The Ultimate Travel Guide To Legian, Bali
Your one-stop guide on where to shop, party, eat and stay in colourful Legian
Legian offers something for everybody; backpackers, families & groups of mates on a week’s vacay in Bali.
Legian is the next area right next door to Seminyak, but very few people can actually tell the difference as they tend to blend into each other. The defining line that separates the two would have to be the beginning of Sunset Road just as Jalan Kayu Aya ends and where Jalan Legian begins. For the untrained eye, it probably looks all the same but there is a huge difference; Seminyak is known for its more high-end hotels, villas and shops while Legian caters to the holidaymakers that are on tour packages. While still as busy as Seminyak, there are more local vendors here and warungs catering to those on a tighter holiday budget. Having said that there are still some great villas and gorgeous hotels along the beach, especially in the Double Six area.
Family holidays in Legian
There are heaps of things to do in Legian if you’re coming with the kids. Let’s start with the beach. Probably one of the most famous and populated beaches, Legian is patrolled with easy surf conditions, perfect for a swim between the flags. When low tide comes around most afternoons, locals will play football/soccer on the beach and they encourage people to join them for a few hours. A sunset approaches it’s time to grab a bean bag at the scores of beachside bars to have a cold drink and watch nature put on a show like nowhere else in the world. Plus, it’s a top place to watch the passing parade of people from all over the world walk by.
Getting to other family-friendly activities such as Waterbom Bali or the Finns Splash Park is also really easy from anywhere in Legian. All you need to do is get your villa manager, hotel concierge to organise transport for you. You could always grab a metred taxi as well – they are always driving around.
Restaurants, cafes and eating out in Legian.
If there’s one thing Legian has that’s loads of places to eat. If you’ve got kids to feed, don’t stress as there are loads of family-style restaurants that are all reasonably priced on the beach ( our favourite is La Plancha) as well as all the dozens of alleyways and hidden streets. Basically, everywhere you look you will see some type of restaurant, cafe or local warung (which we might add are really cheap and serve fabulous local Balinese dishes). There is one in particular called Warung Murah which is about a 2 min walk from the beach. It’s famous all over Bali and you will see just by looking at the queues here that the food is outstanding and really fresh. For those that prefer to go to more traditional style restaurants, there are lots on the beachfront. Just walk along the front of the beach area and you will walk right past them. Another restaurant worth going to in Legian especially if you are with the kids for a yummy Indonesian meal is Mades Warung. Afterwards, treat them to Mades Manis Gelato next door.
There are a whole bunch ( in fact far too numerous to mention ) of small local restaurants dotted throughout Legian but you’ll discover these as you meander around the area exploring all the little alleyways and side streets. Al these cafes & restaurants are run by locals and are really well priced for a decent meal. This is not pricey Seminyak or Canggu so you won’t end up paying Aussie prices. Having said that, you’ll be getting more no-frills local food.
Shopping in Legian
Take your credit card because you will need it. There’s shopping overload here and if you’re a shopaholic this is certainly paradise. All over Legian alleyways are dotted with shops selling everything from sarongs, t-shirts and souvenirs by mainly local vendors. Grab a bargain and enjoy the experience of seeing so many shops in one area all looking for your business. If you after some more shopping options the good news is that the larger shopping centres in Kuta like Lippo Mall & Discovery Shopping Plaza are a short Blue Bird taxi ride away. Here there are even more shops, restaurants and ways to spend money.
Nightlife & Sunset Drinks in Legian
There are lots of small rustic style pubs and loads of bars where you can casually pop into for a drink any time of the day. If your want a more glam experience try Cocoon at Double Six Beach or head off to the Double Six hotel for some fine dining and sunset drinks. Most tourists will head to Double Six beach for a few cold Bintangs at about 4 pm to watch the sunset and stay here for a bite to eat. For those that like hardcore nightlife there is always the bars and clubs along Jalan Legian. A few of the main uber large clubs include Sky Garden and Paddy’s Bar.
There are also lots of other smaller bars and clubs along with Jalan Legian catering to the younger crown and backpacker market.
‘Bali Villa Escapes Tip: Avoid this area late at night as the drunk kids coming out of the clubs can be a bit of a worry – it’s only a small section but be careful”.
The Jalan Camplung Tanduk (also known as Dhyana Pura ) is the other main party street in Legian and is choc-full of sports bars ( where you can watch football, cricket & soccer ) and nightclubs. There is also a closely-knit group of gay bars. Although they are gay and LGTB bars they do cater for everyone and you’ll find a good mix of people here; all looking to party.