Most know this Indonesian island in Southeast Asia because of its stunning beaches, abundant wellness offerings, dreamy tropical weather, consistent swells and endless jungle adventure. Bali is a seriously heavenly destination for those who love playing in the water and ending the day with a fresh coconut, a nasi goreng and a view.
I’ve been visiting Bali for nearly 10 years now, and while yes, old favourites like Canggu and Uluwatu have changed drastically here over the years, the untouched magic of Bali is still as present as ever, and Balian Beach is truly a testament to that.
‘So where is Balian Beach?’ I hear you ask.
Balian Beach is a coastal village located halfway up the West Coast of Bali (see map below), a spot known for its consistent surf, emptier line-ups and real locals’ vibe. You may have heard of its neighbour, Medewi? Another of Bali’s west coast surf gems you should check out!
Lined with stunning black sand beaches, the surf meets yoga vibe we all love, warungs that give you perfect views across the main surf breaks and the warmth of authentic Bali, Balian Beach is a spot that’s hard to not love.
I’m so excited to share the best things to do in Balian Beach with you today. I’ve just spent the last week there, and this Balian Beach travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your adventure.
I will cover everything from how to get to Balian Beach and where to stay, to the top things to do, the best day trips, and local secrets.
Balian Beach is your ticket to experiencing Bali at a slower pace. It truly is the place to go in Bali if you’re looking for a more laid-back alternative to the island’s southern (crowded) hotspots.
How to Get to Balian Beach
Balian Beach is located a little further away from the airport compared the the likes of popular spots, Canggu and Uluwatu, but it’s so worth the distance. As ever in Bali, it’s hard to be exact with drive times as it depends on what time of day you travel, as to how much traffic is on the road. IYKYK.
- From Canggu, Balian Beach is technically a 1.5-hour drive.
- From Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), on a clear day, it’s around 2.5 hours.
The easiest way to get to Balian Beach is to arrange a private driver through your accommodation (most will give you a number) or via apps like Grab or Gojek.
Expect to pay around 500-700,000 IDR (£23-32) for a private car if you’re heading from Ngurah Rai airport straight to Balian Beach. You’ll need to either have cash ready for a card so that you can stop at an ATM en route to get money out.
Travel tip:
My driver’s name was Toni, and he lives in Balian, so if you need a ride, pop him a WhatsApp on +62 857-3820-7476 to arrange. You’ll get a discount if you mention my name!
For the more adventurous traveller, renting a scooter from Canggu or Seminyak offers a scenic ride through rice fields and small villages to Balian. It’s no easy feat, though, expect plenty of bumps, unpaved roads, some sketchy corners and some busy roads to navigate. If you have no experience on a scooter, I’d opt for a private car!
This Balian travel guide wouldn’t be complete without noting that there’s no public transport here on the island, but if you’re travelling from the West, it’s very affordable to opt for the private car option!
Best Time to Visit Balian Beach
The best things to do in Balian Beach can be enjoyed year-round (surf, eat, yoga), but the dry season here in Bali (April–October) brings the most optimal weather in my opinion, with calmer seas and more consistent surf.
The wet season (November–March) sees more rain and humidity here, but the surrounding countryside turns to the lushest of greens, so it’s incredibly beautiful and isn’t a ‘bad time’ to come by any means. Surfers, you will find good waves here all year, though the dry season tends to be more reliable.
Where to Stay in Balian Beach
Balian Beach is just the cutest little coastal village, and so wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be close enough to walk to the surf and most of the best things to do in Balian Beach. Just have a think about whether you’d prefer the hotel, villa or retreat experience!
Here are a few options.
- Pondok Pitaya Hotel – Beachfront hotel with a pool, yoga shala, and surfboard rentals. Book here.
- Balian Bliss Retreat – A wellness-focused stay with daily yoga, spa treatments, and healthy meals. Book here.
- Surfside Studio Villa – This is where we stayed. It’s a gorgeous villa with 2 double beds, a kitchen and a pool area with sun loungers. It’s honeslty so perfect and walking distance from the main beach and all the warungs and massage spas you need! Message +62 856-3716-014 on WhatsApp to book.
1. Surf Balian’s famous surf break
A highlight of any Balian travel guide is obviously the surf. Drawing surfers from around the world, Balian Beach is a well-known spot for its consistent left-hand break.
Intermediate and advanced surfers – you will love it here. Whilst beginners, you can stick to the beach break and there’s also the option to take lessons from local instructors. You can rent a board right on the beach, and the waves work year-round, though, as mentioned previously dry season offers the most reliable conditions.
2. Watch the surf or the sunset from Deki’s Warung
If surfing isn’t on your priority list and you find yourself in Balian Beach, head up to Deki’s Warung for the perfect view of the break. The volcanic black sand, the blue hues of the ocean, a fresh cold coconut or Bintang… and you’re set for the afternoon.
One of the best things to do in Balian Beach is to watch the sunset from this spot. A great place to opt for dinner! They serve up all your Indonesian favs and the service was always so friendly.
3. Book a yoga class
Although Balian village is small, it has a surprisingly strong yoga scene. With shalas set in open-air spaces overlooking either the ocean or the rice paddies, you have a few options here to hop between. Here are a few to check out:
- Pondok Pitaya Yoga (right on the main beach) – Vinyasa yoga every morning at 10am
- Balian Spirit Yoga (just up the hill from the main beach) – Hatha and meditation every day at 8.30am and 4pm.
10. Slow down with a coconut and soak it all in!
Perhaps the best of all the best things to do in Balian Beach is simply nothing at all. This is a place to disconnect, to enjoy slow, beautiful Bali life, read your book in a hammock, watch surfers and just live in the moment. It’s Bali without the crowds, and that’s exactly why it’s so special.
5. Eat at one of the many amazing foodie spots here
- Warm cinnamon scrolls (trust me) and iced coffee @ Mojo Balian
- Breakfast / coffee / pizza night @ Casa Balian (they make the bread and pizza dough in house!!!!)
- Nasi goreng and a bintang with a view @ Deki’s
- Fresh fish / lobster @ Secret Bay restaurant
- Sunset Bintang @ HARMONY BAR (literally on the beach)
6. Dip (safely) in the Ocean
While Balian is great for surfing, swimming should be done with caution. The currents can be strong, especially near the river mouth.
On calm days, however, a swim here can be one of the most refreshing and best things to do in Balian Beach. I noticed that the time most people were swimming was at low tide. Always check conditions with locals first and get in the water with caution!
7. Visit the Sunday Market
If you’re here on a Sunday, the local market is a must. This small, community-run market sells fresh produce, snacks, and handmade crafts. If you’re looking for a real authentic experience in this Balian travel guide, opt in for this one!
8. Visit Secret Beach
The early afternoon light on this volcanic sand beach is quite striking. It looked pretty surreal when we arrived to explore (forgot to take a photo though lol). You can see it in the late afternoon light below – still gorgeous.
You can drive right up to Secret Beach restaurant to access the beach before taking the path up either side to enjoy views across the coastline. Take a refreshing dip in the water and then get a fresh coconut / cocktail / fresh seafood dinner at the restaurant. A really lovely, calm ambience. Perfect for date night!
9. Book in for a Balinese Massage
After a day in the surf or exploring (or just because haha), treat yourself to a massage.
Most hotels and guesthouses will have an in-house massage service, but otherwise, there is a spot on the sea front or my favourite spot, Ayu Bagus Massage, where you can get a traditional 1-hour Balinese massage for 160,000 IDR (£7.29).
10. Stroll along the river
Balian is actually named after the river that flows into the ocean here. From the main beach, you’ll spot it on the left.
If you have a morning or evening free, take a walk along the riverbank, across the wooden bridge, and into the surrounding rice fields. You’ll pass locals working the land, spot tropical birds, and get a glimpse of rural Balinese life. A river walk is one of the best things to do in Balian Beach.
8. Day Trip to Medewi, Soka Beach or Seseh
On the days when the surf isn’t as you like it or when you feel like switching things up… use Balian as a base to explore Bali’s quieter west coast.
You’ve got:
- Medewi, 30 minutes north – a surf destination known for its super-long left-hand wave.
- Soka Beach, 15 minutes south – famous for its dramatic rock formations.
- Tanah Lot, 25 minutes south – home to the ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple Pura Tanah Lot, popular with photographers!
- Seseh / Canggu – about an hour away! Pretty incredible views as you scooter through the rice fields and along the rivers to get there (see below!).
Have you been to Balian Beach?
What are the best things to do in Balian Beach? Anything you’d add to this Balian Beach bucket list?
Love as always and happy adventuring…
