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

What kind of wave is Balangan?

A fast-breaking left reef break that can stay open for 300-meter thigh burners under perfect conditions. Be aware, your speed is essential to maintaining your ride, but don’t get too far out on the shoulder or you’ll miss out on the occasional shade thrown out by Balangan’s green room. Under most conditions, expect a ride of about 50 meters and less if you don’t keep up your speed.

Balangan breaks well in most conditions but can close out and run away from you if you don’t keep up your speed. Overhead plus, you can expect a steep, quick, and open left-hander that occasionally barrels at the peak and again on the inside. SE trade winds are offshore at Balangan and you will most often get an early morning and evening glass off.

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?

There are a few places to choose from in Bali’s Balangan. Take a look at some of our recommendations for some places to stay regardless of your budget.
balangan-sea-view-bungalow
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.

→ GET THE LATEST PRICES HERE

balangan-beach-accommodation
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.

→ GET THE LATEST PRICES HERE

balangan-beach-villa
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.

→ GET THE LATEST PRICES HERE

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?

Aside from surfing, Balangan is truly a beautiful area that you can spend some serious time soaking up some well-deserved relaxation time. Other than that there’s plenty of spots to grab a drink, take in some sun, or play a round of golf. The New Kuta Golf Course offers 18 holes of ocean views. There are plenty of tour guides as well if you’re looking for a locally driven experience.

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?

As anywhere in Bali, be cool in the line-up. Fights, arguments, or tussles with your fellow surfer might fly at your home break, but in Bali, you’re likely to be shut out by the surfing community and asked not to return. So take deep breaths, ignore the guy who snowballed you on the last set and just enjoy being in the water in board shorts.

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.

How to get there?
Step 1 
From Ngurah Rai International Airport take Jalan Airport Ngurah Rai to Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai.
Step 2 
ontinue on Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai then turn right onto Jalan Uluwatu 2 (signs for Uluwatu).
Step 3   
Continue straight through the roundabout onto Jalan Wanagiri for approximately 8.5 km to your destination Balangan Beach – South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali.