Some years ago, friend media powerhouse and proud Sanurian Karlie Cummings suggested that My beloved Marina and I visit Sanur with our kids – and we did. Known for its white sandy beaches, calm waters, rich culture, and well-developed infrastructure, Sanur has long been a favorite family destination.
Over the past two days, Sanur has revealed itself to be more than just a vacation spot – it’s a home for many and a thriving hub of transformation, collaboration, and innovation.
Day 1: Connections and Conversations
We started the day at Soya Japanese Restaurant catching up with new and old friends:
📍 Gusde Sidharta Putra – Chairman of PHRI Denpasar, Santrian Group, @sanurfestival, and Yayasan Pembangunan Sanur. He shared a heartwarming story about one of his Australian guests at Puri Santrian, who had visited 84 times, referring to Sanur as “coming home.” Many more guests feel the same way, returning year after year.
📍 Trisno Nugroho SE MBA – Former Director of The Central Bank of Indonesia (Bali), now leading funding and investment for Bali Economic Transformation.
We also discussed Bali International Film Festival otherwise known as Balinale which is Indonesia’s only ACADEMY AWARD® Qualifying International Film Festival, with its founder, friend and client, Deborah Gabinetti. Deborah, renowned for producing Eat, Pray, Love here in Bali, is building Balinale’s success with Sanur as its home.
Day 2: Strategic Partnerships and Future Visions
Thanks to Yoke Darmawan of Darmawan & Associates, director of Sky Blue Sea Foundation which just produced the most important 2-day conference regarding the ocean in Indonesia called, Bali Ocean Days, we attended a gathering at The Meru Sanur Convention Centre, which brought together key stakeholders, including:
📍 The Australian and Indian Consulate Generals
📍 Gus Agung Chairman Bali Tourism Board / GIPIBALI 2016 – 2026
▫Chairman Bali Tourism Marine Association / GAHAWISRI BALI 2014 – 2026
For Baligreen
📍 Respective identities such as cultural practitioner, social impact entrepreneur and King of Puri Anyar Kerambitan – Anak Agung Ngurah Agung Bagus Erawan, Jack Daniels, Sophie Digby and leading stakeholders of Bali International Hospital.
One highlight was learning about the upcoming Bali International Hospital in Sanur’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ). During the site visit, we were impressed by the hospital’s world-class facilities and its mission to elevate medical and health tourism in Bali. The hospital is set to open in mid-2025 and will be a game-changer for Bali’s healthcare sector.
Another exciting development is The ICON Sanur, a premium shopping district set to redefine retail and leisure in the area. The ICON will host a curated collection of local and international brands, providing a modern yet culturally sensitive shopping and lifestyle experience. It promises to become a central hub for both residents and visitors.
A Community-Driven Future
Sanur’s dedication to community, culture, and innovation is inspiring. From tourism and healthcare to arts, business, and retail, transformative projects are unfolding with friends and clients playing pivotal roles.
With its strong roots and exciting future, Sanur is ready to welcome a new era of collaboration and growth.
Let’s work together to build a bright future for Sanur!
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