The southern end of the two-kilometer-long stretch of black sand known as Balian is near the mouth of a river. It’s on the island’s western shore, and can be reached from Kuta in about 1.5 hours by car. Although it is less frequented, Balian may provide a relaxing alternative to the more busy ones. Balian is a clean and steep rock pile near the entrance of a river that can handle waves from knee-high to triple overhead. Runoff from the highlands of Bali has carved a deep water channel that brings the swell right to this spot.

There are three distinct waves to ride on Balian. The highest point is an A-frame shape that stands in front of the river and is always the biggest. Ketuts, found on the river’s western bank, is a high-speed right-hander.  The Inner left may be found on the other bank of the river from the A frame peak, on the eastern side. It’s nearer to the shore, smaller than the peak, and perfect for beginners. It’s almost always a walled-up clean left shoulder that operates on all tides and sometimes barrels (both directions) on the inside. Although the left side of the wave is more consistent and holds for longer, the right side may be a little steeper and pitch to produce an unexpected barrel. During low tide, the beach that is south of the river mouth becomes surfable.