. From Ubud $4.50-$7, from Singaraja $9-$11.

Alternatively, you can also join a day tour and ride up in air conditioned comfort, lunch included. On such tours, however, you will only see the view of Penelokan and then return, missing the caldera and the lake down the Kedisan road.

Charter bemos from Penelokan to Kedisan cost Rp5,000; Kedisan to Toya Bungkah Rp. 1,000 by bemo or Rp.20,000-Rp.25,000 for charter bemo, depending on your bargaining skills.

To Trunyan from Kedisan

Down inside the caldera you can cross to the lake village of Trunyan either from Kedisan or from Toya Bungkah. Be warned that the people here can be quite aggressive and the government has long advised tour operators not to send tourists to Trunyan.

In Toya Bungkah, the normal “tourist” price is $16 (including insurance) for the round trip for a ful I boat of seven. Don’t expect to pay the local price. In Kedisan, the round trip costs about $20 per boat, with a price per person decreasing to $3 per person is the boat is full. If you are tired of bargaining hassles, simply hike around the crater to Trunyan.

The main attraction here is the white sand beach bordering a reef-sheltered lagoon. The beach stretches south from The Grand Bali Beach Hotel and ends up in the mangrove marshes opposite Serangan Island . Due to the protection of the lagoon, this beach is one of the safest on the island, and thus perfect for families. There is no surf apart from out on the reef, and one cannot swim at low tide, but at other times this is the best place in Bali for windsurfing and sailing.

Sanur can be divided into several sub-areas:

The Grand Bali Beach Hotel area
West and south of the hotel, at the point where the black and the white sand beaches meet. This northern section of Sanur is popular with local crowds.

Sindhu
Is east of JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai, and south of JI. Segara Ayu extending south to the first stretch of JI. Danau Tamblingan. This area is classier, with good hotels on the beach, night and art markets, and good restaurants.

Batujimbar
Further south, has few hotels, but is the location of expatriate and Indonesian jet set society mansions. Exclusive beaches are reached via small lanes.

Semawang
stretches south from the Bali Hyatt Hotel to the Sanur Beach Hotel and beyond. It houses both the priciest hotels and restaurants, as well as the red light district.

Get to Sanur from the airport by taxi. Tickets available at the airport taxi co-op counter outside customs, near “left luggage”. The set fare is Rp. 60,000 to Sanur.

Within Sanur either rent a car or catch one of the many public bemos that ply Jl. Danau Tamblingan for Rp 2,000. These can be chartered for short hops around Sanur ($2-$3), and for trips to Denpasar or Kuta ($4-$6). Bargain hard. The terminal of the Praja Taxi company is in Sanur, Phone 289191, 289090. Bali Taxi is in Jimbaran, Phone 701111, 701621, 701633. Pan Wirthi Taxi is in Kuta, Phone 723355, 723388, 723952.

Biking around Sanur is also fun. At the Tri Dewi Art shop, JI. Danau Tamblingan 48, in Semawang, you can rent a bike for Rp 15,000/ day; try bargaining. The bicycles aren’t the greatest. It may be wise to pay more by renting through your hotel.

Sanur is an ideal base for trips to Bali ‘s rice growing heartland and the mountain areas. Rent a self-drive car or a minibus with driver on a daily basis. There are car rental companies on JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai and on JI. Danau Tamblingan. Cars and minibuses for hire are found outside all major hotels, or go through one of many car rental companies.

The most reputable self-drive rental agencies are Avis, which has desks at Jimbaran, in the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and the Sheraton Lagoon Nusa Dua; Bali Car Rental on JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai; and Toyota Rent a Car at the airport, Jimbaran, on JI. Raya Airport 99X, in the Bali Padma Hotel in Legian, and Kartika Plaza Hotel in Tuban.

A day-trip in a minibus with a multilingual guide costs around $35, including gas, depending on the itinerary. Group tours cost as little as $10-$15 for the main tourist destinations. Contact Pacto, Tunas Indonesia, Mekar Wisata, or your hotel travel agent.

Private Houses

An alternative to standard accommodations is to rent luxury bungalows owned by affluent foreigners. These can work out relatively reasonably, if food and drink are bought at supermarket prices. Prices range from $250/day for a villa for two, to $1,500/day for a two-hectare beachfront estate with 14 staff, an archery range and use of a game fishing boat

Eating Out in Sanur

The Bali Hyatt, The Grand Bali Beach and Sanur Beach hotels have a wide variety of restaurants, buffets, and coffee shops. The food is mostly European, but they also offer Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine.

Restaurants outside the hotels offer a greater variety of food in a broad price range. Most close at 10 pm .

The cheapest and most colorful food spat at night is the Sanur Night Market, located in the Art Market. The food is spicy, but nothing is cheaper; you can get a nasi campur for Rp 5,000-Rp 7,500.

For cheap, but better quality local food-the kind of place where your guides prefer to eat go to the street restaurants in Sindhu, on Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai between JI. Segara Ayu and JI. Sindhu. Try Haji Imran’s (sate), Cak Muk or Depot Robby’s (Chinese).

Warung Jawa Barat, on the corner of JI. Mertasari and JI. Kesumasari in Semawang, has a range of Sundanese food from Western Java , such as grilled fish, karedok (mixed raw vegetables in coconut sauce) or sate. Prices are good: between $1-$1.50.

For late-night eaters, Sanur has several moderately priced Padang restaurants open all night. 15-20 spicy dishes are laid out for you to choose from: you pay only for what you eat, so keep track. Cinto Bundo is in Batujimbar, where as Sari Bundo and Murah Meriah are in Semawang, in the midst of the red-light area.

There are two village cooperative restaurants in Sanur. Geared to tourists’ palates, they have the advantage of being located right on the beach, a privilege denied to their competitors. Sanur Beach Market, at the end of Jl. Segara Ayu, is outdoors. Specialties include sate, nasi goreng, fresh grilled fish, grilled lobster; all reasonably priced. Profits from here and the nearby market go to the Sanur village foundation to run schools, clinics and art classes.

Banjar Restaurant is at the end of JI. Duyung in Semawang and offers the same range of Indonesian and Chinese food. The association also rents boats for sailing trips on the lagoon.

Sanur Restaurants

Sanur’s “in” place to eat is the Cafe Batujimbar in Batujimbar. Its hanging vines and sturdy furniture gives it the look of a Riviera roadside cafe. This is the haunt of the local expert colony, many of whom live in the sumptuous Batujimbar Estates just across the road. The cafe offers light, healthy food with daily specials at reasonable prices. Coffee is a specialty.

Koki, on JI. Bypass, is favored by local foreign residents. A pub atmosphere and generous servings of European-style food and billiards, make this a versatile stop. Another simple, yet cozy place, is the Agung Restaurant just before the Semawang crossroad. For all palates, including Australian, European as well as Japanese, at under $5. A similar place, with music, is the popular J.J. on JI. Tamblingan. Those looking for American food should try the Borneo , conveniently located among the trees of A. Sindhu. Open until 11.30 pm. For an Irish flavor go to Tamarind restaurant and bar JI. Merta Sari (next to the British Consul) and try their sausage and mash, cottage pie and other classics from the emerald isle.

Luxury Restaurant in Sanur

Some of the best places for those who want to dine in luxury are found in hotels such as La Tavema (good seafood, brick-oven pizza) and Tandjung Sari. The latter is famous for its Indonesian rijsttafel and its Balinese palace atmosphere. Dine to the strains of a bamboo tingklik orchestra while looking out over the sea, or have a drink in the seaside bar. A romantic spot for dinner by moonlight.

A few stylish places can also be found on Jl. Danau Tamblingan, including Istana Garden in Sindhu, Bayu Garden in Batujimbar and Lotus Pond ( free transportation in Sanur area), in Sindhu, which floats on a pond of lotus flowers, is decorated with antiques and serves great fresh pasta. A Royal Indonesian Buffet (Rjstafel) is available every night. If you want a pleasant Balinese ambiance, try Gazebo’s Kuri Puti, on JI. Danau Tamblingan 35, or Kul Kul, further down the road in Batujimbar. All offer similar fare and prices-menus generally feature grilled seafood. Many also stage dance performances and offer pick-up services.

Telaga Naga (“Dragon Well”), opposite of and operated by the Bali Hyatt, has the best Chinese food on Bali in the most exclusive setting: a lotus garden. Great Szechuan food. Try their chicken with dried chili peppers or the roast duck. Lenny’s on JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai was the first Chinese restaurant in Sanur. It features good Indonesian/Cantonese style dishes (very fresh vegetables) at reasonable prices. Sin Bo Lan, or SBL, is a favorite of the local Chinese. Tasty spring rolls. Janur Garden , JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai, marvelous squid and shrimps. Wayang Bali, also on the bypass, offers an international menu of sizzling steaks, delicious pasta, healthy salads and sandwiches in AC comfort. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Trattoria Da Marco’s, in Semawang, claims to serve “the best Italian food on Bali .” Their grilled fish, spaghetti carbonara, bean salad and delicious steaks prove it. Ball Moon makes marvelous lasagna.

Japanese and Korean

These restaurants cater mostly to the increasing number of Japanese tourists. Kite on J1. Danau Tamblingan offers sukiyaki, yakitori and tempura. Ryoshl on JI. Danau Tamblingan 150, is an island-wide favorite for dependable fresh sushi and typical Japanese fare. Chong Gi-Wa features all the standard Korean favorites including kimchee and bulgogi barbequed beef in sweet soya.

Sanur Night Life

A quiet family resort, Sanur is not known for its nightlife, but there are two discos. The Banjar on JI. Duyung, near the beach next to the Bali Hyatt, opens until 2 am , with reggae music on Saturdays. Janger Bar and Disco opens from 8 pm-5 am , I think Janger is now close, but you should check this out.

Kafe Wayang has an innovative Asian menu and a lively jam session on Friday and Saturday nights. Right next door, Jazz Bar and Grill promotes live jazz music every night and features a huge bar, pool table, and a Cal/Mex menu. Both are on the intersection of JI. By-Pass and JI. Hang Tuah and are open to 2 am .

The Bali International Sports Bar, next to Borneo on JI. Sindhu, is a popular spot for expats with its western menu and live satellite sport broadcasts on the big screen.

Sanur Dance Performance

Sanur is just a short taxi ride away from Denpasar and Batubulan, where barong, keris, fire, and kecak dance performances are held regularly. Contact a travel agent. Most hotels offer Balinese buffet dinners with dance performance for about $15 a head. A number of restaurants offer similar shows at lower prices.
Sanur Shopping

Tourist shops line all the main streets of Sanur. Although there is more choice in Kuta and Legian, prices are similar if you bargain well. Otherwise, go to the arcades in the main hotels for high quality goods and no bargaining

Books. The main hotels and photo centers on JI. Danau Tamblingan have P range of guides to Bali and Indonesia in English and other languages. Also try Kita Bookshop at Café, Batujimbar, and Klik Klak Studio, next door, for coffee table books on Indonesia and postcards.

Clothing and Batik. Kartika Chandra Batik Center and Serasa Batik Collection on JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Tohpati, west of Sanur, sell a complete range of high quality but expensive batiks. For fancy clothing, Nogo Ikat Center has two shops along JI. Danau Tamblingan at no. 98 and no. 208, selling elegant, hand-woven ikat designs. Shoes, handbags and accessories from natural textiles are available at Miranda Inti Alami, JI. Hang Tuah 43, across from the entrance to The Grand Bali Beach Hotel.

White embroidered dresses are available at Bali High, JI. Danau Tamblingan at the JI. Karangsari intersection, Uluwatu JI. Danau Tamblingan, and Mama & Leon, JI. Danau Tamblingan 99A. Raffiesia, on JI. Danau Toba sells leather clothing. Imba Leather City sells fashion bags, shoes, and garments, and makes to order at JI. Danau Tamblingan 8, near JI. Danau Toba. For high fashion, try the major hotel arcades.

Food. Gelael Dewata Supermarket on JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai is the place for imported cheeses and meats, as well as general toiletry items. Alas Arum, JI. Danau Tamblingan, has a wide selection of imported goods and sometimes has wine and spirits. Many other general stores in Sanur such as Bagus Store and ABC Store offer cold beer and soft drinks at a fraction of hotel prices.

Home Furnishings. For decorative objects go to Bali Curious Goods on JI. Danau Tamblingan 94, next to Bayu Garden Restaurant. For creative ceramics, try Café Batujimbar’s ceramic shop on JI. Danau Tamblingan or visit the factory outlet across the street in Batujimbar Estate. Pejaten at Griya Market has decorative plates, cups, etc.

Jewelry. Suarti Designer Collection, JI. Danau Tamblingan 69, is well-known for export quality silver jewelry.

Paintings. For good genuine contemporary painting, go to Wianta’s, JI. Pandu, 300 meters from the Renon junction, on the road to Denpasar. Souvenirs. The Sanur Beach Market has a good range of inexpensive gift items. JI. Danau Tamblingan has dozens of shops selling local handicrafts: textiles, carvings, paintings, leather, and silver goods. Eden has rattan-leather items such as purses and pencil cases.

Serangan (Turtle Island)

Serangan Island was labeled for some major development projects until the political and economic turmoil of recent years put everything on hold. Unfortunately this was a little too late for the island which had been completely cleared and leveled in preparation for the proposed development. Although the village and turtle farm still exist, the rest of the island is nothing but a flattened wasteland. There is only one advantage to all this-there is now road access, via a man-made causeway, off the Sanur By-Pass (opposite Macro Supermarket) to the former island and the famous surf breaks just offshore. Email me at Lisa@baliforyou.com if youre interested in visiting this island

Sanur activities: water sports

You can find almost every watersport imaginable here. Most of the facilities are found right on the beach in front of the big hotels such as The Grand Bali Beach, Segara Village and the Bali Hyatt. The excellent Blue Oasis Beach Club at Sanur Beach Hotel rents Hobiecats, Lazers and windsurfing boards. Courses for those wishing to learn windsurfing are also available.

Sanur offers diving and snorkeling, although not the best in Bali . There are several agents that organize trips. In Sanur, Bali Marine Sports on Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai. Baruna Sport has beach booths in front of The Grand Bali Beach and the Bali Hyatt. Surya Water Sports is at JI. Karang Sari 1, offering diving, parasailing, banana boat, glass bottom boat, jet ski, Turtle Island , and dolphin tours. The beach counter is on JI. Duyung.

The only operator specializing in tours to Komodo Island is based in Sanur and has a fully equipped dive boat running charters on request for a minimum of five passengers. They also organize several one day and charter excursions east of Bali , diving packages and charters. Grand Komodo Tours, JI. Hang Tuah 26, Sanur.
Besides the charter services offered by various tour agents, Spice Island Cruises, JI. Padang Galak 25, Sanur, offers 3and 4-day luxury cruises aboard the 140-passenger Bali Sea Dancer and the 120-passenger Oceanic Odyssey. Departs every Mon and Fri, includes stops on Sumbawa , Komodo (and Lombok with the 4-day trip). Rates, including cabin, food and Komodo tour, start at about $500 per person.

Sanur beach ceremony

To appreciate the beach from a more Balinese perspective witness the daily ceremonies that take place along the shore: cremations, reduction and presentation of offerings, ritual bathing, among others. Inquire at the beaches and dress appropriately (no swimwear) to attend.

Banks: Bank Dagang Negara at Bali Hyatt (Phone 281234). BDB at intersection of J1. Bypass Ngurah Rai and JI. Sindhu. Bank Desa Sanur, JI. Danau Buyan (Phone 288246), JI. Sudamala (Phone 288402) in front of the Grand Bali Beach .

Money Changers: PT Dewi Segara at Gelael Supermarket, J1. Bypass Ngurah Rai at Turismo Indonesia , JI. Danau Tamblingan 85, across from Café Batujimbar.

Post Offtes: Most hotels provide postal services. Post office at JI. Danau Buyan, open daily 8 am-2 pm. Closed Sun. There are small post offices next to Sanur Beach Hotel and Café Batujimbar. Go to Denpasar’s main post office in Renon for full services.

Telecommunications: Citra Agung, JI. Danau Tamblingan (Phone/fax: 288864/5) and Anggar Ari Agung, JI. Danau Tamblingan 174 (Phone 288020, fax: 285035).

Massage: After a long journey around Bali , have a Japanese shiatsu massage at LG Club Sehatku. Sauna, steam, whirlpool, Indonesian herbal lulur baths are also available.

Medical Treatment: If there is no medical service in your hotel, see Dr Anak Agung Made Djelantik at JI. Hayam Wuruk 190, near the Renon crossroads. For a dentist, see Dr. Retno Agung at JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai close to the intersection with JI. Danau Buyan.