Padang Padang Beach Surf
There are two separate surf areas in Padang Padang Beach: the big peak and the inside break known as Baby Padang or Padang Rights.
The differences between the 2 waves are extreme: Baby Padang is a laid-back left and right wave that is perfect for beginning and intermediate surfers, whereas 1 is a world-class, hard-core left hand barreling wave.
You could get to the Padang Padang Beach by paddling through the baby Padang. The entrance fee to this beach is IDR 15,000, which is approximately USD 1. Bali is the best surfing destination in the world for all levels of experience, from total beginner to expert. Located on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, where it is always offshore somewhere!
To see this beach’s conditions, go check out Surfline.
A big swell, low to mid-tide, and stiff offshore wind are required for classic Padang Padang. A large swell combined with a large tide can still provide a barrel, but it isn’t as round and is more likely to clamp. There may be a few makeable tubes on smaller days when the tide is low, but it mostly sections out and will even horseshoe into itself with no exit over a dry reef.
Things to Remember
Reef
Wiping out at Padang Padang Beach is no laughing matter. On low tides and large swells, the end section is especially dangerous. Water rushes off the reef into the channel in torrents, so you have no choice but to go with the flow and hope it doesn’t drain dry or you’ll be hit by the next wave before being flushed into the channel.
Crowds
This is Bali’s best wave, and it only gets really good a few times a year, so expect a slew of locals and out-of-town shredders to show up when it’s on. Locals usually stand out in any Bali crowd, but it’s especially noticeable in Padang Padang.
Padang Padang Waves
Padang requires a good swell to start breaking and performs better on lower tides.
The wave is a perfect left-hand barrel with two distinct barrel sections that finish in a deepwater channel.
South-South West is the best swell direction.
Swell size: 6′ to 15′
Wind patterns: Easterly tradewinds
The best time to surf at Padang Padang Beach is between April and November.
Bottom: Sharp live reef, wave direction: left
Padang Padang Location
The spot, 1.5 miles northeast of Uluwatu, produces a stunning, tropical green barreling wave.
According to surf historians, Richard Harvey, the 1973 Australian national surfing champion, was the first to ride Padang Padang. Harvey couldn’t believe his eyes when he arrived at the Indonesian surf break one morning.
“The wave that came into view was so insanely hollow that I staggered,” said the traveler and surfboard shaper. However, when described in a surf magazine as one of the best and most perfect waves in the world in the early 1980s, Padang Padang Beach quickly rose to stardom. Surfers can now easily travel to Bali. Ngurah Rai International Airport is served by hundreds of direct flights and its only a 30 minutes drive from the airport.
Local Culture, Surf Gear, and Health
The Balinese adhere to their own brand of Hinduism, which is a hybrid of Buddhism and Animism. Because their fascinating religious culture is centered on ritual ceremonies and offerings, there are many beautiful temples in Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, and Besakih.
If you need wax, a leash, or a ding repaired, Kuta has you covered with a plethora of well-stocked surf shops.
Last but not least, Health Information. For those traveling to Indonesia, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following vaccinations: tetanus, hepatitis A, and typhoid. Hepatitis A, rabies, Meningococcal Meningitis, cholera, and Japanese encephalitis are among the optional vaccines. Keep in mind that a lack of sewage treatment and sanitation can result in tropical diseases.
Avoid river mouths, avoid drinking from the local water supply, and avoid eating fruits and vegetables that haven’t been freshly peeled or cooked.
More Bali Surf Information and Reports: Uluwatu Surf – World-Class Break with 5 Different Peaks
