Bali Photography

The black and white checkered cloth standard of Bali’s netherworld is nowhere more aptly hung than on the ancient coral statues and shrines of Bali’s largest traditional village: Sanur. This was Bali’s first beach resort a place of remarkable contrasts. Located around 30 minutes from Bali villas area of  Seminyak or Canggu.

Sanur today is a golden mile of Baliesque hotels that has attracted millions of paradise seeking globetrotters. And yet, within the very grounds of the 11story The Grand Bali Beach Hotel, a war-reparation gift from the Japanese, nestles the sacred and spikey temple of Ratu Ayu of Singgi, the much feared spirit consort of Sanur’s fabled Black Barong.

Sanur is famous throughout Bali for its sorcery. Black and white magic pervades the coconut groves of the resort hotels like an invisible chess game. And yet the community is modern and prosperous.

Sanur is one of the few remaining brahman kuasa villages in Bali controlled by members of the priestly caste and boasts among its charms some of the handsomest processions on the island, Bali’s only all female keris dance, the island’s oldest stone inscription, and the hotel world’s most beautiful tropical garden. Even the souvenirs sold on the beach beautifully crafted kites and toy ontriggers are a cut above those found on the rest of the island.