Balangan Beach, Bali, Indonesia, Flowerbud Bungalows - Paradise

Balangan Beach, on the Bukit Peninsula in Southern Bali, is my kind of paradise. 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 a 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 newly installed inifinity pool (two weeks old), take a quick walk through cliff-top green paddocks, past the cows and chickens, to see an amazing view looking down on Balangan Beach. Its all about the beach, there is nothing else out here. Spend a few nights, spend an eternity. Either way, it seems kind of crazy to leave this spot.

It is hot. Really, hot. The tropical heat and humidity is intense. So hot I can feel my skull burning when I try to think. For three days, we have done nothing but swim, laze under some rocks on a desolate part of Balangan, and sleep. Our bungalow has no hot water, no lighting, no aircon, no phone, not a single lux-ur-y...like Robinson Carusoe, its primitive as can be. 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. The cook will take care of you at anytime, meal prices at Flowerbud are the same as the warungs down on the beach.

We paid 300,000 rupiah a night, including breakfast for two of toast, fresh fruit, and coffee. By Bali standards, its a bit out of the way, if we were staying here longer, I'd probably rent a car or a couple of scooters. Read more, to see the photos of Balangan Beach, Bali, Indonesia.