Balangan Beach, locally
referred to as Pantai Balangan, is one of Bali’s most popular and most scenic,
featuring a gorgeous half-kilometre stretch of golden sand bordered between
vegetated limestone cliffs and a reef with one of the longest left-hander
breaks on the island. This surfing paradise attracts wave riders from around
the world, who enjoy most of the south-western Bukit coastline together with
Balangan’s sister breaks of Dreamland, Impossibles, Padang Padang, Suluban and
Uluwatu further south.
Balangan Beach shares the same
vicinity as Dreamland, set only a kilometre apart and separated by a small
headland that serves as the famous signature Hole 15 of the New Kuta Golf
Course, from where players get the best bird’s eye-view over both beaches and
the ocean horizon. The coastline is accessible down the namesake Jalan Pantai
Balangan, an approximate 7-kilometre (4.3-mile) ride west from the Garuda Wisnu
Kencana cultural park, and 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) south from the main hub
of Kuta. Preferably by taxi, or ask your hotel concierge for available shuttle
services.
Getting there is effortless
thanks to clearly marked signposts bearing names and directions. At its end is
the main entrance, and parking fees range between IDR 2,000 and 5,000 for
motorcycles and cars. The beach is only a dozen steps down from the cliff, but
it’s a good idea to head up the hills beforehand and take a peek from the
vantage point for great panoramic angles. The golden stretch of sand meets the
vast blue ocean, and you can see from afar the surfers having fun in the
breaks. Those into photography will love to linger on for the dramatic sunsets
from above.
It is swimmable here, but bear
in mind it’s a predominantly a surfer’s playground. There are no lifeguards on
duty. Several thatch-roofed and stilt terrace warungs (traditional food stalls
selling simple meals, snacks and refreshments) and cafes dot the eastern side
of coastline, where surfers usually ‘refuel’ in between their thrills. Best
time to come with a surfboard if you’re a pro is around the dry season (between
May and September) when south-westerly winds create from 2.5ft up to 10-feet
swells which can roll on for a good 500 metres.
Non-surfers can simply enjoy
the view and the coast itself, with parasol-shaded beach beds available for
rent, or you can simply bask under the sun, and bury yourself in the soft sand.
At low tide, the reef near the limestone cliffs reveal exotic seaweed covered
rock formations and pools, offering even more dramatic sunset angles. Great
budget accommodations are available around Balangan Beach, such as the Balangan Garden Bungalow and the Balangan Cottage, which each feature rustic
styling with modern amenities.