Sanur Village Festival

Sanur got a wake up call today with the start of the Sanur Village Festival. The 5 day event runs from August 15th-19th and showcases some of the area’s favourite businesses. This afternoon I rode down there and took a butcher’s (that London speak for ‘look’) at the proceedings.

Getting to the Sanur Village Festival from Kuta & Nusa Dua is easy, just head towards the roundabout in Kuta and take the turn towards Sanur. In about 20 minutes you’ll see the McDonalds on the right side, which is Jl. Segara Ayu. Hang a right towards the beach and right away the banjar guys will direct you to parking, which for my motorbike this afternoon was gratis (free).

Attractions at the Sanur Village Festival are in 2 main locations. Halfway down Jl. Segara Ayu towards the beach on the left side is a large area given over to a Bonsai & Adenium display. Fortunately for those of us under the age or 70, some lovely young Balinese ladies were on duty outside to brighten up the affair. In my opinion #3 on the left side deserved to be #1.

In an adjoining area a set up something similar to an English tea party was laid out. Complete with tables, chairs and an assortment of Sanur’s finest food and drink outlets, this was the designated place to get merry. Stopping into the Cat & Fiddle Pub’s booth I said hello to owner Mark Wilson, who also happens to be the Honorary British Consul. Mark asked me if I wanted a beer or a new passport (small Bintang 12,000rp). A performance stage was set up for evening entertainment and the food and drinks area is in operation from 11am to 10pm. Flying over the festival were some magnificent kites. This one was way up in the sky and was huge. The other main area for the Sanur Village Festival is down at the beach where another large performance stage.

Along the beach side footpath excited vendors offered their services, obviously noting the increased pedestrian traffic. A food competition was in progress late this afternoon, with some of the finest Balinese chefs showing their skills. The dishes created were on show and I must admit all looked great. Most featured seafood and all were original in style. For a tasty memory of the Sanur Village Festival I chose one of the sate babi (pork satay) vendors on the beach, who cooked me 10 sticks for 5,000rp. Enak sekali!.

Plenty of lovely kids and proud parents, this lady kept offering me a massage while taking care of her son. The Sanur Village Festival seems low key, and ideal for families, couples and solo tourists and expats to wander into and have a decent time. Here is the schedule of events.