Legian tourist attractions and activities
Legian Beach is where most people spend their day
Legian may be a more relaxed alternative to brash Kuta but there is still almost as much to see and do in the resort. It is just as popular with younger surfers who come here in their droves to learn the basics in a more laid back atmosphere. Beaches are wide and golden with a spectacular backdrop of crashing waves and afford majestic ocean sunsets.
Kite flying, massage, beach soccer and volleyball can all be enjoyed on the sand and while it is a lively place, it is rarely troubled by persistent beach hawkers. It remains busy until well after dark with strolling couples and guitar strumming youngsters and is a great spot for some people watching.
Bali Shell Museum
On the eastern outskirts of Legian is this rather grand looking museum and gallery solely devoted to sea shells. There are over 1,000 exotic species on display in a multitude of vivid colours. In addition there some weird and wonderful stuffed sea creatures, crustaceans and even a shark.
Exhibits are lovingly arranged and illuminated and it makes for a pleasant and diverting couple of hours away from the beach. (Bali Shell Museum, Sunset Boulevard 819, Tel: +62 (0)361 752932, info@balishellmuseum.com, open daily 09:00 – 21:00)
Surfing in Legian
Still the most popular pursuit by far in town, Legian’s surfing scene is a lively one and well represented by several large surf schools offering professional tuition for all levels. Ombak Legian Surf Academy (Legian Beach Hotel, Jalan Melasti, Tel: +62 (0)361 759581) is a well respected operator with many years experience and offer both tailored individual and group lessons. Legian beach is the perfect environment for learning as it is extremely wide and never seems to get overcrowded. There is also the added advantage of no noisy traffic as its long shady promenade is closed to all motorised transport.
Travel tip
Many of the large beachfront hotels lay on sporty amenities for all with tennis, water sports and cultural evenings of traditional music and dance. For something a little more nerve tingling, you can indulge in bungee jumping or go karting and just beyond Legian’s eastern boundary are verdant rice fields where you can spend a half day on organised mountain bike treks.
Legian Beach Festival
At the end of July each year Legian Beach becomes transformed for three days into a colourful microcosm of Indonesia. Showcasing art, music and traditional culture from across the archipelago, there are lots of exhibitions, demonstrations and many weird and wonderful costumes on show.
There is plenty of fun and games for visitors to get involved in and is rounded off by evenings of traditional song and dance. It is a great opportunity to sample some of the more obscure regional cuisines and to pick up one of a kind crafts and souvenirs. (Legian Beach Festival, Legian Beach – late July)
