In Reply to: Need Help Rediscovering Sanur posted by steph on Sunday, 15. February 2009 at 06:13 Bali Time:
I can't help you with all of your questions (I have 2 boys aged 14 and 17) but here goes.
1. water - you will more than likely be supplied with enough water by the hotel. otherwise Hardie's supermarket is great for all sorts of beverages including the soft kind. Plus there's heaps of little shops that you can buy from.
2. Shopping in sanur is great though there isn't the range of shops that you can get in seminyak. I love Ibisa which does outstanding women's fashion. It's not cheap by Bali standards but the quality is exceptional. It's owned by a Balinese based Aussie who lives in one of the fabulous houses that you pass by along the beach walkway.
There's heaps of smaller shops all along the main street. We walk and then catch a bemo back to the southern end where we stay.
3. Warung's. Sanur has a range of really cheap and cheerful warungs on the beach. Our favourite is Bobby's next to the Sanur Beach Hotel. It's one of 3 or 4 but there are lots of others scattered all along the length of the beach. Nothing better than sitting with your feet in the sand as you eat a fabulous meal for only $5.
4. markets are located toward the northern end as well as the middle of the beach. Most are not fixed price so be strong and check out the range, quality and prices before you plunge in. Prices in the hotel shops and fixed price can give you an idea but aren't always the best indicator. You can probably pick up a hotel tour of the local market if you're prepared to get up early enough.
5. We went to Bali for the first time as a family just after the 1st bombings and it was very sad to see how restaurants had had to forgo their dancing exhibitions. Last year was extremely crowded (almost back to pre bomb numbers ) so you can see performances at a number of places. The Hyatt also has performances. I don't know how authentic they are but could be a good introduction for the kids whose attention span may not last as long as one might like.
Hope this helps.