Balangan Beach Surf – Ultimate Guide [2024]

Balangan Beach is the northernmost of the uber-famous Bukit surf spots.

It’s the one you’re least likely to have heard of, since it sits in the shadow of its neighbors – Bingin is just to the south, and then Impossibles and Ulus are south again.

It follows the south Bali Bukit mould by offering big, beefy left handers that section really nicely and hold really well in dry-season swell.

But there are a few things that set Balangan apart.

Firstly, the bay here is quite accessible. Secondly, it’s easy to pinpoint where you need to be. There’s no multiple take-offs like in Uluwatu; just one peak and then a long shoulder.

Thirdly – and most importantly we think – it’s a long, long wave that tapers and sections really nicely. That means it can cater to all levels of surfer.

If you’re a pro, head right out to the point to get steeper walls and even barrel sections when it’s big. If you’re learning, stick on the inside and wait for the smaller sets. It can be chest-high and cruisy in there even if it’s hollow further out.

Access can be tricky. We’d stop short at saying it’s a beginner wave simply because entry and exit asks you to jump off a ledge of reef right below the headland, and dodge a closeout section on shallow reef on the return. Watch the crowds to see how it’s done.

That said, Balangan is generally a fun, rippable wave with plenty of power. The biggest days are reserved for serious surfers but when it’s 2-6 foot you’re in the fun zone – a time when improvers will enjoy the shoulder just as much.

Balangan is one of the most consistent waves in the Bukit and it has a whole range of cracking warungs and hotels right behind the sand for you to enjoy/stay at.

It’s a solid option straight off the airplane.

Balangan is situated on the western side of the iconic Bukit Peninsula. The beach itself actually angles a little northwest, with the waves breaking on the headland at its southern end, peeling northwards into the bay.

It’s actually one of the easiest beaches to get to in the region of southern Bali. Head south from the airport through the beach resort of Jimbaran and then turn off at Ungasan, where there are signs for Balangan.

The best way is by private taxi. In Bali’s notorious traffic, it should take around 30 minutes. Fares are between $15-25, depending on how good you are at getting Go-Jeks and Ubers.

There’s only really one surf spot in Balangan: Balangan itself.

Although it’s often overlooked because it’s among some of the big-name Bali spots – Ulus, Bingin etc – it’s a pretty awesome wave with great consistency.

We’ll take a close look at what you can expect from it here, along with some of the other spots in the nearby vicinity.

• Bombora Balangan Resort – Lofted about 50m above the white sands of Balangan Beach, this resort has a stunning pool from where you can check the surf. It’s exquisitely done out and you get to pick from a series of spacious apartments, all of which are within walking distance of the paddle out points.
• White Palm Hotel Bali – A chicer alternative that’s great for couples, the White Palm has interiors inspired by the Greek islands and a pool enclosed in a tropical garden. Their breakfasts are reallll nice.

Balangan is best surfed in the Balinese dry season. That lasts from April to October each year and sees the biggest, most consistent long-period SW swells push up and get all the Bukit breaks going.

That said, Balangan can be decent all year option. The big headland on the south side of the bay offers protection from S winds. Westerlies – dominant in the wet season – will be onshore, but they usually don’t pick up until later in the day and can be mellow enough not to ruin the whole line.