Balian Beach, Tabanan: Address, Phone Number, Balian Beach Reviews: 4.5/5
Balian Beach
Balian Beach
4.5
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Top ways to experience Balian Beach and nearby attractions
The area
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Restaurants
9 within 3 miles

Sushi Surf
102
249 ft$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi

Deki's Warung
20
170 ft$ • Asian • Indonesian • Vegetarian Friendly

Casa Balian Cafe
14
481 ftAmerican • Cafe • Asian • Australian

Balian Surf Camp
24
0.3 mi$ • Southwestern • Asian • Indonesian

Tom's Garden Cafe
29
438 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Asian • Indonesian

Tekor Bali
7
0.1 miMexican • Asian • Australian • Indonesian

Yama
1
0.1 miAsian • Indonesian

Soka Fleur
21
2.3 mi$ • American • Asian • British

Soka Indah Restaurant
13
2.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • International • Asian
Attractions
3 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
197 reviews
Excellent
102
Very good
60
Average
25
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Mark Thomas
25 contributions
Balian Beach is a reasonable drive 50km north-west from the frenetic post covid-chaos of Seminyak/Berawa/Canggu. Situated on the one road towards the port of Gilimanuk will keep you on your toes if your travelling by car. If you go by motorbike as I do its a white knuckle adventure on busy roads and dealing with other users that have no fear in how they ride. Riding in torrential rain makes it exponentially more challenging. The turn off down into Balian Beach is narrow and deceptive at the top of a winding uphill road. Once you descend down into this little paradise you see why its worth a few days to relax or much more if you surf. Accommodation currently is very reasonable price wise form low end to mid-high end. There is some well positioned cafe/restaurants looking out over the surging surf to chat and snuggle a cold beer or eat cheap well made food.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve M
14 contributions
Couples
The area surrounding Balian reminds me of Bali from about 25 years ago. The beach itself is quite spectacular, black volcanic sand with crashing surf. This beauty can change within one tropical downpour. After a night of heavy rain the river emptied its contents into the ocean. I was absolutely appalled, amazed and saddened by the amount of rubbish that was deposited onto the beach. There would have been easily over 1000 plastic water bottles alone with every other piece of plastic you can think of. Bali is a beautiful island with generous, genuine people but is nothing is done about the plastic pollution then the island will become one huge dump. I believe there are some very wealthy foreigners that own hotels on the island, shame they cannot put some of the wealth back into rectifying the plastic scourge.
Written September 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travelingfool20
Clovis, CA46 contributions
Couples
Had the most wonderful, relaxing 4 nights at a villa on Balian, right above the surf camp. The weather was perfect, although water was too rough for swimming for us. The black sand was so different and beautiful. I loved the relaxed vibe, random farm animals, and very few people. The last day we ventured over the river to the sushi shop (just ok) and dinner at Tekor (charming and delicious), which sadly isnt even on trip advisor. We had a drive, Sonar take us to Blemantung falls, the local secret, a temple and a coffee farm with rice terraces. Absolutely adored the small town charm of this place and will be back! If you want more info on the driver and villa, I'd be happy to share.
Written July 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WK13
London, UK48 contributions
Family
We stayed in a beautiful place closely located to Balian beach just the east side of the river at the end of Feb. Our selection to stay there was partly driven by some of the reviews suggesting the beach was remote and offered beautiful views. Whilst all of these were true we found the place just a little bit too remote for our liking and with relatively poor amenities: there are only a tiny handful of warungs (at most 5 if not less) and the village is tiny with little to offer shopping wise.
I agree with some of the reviewers that Balian beach could be recommended to whoever is looking for remoteness, seclusion and a bit of untouched and basic Bali. I think it is good for surfers due to good currents. It is also good for either whoever may not need luxuries or those who are happy about relying on having beers/cooking provided within their villa without needing to go out.
However, if you are a young family like ourselves and may just need a little bit more selection of places to shop/eat or simply have fun of with kids within walking distance, this place may not be best choice for you unless you are planning to only spend there a couple of nights.
Additionally, the beach is rarely cleaned and it got contaminated with plastic debris when we stayed there which partly came from the river and partly from the Ocean.
Overall, I would like to be fair on the place and I think it’s great for some people but definitely not for everyone so try visiting before booking or just book a couple of nights to start with.
Final note: places to stay will seam a good value for your buck but if you want mobility you need at least a moped or use taxi for larger groups/families which will add to the cost.
I agree with some of the reviewers that Balian beach could be recommended to whoever is looking for remoteness, seclusion and a bit of untouched and basic Bali. I think it is good for surfers due to good currents. It is also good for either whoever may not need luxuries or those who are happy about relying on having beers/cooking provided within their villa without needing to go out.
However, if you are a young family like ourselves and may just need a little bit more selection of places to shop/eat or simply have fun of with kids within walking distance, this place may not be best choice for you unless you are planning to only spend there a couple of nights.
Additionally, the beach is rarely cleaned and it got contaminated with plastic debris when we stayed there which partly came from the river and partly from the Ocean.
Overall, I would like to be fair on the place and I think it’s great for some people but definitely not for everyone so try visiting before booking or just book a couple of nights to start with.
Final note: places to stay will seam a good value for your buck but if you want mobility you need at least a moped or use taxi for larger groups/families which will add to the cost.
Written March 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
komangrio
Ubud, Indonesia285 contributions
Friends
we go to balian beach from ubud with drive about 2 hours drive ,I think will same about 2 hours from the airport denpasar to balian beach at surabrata village,west of tabanan regency and west of soka beach.balian beach small village with many many accommodation with cheap price,and very very diffrent with kuta,legian and seminyak ,to get rilexs more better in here,is nice place and less tourism in here.
maybe for win surfing is better in here ,and sands is black ,on the way back to airport,must used same roads with many many truck on the way,and will take long if not good drive from balian village to airport,
maybe for win surfing is better in here ,and sands is black ,on the way back to airport,must used same roads with many many truck on the way,and will take long if not good drive from balian village to airport,
Written July 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BecPriv
Secret Harbour, Australia91 contributions
Whilst there were hardly any tourists around, we didn't feel at all safe. There are hawkers around and it is dirty.
Written July 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
miraball77
Sydney, Australia11 contributions
Couples
I love Balian and try to visit a couple of times a year.
One activity you must not miss is yoga with Nicky, at Nicky Yoga Shala in Balian. The studio is on the main road in Balian, just near where the turn off to Gajah Mina / Secret Beach is.
There are two daily classes, at 9.00am and again at 4pm. You can buy single or package classes at the studio before the class.
The morning class is based on Ashtanga primary series and the afternoon class is a more relaxing Hatha style class. Classes cater for all levels, with beginner and (very!) advanced options given if you wish to challenge yourself.
The yoga shala is peaceful and serene, open air, surrounded by a small garden. You can hear the sound of crashing waves in the back ground. It is one of the most atmospheric and magical places I have ever practised yoga.
Nicky, the teacher, is incredible. I learnt so much from him that other teachers hadn't covered before, specially about breathing, bandhas (energy locks) and focas. He is very precise in his cues / instructions. Balian is a small town, so I was amazed that a teacher of such high calibre lived there. Balian is lucky to have him!
My partner also attended Nicky's classes when the surf was small and said they were amazing for his shoulders and core. Actually, a lot of surfers attend Nicky yoga, consequently the afternoon classes are often tailored to this.
In a nutshell, whether you are a beginner yogi or an advanced practitioner, do not miss the opportunity to practice with Nicky....you will not regret it!
I cannot wait to go back!
Jo & Phil
One activity you must not miss is yoga with Nicky, at Nicky Yoga Shala in Balian. The studio is on the main road in Balian, just near where the turn off to Gajah Mina / Secret Beach is.
There are two daily classes, at 9.00am and again at 4pm. You can buy single or package classes at the studio before the class.
The morning class is based on Ashtanga primary series and the afternoon class is a more relaxing Hatha style class. Classes cater for all levels, with beginner and (very!) advanced options given if you wish to challenge yourself.
The yoga shala is peaceful and serene, open air, surrounded by a small garden. You can hear the sound of crashing waves in the back ground. It is one of the most atmospheric and magical places I have ever practised yoga.
Nicky, the teacher, is incredible. I learnt so much from him that other teachers hadn't covered before, specially about breathing, bandhas (energy locks) and focas. He is very precise in his cues / instructions. Balian is a small town, so I was amazed that a teacher of such high calibre lived there. Balian is lucky to have him!
My partner also attended Nicky's classes when the surf was small and said they were amazing for his shoulders and core. Actually, a lot of surfers attend Nicky yoga, consequently the afternoon classes are often tailored to this.
In a nutshell, whether you are a beginner yogi or an advanced practitioner, do not miss the opportunity to practice with Nicky....you will not regret it!
I cannot wait to go back!
Jo & Phil
Written January 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bradley W
Townsville, Australia6 contributions
Family
Balian Beach is an amazing place with great restaurants, activities and accommodation. An activity that stood out to us was Nicky Yoga, this is at the junction to Secret Bay. Nicky is a great yoga instructor and the environment was peaceful and zen. We ended up going to 4 yoga classes during our short stay (classes are twice everyday, 9am and 4pm.) Highly recommend doing one of his yoga classes if you are staying at or around Balian Beach :)
Written January 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael B
Melbourne, Australia611 contributions
Couples
Balian Beach is on the West Coast of Bali. It is a relatively quiet village with lots of accommodation and restaurants but without the noise and partying of Kuta, Legian etc. The beach is less than pristine but evidently the surf is brilliant. There are many surfers of all ages and from countries all over the world and they are a really friendly bunch. We are not surfers but enjoyed the area, using it as a base to travel from. We stayed at "Balian Beach House" number 75 on the main road. It has the potential to be a great little house but the western owner either has not set foot in the place for a long time or simply doesn't care about customer satisfaction. Warning - do not stay there until you have inspected it and ensured everything works. The air conditioning did not work and the overhead fan in the bedroom did not work. The Balinese manager did not get it fixed resulting in us leaving 3 days early. Do not pay in advance!
Written October 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JoCobbett
Culver City, California, United States7 contributions
Friends
not swimming beach, and at the mouth of an estuary that pulls a lot of human trash to the beach, but more magnificent than that detail. i just love walking this raw wave lined beach; finding its songs and its warm sucking waves teasing me into loving my life.
Written February 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jackster1000
Darwen, UK19 contributions
Does anyone know of a good local guide in Balian beach area ?
Thanks
leelee1408
Torquay, Australia52 contributions
Yes, Sonar is a fantastic tour guide. You can find him at Balian Surf Camp or afternoon n Facebook as Kadek Sonar.
Hi. Does anyone know the name of the accommodation behind Nicky's Yoga studio, and know how we could contact them? Many thanks.
Are there reputable moneychangers in Balian?
leelee1408
Torquay, Australia52 contributions
There is now a money changer located at the night market on the main road in the village. Very professional and offering same rates as Seminyak/Legian.
travelnurse86
London, Ontario, Canada14 contributions
Hello - I'll be going to Bali in a couple weeks, and from what I've read about it so far, I think the first place I'll be heading to after arriving is Balian (I want to completely stay away from the crowded south/tourist district).
From here, I am wanting to head north, either to Munduk or Lovina (I will be heading to both, just not sure in which order yet...) My question: is it fairly easy getting out of Balian to head to either of these places? Does anyone have any experience with that? I am wondering which one would be the path of least resistance... And ALSO, I am thinking it would be nice to stop by Pura Luhur Batukau (temple) on the way. Does anyone have any recommendations/suggestions? Would it be best to hire a driver to do this? (cost?) Thanks for any feedback :) Much appreciated.
MoanaNZSUP
Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand34 contributions
Hi, being in Balian will definitely keep you out of the crowds, it's s very quite surf and yoga destination on a black sandy beach by the river mouth. Really chilled and great waves. The road north from the Balian turn off is very twisty but in good condition. You can get a driver from one of the resorts in the village, I rented a bike so I'm not sure on price. Cost from Denpasar to Balian should be around 500000, and will take approx two hours on a good day, longer if the traffic is bad. Have an awesome trip
letsgo2bali
Currumbin, Australia51 contributions
Hi, my friend and I are going to Balian as she loves to surf and I love to swim would anyone know of a place to stay with a decent size pool nearby or at a surf beach. cheers Sue
C B
Australia43 contributions
Hi Sue, pondok pataya is right on the beach with a good size pool overlooking the surf break, beautiful location, dont go there for the shopping !
Stephen F
Newcastle, Australia
Hi Travelling to Balian soon and staying for a week, have heard that there are no ATM/EFT facilities i.e. for credit card, cash out, is this correct?
Sonar D
3 contributions
That is not totaly right there is atm near by but not all card works on it, mostly accomodation unable to do card payment but but there are some
Best way is cash out and keep some rupiah before you away from the town
Happy holiday cheerrsss...
Rasha S
Amman, Jordan97 contributions
Hello! i want to ask about pondok pitaya and the balian villa are then close to each other?
Sonar D
3 contributions
Balian beach divide by balian river, west side and east side. Those two side are diferent subvillage,
East side is the Real Balian because Balian River is on their territory, and Balian name is refered to Balian River. Pondok pitaya and Balian villa are on west side, you can reach those two by simple walk, pondok pitaya has great beach front view complete accomodations and yoga activity. And to discover the island please go to Balian Traveling for your day tour and services with local knowledge driver along your vacation.
Cheersss.....
Frequently Asked Questions about Balian Beach
- We recommend booking Balian Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Balian Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Balian Beach:
- (0.02 mi) Balian Surf Beach Villa Bali
- (0.03 mi) Surf Stay at Villa
- (0.07 mi) Pondok Pitaya: Hotel, Surfing and Yoga
- (0.05 mi) Gubug Balian Beach Bungalows
- (0.06 mi) Pondok Pisces Bungalows
- Restaurants near Balian Beach:
- (0.03 mi) Deki's Warung
- (0.05 mi) Sushi Surf
- (0.09 mi) Casa Balian Cafe
- (0.08 mi) Tom's Garden Cafe
- (0.10 mi) Tekor Bali
- Attractions near Balian Beach:
- (0.42 mi) Balian Traveling - Day Tours
- (6.91 mi) Enduro Adventures Bali
- (9.06 mi) MEXX Cooking School
- (7.54 mi) Bali Dirt Bikes
- (5.29 mi) Bali Island ATV