Flowerbud Bungalows Balangan Beach Bali – Paradise on a Budget?
Bali is well and truly one of the most popular travel destinations on earth. The only problem is, it can be a little too popular. However, Balangan Beach will show you a taste of the old Bali of old. Close enough to where the action is, but far enough away to have one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere, all to yourself.
The long stretch of white sand, flanked by interesting rocky cliffs, is almost empty. There are more surfers in the water than people on the beach. A string of warungs serves up cheap and tasty Indonesian meals, with your choice of fresh fruit juice or Bintang beer. Flowerbud Bungalows, perched on the bluff above the beach, is a small group of Gilligans-island-esque huts offering amazing value. Jump out of the infinity pool, take a quick walk through cliff-top green paddocks, past the cows and chickens, to see an amazing view looking down on Balangan Beach.
Here, the weather is hot. Really, hot. The tropical heat and humidity is intense. For three days, we have done nothing but swim, laze under some shade on a desolate part of Balangan beach, and sleep. Our Bungalow has no hot water, no lighting, no aircon. It does have a great elevated, shaded, porch, with daybeds to laze on, and private outdoor bathroom, complete with bamboo shower. No showerhead, just a stream of gloriously cold water.
Balangan beach is located south of Kuta and the Airport at Bali, out on the West Coast of the Bukit Peninsula. Rated as one of Bali’s best beaches, it should receive more tourists than it does. Pick the right time of year, and you could have the beach practically to yourself. Flowerbud Bungalows, run by friendly owner “Welley”, is definitely a place I will go back to.
Nate.
Hi Nat!
Very interesting place. I and my partner is going to Bali next week, and we definitely want to stay there. I tried to contact them through ‘contact us form’ unfortunately turned out error all the time. I need to know the double room price, as we will stay there for quite a long time. Perhaps you have any information, and don’t mind sharing it with us.
Thanks.
Susi
Hi Susi,
I’m pretty terrible with keeping records of what I have paid for accommodation (must be a reason for that!), but I think we paid about $30 or so US per night. The price will vary upon the season, and which Bungalow you stay in. If I was you, I would give Welley at Flowerbud Bungalows a call – he’s a nice guy, and can even arrange to pick you up from the airport. The phone number is above, in the article.
Good luck and safe travels!
Any place where cows outnumber drunk tourists is my kinda place. My wife and I were in Bali last April and we did our best to avoid places like Kuta. In the end we found our Robinson Crusoe experience on Nusa Lembongan just off Bali. Stunning deserted beaches and mental snorkeling without having to hear “you want massage” or “taxi, taxi” the whole time.
Hi Eugene, yes, Kuta is not really my kind of place either. Where did you stay at Nusa Lembongan? Got a link?
Also, about the cows, the only problem was the occasional highly-protective bull! A little scary, as some of them are HUGE!
We stayed at the Lembongan Cliff Villas. http://www.lembongancliffvillas.com/
A bit of a splurge at $62 a night but really good service, super clean and comfy. It’s just the right distance from the busier main strip and a 3 minute walk down to the beach. They’ve got scooters to rent as well but the roads are not great. Lembongan was definitely worth the 90 minute boat trip.
Looks like a nice place, definitely not as “rustic” as Flowerbud Bungalows ;) Next time I’m up that way, I might have to check out Lembongan…
Sophie & Alex – Damn there go any illusions we ever had that we were being oirnigal! Not surprised you’re so in demand for Bali weddings though your style and Bali are a match made in heaven. We look forward to seeing you there in May!
Hi, check out Nanuks Bungalows on Lembongan at Tamarind beach. Cheap, great food and we had the place to ourselves for half our stay. Nanuks and Ayu are great relaxed hosts. Also, they will negotiate for longer stays. We paid around $40pn for five nights.
That sounds like a great deal Missy! I love it when you end up with the place to yourself!
Wow, it looks stunning. Did you spend much time in Ubud? It was by far my favourite place in Bali.
What’s this? An honest blog? :)
It certainly is!
Thanks so much for this post!! Because of you I started my trip in Bali in Balangan and I really loved it. Check out my photos and my experience here: http://www.thisamericangirl.com/2014/01/20/bali-begins-balangan/
You’re welcome. It’s a special place indeed.
Bali is beautiful..is really …
very stunning places.. I love Bali…