WHY

Why visit Balian River?

Aside from surfologists from around the planet, Balian River or Desa Sura Brata is visited by a wide range of folks for a variety of reasons. Generally nonsurfers discover Balian on their circumnavigation of the island. They’ve purchased a map and set out to investigate the island of the Gods. With little information available regarding west Bali it represents a mystery to the inquisitive traveller and so they set out to discover just what is out here. Honestly not much exists in west Bali except for placitiude, long stretches of untouched beaches, excellent mountain drives, buffalo races, a tree with a hole you can drive through, a nice water fall, some great snorkelling in the far west, the ferry to Java, the longest left hander in Bali and of course Balian River, home of the soon to be famous Burrito Diablo. ( see menu )

So besides surfing there is not much to do in Balian River. But is just one of those places where people like to hang out and play cards and suntan and read and enjoy the long lazy days and incredible sunsets.
And as there is a shortage of cool places to chill, Toki’s Restaurant has happily become the spot.

The question then becomes why not visit Balian?

Pondok Pitaya and the Toki’s Place
When you do finally pull in to Balian River you will find a one lane village that ends at the beach. And on the beach you will find the Pondok Pitaya Surfer Hotel and restaurant. Made up of a series of old original Javanese and Balinese houses the Pondok Pitaya is a cozy home stay offering four rooms, a villa rental, swimming pool, a hearty menu and a killer view of the break.