Cheap flights to Denpasar leave from Perth. Flights also leave from the Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin. Australian’s visiting Bali can buy a visa on arrival for US25, if the intended stay is less than 30 days. Legian is about 20 minutes north of Denpasar airport. A pre-paid taxi will cost about A$6. Kuta and Seminyak are either side of Legian and travellers can walk, drive or bike in from both those areas.

Metered taxis are very common in southern Bali. They are also very cheap. The starting flagfall charge is around A50cents for the first 2km and the metre 50c per km after that. The largest and most reliable taxi company is Bali Taksi/Blue Bird. If hailing a taxi on the street, Bali Taksi cars are sky blue with a white top light. The cars are modern and the drivers well-informed with a decent level of English-language ability. There are several other reliable taxi companies but these are not always easy to identify. If day-tripping, it is often cheaper and more convenient to arrange for a taxi to wait and take you back. Renting motorcycles or scooters can be a frightening yet fascinating experience.

The beach is the biggest attraction in Legian. Travellers can tackle the waves by hiring a boogie board or surfboard, after fine-tuning skills at the Surf School. Sunset watching is a popular past-time in the tropical paradise and many visitors take advantage of the informal massages, manicures, pedicures and hair braiding available while relaxing on the beach. Another popular “therapy’’ is the fish spa, where small fish nibble the dead skin off feet and hands. While many of the foot pools are large enough for four people, there is usually only enough fish for two people.

Legian is crammed with shops selling everything from the latest designer surfware to cheap Balinese souvenirs. The main shopping area takes in Jalan Melasti, Jalan Padma, Jalan Werkudara and Jalan Arjuna, all of which run perpendicular to Jalan Legian on the beach side. Jalan Padma is especially good for beads, shell work and other similar trinkets. Jalan Arjuna is lined with small stores selling sarongs and fabrics. On Jalan Legian look for slightly more upmarket boutiques. There are two markets on Jalan Melasti. Close to the beach at the western end there is a large art market selling Balinese handicrafts and other items for tourists. At the eastern end where Jalan Melasti becomes Jalan Sri Wijaya, there is a morning fresh produce market. Legian's beachfront restaurants cater for a variety of budgets. For a cheap meal travellers can savour local delights from the outdoor cafes. Five Monkeys has become the go-to burger joint in Legian for its great selection of local and international beers, and generously sized burgers. Legian has a vibrant nightlife. Check out Vi Ai Pi which offers a cool mix of live music and cosy corners, together with a bar serving signature cocktails. The Bali Beach Shack offers dinner and a show … an Indonesian style cabaret drag show. The shows are free and there is a wide selection of cheap drinks.