IanR wrote
I'm arriving in Bali to live for some time towards the end of June 2022. I was planning on heading to Canggu but just seen the thread with the video of the dude talking about it and I think I need to reconsider.
So, I am hoping for a steer from some of you.
This is me >
I am a Scottish man, 56 but still feel young (ish). I've lived in Edinburgh, Delhi India, Sweden and leaving from London now.
Just separated from my (Norwegian) wife. We were heading to Bali together with our 12 YO daughter but she has decided that was not a good idea and is heading to Mumbai instead.
We own our company and while I would not describe myself as loaded, money is not an issue.
I would like to improve an already reasonable healthy lifestyle by more exercise and outdoor activities.
Meeting people, the right people, will be high on my priority list when I arrive.
I guess the right people will not be backpackers, under 30's or those who have given up on life.
I want to be close to nice restaurants and live music but far enough away to not be kept awake all night. A nice restaurant for me will serve fish and veg, with good spices. Japanese, Italian and Indian are also appreciated. What I consider nice other than the food > I don't need a linen table cloth but don't like plastic seats.
I've been to Bali a few times on vacation, with 1 month the longest stay, so I have a reasonable grasp of the areas.
The plan is to get a hotel for a week, to find a villa for a month, to find where I want to live for the first year.
I'm bracing myself for the inevitable cheek but also hope for some constructive suggestions.
Thanks, Ia
Hi there,
I live in Sanur due to proximity to a good standard school (Bali Island School). Some of my mental notes after 18 months in Sanur:
> East side Jl. Bypass is beachside tourist zone: Entertainment venues like bars, karaoke, are basically allowed anywhere. Beach clubs and outdoor scenes are allowed. [edited based on SamD comment. tx]
> West side Jl. Bypass is into local residential / small business area which means regular smoke from burning trash, roosters, motorbikes etc. [edited based on SamD comment. tx]
> Along Jl. Bypass: Entertainment like night clubs are allowed.
Positives:
+ Less popular with backpackers
+ 25 min to airport
+ Close to Denpasar city with shops, gov offices and good clinics and hospitals
+ Jogging / bike track along 5-6 km beach
+ Import food supermarket (Grand Lucky)
+ Readily available high speed fiber optic internet
+ Bali Island School yr 1-12 has a good reputation
+ Easy access to Ubud and North East Bali, Nusa Lembongan
Negatives:
- There are quiet spots both sides of Jl. Bypass in Sanur, but watch out for villas located near nightclubs, karaoke, bars, restaurants in the area. Even 200m away from a nightclub can be a problem when standard volume setting is 11!
> avoid central part Jl Sekuta (westside Jl Bypass) due to Black Mamba nightclub
> avoid proximity to main tourist streets like Jl. Danau Tamblingan, Jl. Danau Poso due to noise, same with Jl. Bypass due to noise
> avoid area near major construction sites (Bali beach golf course and Icon Bali)
> avoid areas near major outdoor (stadium) venues (Mertasari beach, Matahari Terbit beach)
> before commit to long term rental/lease: Check out area at evening/nights during weekends to avoid surprises. Rent for 1-2 weeks first to check it out. Ask local people around about any noise or other problems.
> You can search this form for 'noise' OR 'sanur' for more details
- Limited supply of modern style villas with western standard kitchen, storage room, closed garage etc. Mostly target short term rental market.
- Quite expensive rental, lease due to high land prices. Many villas are in poor condition (need renovation).
- Well water often needs filtering due to salt content.
- Beach can be crowded and is not really suitable for swimming
- Jl. Bypass is plain dangerous road: Risky to cross on foot or bike.
In summary Sanur is not exactly a my definition of a tropical paradise, but convenient and necessary due to school. I have stayed in generally more quiet and greener locations in Jakarta!