Stayed in Legian for the first two nights. It was pretty crowded down the beach and in restaurants. Had a wonderful meal at Mozzarella and a Tiramisu which was absolutely delightful. Also ate at Katumba which always has great fried Calamari.
Next day hired Sammy the driver from Puri Raja and headed off to Balian. It is about an hour and a half from Legian, north along the road to Java.
What an ideal place this is. Nice surf for an old timer like me at the main break and a walk north along the cliffs to the river mouth beach break. Great surf at both spots. Although the surf was crowded there seemed to be plenty of waves for everyone. The river mouth I had to myself.
Ayu's Homestay and Pondok Pisces had pretty good food. We stayed at Kubu Balian Bungalows on top of the main road. A great spot with lovely staff.
Balian really is a wonderful spot with very little pollution in and out of the water, no hawkers and very smiley people. Much like Bali in the old days - walking down tracks to the beach with rice fields and cows and being able to get away from it all. Very peaceful.
Now we're back to reality but had a wonderful 14 days.