Sanur
Resort with a “Checkered” Past

The black and white checkered cloth-standard of Bali’s netherworld- is nowhere more aptly hung than on the ancient coral statue and shrines of Bali’s largest traditional village: Sanur. This was Bali’s first beach resort- a place of remarkable contrasts.

Sanur today is a golden mile of Balisque hotels that has attracted millions of paradise seeking globetrotters. And yet within the very grounds of the 11-story The Grand Bali Beach Hotel, a war-reparation gift from the Japanese, nestles the sacred an spikey temple of Ratu Ayu of Singgi , the much feared spirit consort of Sanur’s fabled Black Barong.

Sanur is famous throghtout Bali for its sorcery. Black and white magic pervades the coconut groves of the resort hotels like an invisible chess game. And yet the community is modern and properous.

Sanur is one of the few remaining brahman kuasa villages in Bali- controlled by members of the priestly castle – and boasts among its charm some of the handsomest processions on the island, Bali’s only all female keris dance, the island’s oldest stone inscription, and the hotel world’s most beautiful tropical garden. Even the souvenirs sold on the beach- beautiful crafted kites and toy outriggers-are a cut above those found on the rest of the island. Sanur