VisitBali

Balian Beach

A wide black-sand surf beach 90 min west of Canggu — chunky river-mouth waves, end-of-the-road vibes and Bali's best surf escape from the south.

Best for: Intermediate surfers escaping the south

About Balian Beach

Balian is a wide black-sand surf beach on Bali's west coast, about 90 minutes beyond Canggu, where the Balian River meets the Indian Ocean. The river mouth throws up a punchy, shifting peak that offers both lefts and rights and suits confident intermediate and advanced surfers — with far fewer people in the water than anywhere in the south.

The village has a relaxed, slightly bohemian, end-of-the-road feel: a scattering of surf lodges, yoga spots, warungs and clifftop bars looking out over the break. It is the kind of place travellers come for a night and end up staying a week.

Balian faces west, so sunsets over the black sand are spectacular, and the surrounding countryside of rice fields and river valleys makes it a peaceful base. After heavy rain the river can carry debris into the line-up, so it is worth checking conditions before paddling out.

Quick facts

Waves
Punchy river-mouth break
Sand
Black
Crowds
Quiet
Accessibility
Drive-in (1.5 hr from Canggu)

Things to do at Balian Beach

  • Surf the river-mouth break — A punchy, shifting peak with both lefts and rights for confident intermediates and advanced surfers — rarely crowded.
  • Watch the sunset from a clifftop bar — West-facing bars above the beach serve cold drinks as the sun drops over the break.
  • Take a yoga class — Several laid-back lodges and studios offer drop-in yoga overlooking the coast.
  • Unwind in the village — Balian's slow, bohemian pace is the whole point — warungs, hammocks and long walks on black sand.

Beaches near Balian Beach

Plan your visit