Balangan Beach in Bali is a big hit with visitors to the Bukit Peninsula and it’s become one of the most popular surfing spots on the island.
Here’s a quick guide to ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips to book a visit to this lovely beach in Bali.
Where Is Balangan Beach (Pantai Balangan)?
Balangan Beach is on Jalan Pantai Balangan in South Kuta on the Bukit Peninsula just to the South of Uluwatu.
Address: Jalan Pantai Balangan, Cengiling, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get To Balangan Beach?
If you’re coming from Uluwatu, you might be tempted to take a Grab or Gojek out to this beach, but that might leave you stranded when you’re looking for a way back home at the end of the day.
We’d recommend that you hire a private car and driver (this isn’t expensive in Bali – 500,000 IDR will get you a driver, car and gas for 8 hours) and use the opportunity to explore the area around this gorgeous beach on your visit.
When’s The Best Time To Go To Balangan Beach?
The best time to be on Bali’s beaches is usually the dry season as there’s a pleasant onshore breeze, it’s a little less humid and there’s less of a chance of rain.
However, we should stress there’s an average of 8 hours of sunshine a day in the rainy season and while it is a little hotter and more humid, you’ll still have a great time on the beach.
Do I Need To Go At Low Tide?
No, however, it’s worth noting that if you intend to walk directly onto nearby Dreamland Beach, then you will need to do so at low tide as the access route is obscured at high tide.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Balangan Beach
As we go to press, there is no entrance fee at Balangan Beach in Bali but you will need to pay to park there.
It’s 5,000 IDR to park a motorcycle and 10,000 IDR to park a car. That’s roughly $0.30 USD/$0.50 AUD or $0.50 USD/$1 AUD respectively, so don’t worry, it won’t break the bank.
What To Expect At Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach is a pleasant golden sand beach with a line of small warungs nearby.
It’s overlooked by some simple resorts and it’s a nice place for sunbathing. However, it’s not a great place for swimming as there are sharp rocks and coral in the shallows by the beach.
Limestone Cliffs
The limestone cliffs of the area are very impressive and look amazing in your Instagram photos of Balangan Beach.
Surfing
Balangan Beach is well-known for its excellent surfing and is one of the few beaches in the area which can cater to all grades of surfer from beginner to expert.
There are various surf schools and equipment hire centres around the beach.
Things To Do Near Balangan Beach
There are a few things to do in the area and they include:
New Kuta Golf Course
New Kuta Golf Course is one of the best golf courses in Indonesia and the course provides the keen golfer with the opportunity to tee off on the cliffs above the Indian Ocean.
The mild South Westerly winds in the area shouldn’t interfere too much with the travel of your shots.
Balangan Temple
This is a small temple complex at the end of the beach. It’s in use and you may or may not be allowed access when you visit.
Tebing Pantai Balangan
This is a great viewpoint above the beach where you can get some lovely shots of the area with your camera.
Pantai Olen
This is a peaceful beachside spot where people stop to fish and where a few surfers venture out for more challenging waves.
Senses Spa
This is a nice beachside spa where you can get a pleasant range of spa treatments, massages, etc/
Where To Stay Near Balangan Beach In Bali
There are plenty of nice places to stay within a short walk of Pantai Balangan and they include:
Balangan Sea View Bungalow – this pleasant three-star resort, offfers an exceptional experience for the price tag. The pool area is great, the onsite restaurant is fabulous and the staff are very helpful.
Bombora Balangan Resort – this resort has recently been refurbished and everything is brand new inside. With direct access to the beach, you can’t go wrong when you stay here.
Balangan Surf Resort – a lovely surf resort that attracts plenty of non-surfers. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and still offers immediate beach access.
Balangan Paradise Hostel And Restaurant – this place is cheap but the price tag reflects the fact that it’s quite run down and tired. It wouldn’t be our first choice, but it is very close to the beach.
Flowerbud Bungalow Balangan II – if you want a nice holiday bungalow by the beach for a reasonable price, this is where to be. Flowerbud is a really attractive resort and the service is great.
Where To Eat Near Balangan Beach In Bali
You won’t be hungry if you opt to spend some time on Pantai Balangan and there are quite a few restaurants within a short walk from the long stretch of sand here including:Â
Jimmy Beach Cafe – this is a friendly old-school beach cafe with lovely views over the ocean. They have some great vegan options on the menu too and it’s not very expensive.
Bella Bali – cold beer, nice noodles and a lovely beachfront view, you can’t ask for much more than that and this is a very inexpensive spot on the golden sand to enjoy a spot of sunset watching.
Froggy Warung – this is our favourite spot near Balangan Beach and the food is first-rate local dishes for very reasonable prices. They also won’t charge you to use the restroom, which is nice.
Balangan Sea View Restaurant – this is a lovely spot at the Balangan Sea View Bungalow complex and the food is upmarket seafood in a casual dining environment. It’s a little pricier than other places in the area, but it is good value for money.
La Joya Restaurant – this is quite a remote place and it’s often not very busy, however, it’s fair to say that it’s a bit on the expensive side for what it is and that means fewer repeat visitors too.
FAQs
Can You Swim At Balangan Beach?
You can swim, but we wouldn’t recommend it. You will want to wear water shoes if you do as the coral and rock formations on the sea bed can cut your feet.
The waves along the shoreline aren’t particularly hectic though and the surf break is past the end of the exposed reef – so you won’t get swept out to sea.
Is Balangan Beach Worth It?
Yes! Balangan Beach is a very attractive beach that’s very popular with more experienced surfers, in particular, and the South westerly winds here ensure great waves all year round.
If you want a laid-back, traditional beach vibe in Southern Bali, you can’t go wrong and unlike other beaches, it’s rarely crowded.
What Is The Nicest Beach In Bali?
There are plenty of picturesque spots in Bali when it comes to beaches, however, it’s fair to say that most people consider Nusa Dua Beach to be Bali’s most attractive beach.
We’d say that Balangan Beach gives it a good run for its money, though.
Yes, in fact, it’s a great choice of beach in Bali for surfers of all levels. The swell direction and power depend on where on the beach you are.
Beginners can paddle straight on the inside, intermediates can head towards the outside and experts can hit the long lefts (these are huge at certain times of day) on the Balangan breaks.
Is Balangan Beach Good For Surfing?
Yes! As with most beaches on the Bukit Peninsula, the surfing is excellent and wind direction is very consistent.
Balangan Beach is a great spot for surfing and the perfect place to test your skills on the island.
Can You Walk From Balangan Beach To Dreamland Beach?
Yes. You can walk between these two beaches but only at low tide.
Is It Safe To Surf In Bali?
Yes, though as with all sports, there is an element of inbuilt risk to surfing in Bali.
Just make sure to get advice from local surfers before tackling any given location and you should be fine.
How To Book A Holiday In Bali Near Balangan Beach In Bali?
We always recommend that you book your holiday in Bali through theBali Res Centre.
They can ensure you find a special place to stay on the coastline near the beach and within a short ride of other amenities.
Bali Res Centre will also ensure you get competitive prices on accommodation, flights, tours and more.
Final Thoughts On Balangan Beach In Bali
Balangan Beach in Bali is a great place to enjoy soft sand, local warungs and the incredible waves for surfing produced by the tides.
It’s fun for families, couples and surfers alike and one of the best places to practice your skills on a board anywhere in Bali.Â
