Insider tips from locals who live and surf here every day
Balangan is more than just a beach – it's a lifestyle. As locals who've been here for years, we've created this guide to help you experience the real Bali, not just the tourist version. From secret surf spots to the best nasi goreng in town, we've got you covered.
All 15+ beaches of the Bukit Peninsula – from beginner-friendly to world-class barrels
📍 5 min walk from Rumah Mila | ⭐ 9.5/10
Our home break! Consistent left-hand reef break perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers. Best at mid to high tide. Beautiful white sand beach with warungs and stunning sunsets. Less crowded than other spots.
Go early (6-9 AM) for glassy conditions and fewer crowds. Rent boards from Made's warung – tell him Mila sent you for a discount! Mid-tide is magic here.
📍 10 min drive | ⭐ 8/10
Powerful beach break with both lefts and rights. Great for experienced surfers. The beach is touristy but the waves are world-class. Can get heavy during big swells. Best at low to mid tide.
📍 15 min drive | ⭐ 10/10
Famous left-hand barrel featured in "Eat Pray Love". World-class wave but super crowded. Best during dry season (April-October). Perfect barrels at mid tide. Not for beginners! Expect competition in the lineup.
📍 12 min drive | ⭐ 9/10
Beautiful beach with epic left-hander. Shallow reef so best for experienced surfers. Amazing cliff-side cafes and sunset views. Hip, surfer vibe. Multiple peaks. Low to mid tide best.
Grab post-surf smoothie bowl at Cashew Tree. Best açai on the Bukit! Walk down 150+ steps to reach the beach – good warm-up!
📍 18 min drive | ⭐ 10/10
One of Bali's most famous waves. Multiple sections: Peak (barrels), Racetrack (long walls), Temples (mellow). Consistent left-hand reef. Localism can be strong – respect the lineup. All tide works but mid-high is best.
📍 13 min drive | ⭐ 8.5/10
Fast, challenging left reef break with multiple sections. Named because it's nearly "impossible" to make all sections on one wave! Super fun when it's firing. Mid tide optimal. Intermediate to advanced.
📍 20 min drive | ⭐ 7/10
Hidden gem! Long, pristine beach rarely crowded. Beach break with both lefts and rights. Challenging access (500+ steps down cliff) keeps crowds away. Perfect for escaping the masses. All levels welcome.
Bring water and snacks – nothing down there! The climb back up is brutal. Start early to avoid midday heat. Totally worth it for the solitude!
📍 22 min drive | ⭐ 6.5/10
Secret beach with hollow right-hander. Very shallow reef, coral caves, and monkeys! Only works on bigger swells. Access via steep stairs. Advanced surfers only. More of an adventure than consistent surf spot.
📍 16 min drive | ⭐ 8/10
Access through cave! Fun left reef break next to Single Fin bar. Great for watching sunsets with a beer. Mid-tide best. Cool beach club vibe. Intermediate level. Cave access adds adventure factor!
📍 17 min drive | ⭐ 7/10
Small, peaceful cove between Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Mellow beach break good for beginners-intermediate. Rarely crowded. Great for swimming too. A few warungs. Relaxed vibe, family-friendly.
📍 30 min drive | ⭐ 7.5/10
Multiple reef breaks accessed by boat. Sri Lanka, Razors, Secrets. Consistent right-handers. Less crowded than Bukit spots. Hire local boat (Rp 400k round trip). Advanced surfers. Great on big south swells.
📍 35 min drive | ⭐ 6/10 (for beginners 9/10)
Perfect for learning! Soft sandy bottom, gentle waves, tons of surf schools. Touristy but safe. We can arrange lessons with our trusted instructor (Rp 500k for 2-hour private lesson). Best spot to learn in Bali.
📍 45 min drive | ⭐ 6/10
East coast reef break. Good when west coast is blown out (during wet season). Mellow right-hander. Beginner-intermediate. Quiet, less crowded. Good for older surfers or those wanting easy waves.
📍 25 min drive | ⭐ 7/10
Dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beach. Beach break with occasional reef break on sides. Good for beginners-intermediate. Less crowded. Great sunset spot. Instagram-worthy scenery. All tides work.
📍 28 min drive | ⭐ 5/10
Protected bay with gentle waves. More for swimming and sunbathing than serious surfing. Perfect for families. Calm water, white sand. Good for SUP and kayaking. Canoes and water sports available.
From Rp 20k local warungs to fine dining – every type of cuisine and budget
📍 3 min walk • Rp 25-50k | ⭐ 9.5/10
Authentic Balinese food at local prices. Best nasi campur and sate lilit in Balangan. Family-owned for 20+ years. No menu – just point and eat! Locals' favorite.
Order sambal matah with your meal – spicy Balinese salsa that'll change your life. Ask for "pedas sedang" (medium spicy)!
📍 5 min walk • Rp 20-40k | ⭐ 9/10
THE best nasi goreng on the Bukit! Open until 2 AM – perfect post-party fuel. Super local spot, very few tourists. Fried rice, mie goreng, noodle soups. Mila's personal favorite!
📍 Balangan Beach • Rp 30-60k | ⭐ 8.5/10
Right on Balangan beach! Fresh grilled fish, Indonesian classics, cold Bintang. Watch the sunset and surf while you eat. Casual, feet-in-sand vibe. Surfer hangout.
📍 8 min drive • Rp 35-65k | ⭐ 8/10
Lombok-style grilled chicken that's spicy and delicious. Authentic recipe, smoky flavor. Big portions. Order plecing kangkung (water spinach) as side. Cash only!
📍 6 min drive • Rp 40-80k | ⭐ 9/10
Amazing vegetarian/vegan Indonesian food. Tempeh dishes to die for. Small family warung with big heart. Everything made fresh daily. Try the gado-gado!
📍 10 min drive • Rp 60-120k | ⭐ 9/10
Instagram-worthy smoothie bowls and healthy food. Popular with surfers and digital nomads. Great coffee, fast WiFi. Gets busy 9-11 AM weekends.
📍 12 min drive • Rp 65-135k | ⭐ 9.5/10
Best açai bowls on the Bukit! Cliff-edge seating overlooking Bingin. Fresh juices, raw treats, vegan options. Perfect post-surf refuel. Bring camera – views are insane!
Go for breakfast (8-9 AM) to beat crowds and get best tables. The Dragon Fruit bowl is legendary!
📍 11 min drive • Rp 55-110k | ⭐ 8.5/10
Wholesome food in garden setting. Smoothie bowls, salads, wraps. Very chill vibe. Popular with yoga crowd. Mostly organic ingredients. Good vegetarian selection.
📍 8 min drive • Rp 35-90k | ⭐ 9.5/10
Best specialty coffee in the area. Balinese beans roasted in-house. Cozy atmosphere, perfect for laptop work. Strong WiFi and air conditioning! Banana bread is amazing.
Try the "Bali Kintamani pour-over" – locally grown, fruity notes. Pairs perfectly with their banana bread!
📍 13 min drive • Rp 60-130k | ⭐ 8.5/10
Aussie-style cafe with amazing brunch. Avocado toast, eggs benedict, fresh pastries. Strong flat whites. Good WiFi. AC indoor seating. Popular with expats.
📍 40 min drive • Rp 70-150k | ⭐ 10/10
Worth the drive! Bali's best coffee shop. World-class baristas, amazing brunch menu. Try their famous hotcakes. Always packed. Get there by 8 AM or expect to wait.
📍 15 min drive • Rp 120-280k | ⭐ 9/10
Modern Australian menu. Great steaks, fresh seafood, creative dishes. Stylish interior, good cocktails. Popular for dinner. Book ahead on weekends. Upscale but not stuffy.
📍 14 min drive • Rp 90-220k | ⭐ 8.5/10
Authentic Italian in Bingin. Wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, imported ingredients. Italian owner ensures quality. Romantic setting. Great wine selection. Try the carbonara!
📍 12 min drive • Rp 110-240k | ⭐ 8.5/10
Creative Asian fusion. Thai, Japanese, Indonesian influences. Beautiful presentation. Good for special occasions. Sunset views. Try the tuna tataki and green curry.
📍 17 min drive • Rp 150-350k | ⭐ 9/10
Spanish restaurant with infinity pool and cliff views! Amazing paella, tapas, sangria. Sunset spot. Pool access with minimum spend. Book sunset tables early. Instagram heaven!
📍 18 min drive • Rp 150-400k | ⭐ 9.5/10
Luxury beach club on the sand. International menu, fresh seafood, cocktails. Infinity pool, beach beds, great service. Perfect for special day out. Rp 500k min spend per person.
📍 15 min drive • Rp 150-350k | ⭐ 8.5/10
Fresh seafood grilled on beach at sunset. Choose your fish, they grill it. Touristy but romantic. Go to local side (south end) for better prices. Candlelit tables in sand.
📍 12 min drive • Rp 100-280k | ⭐ 10/10
THE iconic Uluwatu sunset spot. Cliffside bar with world-famous Sunday sessions (DJ, dancing). Great cocktails, Western food, unbeatable views. Book cliff-edge table days in advance!
Arrive by 4:30 PM for sunset tables. Sunday DJ sessions start at 4 PM – best party in Uluwatu! Expect crowds and epic vibes.
📍 25 min drive • Rp 200-500k | ⭐ 9/10
World-famous bar on rocks above ocean. Stunning sunset views, creative cocktails, tapas menu. Dress code (smart casual). Book WELL in advance. Expensive but iconic experience.
📍 16 min drive • Rp 180-450k | ⭐ 9.5/10
Multi-level clifftop venue. Restaurant, cocktail bar, pool. Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu. Breathtaking views. Great for sunset drinks. DJ on weekends. Requires booking.
📍 20 min drive • Rp 500k+ minimum | ⭐ 9/10
Ultra-luxury day club with dramatic cliff setting. Infinity pools, world-class DJs, bottle service. International menu. Most expensive spot on Bukit. Reservations required. Dress to impress!
📍 40 min drive • Rp 200-450k | ⭐ 10/10
Upscale Indonesian with rice terrace views in Ubud. Worth the drive! Modern take on classics. Beautiful presentation. Romantic atmosphere. Book days ahead. Try the rijsttafel tasting menu.
📍 13 min drive • Rp 80-180k | ⭐ 8/10
Best Mexican food in Uluwatu. Authentic tacos, burritos, quesadillas. Fresh ingredients, homemade salsas. Margaritas are strong! Casual vibe. Good for group dinners.
📍 40 min drive • Rp 150-350k | ⭐ 9/10
Pan-Asian fine dining in Seminyak. Mix of Chinese, Thai, Indonesian. Beautiful colonial building. Upscale ambiance. Popular for special occasions. Try the crispy duck and dim sum.
Cultural sites, wellness, adventure, day trips, and unique experiences
📍 15 min drive • Rp 150k total | ⭐ 10/10
Stunning clifftop temple with sunset Kecak fire dance. Go at 5 PM for temple, 6 PM for dance. Watch for monkeys – they steal sunglasses! Most iconic experience in Bali.
Arrive at 4:30 PM to explore temple before crowds. Best seats for Kecak are center rows 3-5. Don't bring loose items – monkeys!
📍 20 min drive • Rp 125k entry | ⭐ 8.5/10
Massive statue of Vishnu riding Garuda. Cultural performances, museums, panoramic views. Good for families. Half-day activity. AC indoor areas. Traditional dances daily at 10 AM & 6 PM.
📍 90 min drive • Rp 50k | ⭐ 9/10
Sacred water temple in Ubud. Balinese come for purification rituals. You can join! Bring sarong and change of clothes. Powerful spiritual experience. Go early (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds.
📍 10 min drive • Rp 150k/class | ⭐ 9.5/10
Beautiful jungle yoga studio. Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga daily. World-class teachers. Peaceful bamboo shala. Morning classes (7 AM) are magical. Drop-in friendly. Check schedule online.
📍 In-house available • Rp 150k/hour | ⭐ 10/10
Authentic Balinese massage by local therapist. Perfect after surfing! Can come to Rumah Mila. Traditional techniques, strong pressure. Ask us for her number. Best masseuse in Balangan!
📍 12 min drive • Rp 350-650k | ⭐ 9/10
Luxury spa carved into cliffside. Massage rooms overlook ocean. Couples packages available. Traditional Balinese treatments. Book 2-3 days ahead. Try the 90-min royal package.
📍 45 min drive (Ubud) • Rp 450k | ⭐ 8.5/10
Unique sound bath experience in pyramid structure. Crystal bowls, gongs, meditation. Deep relaxation. Check schedule – not daily. Transformative experience. Bring yoga mat.
📍 18 min drive • Rp 500k min spend | ⭐ 9.5/10
Luxury beach club on sand in Ungasan. Infinity pool, beach beds, great food. Best beach club on Bukit. Reservations required weekends. Perfect for special day out.
📍 20 min drive • Rp 1M+ min spend | ⭐ 9/10
Ultra-luxury cliff club. Multiple infinity pools, world DJs, bottle service. Most exclusive spot on Bukit. Dress code enforced. Reservations essential. Instagram famous.
📍 35 min drive • Rp 300k min spend | ⭐ 8.5/10
Family-friendly beach club in Canggu. Largest pool in Bali, waterslides, kids area. Great for all ages. Good food, beach access. Popular with families and groups.
📍 We arrange • Rp 60k/day | ⭐ 9.5/10
Essential for exploring! Trusted shops, full insurance, helmets. Remember: drive LEFT, wear helmet always. International license recommended but not required. We handle everything.
Download Google Maps offline before arriving. Always lock helmet to bike. Carry copy of passport, not original. Fill gas at Pertamina stations.
📍 We arrange • Rp 350k one-way | ⭐ 9/10
Reliable airport pickup/dropoff. AC car, English-speaking driver, meet & greet. 45-60 min drive. Book 24h ahead. Driver tracks your flight. Much better than taxi chaos!
📍 2 min walk • Rp 15k/kg | ⭐ 9.5/10
Cheap, reliable laundry. 24-hour turnaround. Wash, dry, fold, iron. She's amazing! Drop off morning, pick up next day. We'll give you her number. Save so much time!
📍 We arrange • Rp 500k (2h private) | ⭐ 9.5/10
Professional instructor at Kuta Beach (best for learning). Board, rashguard included. Patient, safety-focused. Get you standing first session! Group lessons available (Rp 350k).
📍 60 min drive • Rp 350k with gear | ⭐ 8.5/10
Beautiful snorkeling in Padang Bai. Clear water, colorful fish, easy access. Equipment rental on beach. Good for beginners. Go morning for best visibility. Combine with lunch!
📍 Day trip • Rp 1,800k (2 dives) | ⭐ 9.5/10
World-class diving! Manta rays, mola mola (seasonal), amazing coral. All levels welcome. PADI certification courses available. Must-do for divers. Book week ahead in high season.
📍 Balangan Beach • Every Sunday 7 AM | ⭐ 10/10
Join community beach cleanup! Meet travelers, protect environment, free coffee after. We provide gloves, bags. Feel good activity. Usually 20-30 people. Make friends!
📍 50 min drive (Ubud) • Rp 550k | ⭐ 9.5/10
Learn authentic Balinese cooking! Market tour, hands-on class, eat what you make. Fun, informative. Great for foodies. Small groups. Book online in advance. Take recipes home!
📍 Self-guided • Free (just gas!) | ⭐ 9/10
Epic coastal ride! Balangan → Dreamland → Padang Padang → Uluwatu Temple. Stop for sunset at viewpoint past temple parking. 1.5 hour loop. Bring camera. Best activity in Bali!
Start 2 hours before sunset. Gas up first! Secret viewpoint: turn right after Uluwatu Temple parking, follow cliff road 500m. Insane views, zero tourists!
Best bars, clubs, and late-night spots on the Bukit
📍 12 min drive • 4 PM - midnight | ⭐ 10/10
THE party in Uluwatu! Every Sunday from 4 PM. International DJs, sunset views, dancing on tables. Dress casual-nice. Arrive by 4 PM for good spot. Epic vibes, epic sunset, epic people!
📍 12 min drive • Open till 1 AM | ⭐ 9/10
Bohemian beach club with late-night vibes. Live music some nights, DJ others. Cocktails, shisha, beach beds. More laid-back than Single Fin. Good for chilled evening. Beautiful lighting at night.
📍 40 min drive • Open till 2 AM | ⭐ 8.5/10
Famous surf bar in Canggu. Live bands, pool table, beach front. Backpacker-surfer crowd. Cheap beers, late night. Worth the drive if you want party atmosphere. Thursday-Saturday busiest.
📍 16 min drive • DJ sets Fri-Sat | ⭐ 9/10
Transforms into club atmosphere Friday & Saturday nights. Pool parties, DJ sets, cocktails. More upscale crowd. Dress well. Great for special night out. Pre-book table recommended.
📍 22 min drive • Open till 3 AM | ⭐ 8.5/10
Proper nightclub experience! World-class DJs, massive sound system, lights. Friday & Saturday nights. Cover charge Rp 200-500k. Dress code enforced. Party till sunrise. Check lineup online.
Explore beyond the Bukit – we can arrange all of these!
📍 Full day • ~Rp 1.5M (all inclusive) | ⭐ 10/10
Must-do! Kelingking Beach (T-Rex), Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay. Boat, driver, lunch included. Instagram heaven. Book through us for best price. Go early to beat crowds. Bring sunscreen!
Start at 6 AM to beat tour groups at Kelingking. Wear good shoes – lots of stairs! Crystal Bay perfect for post-lunch snorkeling. Motion sickness pills if you're sensitive – boat can be rough!
📍 Full day • Arrange privately ~Rp 800k | ⭐ 9.5/10
Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul temple, coffee plantation, waterfalls. Cultural heart of Bali. Start 7 AM to see it all. Hire private driver through us. Cool mountain weather!
📍 Leave 2 AM • ~Rp 600k with guide | ⭐ 9/10
Active volcano! 2-hour hike up, watch sunrise from top, breakfast cooked in volcanic steam. Magical experience. Guide required. Pickup at 2 AM from Rumah Mila. Bring warm clothes – cold at top!
📍 Full day • ~Rp 900k | ⭐ 8.5/10
Smaller, quieter islands. Snorkeling, Devil's Tear, Dream Beach, Yellow Bridge. More relaxed than Penida. Good for couples. Rent scooter on island. Beautiful clear water. Great for SUP!
📍 Full day • Arrange driver ~Rp 800k | ⭐ 9/10
Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven), Tirta Gangga water palace, Tukad Cepung waterfall. Long drive but worth it! Fewer tourists. Authentic Bali. Bring change of clothes for waterfall. Start early!
📍 Half day (afternoon) • ~Rp 400k | ⭐ 8/10
Iconic sea temple. Best at sunset (5-6 PM). Super touristy but worth seeing once. Combine with Canggu beach clubs for dinner. Leave Balangan at 3 PM. Parking can be chaotic. Temple entry Rp 60k.
Where to shop for everything from groceries to souvenirs
📍 8 min drive • Saturday 6-11 AM | ⭐ 9.5/10
Authentic local market! Fresh produce, spices, snacks. Super cheap, very local. Practice your bargaining. Try local fruits you've never seen. Cash only! Go early for best selection.
Ask for "harga lokal" (local price). Buy mangosteens, salak (snake fruit), rambutan. Food stalls have amazing nasi campur for Rp 15k!
📍 15 min drive (Jimbaran) • Daily 8 AM-10 PM | ⭐ 8.5/10
Western-style supermarket. Imported goods, fresh produce, alcohol. More expensive than local but has everything. AC, clean. Good for big shop. Similar to home supermarket.
📍 5 min scooter • 24/7 | ⭐ 7.5/10
Convenience stores everywhere. Snacks, drinks, basics, toiletries. Circle K is 24/7. Good for late-night munchies. ATM outside. Prices are standardized (no bargaining). Air conditioning!
📍 35 min drive • Daily 10 AM-10 PM | ⭐ 8/10
Modern mall with international brands. Zara, H&M, Sephora, cinema, food court. AC escape on hot day. Beachfront location. Good for clothes shopping or rainy day activity.
📍 5 min walk • Daily | ⭐ 7/10
Beach vendors sell sarongs, jewelry, carvings, magnets. Expect to bargain heavily (start at 30-40% of asking price). Quality varies. Support local economy. Always friendly and fun!
📍 40 min drive • Varies | ⭐ 9/10
High-end boutiques, surf shops, designer stores. Luxury shopping area. Great for unique pieces, resort wear, homewares. Pricey but quality. Combine with beach club day!
Book your stay and let us help you experience the real Bali
This guide is updated monthly. Have questions or want more specific recommendations? WhatsApp us anytime! 📱