Balian

Surf Guide

Balian is not a major surf destination spot in Bali for most surfers. The waves at Balian are not the ultraperfect green barrels that most surfers come to Bali for. However, Balian is a great surf get away in Bali. Contrasted to the Bukit, Balian is lush, with ricefields, rivers, and lots of coconut trees. There's a black sand beach, and it is generally a very mellow place to chill out for a few days. Balian is also a swell magnet. This is a place that will have decent surf when everywhere else is flat. The tradewinds blow sideshore here, and the rainy season westerlies blow onshore. Balian is a place for early morning surfing and the potential for a late afternoon glass of session. The wave at Balian is a rivermouth beach and rock break that offers up very rippable shifting A-frame peaks. Usually the lefts are better than the rights, and both can show an inside barrel section when it all comes together. Balian is not a place to go when there is a big swell running. It will be impossible to paddle out and the currents will become dangerous. If a big swell is running most surfers will continue west another half an hour to Medewi. To get to Balian: Balian is about one and a half hours from Kuta. Leaving Kuta, follow the Krobokan Rd, past the Canggu turn off and continue straight. This road will eventually connect with the major West to East highway. Follow the signs for Gilimanuk. The coast will be in sight much of the way, and keep your eyes peeled to see if any of the assorted peaks on the way are worth investigating. You will see signs for Balian as you approach some large hills to your right.