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Laid back Legian is wedged between rowdy Kuta and sophisticated Seminyak and strikes a perfect balance between these two worlds. The ambiance in this beachside town is less in your face than Kuta but more relaxed than Seminyak. Legian offers a hassle free escape by the beach with endless restaurants, spas and bars to choose from.

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Legian Overview

Legian has taken a bit from its famous neighbours and emerged as that third bowl of porridge: not too hectic (hey there, Kuta!), not too uppity (we see you, Seminyak) but juust right. This relaxed beach town attracts travellers after a hassle free holiday filled with sea, sun and sand with ice cold Bintang beers and affordable massages never too far out of reach. Legian is also a good option for travellers looking to stay close to famous Seminyak on a more budget friendly price tag.

Legian centres around the main street of Jalan Raya Legian which runs parallel to the beach and Sunset Road, the main highway connecting you to other parts of the island. This provides easy access to the beach and also makes exploring the rest of the island a snap. With so many restaurants, spas and shops to choose from, you could also spend your whole holiday exploring this vibrant neighbourhood alone, occasionally hopping over to neighbouring Kuta and Seminyak.

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Planning Your Trip to Legian

Vibrant Legian remains a popular destination throughout the year, though beach conditions are at their best during the dry season in May – September. Our Legian travel guide aims to give you the essential information, list the most popular things to do in Legian, provide more information on locations you want to visit, and finish with some inspiration from our travel writers. For more information on events and festivals taking place throughout the year, check out our comprehensive Bali guide.

Legian Weather

Bali is pleasant all year round! May through September has the best weather (drier, less humid) and is the best time for many activities including diving and surfing. November though March is rainy season – though rainfall is never excessive so you can do most activities except volcano treks.

Bali Weather Month-by-Month
Average temperature by month
Average rainfall by month

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE

The temperature ranges from 24 degrees to 31 degrees all year round.

AVERAGE RAINFALL

Rainfall ranges from 0cm to 140cm during the wet season.

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Things to See & Do in Legian

Legian is a relaxed beachside destination with something fun and exciting happening throughout the year. The area is tailor-made for hassle free holidays, whether that’s with family or a group with friends, with the beach, restaurants, spas and boutiques rarely beyond walking distance.

Spa Treatments

There are some fabulous (and well-priced!) spas in Legian where you can enjoy a classic Balinese massage or opt for a mani-pedi or perhaps a pampering hair treatment. For the most popular venues, it’s best to make an appointment beforehand to avoid disappointment. Many venues in Legian offer great value for money compared to upmarket Seminyak. Our concierge team can also organise a professional spa therapist to visit your villa for massages and other spa treatments.

Shopping

It’s easy shop ‘til you drop while staying in Legian. The main street of Jalan Raya Legian and many of the smaller side streets are lined with small shops selling clothes, jewellery, accessories, knick knacks and other keepsakes to bring home with you. You’ll also find stalls selling the same gear along Jalan Melasti – don’t forget to haggle for the price! You’ll also have easy access to the malls in neighbouring Kuta and the chic boutiques dotted across Seminyak.

Tours & Activities

Life in Legian revolves around the beach. This wide stretch of sand is dotted with sun loungers and parasols which you can rent for the day, along with stalls hawking surf boards, coconuts and ice cold beers. There also a handful of more sophisticated beach clubs lining the beach, ideal for a chic round of sun downers. If you prefer to a stay a little more active during your holiday, there are a few well rated surf schools in Legian (though you can also simply rent a board at the beach). Should you get bored with the beach in Legian, you can simply walk down the sand to neighbouring Kuta or stroll over to Seminyak to visit the most famous beach clubs on the island.

Convenience comes with a price and today, Legian has been commercialised to the point where the area lacks the feel of the “real” Bali. For a taste of the local culture, why not organise a day trip out to Ubud, Uluwatu or further out? This will give you a deeper understanding of life on the island and allow you to try out thrilling activities like mountain biking, white water rafting and more.

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Eating & Drinking in Legian

Dining in Legian is easy going and relaxed, with ample options appeasing all budgets and palates. Rather than stuffy fine dining, the area focuses on hassle free dining that’s ideal for relaxed meals with the family and fun nights out with a group of friends.

Restaurants

One thing’s for sure: you won’t starve while staying in Legian. Dining options in Legian tend to be more casual than in neighbouring Seminyak. There are a few more refined options in the area, mostly located at well-established resorts and hotels. Beyond the more elevated culinary highlights, Legian’s offerings tend to be more lowkey and relaxed, with classic Indonesian dishes paired with tried and tested Western favourites. You’ll find plenty of options lining the main street of Jalan Legian and its smaller side streets, with some appealing options dotted along the beach. For even more options, the endless restaurants of Seminyak are also close by.

Nightlife

Legian is a great spot for a fun night out, with lively restaurants, relaxed pubs and funky beach clubs keeping travellers entertained well past sunset. Though robust and vibrant, the nightlife in Legian is not as rowdy as neighbouring Kuta. Plenty of restaurants in the area feature live music several nights a week, offering the perfect setting for dinner and drinks with the family. The beach front is a popular spot during sunset, with well-established beach clubs allowing for relaxed mingling long after nightfall.

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Legian Neighbourhoods

Legian is a beachside area nestled between the Indian Ocean and the busy main road of Sunset Road which connects you to other parts of the island. The main street of Jalan Legian is a lively street lines with shops, restaurants and spas with smaller side streets jutting towards the beach (and Sunset Road in the other direction). Another popular area to look for accommodation is the area surrounding the beach which also provides easy access to restaurants. Staying close to this hot spots means you’ll be within walking distance from the beach, restaurants and shops. If you’re staying closer to Sunset Road, reaching the beach might require hopping in a taxi.

Legian & Surrounds

Legian is positioned on Bali’s popular southwest coast, blending in seamlessly with Kuta in the south and Seminyak up the coast. You can walk from Legian Beach down to Kuta or if you’re feeling very energetic, walk through Seminyak Beach and all the way up to the surf beaches of Canggu. On your way, you’ll pass by the popular beach clubs located in stylish Petitenget. Travelling inland, you’ll discover the hidden gem villas tucked into the relaxed neighbourhoods of Kerobokan and Umalas.

Bali Seminyak La Plancha Beach

Seminyak

Located north of Legian on the southwest coast of Bali, Seminyak is home to all the best restaurants, beach clubs and boutiques.

SEMINYAK GUIDE
Looking for things to do in Seminyak on a budget? Striking a pose at the iconic Potato Head Beach Club is just one option - check out this article for seven free things to do in Seminyak, Bali!

Petitenget

Petitenget is really a neighbourhood within Seminyak, offering trendy beach clubs, restaurants, boutiques and spas.

PETITENGET GUIDE
Old Man's | Canggu, Bali

Canggu

Canggu is a popular surfers’ destination located to the north of Seminyak, offering a trendy interpretation of modern day Bali.

CANGGU GUIDE
Bali Kuta Beach Surf

Kuta

Kuta attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and is extremely hectic and congested – ideal for young travellers and party lovers.

KUTA GUIDE
Villa Mannao Estate Pool Side | Kerobokan, Bali

Kerobokan

Kerobokan is an expansive district inland of Seminyak, offering secluded villas amongst bustling traffic – a more affordable getaway.

KEROBOKAN GUIDE
Bali Umalas Eko Cafe

Umalas

Umalas is a hidden gem located inland between Seminyak and Canggu, with a relaxed pace and rice paddy villas.

UMALAS GUIDE
Ministry

Legian Villas

There are around a dozen Ministry Approved villas in Legian and almost 300 in the greater Seminyak area. Villas in Legian offer a great affordable option to neighbouring Seminyak where prices tend to be higher.

Legian villas range from around USD $150 per night for a one-bedroom villa to over USD $1,500 per night for an eight-bedroom luxury villa. All of our villas come with professionally trained staff. Many villas offer personalised services including: butlers, chefs, nannies, 24-hour security personnel, drivers and other services you won’t find in a hotel.

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    Villa Jumah Sun Beds | Seminyak, BaliVilla Jumah Living Room | Seminyak, Bali

    VILLA JUMAH

    Seminyak, Bali – 4 Bedrooms

    Want to experience the lush tropics but still be close to the best restaurants and beaches? Experience the best of both worlds in Villa Jumah.

    US $398
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    LataLiana Villas Swimming Pool | Seminyak, BaliLataLiana Villas 5Br Pool Table | Seminyak, Bali

    LATALIANA VILLAS

    Seminyak, Bali – 2,5,7 Bedrooms

    Lataliana Villas is a fabulous Balinese luxury estate with two versatile villas offering between 2-7 bedrooms, 300 metres from Seminyak Beach.

    US $1,602
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    Villa Jabali Pool with Night View | Seminyak, BaliVilla Jabali Seating Area | Seminyak, Bali

    VILLA JABALI

    Seminyak, Bali – 5 Bedrooms

    Villa Jabali is a tropical villa with a lagoon pool and boho chic design, centrally located in Seminyak.

    US $557
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    Lataliana Villas Lataliana Villa One Indoor Living | Seminyak, BaliLataliana Villas Lataliana Villa One Swimming Pool | Seminyak, Bali

    LATALIANA VILLA ONE

    Seminyak, Bali – 5 Bedrooms

    Lataliana Villa One is a fabulous Balinese villa with a 25m lagoon pool, lush gardens, media room and even a grand piano, 300 metres from Seminyak Beach.

    US $1,286
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    Sale!
    Lataliana Villa Two Reclining Sun Loungers | Seminyak, BaliLataliana Villas Lataliana Villa Two Billiard Table | Seminyak, Bali

    LATALIANA VILLA TWO

    Seminyak, Bali – 2 Bedrooms

    Lataliana Villa Two is an incredibly beautiful tropical villa nestled in Seminyak, offering five-star service and the perfect location, 300m from the beach.

    US $537
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Practical Information

Getting There

Bali’s only airport, Ngurah Rai International Airport (a.k.a. Denpasar Airport), serves over 20 million passengers a year. Located in Tuban in South Bali, the airport is connected to several major cities across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Direct flights to Bali are available from Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Doha, Dubai and more, from carriers including Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Asia and Jetstar. A new airport is set to be built in North Bali though the plans are still in early stages.

By boat, Bali is connected to the neighbouring islands of Java and Lombok which also have their own international airports. Ferries from Java to Bali arrive in Gilimanuk (about 3.5 hours from Legian) and boats from Lombok to Bali arrive in Benoa, Sanur, Serangan, Padang Bai and Amed.

Nationalities from over 160 countries are eligible for visa free entry into Indonesia. This means your passport will be stamped on arrival at the airport, allowing you to stay in the country for 30 days. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need to obtain a visa which will require further arrangements. Please note your passport must be valid for six months after your date of arrival in Indonesia.

AIRPORT TRANSFER

There is no public transport to get you from the airport to your accommodation, so the only option is to use a private driver or a taxi. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa. This service is included for most villas when booking more than four nights. To avoid queuing at the immigration counter, we can also arrange a VIP airport service for guests. This service includes lounge access, allowing you to relax while waiting for your luggage.

AIRPORT TAXI

Alternatively, there is a taxi stand located next to the information desk at the international arrival’s hall, after you exit the small duty free shop. This desk offers fixed price and metered fares across the island. The listed fares are updated frequently, making it very challenging to find reliable, up to date pricing before arriving. Besides the official taxi stand, there are countless independent taxi drivers floating around the arrivals hall, offering rides at varying rates. It’s always easier to have a car arranged beforehand than trying to navigate the taxi jungle at the airport.

Getting Around

There are plenty of options for getting around Legian, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers.

ON FOOT

Much of the streets in Legian are lined by narrow walkways so walking around is certainly an option – if you can take the tropical heat, that is! Besides exploring the ample restaurants and shops on foot, you can enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach. If you walk far enough, you can reach Kuta in the south and Seminyak and Canggu up north.

TAXI

Hopping in a taxi is a hassle free and affordable way to make your way around Legian and explore the surrounding areas. It’s always best to opt for a Blue Bird taxi – this is by far the most trustworthy taxi company on the island. Blue Bird taxis start their meter at IDR 7,000 (USD $0.5) whereas other drivers might refuse to use a meter altogether. (If you accept a ride from a taxi with no meter, always make sure to agree on the price before getting in.) Most taxis driving down the street will look alike, but you can spot Blue Bird taxis by the Blue Bird logo on top of the car, the taxi’s number on the rear of the vehicle, corporate logos on the windscreen and on the side of the car and the driver’s blue uniform. You can hail a taxi off the street in Legian or order one using their app or by calling +62 (0) 361 701 111. Ordering a ride over the phone or using the app will incur a IDR 30,000 (USD $2) minimum charge. To avoid things getting lost in translation, you can also ask your villa staff to call a taxi for you.

RENTAL SCOOTER

Hiring a scooter is one of the most popular ways of getting around Bali. Rentals are inexpensive (starting at around IDR 50,000 (USD $4) per day) and driving on two wheels helps you zip through traffic and park practically anywhere. The traffic in South Bali is notoriously hectic so you should only hire a scooter if you have previous experience driving. It is also essential you carry an international driver’s licence and always wear a helmet – driving without either will result in a fine if you get pulled over by the police.

PRIVATE CAR

If you’re staying locally in Legian, you probably won’t need a car and driver to get around. If you want to do day trips to other areas – maybe a cultural tour of Ubud or a surf trip to Uluwatu – hiring a personal chauffeur is the way to go. Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. This little luxury is remarkably affordable and we can also help you arrange an itinerary, instructing your driver in advance.

Etiquette

The Balinese are among the friendliest and most welcoming people on the planet. This is all the more reason to return the favour and be respectful towards the local culture. Like anywhere else in the world, common sense and basic human decency goes a long way. For more detailed information about local culture, language and safety in Bali, check out our comprehensive Bali guide.

SHOPPING & BARGAINING

Bargaining can be an enjoyable part of shopping in the markets and local stalls dotted across Legian… or it can be frustrating! To ensure a smooth exchange first decide what the item is worth to you, then ask the seller for their price – your first offer can be from one-third to two-thirds of that price. They are likely to respond with a counteroffer, which you can either accept or negotiate further. If you don’t like the price and you walk away there is a good chance the vendor will call out to you with a better (usually final) price. Keep in mind, if an agreement is reached, you’re committed – you should buy if your offer is accepted.

In late 2018, Bali’s governor banned single use plastic on the island, meaning shops, boutiques and supermarkets no longer give out plastic bags. When out and about, it’s best to carry a reusable bag with you.

TIPPING

Most restaurants and villas include a service component already so tipping is not expected, but if service is good, an additional cash tip is appreciated.

TELECOMMUNICATION

Indonesia’s country code is +62. Data speeds of 3G and faster is the norm across Bali. Local prepaid SIM cards are sold everywhere; any modern mobile phone will work. As of 2018, all prepaid SIM cards need to be registered which you can usually do with a copy of your passport directly at the shop where you purchase your SIM card. Prepaid SIM cards come loaded with pulsa (credit) or mobile data which you can later easily top up at other outlets. Most if not all minimarts and local phone shops can top off your SIM card when needed. Most villas provide broadband Internet and free Wi-Fi is common in cafes, restaurants, hotels and shopping malls.

Health & Safety

It’s important to note that compared to many places in the world, Bali is fairly safe. There have been some high-profile cases of visitors being injured or killed on Bali, but in many cases these tragedies have been inflamed by media sensationalism.

SWIMMING

Many of Bali’s beaches, including Legian, are subject to heavy surf and strong currents – always swim between the yellow flags. Trained lifeguards are on duty in Legian. Be careful when swimming over coral and never walk on it. It can be very sharp and coral cuts are easily infected. In addition, you are damaging a fragile environment. Lastly, water pollution is a problem in busy neighbourhoods. Avoid swimming near open streams flowing into the sea as they are often contaminated by run-off from built-up areas.

THEFT

Violent crime is uncommon in Bali, however bag-snatching from motorbikes and petty theft does occur. Take extra care with your phone if riding pillion on a motorbike as phones regularly get snatched from unsuspecting tourists using a navigation app. Otherwise, take the same precautions you would in any urban area and secure your money before leaving an ATM (and don’t forget your card!), don’t leave valuables on a beach while swimming, and use in-villa safes to store your valuables.

WATER

Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available and cheap, however Ministry of Villas encourages visitors to keep a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic consumption.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is absolutely essential for every traveller. A typical travel insurance policy will have coverage for a traveller’s main concerns, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost luggage. Most policies are built to be comprehensive to protect travellers from a variety of events that may cause financial loss before or during their trip. Some policies specifically exclude ‘dangerous activities’ which can include scuba diving, renting a local motorcycle and even trekking.

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Legian Stories

Legian is a vibrant neighbourhood jam packed with cool restaurants, pubs, spas and beach clubs just waiting to be explored. Luckily, our team has done the hard work for you and sussed out the best of the best. Check out our latest Legian blog posts written by experienced Ministry of Villas travel writers.