Bali Bukit

Here in the Southern region of Bali it’s the ideal place to enjoy the sun, the sea and the tranquility of a charming place. Just even to watch the sunset over the ocean: A pure moment of happiness. the region of the Bali Bukit (in Indonesian hills) offers white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, a place still unspoiled compared to the crowded ​​Kuta and Seminyak, where relaxation is the order of the day and the beaches are almost deserted, the ideal place for those who want to escape from the anxieties of everyday life, a genuine paradise of beaches. 

But on the other hand, it’s just a 40 minutes drive to Kuta, the hot spot where you can shop and party all day and all night.Among the many beautiful beaches of the Bukit, Balangan is one of the less known by tourists. The beach is small but perfect, and just before Dreamland, which is very close walking distance.It used to be difficult to find it but now the road will take you all the way in there. Actualy the location is not too far to reach, it is only about 10 km from the Ngurah Rai Airport. If you rent a car or motor bike, just go straight head up the hill, after the GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana), on an intersection take the right small road next to NIRMALA Supermarket where there is a Balangan sign, just follow the road, and there is a small metal fence to the beach parking lot. The Balangan view beach faced to the north, so that Ngurah Rai airport is visible from here.

 

Balangan is almost as quiet as a private beach, surrounded by cliffs that are discovered when the tide is low. Daybeds are always there, perfect for sun bathing and it is one of the best spot to learn how to surf in Bali, the reef is right infront of the beach so only a short paddle out is required. Balangan features very elegant waves, in some good day the wave will be fast and perfect to challenge the surfers and a smaller swell during the dead low tide days will be perfect for beginners.There are some small cafes near the beach, perfect to enjoy a cold beer while enjoying the beautiful sunset and see the fishermen boats come back from the ocean to Kedonganan beach. 

This is the ideal place to fall asleep with the sound of the sea and in the morning waking up with a nice bathroom, and then hang all day at the beach. Good food and warm sun. in particular, a few kilometers from the beach of Balangan, is the famous fish market in Jimbaran, where you can enjoy good local fresh seafood in restaurants in front of the ocean accompanied by starlight and Balinese music. This island is also known for being particularly romantic, chosing to get married or renewing vows in Bali is increasingly popular, and the Balangan area is the best destination for such ceremonies. Villas offer specialist wedding packages and planning.

On the Bali cliffs above this cape, in the northern end there is an important and old balinese temple (pura balangan) highly revered by local folks. While in the southern there are huts that rent beach chairs and serve a drinks, visited by surfers.After visiting the beach of Balangan you understand why Bali is a paradise. Besides the sun and the sea, the people here are truly special, friendly, polite and calm. It takes little to be integrated with the Indonesians and establish a good and sincere friendship.

Around Balangan and Bukit Area

Attached at the southern point of Bali by a narrow isthmus,the Bukit was probably an island before to become a peninsula. Its landscape consists of a limestone plateau crossed by valleys and covered by dry vegetation, it is a non-volcanic region and it has its own unique ecology. It's traditionally considered to be all the area south of Jimbaran beach.

The Bukit is a perfect destination for sunbath lovers and seekers of tranquility. It’s characteristic is the fascinating background of  cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, and all the views of southern Bali. In this area you can visit the famous balinese temple of Uluwatu, probably the oldest of the island, some of the best beaches of Bali including Balangan, and the top surfing spots, where the intrepid surfers of the all world come to catches some waves. Balangan Beach è una piacevole scoperta, si tratta di una lunga e pianeggiante striscia di sabbia quasi bianca costeggiata dalle palme ai piedi delle scogliere. 

It is rated as one of the best beaches of Bali but it receives relatively few visitors. It is not simple to find, from the main junction that goes from Jimbaran to Uluwatu turn right, continue for about 6 km and you will reach the beach. This is a paradise region and it worth the effort to find it.

There are also other stunning beaches to visit in this area such as Bingin, Uluwatu and Padang-Padang.

Bingin is located between Padang-Padang and Dreamland. The spot is not easy to reach as the cliffs are high but the views, from the small cafes embedded in the rocks, are incredibile.

Uluwatu is located on the southern end of Bali, it is one of the best surfing spot of the area. It’s well known from the passionate and experts surfers.

Padang- Padang is a paradise beach with a big surf break offshore. Here was shot the movie “Eat, Pray and Love” with Julia Roberts.

In this area you can find many atractions for those wishing to explore. Some of the historical sites are Pura Balangan Temple and of course the famous Uluwatu Temple wich was probably the first hindu temple on the island. Even more remarkable than the temple is its location, on a cliff above the Indian ocean. It is inhabited by monkeys, who are adept at snatching vistors belonging. If they take you something you can still try toh ave it back exchanging some fruits. Kecak Dance, the monkey dance, is held at Uluwatu temple daily from 6pm to 7pm. Tickets for the show cost Rp 50,000.

The Bukit has a long history. There are signs of prehistoric human occupation in Gua Selonding as well as limestone caves all over the area. Before that the Uluwatu temple was built it was the site of more ancient cults, the foundation of the temple is dated 11th century. The particolar shape and the poverty of the soil made the population look to the sea for salt, lime and fish, there was never any wet rice farming. Bukit was also a region where the overlords of Megwi and Badung banished malcontento. 

Fishing is the principal activity, the Kedonganan fishermen catch mostly sardines with motorized prahu, they depart late afteroon and come back before sunset to sell their fishes by the shore.

Surf Near Balangan

In 1936, Bob Koke, a californian who moved in the island from Hawaii, with his wife Louise, opened a hotel in Kuta. He had brought with him a longboard and this is how the history of surf began in Bali. Surfing didn’t become immediately popular and Bob had all the waves for himself, unfortunately he didn’t know about the Bukit. In the 60’s surfers starter to travel to Bali and the peninsula’s breaks were discovered.

Bali is now one of favorite spots for surfers, who come to this paradise island from all over the world. The breaks are relatively uncrowded compared to Australia and California, the water is warm and it is possible to get some surf all year round: there are beach breaks such as Kuta and Dreamland and also reef breaks like Balangan and the famous Uluwatu. You can get left hand breaks in the Bukit but also right hand breaks like in Balangan surf spot.

From April to October, dry season, the western side of the Bukit is the best area where to surf thanks to the trade winds. Balangan is located on this part of the island, just one kilometer north of Dreamland, turn left at the crossroad on Jalan Uluwatu main road. It is about 30 minutes drive from Kuta heading to the south.

Balangan is a reef break, but with a high tide it is also a nice place to learn surfing or have a long fun ride (100- 200 meters lenght). It is a perfect left hand when the direction of the wind is south-east with a middle tide, Balangan it is not well known  so the spot is not crowded. The break is spread out between what seems to be 3 peaks starting at the point to the far left. All left handers.The great thing about Balangan for surfers is that the beach is nice, there are some warungs where you can have some good indonesian meals and a large Bintang (indonesian beer) looking at the sunset.

 

For a surfer looking to spend some time at the beach and surf everyday this might the right place. Furthermore there are many other spots where to surf near Balangan, such as Uluwatu, Pandang-Padang ( only for advenced surfers), Bingin and Dreamland. 

This area is also known for its white sandy beaches, green hills, balinese temples such as the Pura Balangan and of course the monkeys that you can meet all around the Bukit. The food is really good among the peninsula, the restaurants serve traditional indonesian food and fresh fish, one of the most famous places to eat is Jimbaran a town, just a few minutes from Balangan where fishermen sell their fish and you can eat it on the beach, watching the ocean and the stars, very suggestive. If you wish to relax and have a good surfing holiday in Bali you must visit this part of the island, and it is just 40 minutes drive from the parties and shops of the turistic Kuta. 

Just drop into the surfers rhythm with one of the world’s best surf regions on your own doorstep: You will have only one thing in mind: surfing, and nothing else!