Off to Sumba in 2 weeks for 2 weeks..., that's all sorted..., but on the way back through Bali I'd like to stay in Balian for 4 or 5 days. Can anyone in the know about all things Balian.., recommend somewhere to stay that's not too far from the ocean.

Stayed at the Balian Villas a couple of years ago. Nice place to stay. Three storeys with a roof top open area with great views of the break. Got your own pool. With breakfast provided in the morning.
Awesome warung next to it and only a short walk to the surf.

Surfers paradise balian is exactly like surfers paradise qld.
A Fake facade, hiding a dirty overpriced slum, run by greasy scam artists.
When looking online
Search antasari for more results than balian