Our first weekend road trip took us North up the coast from Tanah Lot in search of Balian Beach, a well known surf spot, but home of not much else – we were led to believe.

The drive took us around 1hr30mins winding from the coast inland a little and back out again and the road was pretty busy with a mix of the usual scooters, coaches and more HGV’s.

We followed the signs to Balian Beach where after the turn off the main road, the track splits near the beach, with the right fork signposted to various villas including Villa Helen and the enticingly named Secret Bay.

The amusing signs preempt the bumpy road ahead suggesting you remove dentures and fasten bra straps, so we did (well one of us).

What we found was very Secret and very quiet, but a beautiful little bay and the Secret Bay Restaurant of which we were the sole, hence very well tended patrons!

After lunch we explored the grounds of the tired but splendidly located Gajah Mina Resort. If someone had the investment and inclination this would be an amazing spot for some real luxury.

We then drove back over the hill and parked up for a stroll down to Balian Beach, where we found some lovely little bars and a resort with a beautiful beach, though as seems the norm after the storms and the Island’s lack of proper rubbish collection services, ruined by plastic and other trash washed ashore.

Determined to make some good from the debris, we collected some interesting looking pieces of driftwood which we will turn into something cool as Luke’s first Green School business, 30% to the community, needless to say.

The journey back was, as always, longer than the journey there and the call of a weekend driver is definitely strong!!