Bali Sanur Village

A stretch of golden sand, a line of traditional fishermen boats known as “jukung” and the beauty of the sunrise is a picture perfect description of Sanur Village. At the spark of the first sunrays, the entire village comes alive…from the beachfront to the markets, the villagers are working intensely with their tasks for the day…a short stroll along the streets or beach is a perfect way to start the day in Sanur, and Sanur has so much more to offer and discover.

For those who enjoy arts and paintings, a visit to the first Museum built in Bali, Museum Le Mayeur is a must to visit. Housing more than 80 original paintings and other priceless artifacts owned by Adrian-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes since the First World War, this museum is a national asset and is historical remains. Le Mayeur spent almost one quarter of his life here in this very place, recording the beauty of Sanur and his beloved Balinese wife on canvas.

For those seeking the cultural aspect of the village can watch the talented community through the Janger, Kecak and Barong dances. A combination of graceful Balinese dance movements and the dynamic sounds of the traditional Balinese orchestra “gamelan” is an enjoyment for the sight and sounds. The traditional puppet show can also be seen within the village grounds, this specific show is unique and indigenous to the art forms in Bali. Famed stories originate from the Ramayana and Mahabrata epics. Not performed regularly, the “wayang” puppet shows are usually available during specific ceremonies. All performances are always accompanied by the musical orchestra except the Kecak Dance, of which the music is produced by the chanting words of “cak cak cak” created by the troupe that usually consists of up to 100 men dressed in black and white loin cloths in a circle while a part of the Ramayana epic is being enacted. The sounds produced is similar to the acapella but in a traditional Balinese sense.

Another great Balinese cultural form of art is the “Tabuh Rah” which is part of a sacred ceremony to balance between the micro and macro universe, which is also a unique attraction. The word “tabuh” means to pour liquid to the earth and “rah” means blood. So literally it carries the meaning to pour 5 different liquids to earth, four main liquids of which are “tuak” (palm wine), “arak” (palm brandy), “brem” (rice wine), “toya anyar” (plain water) and the fifth being “rah” (blood). The blood is taken from the blood of the rooster, after a cockfight which is the excitement of the entire ceremony. The Tabuh Rah ceremony is usually performed during “Tawur Kesanga”.

For a more religious visit within the Sanur area, you can always visit one of the many temples found within the Village. Every corner of the temple is a beautiful sight and each carrying a specific meaning to the Gods and Goddesses guarding the temple. Foreign visitors are more than welcome to enter the temple grounds as long as the rituals and activities conducted within the temple grounds are highly respected. When entering the temple grounds, ensure that you are adorn with the sarong as well as a sash that is tied around the waist, also that you are wearing decent clothes as sometimes wearing a tank top may be considered rude. Normally, due to the growth of the tourism industry these sarongs and sashes can be hired at a minimum fee. Pay special attention to the announcements usually available at the entrance of the temples before you enter. The most popular is that you must not walk in front of a Balinese who are praying and never walk in front of the priest, nor stand/lean on sculptures just for the sake of getting a better angle for your photographic needs. If you are unsure of any of the regulations when entering a temple, do not hesitate to contact a local that will be more than happy to advise you on the normal procedures.

Another must visit when in Sanur is the local art market. This traditional market carries anything and everything for you to bring home as souvenirs. Handicrafts, paintings, accessories, clothing, ceramics are just to name a few. A stroll along the road to visit some of the local shops is also a must do. Sanur is also home to locally known top brands that will satisfy your shopping desire such as Mama Leon, Jenggala ceramics, Hatten Wine, Bali Moon are just to name a few.

	Museum Le Mayeur Address: Hang Tuah Street Sanur Beach, Denpasar Telephone : (62-361) 286 201 Fax : (62-361) 222 680
	SDM Ticketing Agent Address : Jalan Danau Toba no 15 Sindhu Phone : (62-361) 785 6787 Fax : (62-361) 282 884 e-mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
	Kartika Travel agent      Address Jalan Danau Tamblingan