Legian, Bali

Situated close to the tourist mecca of Kuta, Legain offers a more peaceful retreat for beach-lovers heading to Bali. The mellow beach breaks are well suited to novice surfers looking for world-class tuition. The Ombak Legian Store and Surf Academy is accredited by the Australian Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI), and they are sure to provide you with a wealth of knowledge ranging from surf etiquette to board handling.

Hidden away from the hubbub of Kuta, Legian bay is close enough to any amenities that you may need, but secluded enough to feel like you're off the beaten track. The resort of Legian offers an array of restaurants, bookshops, markets and an ASI accredited surf school. The softer, mellower waves on the bay make Legian a popular place to learn about surfing, beach etiquette and environmental awareness. To fully experience the Balinese culture and lifestyle, most of the resorts in the area hold weekly festivities or performances of the story of Ramayana, with colourful costumes and lively music from the Gamelan Orchestra.

Recommended highlights

The following experiences are possible from Legian. Talk to our expert travel consultants about how to make your holiday extra special:

See the Awe-inspiring Ancient and Modern Cultural Treasures of Denpasar City

If you're staying in Legain and you've already explored what you can there, why not take a day trip to visit Denpasar? You'll be tantalised by the modern and ancient historical interests that await you at the Denpasar Museum and Arts Centre, after lunch in a street cafe, you should engross yourself in the colourful local markets.

From Legian to Ubud: Shopping Heaven for Bargain Hunters

Why not take a trip to Ubud visiting the studios and galleries en route from Legian. See Celuk for spectacular Gold and Silverware; stop in Mas if you're partial to woodcarvings, and Batik designs; for something a bit more exotic, try Batuan, where you'll find the finest stone carving and the museum of modern Balinese art. Enjoy the thrill of bartering, when you negotiate the price - stick with your instincts and you'll be rewarded for your persistence.

Spectacular Uluwatu Temple Tour From Legian

The Uluwatu temple, located on a spectacular rocky cliff, is one of Bali's most well-known and most photographed places of historical interest. You should spend the day exploring the spiritual surroundings and then climb up to the Uluwatu temple at sunset, when you'll witness the wild monkeys gathering along the cliff near the sacred holy temple.

Scenic Adventure Encompassing Singaraja and Gitgit Waterfall

If you're stationed in Legian, and you fancy exploring the exotic terrain of the Balinese countryside, you'll be amazed at what natural treasures await you. Why not drive through Bedugul with a stop at the fruit and vegetable market at Candikuning Village. Take in the magnificent Lake Beratan with its beautiful Ulun Danu temple, then continued for a short and relaxed hike to visit the natural wonder of Gitgit Waterfall. After that, why not head to Singaraja, which is the former capital city of Bali and Pabean, which is the previous major harbour during the Dutch colony. Stop for an Indonesia buffet lunch located along Lovina Beach, with its curious black sand.

Experience the Unusual Traditional Kecak and Fire Dances of Batubulan

The Captivating Kecak, Trance and Fire dances are performed at sunset in the small village of Batubulan. The Kecak dance (or Monkey dance) tells a story from the Ramayana epic, but without the usual Gambelan orchestral accompaniment. Instead you'll be mesmerized as a 100 strong male choir chant, shout, sway and move about - in an eerie way. The next dance has the same kecak choir accompanying two beautiful small girls in a trance. The last performance is the fire dance, where an entranced man on a wooden 'horse' runs through hot ashes from burning coconut husks with bare feet, which is also accompanied by the kecak choir.