Balangan Beach Surf Spot
The long and very fast left reef break at Balangan beach was almost a luxury marina.
Thanks to the advocacy of local surf icon Kim Bradley, AKA the fly, Balangan was preserved and remains one of the many left-handers along the Bukit. On smaller swells with an outgoing tide, you can count on steep, peaky, left-handers. Typically Balangan will hold a steep wall for a short ride before some sections close out. At times but under perfect conditions, it has been known to connect the whole length of the reef (over 300 meters). Choose your peak and tide accordingly, although Balangan can be surfed on all tides it is the more experienced surfers that only surf it on low tides and big swells. While not necessarily recommended for beginner surfers it is mellow on a higher tide and small swell. If you can keep up your speed to make the sections (and it doesn’t close out), you’re in for an open shoulder ripe for plenty of maneuvers.
Dreamland
Balangan
WAVE INFO
Wave type:
-
Balangan: Reef Break
Wave difficulty:
-
Balangan: Intermediate
Wave direction:
-
Balangan: Left
Wave bottom:
-
Balangan: Reef
Booties:
Balangan: Recommended
Surfboard type:
Balangan: Fish or longboard
Crowd factor:
-
Balangan: Medium Crowds
Hazards:
Balangan: Watch out for rocks
Best swell direction:
Balangan: WSW
Best wind direction:
Balangan: SE
What tide is best:
Balangan: Highest or lowest tides
Best tide movement:
Balangan: Lowering tide
Wave consistency:
Balangan: Consistent
Best time of year:
Balangan: Dry Season; April – October
Lineup vibe:
Balangan: Mellow
Other names for spot:
Balangan: Pantai Balangan
How do you get in and out of the surf?
A short paddle out between the peaks will land you in the line-up. Be prepared for a few duck dives regardless of conditions. On a bigger day expect to spend some time on the inside. Be careful of the reef in between surges when getting in and out on the inside of the impact zone. As with all reefs make sure you have a first aid kit on hand for treating reef cuts.
Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Proper planning prevents unnecessary time out of the water, and the best place to start is a first aid kit.
What is the beach like?
Balangan beach is one of the more beautiful spots on the Bukit peninsula. Nearly a kilometre of pristine white sand rimmed by an array of greenery that sprouts from tall limestone cliffs. It is one of Bali’s most picturesque spots away from the hustle and bustle. Perfect to spend the day hanging out in between surfing double overhead clean left shoulders on the biggest of days.
Balangan Beach is visited by many due to its iconic sunset views and surfing scenes. Because of the amazing beach western-facing location, it is a secretive favorite among some of the best places in southern Bali for watching sunset. Balangan is not just a hotspot for avid surfers and landscape photographers, it is a venue for hundreds of weddings.
While the area around Balangan Beach is developing it still has that authentic feel to it and is not yet flooded with tourists. Famous for its pristine beaches and high-rise cliffs, Balangan Beach definitely lives up to the lofty reputation that the area is known for.
Where should I stay?
Affordable Price Range – Balangan Seaview Bungalow
Balangan Seaview is a great place for travelling families to spread out and enjoy their time out of the water in a spacious and private Bungalow. Seaview Bungalow gets high marks for privacy, comfort, and fun. It’s a great choice for surfing couples on a budget and don’t forget, your easy walking distance from the surf break. For a beachfront bungalow in Bali, it’s a great option. However, the bathrooms are small, this is pretty typical in Bali and most surfers come prepared for a little discomfort here and there so stay flexible and you’re sure to have a great time.
Mid Price Range – The Point Beachfront Balangan
A great spot for the inspired surfer who’s looking for a more luxurious stay, The Point Beachfront Balangan offers stunning views of Balangan Beach, clean comfortable accommodation, and great food. However, The Point is located, like it’s namesake, at the end of a long stretch towards the beach and doesn’t have road access. It’s not likely to be well known by taxi drivers and is secluded enough to receive mixed reviews for access purposes. If you’re not a surfer, you don’t have access to a scooter, and your partner is more interested in dining out than sunbathing this might not be the best place for you. But on the other hand, if you want to surf your brains out at Balangan then it is a top spot to paddle straight out to the top of the reef.
Luxury Price Range – La Cabane Bali
The feel of luxury at an affordable price is what most reviews state, and is certainly music to our ears! Using the natural characteristics of Balinese construction such as high Alang Alang thatched roofs, teak timber beams, cross ventilation and semi-open bathrooms La Cabane provides luxury amenities with the likes of a stunning infinity pool with a view over the ocean. Just a 2-minute walk to the hidden beach Biu-Biu but 1.2km or 16-minute walk to Balangan Beach it is a great place to get away from the beach in between surfs.
Faq
Is there food nearby?
You can find a bite to eat at some local warungs and cafes that dot the coastline. If you’re looking to splash out on something a bit more upmarket, take a look at La Joya or head south towards the Rock Bar.
What else is there to do in the area other than surfing?
Biu-Biu hidden beach has great swimming on low tide in a small but beautiful beach.
Balangan Yoga and Love have amazing yoga classes with a stunning ocean view.
What else
do I need
to Know?
Location
Where is Balangan?
Historically nestled into sleepy farmland on the Bukit peninsula, new development makes Balangan a bit more exciting than it once was. Today, Balangan beach is bordered by golf courses with breathtaking sea views of pristine beaches and limestone cliffs.
How to get around?
As is typical in Bali, a scooter or dirt bike will get you just about anywhere. There’s not much to see by foot and there’s plenty of other neighbouring surf breaks in the surrounding area that are worth your time.
Is there parking fees?
You can find parking at Balangan at the top of the beach for free.
