Balangan Beach (Pantai Balangan) Travel Guide 2024

written by local expert Anna Faustino

Anna is a co-founder of Adventure in You and has been traveling the world for the last 9 years. She has spent time living in Thailand, Mexico, Indonesia, and Spain and is our local expert in these areas. Her expertise on travel, gear, and building businesses have been featured on Foundr, Business Insider, Yahoo Travel, and more.

Looking for a guide to Balangan Beach in Uluwatu? Keep on reading because I got you covered.

I spent four months living in Uluwatu and loved every moment of it. From its vibrant community, gorgeous beaches, delicious restaurants, and numerous attractions and temples to visit, it’s pretty hard not to fall in love with the place.

Uluwatu is home to some of the most stunning beaches with cliff top views, beach clubs, and amazing surfing.

Honestly, it is one of those places that we keep coming back to over and over again.

Although there are tons of things to do in Uluwatu, visiting Balangan Beach was high up on the list. We lived 5 minutes away from Balangan so this spot was one we frequented plenty of times.

Rightfully so, as it’s one of Uluwatu’s most iconic beaches known for its stellar sunset views, local vibe, and fun waves.

If this beach is on your Bali bucket list, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on for my travel guide to Pantai Balangan where I share tips on how to get here, best time to go, and what to expect.

Viewpoint at Balangan Beach

Where is Balangan Beach?

Balangan Beach is located in Uluwatu, Bali, which is on the southwest coastline of the Bukit Peninsula.

Also called Pantai Balangan, this lovely beach is about an hour and a half away from Canggu via car or scooter. It’s also halfway between other popular beaches like Tegal Wangi Beach and Dreamland Beach.

From the main area of Bingin Beach, Balangan Beach is about a 15-20 minute drive scooter ride. It takes longer in a car as cars cannot pass through the golf course shortcut.

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How to Get to Balangan Beach

There are various ways you can get to Balangan Beach.

One of the most popular ways to head to the beach is via scooter. This is by  far the most convenient way to get around Uluwatu and its surrounding beaches. A few requirements that you might need are:

  • International driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Address of your accommodation
  • Contact details
  • Cash in Indonesian Rupiah

The requirements are also similar for those who plan to rent a car. Renting a private car or scooter is beneficial as you have more control over your day.

You can rent a motorbike from this place which they will even deliver straight to you, hassle free.

If you are coming from Uluwatu, it is only a short drive, while those coming from Canggu, Kuta, or Seminyak should expect a 1-1.5-hour drive.

You make your way to Balangan Beach yourself via Google Maps.

If you don’t feel confident in driving, you can always hire a private car or scooter with a driver for the day.

Most private car charters start at $45 for 8 hours, and they already include an experienced driver (who also acts as a guide), the vehicle itself, gas, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and even drinking water.

Click here for details on hiring a private driver to get around Uluwatu.

For those who do not need a driver for the entire day, you can book a scooter or car using transportation apps like Grab and Gojek.

However, do note that the beach is located far off Jalan Uluwatu, the main road. If you booked a Grab, Blue Bird, or Gojek to go to the area, finding a ride back home may be difficult.

Beautiful ocean of Balangan Beach

Best Time to Visit Balangan Beach

Generally, the best time to visit Balangan Beach, or any other beach in Bali for that matter, is between April to October.

This is the island’s dry season, so expect sunny days throughout with just the rare chance of rain here and there.

That said, these months are considered the peak season, which is why it’s best to head to Pantai Balangan early to get a good spot by the beach.

Spend an entire day here and make sure you stay until sunset because that’s the beach’s main attraction, other than the many activities you can do here.

It’s possible to visit Pantai Balangan from November to March, as long as you time your visit right and go when the weather forecast expects it to be a sunny day. You can beat the crowds this way!

Sunny weather at Balangan Beach
Enjoying the hot weather at Balangan Beach

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Balangan Beach Entrance Fee

What’s great about Balangan Beach is that there are no entrance fees to pay. The only thing you’ll need to pay is for parking if you brought a scooter or car. The parking will be 2,000 IDR ($0.14) per vehicle.

Afterward, you can head to the beach and enjoy the beautiful views. The beach is open all day, every day, so feel free to spend as much time as you want in Balangan Beach.

Balangan Beach
Taken from one of our favorite local warungs

Things to Do in Balangan Beach

Although Balangan beach is more popular amongst surfers, you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy  the beach.

Here are a few more things to do in Balangan Beach.

Go Surfing

Undeniably, Balangan Beach is one of the best surf spots in Bali. The left-hand reef break attracts many pro surfers, but even beginners can enjoy learning the ropes.

The beach offers a consistent and reliable surf spot, with waves that break both left and right over a shallow coral reef. The waves at Balangan Beach are best for intermediate to advanced surfers, with a range of surf breaks that can handle a variety of swell sizes.

During the dry season (May-September), the waves are typically smaller and more manageable, while the wet season (October-April) can see larger and more challenging surf conditions.

I’ve seen HUGE waves in Balangan Beach which can be intimidating for beginners so I suggest you check the forecast beforehand.

The best time to surf is during high tide when the waves are at their fullest and most powerful. Surfing lessons are available for beginners, and there are surf shops and rental facilities located nearby.

surfing in balangan beach
Balangan has some of the best surfing in Uluwatu

Lounge by the Beach

If surfing isn’t for you, you can always rent an umbrella and sun lounger to just lay down and relax as you get your tan. Order a refreshing drink to beat the heat as you watch surfers dance around the waves!

There are plenty of local warungs (local eateries) where you can order a drink or two.

Walk the Beach

When it’s low tide, you can walk along the waters to see the local sea life. While you can’t swim, it’s a nice way to stay cool as you dip your feet in the rock puddles. You will also see locals gathering shellfish during this time.

The beach is long and is great to walk along!

Visit Balangan Viewpoint for Sunset

To see the most incredible sunset view, I recommend you go to Balangan Viewpoint which is located on top of the cliff. It is a popular spot amongst locals and travelers alike so go there early if you want to secure your spot.

To get to Balangan Viewpoint, you can search for Tebing Pantai Balangan on Google Maps.

balangan
Sunset at Balangan Viewpoint

Where to Eat in Balangan Beach

Besides the fun outdoor activities to do in Balangan Beach, it’s also worth noting that you can have a complete food trip here!

While you can pack your own food, it’s definitely worth trying the different restaurants close to Balangan Beach. Here are a few I recommend:

Mazu Beach Club: This is a lovely beach club with chill vibes! The music isn’t too loud or noisy, and you can enjoy your day by the pool with one of their refreshing drinks. For a beach club, you can get great food at affordable prices.

Unlike other beach clubs in Bali, there is no minimum spend here so you  can just go to their restaurant, use their facilities while enjoying some drinks and food.

Café La Pasion: If you’re craving Western food, look no further than Café La Pasion, which has a ton of delicious international and Mexican dishes. Their smoothie bowls are a must-try. Although this isn’t located right by Balangan Beach, it’s worth a stop if you’re in the area.

The Point Balangan Beach: For those who want seafood, The Point Balangan Beach will satisfy your cravings. Make sure you try their calamari and fish tacos; you’ll be left wanting more. The view from this place is spot on for a sundowner.

Jimmy Beach Café: Here’s another aesthetic café with gorgeous views of the waters! I love the all-natural and minimalist design of the place, along with the many drinks that they offer on their menu. It’s also a nice place to co-work in.

Tropical Background with coconut drink at Balangan Beach

Where to Stay in Balangan Beach

Balangan Beach is so beautiful that you might consider staying in a hotel nearby. Fortunately, there are many beachfront resorts in the area, so you can always wake up to the calming sound of the waves crashing.

Here are a few places I recommend staying at:

White Palm Hotel Bali

This is a quiet boutique hotel suitable for those who want peace and quiet. You can book one of their bungalows at affordable prices and enjoy their amenities, such as fast WiFi and a saltwater pool. Furthermore, the beach is a mere 5-minute walk away!

La Joya Biu Biu Resort

This is an accessible accommodation for those on a budget. Choose between standard and deluxe bungalows, all designed to give you the privacy you need. However, we recommend reserving the bungalows far from the main road to avoid the noise of motorbikes passing by.

La Cabane Bali

La Cabane Bali is another accommodation known for its affordable prices. If you want ultimate privacy and luxury at a good price, avail their 3-bedroom villa, which comes with a tropical garden and private pool.

The Point Balangan Beach

For those on a tight budget, you can book a standard or deluxe room at The Point BeachFront Balangan. You have amenities including the pool, on-site beachfront restaurant, and sun loungers by the beach, so you’ve got a designated space to relax in.

Other Beaches in Uluwatu

Balangan Beach stood out during my trip to Bali, but it’s definitely not the only one. There are many spectacular beaches in Uluwatu known for their beauty and myriad activities.

Here are some of my other suggestions of where to go when beach hopping in the area:

Pandawa Beach: Pandawa Beach was once known as a secret beach as it’s hidden within a mountain. Now, it’s a developed beach with a ton of activities and facilities, whether you want to surf, get a massage, or more.

Melasti Beach: Melasti Beach is located in Ungasan, a lovely beach known for its accessibility yet fewer crowds. You get peace and tropical paradise as you walk along the white sands and turquoise-blue waters.

Bingin Beach: If you’re looking for world-class waves, Bingin Beach is perfect for you. Heading to the area is an adventure in itself as you need to walk down a steep and narrow path, but it will be worth the mini hike, as you enjoy delicious eats after an afternoon of surfing.

Dreamland Beach: This is very near Balangan Beach, perfect for surfers and beach goers alike. As the name implies, it’s a dreamland with waves suitable for beginner and advanced surfers. While it isn’t best for swimming, the soft, white sands make up for it, as you can walk all day long!

Jimbaran Beach: Jimbaran Beach is more popular for its many fancy resorts and the popular seafood restaurants it houses. Just the delicious meals alone make the beach worth the visit, but watch out for the crowds!

Beautiful ocean of Pandawa Beach
The beautiful waters of Pandawa Beach

Uluwatu Tours

The Kecak fire dance is one of the best cultural experiences in Bali and is something I highly recommend doing!

If you want to combine a day of beach hopping in some of the best beaches in Uluwatu, plus a visit to the temple, I recommend you checking out this tour below

Kecak Fire Dance in Uluwatu
The famous kecak fire show in Uluwatu is a MUST!

Conclusion

Hopefully, the next time you head to Bali, you won’t forget to visit Balangan Beach in Uluwatu. The vibes are so chill and you’ll never want to leave.

Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pantai Balangan

Where is Balangan Beach in Bali?

Pantai Balangan is located in Uluwatu, on the southwest coast of the Bukit Peninsula.

Can you swim at Balangan Beach?

Technically you can swim in Balangan Beach if it is high tide, however, Balangan Beach isn’t the best for swimming as it is covered in reef.

There are many rock formations, making it difficult to swim in. If you’re looking for a swimmable beach, I recommend checking out Pandawa Beach or Melasti Beach.

Is Balangan Beach good for surfing?

That’s a huge YES! It’s a great spot for beginner and advanced surfers alike, with the beach known as having some of the biggest surf breaks in Bali. You can also take private surf lessons to learn more about the sport.


For more Bali articles check out these posts:

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