Balian

Balian could be everything you’re looking for in a surfing location. The waves are often uncrowded; daily yoga sessions are performed; the road down to the beach is lined with a few pubs and restaurants, and there are several accommodation alternatives to suit all budgets.

What you will appreciate is that there are some exceptional places to stay around Balian, and still enjoy the true Bali feeling. No enormous beachfront clubs or hotel chains. Life is much simpler here than in the other areas like Canggu and Kuta.

Balian is divided into two sections: east of the river and west of the river. Explore the region east of the river, and you’ll discover villas nestled peacefully among palm plants. To the west of the river, the road leading down to the beach, Jalan Pantai Balian, serves as a center for travelers, with the bulk of existing hotels and restaurants located here.

From Balian, the road to Gilimanuk (the coastal town on Bali’s extreme western edge) becomes dotted with lethargic coconut trees and rice farms. If you take your gaze away from the often-potholed road for a while, you’ll see the jungled hills that distinguish this untamed western portion of Bali from the rest of the island.