West Bali · Indonesia
Surfing Balian
A reef break in West Bali, Indonesia, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Balian is a rivermouth in west Bali with black sand and shifting peaks, lefts and rights. The banks change after every wet season and every big swell. It's bigger and less predictable than Medewi, further along the coast.
It picks up more swell than Canggu, often by a couple of feet, and is best in the morning at mid tide. It goes from fun 3ft days to heavy 8ft walls. The best peak is often away from the main group, so look along the beach.
The village is quiet, with villas, a yoga place and cafés but no nightlife. After heavy rain the river turns the water brown for a day or two, and it's best to stay out then. The currents get strong when it's big.
-8.504, 114.965 · SW swell, E-NE wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Balian
Balian is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, E-NE wind. This is how the year looks across Bali:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May to June | Prime | Pumping SW swell, offshore trades, crowds still civilised |
| July to August | Prime | Peak everything: waves, crowds and prices. Book ahead |
| September to October | Good | Still good waves, fewer people in the water |
| November to March | Shoulder | Wet season: the east coast (Serangan, Keramas, Nusa Dua) takes over |
Waves near Balian
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medewi | West Bali | Point Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 20 km |
| Echo Beach | Canggu | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 24 km |
| Canggu-Batu Bolong | Canggu | Beach Break | Intermediate | 25 km |
| Berawa | Canggu | Beach Break | Intermediate | 26 km |
| Kuta Beach | Canggu | Beach Break | Beginner | 33 km |
| Kuta Reef | Canggu | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 34 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around West Bali
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the West Bali surf guide →
A week here costs from about $781 with flights from Europe, or around $1,432 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Balian: common questions
When is the best time to surf Balian?
Balian works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, E-NE wind.
Is Balian good for beginners?
No. Balian is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Medewi in West Bali, about 20 km away.
How crowded is Balian?
Balian is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Balian?
Balian is in West Bali, in the Bali region of Indonesia (-8.504, 114.965). The nearest wave we cover is Medewi, about 20 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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