Balian surf is on the up – more and more people cruise up this way now to get a spot that can draw in basically any S swell. There’s decent variety on offer, including a A-frame with lefts and rights and a decent beginner inside section. Get there and try it before it goes the way of Kuta et al.
An introduction to Balian surf
First it was Kuta, then it was Seminyak, and then it was Canggu. It’s amazing to see how the focus has shifted up the south coast of Bali over the years. Today, all the talk for those keen to avoid the now perpetually overcrowded Bukit is about Balian, a small clutch of palm-thatched warung and surf villas that’s about 15 miles as the crow flies past beloved Batu Bolong.
A wide rivermouth opens straight into the ocean without bending or weaving at all here. That’s helped carved a big channel that’s even whittled away at the underwater reefs a touch. The result is one of the fatter and lazier, but also consistent, of the south-coast A-frames, a wave that offers multiple take-offs as it reforms to cater to all levels of surfer.
The main thing you’ll notice here is how small and friendly the crowds are. This isn’t Bingin. Since the moment it was discovered, Balian has been the province of easy-going surf camp crowds. We like that, since you’re just as likely to meet a ripper as a foam thrower in the line up and it’s all good.
There’s still not much of a town behind the beach, but there is a very decent showing of surf lodges that we think are up there with the best on the island for first-time surfers. We’ll get to those a little later.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
Balian at a glance
The good…
The bad…
What’s in this guide to Balian surfing?
Where is Balian?
Balian is about 15 miles further northwest from Canggu along the southern shore of Bali. But anyone who’s ever been to the Isle of the Gods will know that said gods never really blessed it with infrastructure on the traffic front. That means the trip here from the main Bali airport can often take 1.5 hours, and even more if there’s congestion on the way – and there’s always congestion on the way. The good news is that there are some nice surf breaks to check out en route if you have the time and the board in tow – Kedungu and Pantai Yeh among them.
Balian surf spots
It’s all about the Main Peak in Balian, a nice A-frame with different lefts and rights that can cater to beginners as well as rippers. Fun is the keyword, since the spot has a deep reef that makes it more accessible and playful than many spots from here to Bukit. Let’s take a look at what’s on the menu…
Medewi
Medewi is another half and hour’s transfer up the south coast road from Balian Beach. It’s another of the nascent surf towns that everyone’s talking about as the next Kuta these days. We actually love it, and not just because we’re goofies hungry for long lefts (and this is the home of the longest left in all of Bali!). We love it because it’s got inside breaks for beginners and outside sections that are fun for all levels, along with some of the best surf lodges going right now.
We actually have a complete guide to the surfing in Medewi
Ketut (the Balian right)
Ketuts or Ketut is a break that works on heavier swells in the S channel, more in the dry season. It’s a strangely heavy right that barrels on occasion but is really a technical wave at heart. The end zone is the shallowest part of reef and rock that you’ll find in Balian, so leave this one to the upper intermediates and experts.
Main Peak, Balian
You can’t miss the Balian Main Peak, mainly because it’s almost always working. The deep channel that’s been carved out under the water by the ceaseless flow of the river here sucks and hoovers up virtually any swell with any element of S in it. Just look straight out from where the river hits the ocean and you’ll see an A-frame cresting, usually no more than 230 meters off.
Although the lack of crowds can be a touch misleading, what you’re looking at is actually one of the most reliable waves on the Bali south coast. The left and the right ride are slightly different. The left is a cruisier customer that peels more crumbly and curves over about 150 meters right into the middle of the bay. Above 5 foot it steepens to become a dream for goofy rippers on shortboards who want to practice turns on the top and the bottom. The right is faster and hollower but won’t ever go keg. It’s a fun take-off that lets you enter the shoulder straight off with some potential for hitting the lip, though the downside is that there’s no paddle-back channel so you’ll need some strength to get back out and over.
The Main Peak at Balian loves a NW offshore but they are rare. Early mornings and evenings are best because the wind dips overall. We like the spot best on a slightly fuller tide when the left fattens out beautifully.
The Balian left
On larger days when the Main Peak is like 8 foot or more, then you might be better off hovering at the inside section where the wave reforms. It’s a lovely, cruisy left hander that still has nice power. Often favored by beginners and surf schoolers, it enjoys a deep reef thanks to the entry point of the river and has great vibes in the line up.
Soka Beach
Track down the coast a bit and there’s an outside reef break on the eastern end of Soka Beach that we’re certain you’ll find totally empty. It’s rarely surfed, probably because it’s shallow as shallow can be. Either way, it’s there – offering a curling right hander off the point. In all honesty, it’s probably not worth it, since there are much better waves on this run of shore, not least of all Balian itself.
Pantai Yeh Gangga
We’re getting quite far away from Balian proper now but Pantai Yeh Gangga is an okay option if you really must escape the crowds. It’s more akin to the Seminyak shores if you ask us. AKA it loves to turn dumpy on full tides. There’s likely to be a peak to enjoy here on your own though.
Where to stay when surfing in Balian?
Balian is nowhere near like Bingin or Kuta just yet. There aren’t 10,000 accommodation options crowding the shoreline. We’re not sure how long that will last, but we hope a while. For now, there are one or two FANTASTIC options to be had, especially those chilled private surf villas.
Balian Surf Villas
Purposely built to get you close to the Main Peak, the Balian Surf Villas do that in grand style. They are a set of 7 individual pads of all different sizes, including a few apartments that share a swimming pool. Inside, the design is Scandi-chic with a dash of ski chalet about it.
Beach Villa Balian
The Beach Villa Balian literally faces the Main Peak. You’ll be surfing right at the pad all day. So, why not stay there? It’s a pretty darn nice option, with a gorgeous pool and a rental unit that has a front-on view of the surf.
Gubug Balian Beach Bungalow
Just over the road but still within easy-peasy walking distance of the main wave, Gubug Balian Beach Bungalow is a classic Southeast Asian hotel choice with small but cozy rooms and very attractive price tags. There’s also an impressive new pool – overlooking the Main Peak.
Step-by-step guide to planning your balian surf trip right now
Step one: Book flights to the balian surf…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!
Step two: Book your surf camp. Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com. That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.
Step three: Rent a car. If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.
Step four: Enjoy!
When to surf in Balian?
The dry season in Bali is the best time to surf in Balian. That runs from May to September and brings up strong S-SW swells, which are just perfect for the rivermouth reefs in these parts. Watch the size, though – the peak of the season can turn on the action to 8-foot+ and that’s not so great for Balian’s Main Peak. The right works better then, while beginners can hover around the take-off for the inside left. Wet season is still great, mind, especially if you want something mellower. The only issue is a touch of pollution that’s possible from the river after big storms. Just keep your mouth closed in the water!
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
