New Bali Beach Club Officially Scrapped As Sanur To Focus On Health And Wellness

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Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies has this week listed Bali to discuss the future of tourism on the island.

He has responded to an investigation into a beach club that was set to be built in Sanur’s new special economic zone, which is dedicated to medical and wellness tourism. 

Sanur is one of the oldest tourist resorts in Bali, and over the last five years, it has received a huge amount of investment to become what will be known as the Sanur Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Medical Tourism and Wellness.

This huge development project has seen the construction of the Bali International Hospital, which will open in late 2024, major renovations to Sanur’s most famous hotel, now known as The Meru and the development of a shopping mall and entertainment complex. 

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Over the past week, speculation has been growing about the development of a sizeable beach club in the heart of Sanur.

As a tourist destination, Sanur’s appeal and charm are derived from its being much quieter and more relaxed than busy and bustling resorts like Seminyak and Canggu.

Sanur has restaurants and bars that stay open late but are not home to the big beach clubs found in resorts like Canggu and Uluwatu.

Many Bali lovers were fearful that the establishment of such a venue in Sanur would change the atmosphere of the much-loved resort forever. 

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The Mayor of Denpasar confirmed that he would be refusing the development of a beach club in Sanur and many other political leaders weighed in with their concerns too.

Many people were first and foremost frustrated that the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of Sanur could be about to be charged, but the impact a big beach club would have on the wider area, traffic issues, and infrastructure were also common themes amongst complainants. 

On Wednesday, 7th July, the Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, confirmed that the beach club project will not be granted licences or permits for development.

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He was clear that any new development in Sanur must be in alignment with the promotion of fitness, health, and wellness-based tourism. 

Minister Uno told reporters, “Today we met twenty-five investors to follow up on the launching of the health tourism [special economic zone] in Sanur, and the interest to invest is very big.”

The Minister sounded confident that the international investors would be able to bring positive benefits to the new medical and wellness tourism zone in Sanur.

In addition to the Bali International Hospital, other private medical facilities will open in the area. Clinics focusing on cosmetic surgery, stem cell services or facial care, fertility (IVF), diabetes, geriatrics, and dental health services are all poised to set up shop in Sanur. 

He added, “This beach club [plans] turns out to be so noisy, it won’t happen, it doesn’t exist now.  As soon as we checked with Mrs. Made [Deputy for Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism and Management Ni Made Ayu Marthini] …this beach club no longer has a sign.”

Minister Uno confirmed,  “After we [explored] the plan, the beach club was not continued. So because the government is pushing for Health SEZs, we are focusing more on wellness tourism in Sanur.”

Minister Uno continued to explain that there is a time and a place for beach clubs in Bali.

While he is confident that some beach clubs can bring positive benefits to the region, it is not appropriate for such a venue to be developed in Sanur at this time.

He shared, “We hope that in the future, there will be more solidarity with the community so that they will have the opportunity to provide input on development and investment in the region…There are also beach clubs that have transformed into villages like Potato Head.”

“It’s called Potato Head Village, and we have to have this new concept and flexibility to provide a quality and unforgettable experience for tourists.”