This was our fifth trip to Bali and our fifth stay in sanur so you would be right in thinking that we don't ascribe to the belief that the area is too boring.
We stayed for the second time at the Sanur Beach Hotel and like last year were very happy with the room, the breakfasts and the service. The hotel was full when we arrived yet we were still able to get our room 2 hours before the official check in time which is only a small thing but makes a holiday that little bit easier.
It was then off to Bobby's warung next to the hotel. For us our sanur holiday doesn't really start until we have our bare feet in the sand , a view of the sea and an icy cold bintang in one of Bobby's stubby holders to be sipped (or gulped) while we wait for our chicken curry or grilled fish to arrive all while trying to ignore the bowl of peanuts that come with the beers.
One of the things about Bali is how it has managed to come back from the disastrous effects of the bombings and this year things seemed to be at bursting point - it was hard to believe the locals who reckoned that the number of tourists were still a little lower than 2001.
One benefit for the locals seemed to be that restaurants were now so busy that they could afford to pay for dancers and for musicians/bands. One down side for tourists is that the bands seemed to get paid according to how loudly they played. The volume of music belting out was one of the things that determined whether we chose a restaurant or went back there as often a conversation had to yelled out or abandoned altogether - defeated by the bands LOUD rendition of yet another Eagles classic.
That said we had some great meals and it really is difficult to find a place that isn't good. Highlight this trip - found unfortunately on the last night was Charming. Located on the Hyatt side of the road and just up from the Ganesh roundabout this place served the kind of Asian fusion dishes that make Indus such a hit. The setting is just gorgeous and the little extras like crudites, dips and cashew nuts were a delight. Best of all though was the food with my Tuna steak being the best I've had in bali or anywhere else for that matter. Thickly cut , it was seared on the outside and soft and pink in the middle - Yum.
By Balinese standards it's a little more expensive but for $15 in total the meal was the best I've had in bali. I only wish I hadn't scoffed the cashews so i could have tried a dessert.
One of the joys for me in sanur is spending lots of time exploring the aisles of Hardy's supermarket. I love the amazing range of things that have familiar brands but are not available in Oz like the wafer tim tams, the toiletries where the emphasis is on being white (no fake tans in these aisles) and the truly amazing ways you can combine seafood and junk food snacks. Best of all I love buying a year's supply of balinese soap which is usually half the price at Hardy's compared to other places. This year had the added bonus of being able to pack my goodies away in a green carry bag which acts as a constant reminder of my holiday now I'm back home.
We also had a fabulous time getting small presents for friends and family at Bali Harum - oils , lotions and potions often beautifully packaged in Batik bags and usually less than $3.
I can't end my JBR without putting in a plug for my favourite dress shop in Sanur. Ibisa has the style and cut that make their clothes great value - certainly better than most of the rubbish sold in Animale or shops in Seminyak. Their sizes are cut for a western woman - I am a size 8/10 and their small is more than generous and their prices are about a third of what you would expect to pay back home. If only Sanur had a branch of Ubud's Portabello all my dress wishes would come true.
Thanks for reading.