Having lived here in Seminyak for over 2 years I am familiar with the way it was and the way its developing. Can you imagine someone who last came in 1991 returning and expressing their opinion? Here is an excerpt from Bill Dalton's Indonesia Handbook that was written in 1991. He talks about Legian and Seminyak.
"Kuta has expanded toward Legian, a village to the northwest, to the point that Legian is now just an extension. From Denpasar, Legian is 600rp (2 connections) by bemo, or a 2 km walk north of Kuta Beach on a rather busy road. Rent a bicycle in Legian to make Kuta and villages to the north more accessible. A couple of notches less hectic than speedy Kuta, Legian is suited for people who want to stay for several weeks or months."
"This dusty seaside village is really being pushed by the trendy fun-in-the-sun Australian travel agents, a playground for young surfies and suburbanites. It has good music, outstandingly cheap food, sophisticated fashion shops, a bank, laundries, and dances at least every other day."
On Seminyak he says, "For a mellower environment, move north to Seminyak, the next village beyond Legian, which is like Legian was 10 years ago. People seeking peace usually spend a couple of days in Legian, then move here. This is where all the Europeans and Americans live who work here in Bali's clothes/ jewelry/ handicrafts export businesses. Many of these exporters live in Golden Village, far from the road, where bungalows rent for 8,000rp per day. Golden II, on the way to Gado Gado, has nice rooms and kitchen privileges; 6,000-8,000rp (long-term discounts)."
Times have changed. Expats still call Seminyak home, but its not sleepy anymore, neither are the prices.
Bill Dalton was the creator of Moon Publications
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Yes, but 1US dollar was worth around 2000 rp back then.
Dam, talk about inflation!