I really like Legian mostly up at the top end near Jl.Melesti where there are lots of great places to eat.My favourite was called The Pad at Jl. Legian where the food and staff were great.The Pad has new Aussie owners who cater for the Australian tastes as well.The owners come around to you and welcome you to The Pad and also have a chat, which I think is a great touch.I have been to Jimbaran Bay for a seafood, sunset dinner and will never go again. Each time that I have been there it has cost a fortune and just so disappointed with the food,it is very overrated. The sunset at Kuta/Legian beach is just as good and will cost you a lot less to eat at one of the local places.

Legian has a great feel, plenty of wonderful well priced restaurants, good shops, mixed with stalls. The stalls holders aren't as pushy as in Kuta. Its central to Kuta and Seminyak, with walking distance to beach. Also plenty of accomodation of all prices. My favourite restaurant in Legian is Billy's 69 in Garlic Lane. Always excellent food and service. Staff are fun and welcoming. Great at any time of the day, and the nights come with live music. My favourite shop is Ketut's fixed price in Garlic Lane, she has 4 stalls, so plenty of choice, the staff are friendly and helpful and not pushy, with fair prices. I tend to walk around Legian and Kuta, taxi's are always easily available for those who aren't interested in walking everywhere

You have to respect the culture and enjoy the food to have a nice restful holiday in Legian. We liked being away from the busy Kuta beach next door, but still having all the amenities, and the beach was nice, warm water! The food is very cheap and good. The people are friendly although they do hassle you a bit to buy stuff; however if you are respectful and say no thank you politely they are ok Be wary of the (non official/no commission) money changers!! They will try sleight of hand to give you less than what you should be getting. Be firm, ask for large notes and count the money very carefully and don't give it back to them after you have counted it!!! It is warm and humid, but you have to expect that. Take the tours to the mountains, volcano, lake, waterfall(cheap). You can get a car and driver all day(10 hours) for A$50. You might have to buy the driver lunch & a drink A$5. Be careful, they will take you to places where you will be pressured to buy stuff!! If you want 5 star, you can get it, but obviously you'll pay more. If you like Kopi Luwak(Mongoose poop coffee) you'll see plenty but its very expensive!

Avoid having valuables on show - at all costs! Don't wear expensive jewellery or nice clothes on a night out - you will become a target! Beware of pickpockets, especially outside large nightclubs. Everyone else turns a blind eye... and before you know it, your $550 phone is missing from your bag and the culprits have vanished into thin air! Legian is a perfectly good area if you want to be right in the heart of the hustle bustle - bars, clubs and restaurants right on your doorstep and everything you need within walking distance, plenty mini marts and lots of nice hotels with swimming pools and rooftop bars. But if you're not looking for constant noise, market sellers, nightlife, traffic jams, beggars and thieves - then Legian is not the place for you!

The street markets are fun. Drinks on the beach at sunset are a great way to end the day. The vendors on the beach bring your fresh coconut or beer or soft drink to you. There is always lots of activity on the beach in the evening. Be reminded December is the rain season Take lots of anti mozi repellent (especially at sunset if you are going to be outside). Always carry cash with you and be prepared to negotiate every price. Only ever take a blue bird tax. We were ripped off badly by an independent taxi. Be very careful of the people that approach you outside Matahari (big departmental store) and give you a scratch card to win a prize. You will be taken to a "timeshare sales pitch" which will waste half of you day. Very annoying. Kuta is a great destination for adults and kids. Don't forget to go to Ubud to the forest so that you can ride an elephant!

I noticed Mini Mart everywhere - mini super market. The price of a big Bintang Beer bottle is ok in this mart, but you people believe me some bars in Kuta offer the same beer bottle even for lesser price. Beer cans and Water Bottles prices are very normal in LIPPO MALL. You guys if you want to buy some Bamboo woven items, just dont buy in Hypermarts, just try it in KUTA streets or LEGIAN streets. Some shop keepers have a fixed price but it is reliable. Take Blue Bird Taxis, they agree to run meter. Most road side Bars in Kuta offer Beer for cheap price but charge more for your meal. Tips: Not along the big roads, but a bit interior - look for Indonesian local food sold by Indonesians in a small hotels that is located not on main streets. You can save 60% per meal if you are a decent eater.