3 weeks in Bali, Indonesia- 5/28- 6/15/2024

Day 19 -Icon Bali, Sanur-6/14/2024

 Icon Bali is a modern beachfront lifestyle and shopping complex right along Sanur’s shore that officially opened in June 2024. It was designed not just as a mall, but as a place where shopping, eating, entertainment, culture, and the beach all come together in one scenic space. The mall was developed as part of a collaboration between the government and the private sector to revitalize Sanur.

Sign leading to Icon Bali.

 The unique façade takes inspiration from the landscape, flora, and fauna of Bali, with the forms of the main façade inspired by terraced rice paddies, a banana leaf, frangipani, and a snake fruit.

The complex is brand new and was open to the public just a few days ago. The mall includes parking for 1,100 cars, 700 motorcycles, and a bicycle parking bay, as well as disabled customers.

Right when we stepped inside Icon Bali, you’ll notice one of its most impressive features, a huge indoor water fountain that becomes a visual centerpiece of the space. It’s tall, beautifully lit, and often a focal point for photos. The water moves in patterns ,sometimes gentle streams, sometimes cascading and dynamic, creating a sense of movement and coolness that contrasts nicely with Bali’s warm air.

The complex is designed to take advantage of Bali’s beautiful light and warm breezes, there’s lots of space to walk, with wide pathways, shaded seating areas, and tropical landscaping that blends modern design with island style.

Beautiful wall filled with tropical plants.

We are now on the second floor looking down.

There are a mix of international brands and local boutiques, plus a unique feature called the Jaje Floating Market, where more than 30 small vendors sell Balinese snacks, crafts, and drinks in a fun, market-style setting right at the beach level.

From the second floor, the view down opens up to one of the most lively and charming parts of Icon Bali. Below, you can see a collection of small vendors set up with carts, each topped with bright, colorful covers. From above, they almost look like a miniature market village, neatly arranged and full of energy. The pops of color stand out against the modern architecture, giving the space a playful, local feel that contrasts nicely with the clean lines of the complex.

As we walked toward the far end of the complex, the space opened up even more. Large floor-to-ceiling windows lined the wall, and through them the ocean came into full view. The blue water stretched out beyond the glass, instantly drawing your eyes outward and reminding you how close you are to the coast.

Sunlight poured through the windows, filling the area with a soft glow and reflecting off the floors.

From inside, you could watch the waves rolling in and see people moving along the beachfront promenade, all while staying in the cool, shaded comfort of the building. The windows felt less like a barrier and more like a frame, turning the ocean into a living picture.

From inside, you could watch the waves rolling in and see people moving along the beachfront promenade, all while staying in the cool, shaded comfort of the building. The windows felt less like a barrier and more like a frame, turning the ocean into a living picture.

Cocktail time

Afterward, we headed to The Meru Sanur for cocktails, and the atmosphere immediately felt calm and refined.

Cheers!

Sitting there with a drink in hand, the view unfolded in gentle layers. Closest to us, workers were quietly cutting the grass by hand, moving carefully and methodically, a scene that felt almost meditative and deeply rooted in tradition.

Beyond the green lawn, the water of the pool caught the light, smooth and still, creating a peaceful contrast to the soft movement of the workers nearby. And further in the distance, past the pool, the ocean stretched out endlessly, its deep blue blending into the horizon. The sound of the sea mixed subtly with the clink of glasses and quiet conversation.

NEXT... Day 20-last day in Sanur