A long beach under limestone cliffs near Pecatu, lined with warungs and a well-known left-hand surf break.
Balangan runs long and narrow beneath a wall of limestone cliffs, and it's the easiest of the Bukit's quiet beaches to reach - a short set of steps rather than a cliff-side scramble. The sand is golden, the backdrop dramatic, and there's room to spread out even when a few surfers are around.
Simple bamboo warungs line the top of the beach, serving cold drinks, fresh coconuts, and plates of food, with sunbeds out front. It's an easy place to settle in for an hour or two - order something, watch the surf, and let the afternoon go slow. Bring cash; card payment is rare here.
Balangan's left-hand reef break is well known among surfers, peeling along the reef when the swell is up. Even if you don't surf, it's good to watch from a warung with a drink. The water is over reef, and currents can be strong, so swim with care and keep an eye on the conditions.