By K&P 
The path leads behind old wooden structures stretching along the beach. Coconut palms add to its charm—not too many, but just enough. The doors are open in each of the twin-like, adjoining beachside eateries. From the other side, you can see the ocean; the vibe is undeniable, and it’s quite a scene.
The last building blocking the view gives way to a path running along a small cliff. Just two meters below is the beach—long, white, and stunning from this slightly elevated perspective. Here, green grass and palms lean toward the ocean and beach, while down there, bright sand stretches out. Here and there, wooden stairs lead down.
Squats, lunges, push-ups—a slim girl performs her workout on an orange-and-green surfboard. Nearby, her friend sits on a lounge chair under a bamboo umbrella, engrossed in a book. This shaded spot makes the hot day more bearable.
From the beach, the eateries look much taller, their terraces perched on wooden stilts, appearing as if they might collapse any second. The view from these terraces is directly out to the ocean. Inside, there’s only the bare minimum—a wooden counter for setting down a coconut or a coffee, simple chairs, and a roof providing shade. Nothing more is needed, apart from wooden stairs, resembling a ladder, essential for reaching them from the beach. Surfing motifs complement the minimalist decor, with boards displayed at the entrance, around the back, and older ones stored under the roof.
Time seems to stand still here. Everyone stares at the horizon, hypnotized by the sound of the waves. Small dots appear and disappear—surfers, far out at sea. They’re way out there; it takes dedication. Sitting on their boards, they wait for the chance at a five-second ride on a wave.
She grabs her board—that must be the end of her warm-up. Carrying a two-meter board to the water is a challenge in itself, but battling the waves is undoubtedly tougher. Near the beach, the water is shallow, and there’s a reef—not a pretty one, nothing special. These conditions make swimming and wading difficult, but they don’t bother surfers, who paddle across this shallow stretch lying on their boards to reach deeper waters.
Even several meters out, the reef remains underfoot, and the water stays shallow. This beach isn’t ideal for swimming; the reef extends far and lies just below the surface. It’s visually interesting at first glance, but up close, it’s monotonous—limestone structures covered in green algae. Shells, crabs, and sea urchins are rare finds here.
Others sit on wooden stools, staring at the ocean, hypnotized by the sound of the waves. They watch the dots in the distance—some manage to stay on the waves a little longer, but it’s hard to make out details from here. Even the orange-and-green board is barely recognizable at this distance, still on its way to the main surf spot. She’s probably a good hundred meters from shore, with another hundred to go.
From afar, the waves seem small and harmless, but they’re large and dangerous, easily flipping boards in an instant. It’s a real challenge: the thunder of waves, no ground underfoot, and hundreds of meters from shore with no support, knowing that beyond lies only the ocean. This is not for everyone.
Balangan Beach is a perfect spot for surfers, easily accessible from Jimbaran, just past the airport on the way to Nusa Dua. That area boasts a rich hotel base, along with many restaurants and warungs. Balangan’s surroundings are modest by comparison, with just a handful of small hotels and two eateries that mostly serve drinks, coconuts, and iced coffee. However, there’s an abundance of local surf instructors and board rental shops. It’s an excellent place for surfing but also has a relaxing vibe for spending a lazy day gazing at the distant dots on the horizon. It mainly attracts young, athletic people—there’s no room here for elegant dresses, fancy cocktails, or gourmet dining.
Unfortunately, the water is shallow, the reef is hard, and it’s difficult to walk barefoot. You could try venturing further out into the ocean, but the big waves make swimming less appealing. Instead, it’s more about wading across the reef in search of anything of interest—though you shouldn’t expect too much here.
The sun sets in typical fashion on the horizon, making this an ideal spot for watching the sunset. The locals know this well, and many gather here, acting as if they’re on vacation—it seems they’re not tired of it yet. Mostly young people, the boys often rev up their scooters, which they’ve modified to be intentionally loud and equipped with colorful underglow lights.
Balangan Beach is a charming spot, its character shaped by passionate young people. There’s a great atmosphere, similar to other parts of the western coastline near Nusa Dua. This area, however, is wilder, less developed, and underfunded—a surfer’s haven. Cliffs and beaches dominate the landscape, with few hotels, and those that exist are small. Scooters with surfboard racks, riders without helmets, the wind in their hair, tanned skin, and tattoos define the scene.
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