Sindu transformed into modern market

Visiting a traditional market in Sanur could be an alternative activity for visitors to Bali.

The image of a traditional market as a dirty, crowded and unpleasant place does not describe the newly-renovated Sindu market.

In operation since l972, Sindu market has become an attractive place where people can bargain for fresh meat, fruits and vegetables sold in clean and hygienic stalls. Market chief Made Sudana said that around 2,000 people visit the market every day.

“We have a spacious parking lot and many other facilities to provide visitors with good services,”
Sudana said.

Sanur has been a favorite destination for foreigners since the early 1960s, when Bali’s first star-rated hotel, the Bali Beach Hotel, was opened by the late president Sukarno.

The vegetable, fruit and meat stalls at Sindu market are usually open from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m., but some shops and vendors operate their businesses into the late afternoon, Sudana said

Ida Bagus Gede Sidharta Putra, chairman of Sanur Development Foundation, explained that the multi-billion rupiah renovation of Sindu market was financed by the foundation through a community-based financing scheme.

A traditional market should not always be thought of as a dirty place, he said, adding that to maintain Sindu’s cleanliness, the foundation constructed a Rp 3.5 billion waste processing plant.

“I believe that only a few traditional markets in Indonesia have waste processing facilities,” Sidharta said.

Sindu market is now becoming a culinary destination. Every morning, chefs from surrounding hotels are seen taking their guests to the market to buy groceries, spices and fresh food for their breakfast and lunch menus. Instead of going to shopping malls, many young people are beginning to visit this traditional market on Sundays.

Cultural and Sports Events in Bali

• The Quicksilver Open 2010-Surfing Competition.

Keramas Beach, Gianyar, Nov. 1 to Nov.6

• Bali Yoga Festival, Rudhana Museum,  Mas, Peliatan, Ubud.
Nov. 5 - 7 (free-of-charge)

• Commonwealth Tennis Championship.

Westin Hotel, Nusa Dua, from Nov. 2 - 6.
• Vasudhaiva Kuntumbakam International Bali Meditators’ Festival.

Astina Field, Ubud, Nov. 12-14.

Info: info@balimediates.org