Exploring a gang in Legian Bali

Bali has a network of gangs (alleys) which runs behind the main jalans (streets).This afternoon I checked out a gang that ran off of Jl. Padma Utara, connecting with Jl. Arjuna (Double Six). The gang was marked BEACH, so I had a pretty good idea where I would end up. Riding down it on my motorbike, I passed a few few locals on foot and on motorbikes. The gang was shady in place with high wall and overhanging trees further down. After a minute or so I popped out on Blue Ocean Beach, next to the Komala Pantai Hotel. Turning to look back I saw the peanut seller I had just passed.

When there is an upacara (ceremony) on a big street and the pecalang (police) have blocked if off, locals re-route and use the gangs to get where they want to go. It is an education following them, as I have had to many times. Both sides of Jl. Legian is a maze of small alleys, the locals living mostly on the mountain side of the street. Gangs are safe to walk down and after you learn a few short cuts you will start feeling more like a local.