JC. Princen Bali, this island full of jaw-dropping beauty, holds a few hidden gems, and Pantai Balangan is definitely one of them. This gorgeous beach is tucked away between two steep cliffs and happens to be one of the less-visited beaches in the south of Bali. In this article, we’re diving into Pantai Balangan, giving you all the scoop you need to explore this little slice of paradise.
The Beauty of Pantai Balangan
A Natural Haven
Pantai Balangan is all about its untouched beauty and tranquility. Unlike those crowded touristy beaches, this place is a true nature haven. Its location near Dreamland Beach and the Uluwatu Temple makes it a great alternative for travelers. Access to the beach in the Pecatu area is a breeze, thanks to the broad stairs they’ve set up for tourists.
Surfer’s Paradise
Pantai Balangan is a surfer’s paradise and a hot spot for riding those waves, right alongside the famous Dreamland Beach. With a coastline stretching about 1 kilometer facing north, this beach offers prime conditions for surfers. The tall, long waves are a challenge for seasoned surfers and draw surf enthusiasts from around the world.
Spectacular Views
The east side of the beach is bounded by high cliffs shaped by the waves. On the west side, you’ve got more towering cliffs, covered in lush vegetation. There are even some cottages up there offering an elevated view of the beach. A cool thing is that during low tide, you can walk along the western shoreline to reach the neighboring Dreamland Beach.
Address and Map
Pantai Balangan is situated on Balangan Beach Road in the village of Ungasan, South Kuta district, Bali. To pinpoint the exact location, we recommend using Google Maps. The seclusion of Pantai Balangan provides a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of Denpasar and the tourist hubs of Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta.
Distances and Getting There
Pantai Balangan is just a stone’s throw away from Dreamland Beach, separated by rocky cliffs. The distance between the two beaches is roughly 15 kilometers, and the drive takes about 35 minutes.
From Ngurah Rai International Airport, the distance to Balangan Beach is about 20 kilometers, with a travel time of around 55 minutes, whether you’re using a motorbike or a car.
If you’re starting from Echo Beach in Canggu, Bali, the distance to Balangan Beach is 34 kilometers, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Conversely, if you’re departing from Mengiat Beach in Nusa Dua, the distance is 18 kilometers, with a travel time of 40 minutes.
Transportation Options
If you’re looking to visit Pantai Balangan, you’ll likely need some wheels. Currently, the available public transport in the South Bali area to Balangan Beach consists of regular taxis, online ride-hailing taxis, and online motorcycle taxis. Due to the limited availability of public transportation, especially from Pantai Balangan to the tourist hotels, most travelers opt for private transportation, be it a motorbike or a car.
There are plenty of motorcycle and car rental companies in Bali, and the best way to find them is through a simple Google search.
Motorcycle Rental
If you’re staying in South Bali areas like Sanur, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, or Jimbaran, you’ll find motorcycle rental providers easily. Motorcycle rental prices in Bali range from Rp 75,000 to Rp 100,000 per day, excluding fuel. The price depends on the type of motorcycle.
Car Rental
If you prefer a car, you can search for car rental services in Bali, either with or without a driver. Rental prices for a Toyota Avanza without a driver range from Rp 225,000 to Rp 250,000 per day.
If you’ve never been to Pantai Balangan Ungasan before, I recommend renting a car with a driver. Finding the beach can be tricky for first-time visitors, but with a driver, you won’t get lost. Plus, you’ll save time and won’t have to worry about vehicle cleanliness since the driver takes care of that.
Admission Prices
Currently, there is no entrance fee for Pantai Balangan. However, there is a parking fee for vehicles: Rp 5,000 for motorcycles and Rp 10,000 for cars.
Activities at Pantai Balangan
Most visitors come to Pantai Balangan to admire its natural beauty, take photos, swim in the sea, surf, or simply relax on the beach. There are some facilities nearby, including sun loungers rented by local accommodations. These offer an ideal way to relax and soak up the sun.
If you get hungry or thirsty, there’s also a cafe operated by locals. Here, you can enjoy various dishes, including fresh coconuts, which are especially popular.
For families with children, the beach is great for swimming and building sandcastles. Remember that children on the beach should always be supervised by an adult. While swimming at Pantai Balangan is lovely, it does require swimming skill. There are also no lifeguards on site, so please be cautious.
Popular Spot for Wedding Photos
Pantai Balangan is also a top choice for wedding photos in Bali. The clean, flat sandy beaches and towering cliffs make for the perfect backdrop for such occasions. Every day, you’ll see photographers snapping away here.
Best Time to Visit
If you want to catch the sunset, we recommend arriving in the late afternoon around 5:00 PM. Sunset in Bali usually happens between 5:40 PM and 6:30 PM, depending on the season. However, do keep in mind that during the high season in Bali, the beach can be quite busy.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, we suggest coming in the morning around 8:00 AM.
Other Beaches Near Pantai Balangan
Pantai Balangan is close to other beautiful beaches in Bali, including Bingin Beach, Suluban Uluwatu Beach, and Padang Padang Beach. The island of Bali offers a plethora of stunning beaches, each with its own charm and uniqueness.
If you also want to try water sports activities like jet skiing, parasailing, or ocean walking during your Bali vacation, consider visiting Tanjung Benoa Beach. Here, you’ll find a variety of water sports activities that will get your adrenaline pumping.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure when you visit Pantai Balangan in Bali. This hidden gem will mesmerize you with its natural beauty, epic waves, and serene atmosphere. Plan your trip and experience the magic of this little slice of paradise!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is there an entrance fee for Pantai Balangan?
No, beach access is currently free. However, there is a parking fee for vehicles.
What activities can I do at Pantai Balangan?
At Pantai Balangan, you can swim, surf, relax on the beach, take photos, and enjoy local dishes at a nearby cafe.
Are there lifeguards at Pantai Balangan?
No, there are no lifeguards on site. So, swim only if you’re a confident swimmer and exercise caution.
What is the best time to visit Pantai Balangan to see the sunset?
Sunset in Bali usually occurs between 5:40 PM and 6:30 PM. Arrive at the beach around 5:00 PM to experience the sunset.
Are there other beaches near Pantai Balangan?
Yes, Pantai Balangan is close to other beautiful beaches, such as Bingin Beach, Suluban Uluwatu Beach, and Padang Padang Beach.
Discover the hidden paradise of Pantai Balangan in Bali and immerse yourself in the natural beauty, epic waves, and peaceful ambiance of this unique location. Go ahead and embark on an unforgettable journey to this little piece of heaven. And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views!
