sorry I missed this post for some reason.
Not sure about your hotel- is it definitely that name? Or is it Sanur Beach?
You are going to my favourite destination. Bali is just beautiful. Its not really the beaches- they are fine but not wonderful. The scenery is breathtaking though. The people are lovely. Great food. Great shopping.
Sanur is not busy so be prepared to have early nights- or spend nights on your balcony.There are a few late night places though. Its close though to Kuta if you fancied a busy night. We only got round to that once.
Haven't heard about rabies. I was trying to remember if there were a lot of dogs in Sanur and I just don't think we saw that many. We did see a lot in Ubud and I got a real scare one night when we saw a pack along the road to our hotel terrifying people who ran into restuarants or bars to escape them. They didn't actually attack anyone but it wasn't worth the risk. That was the only time I have been concerned I have to say. Have a look through this forum for trip reports and please, please spend a day or two exploring.
My trip reports here, here,hereand finally here

Hi,

I think Fiona would also point you to http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/bali/sanur/puri-santrian-hotel/ which are reviews of the Puri Santrian - most people like it there!

As Fiona says, there are not a lot of dogs in Sanur (although there are a few) - just be sensible and avoid them, there should be no trouble.

Janet and I like Sanur - it has managed to retain its Balinese feeling, far better than Nusa Dua/Tanjung Benoa which have an artificial feeling.

Don't forget to do Ubud - it is definitely worth a couple of relaxing days, if you can spare the time.

You may also find some restaurant tips in my last Sanur trip report http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=139717

I notice that you are also going to Borneo in February. We are off in March for KK, stayin at The Tanjung Aru and the Ras Ria.
If you get back by 3rd March, I would appreciate your comments, both on KK and the Tanjung Aru.

Enjoy your trip

Peter

Many thanks for that puts our minds to rest, we are starting our holiday in mid Feb going to Bali, then Bornio, KL, Langkawi, Penang, 5 1/2 weeks, we have always wanted to back pack when we were young, so now we are doing the back packing 5 * LOL

After taking fantastic advice on this forum a couple of years ago when we went to Thailand, I was looking for some advice with regards to Bali!
we are a couple in our early 40s, like to chill but also like plenty to see and look round - bit of culture, lovely scenery etc. Alan is a keen scuba diver so likes to go off for a day doing that when I am quite happy chilling with a book and ipod. We like to have a good pool/beach, good (luxury if budget allows) hotel, usually on a B& B basis. Are main evening entertainment is to eat out, so looking for somewhere with a wide range of restaurants. We loved the beach restaurants in Chaweng, Koh Samui where you sat at a table on the beach and were served traditional Thai cuisine, so would like something similar. Not to bothered how busy the resort is - Chaweng was just right/bordering on the slightly too busy for us..
Can anyone recommend suitable places to stay on Bali as well as any further things to see and do that may suit us, I have scoured the majority of all your posts to find ideas, but still a bit stuck on where to stay!
thanks
Claire

Claire, why not consider Lombok for a few days of your trip. It's only 25 mins away (by plane) and the snorkelling is much better, and you get better value for money. Maybe consider somewhere on the outskirts of Sengiggi (like Qunci Villas, or Puri Mas - I'm not a massive fan of staying in Sengiggi itself) or even the Gili Islands - try Gili Trawangan for a few days.

Cheaper, different, and much better beaches than Bali. Otherwise if yuo want to stick to Bali, Jimbaran has some lovely local restauarants, otherwise I prefer staying on Seminyak for the vibe.

Seminyak would like to know a bit about it Sam, is there more going on than Sanur ?

I'd say Seminyak & Sanur are chalk and cheese. Sanur is one of the original beach resorts and as a result gets a lot of the original 1970's larger Bali hotels. As a result it tends to get more groups (and has been nicknamed 'Snore' for the level of activity by some people!) and is used a lot by larger Tour Op's.

Seminyak has a couple of larger hotels, but tends to the top range but smaller hotels (Samaya, Oberoi, The Legian) and a whole bunch of smaller Pool Villa complexes like the Elysian, Amala, Villa Kubu behind them (some very good value). You won't (or - you might, but i'm not aware of!) the type of US$100 per room places in larger resorts you get at Sanur.

At nighttime it's very relaxed, and you find a lot of the uber trendy bars (Cafe Warison, Ku De Ta etc) are open. I like the vibe and feel of Seminyak, it's very relaxed place. Looks great at nighttime. Beach can be a bit 'surfy', but i've swam there a few times. As usual, lots of metered taxis, and easy to get everywhere else like Kuta when the need arises.

I havn't been to Sanur the last 2/3 times i've been though except to get off a boat from Nusa Lembongan, so not sure how much it has changed.

No Worries about the Puri Santrian as it's a fabulous hotel with a great reputation. We stayed there and really enjoyed it.

Puri Santrian have in the past had a tendency to overbook and send customers to their sister hotel the Griya Santrian... however, if this happens do not worry as the GR is just as lovely and in a better position in Sanur. Either way you will enjoy the Santrians.

Cheers Geri

Sorry I should have mentioned the Rabies outbreak.

Most of the dogs have been rounded up and been inoculated and they now wear collars to show this.

We are just back from Bali and was told a lovely story of last years round up. One of the dogs on Legian Beach was rather partial to a retired expat who lives 6 months of the year in Bali. The Vet came round to vaccinate the dogs and this dog wouldn't come. So the expat called him over, the Vet got him and now the dog gives him a VERY wide birth and won't come near him.

On a more cautious note... I'd be more wary of the monkeys as they are nasty creatures and not to be trusted and they also carry the Rabies virus. Should you be unfortunate to be bitten then you should seek medical advice immediately. I was bitten a couple of years ago (skin wasn't broken) my only crime was to sit down and within minutes I had one on my shoulder looking for ear rings and nits in my hair (didn't find any lol) and another on my knee trying to get into my bag. The monkey got annoyed because I'd folded it over and couldn't get in... so the lousy thing growled and bit me.

Have a wonderful trip.

Cheers Geri

Anyone stayed in Club Santrian rooms at the Puri Santrian?
Looking at booking this hotel and like the idea of adults only pool (now our kids are grown up).

Hi Debs

We stayed in the Club rooms and they are really lovely. The afternoon tea was a let down as it was a cup of coffee (you could stand your spoon up in) and piece of lousy cake, it was wasted on us.

Our deal didn't include the full buffet breakfast (just the Continental) so we went along to reception and they swapped our afternoon tea voucher for a full buffet voucher.

Have a great stay.

Cheers Geri

when in Bali,take a trip to the Gilli islands,we stayed 2 nights and it was paradise,and the Butter fish in the local resturant was to die for,and the whole experiance did not break the budget.ENJOY

Hi

My name's Lisa and I am lucky enough to live in Brunei (for 2 years). So I am planning many trips while here.

I have tried to PM Fiona as I would love to find out more about her guide in Bali (Wayan). My husband 2 children (13 and 12) and I are going to Bali in July. I haven't book hotel yet as I am still unsure where to stay. Children want to surf and snorkle. Me and Hubby like to eat out and a bit of live music would be good, but don't need late nights or night clubs.

Any advice would be very welcome. I can see me spending alot of time on this fab website as we are also going to Hong Kong soon.

Many thanks in advance.
Lisa

hi Lisa and welcome to HT
I have misplaced the number for the guide I'm afraid.
Lucky you- I wanted to go back in July but the airfare is ridiculous this year. Sanur may be a bit on the quiet side for you so will leave recommendations for others.Also I wouldn't think it would be the best place to snorkel. But I would say Kuta is also probably not for you- full of clubs and a bit manic.
Bali is a stunning island- I hope you like it I would recommend you have a couple of days in Ubud. Just to see the Temple dances at night. There are some gorgeous accomodations there.

Fiona,
Many thanks for your advice, I booked today in the Padma Resort in Legian (it had great reviews and was more than we really wanted to pay, but hey you only live once). we are going to Ubud, after what you said I had a good look and I am so glad you recomended it, it looks fabulous. Not booked accomodation there yet.

Thanks for the help, I will let you know what I think when we get back.

Lisa

Lisa you won't regret staying at the Bali Padma it's a top resort and in a great location. Heaps of restaurants just outside the hotel (turn left) so no need to pay Padma prices. Lots of bars on the beach for a sunset drink. When I say bars I don't mean a building as such... just an 'eski' (cooler) being sold by the beach hawkers. Enjoy your stay

Cheers Geri (going again in just over 7 weeks)

hi Lisa
glad I could help

Thanks Geri, I was uncertain about paying so much, but I have always wanted to go to Bali and I wanted to make sure it was the best we could make it. I am gettting very excited now. We are going to Hong Kong in 10 days and I keep forgetting as I am more interested in Bali. (alright for some hey)

Thanks again

Lisa

OK we are going to Bali in early June. 3 nights in Ubud and 7 nights in Sanur. Have read all the posts and got loads of ideas, but anyone got any 'really must dos' that we should do whilst we are there?
we love to tour around seeing new places, with a bit of relaxation thrown in. not big party goers in the evening, love a good meal of local cuisine. so again any recommendations on this -we are staying at the Bali Hyatt in Sanur and the Alila in Ubud, which is just outside the main town but provides a free shuttle bus in. Any excursions recommended from either Sanur or Ubud that anyone recommends?

thanks
Claire