In Reply to: Has Anyone Surfed Balangan and Dreamland posted by Skimania on Thursday, 15. April 1999 at 06:30 Bali Time:
I've surfed Dreamland & Belangan many times, they are a good alternative when the crowds are too intense at Bingin and Padang (and Ulu's which is further away).
Dreamland is a sand covered flat-rock bottom, and is a fun wave, but can be quite challenging when its big.....I've surfed it when sets were 8ft+, and had the most horrific hold-down.....when its big, it peaks left and right (right breaks into a channel and the left can be quick)....the best thing is the drop, its steep but makeable. I saw an Aussie guy out there backdooring the takeoff, and getting Hawaii-style barrels. It was perfect and only 3 people out (Bingin was maxed out)
Dreamland doesn't often get big, normally its about 2-3ft, and quite busy with Euro-surfers & learners. At that size its a soft beachie, if you're keen you'll get plenty of waves. The shorey can be fun on the high tide and gives you free reign to check out the hot Euro chicks on the sand.....its a mecca for Euro's recovering from a heavy night in clubland...
Belangan can also be good, its a relatively soft reef break - a long left that can give you a great ride but often closes out. (Bigger the better).
Impossibles next to Bingin is a better alternative, but its super fast when small (4ft) and the tide is low......BUT it slows down as it gets bigger (up to 8ft), and can give you the longest rides of your life. Unless the tide is very low, you rarely hit the reef, but i'd suggest taking a longer board, so that you can out-run the lip, more momentum etc. Heaps of novice surfers take it on....its probably the least intimidating of the reefs on that stretch.
Once you feel confident with Impossibles, try Bingin on high tide and if the crowd isn't too intense. Other easier options in Bali are Canggu (crowded), Green Ball (higher tide), Legian beachies (dodgy!)
Oh yeah, when you're at Bingin eat at Julie's and stay at Micks! You'll know what i mean when you get there......