THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok - page 132

partially constructed, the statue is an eye-opener and the park itself (and restaurant) offers
views to southern Bali's coast.
Balangan
Given its proximity to the luxury resorts of Jimbaran - even the hulking resort of Dreamland ,
just around the headland - BALANGAN is a surprise. It's the bit the developers haven't got
round to yet; a backpacker escapist fantasy writ large with little except a glorious strip of
white-sand beach, palm trees and ramshackle surfer warung that cling to the cliff. The shal-
low reef offshore powers a speedy left-hand break at high tide but can make swimming dicey;
depending on the swell direction, the far southern end of the beach usually provides most
shelter.
KICKING THE BUKIT: FROM DREAMLAND TO NEW KUTA
Around Balangan's southern point, Dreamland Beach sums up the perils of unregulated
development on the Bukit Peninsula for many Balinese and expats. Once it was known
solely for its great surf - a fast left and right peak with long rides - and gloriously white
sands. Yet like much of the surrounding land, its raw nature was “improved” in 2009 with
concrete walkways and restaurants, masseurs and spas, in a multimillion-rupiah project by
a development company. The result is sort of like Kuta (and often as crowded) but with a
towering cliff behind it, which probably explains why the company rebranded it as New
Kuta Beach in 2010. A focus for the controversy is the huge Pecatu Indah Resort which
stacks against the cliff behind the eighteen-hole New Kuta Golf Course ( 0361 848 1333,
newkutagolf.com ) . An ostentatious development which blights the coast, say critics. A
valuable source of income and employment for the Bukit, counter its supporters.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: BALANGAN
By car or motorbike Road access to Balangan is via 6km of twisting lanes from the main
Jimbaran-Uluwatu road.
ACCOMMODATION
Balangan Sea View Bungalow Jl Pantai Balangan 0361 780 0499, balanganseaview-
bungalow.com ; map . Beach warung aside, this backpacker bolthole provides the cheapest ac-
commodation, attracting a young crowd to loaf around its po ol. Room s are plain and decent;
first-floor Superiors are worth the Rp25,000 extra for space. Rp325,000
Flower Bud Bungalows I and II 0361 8572062, flowerbudbalangan.com ; map . From
rusty hurricane lanterns hung on the gate to lush gardens, this relaxing spot ticks all boxes for
rustic escapism. You stay in traditional thatch lumbung -style bungalows with large verandas;
the cheapest are cold water-only. Flowerbud II has family-sized accommodation and a pool.
$60