The Bukit Peninsula is Bali’s southernmost point, consisting of a large peninsula connected to the rest of the island by a narrow strip of land where the airport is located. Because both coasts perform best in opposing seasons, we have included only the west and south coasts of the Bukit Peninsula in this region and the east coast of the peninsula in the East Bali region for the purposes of this guide.
Uluwatu, Bali’s namesake break, is located on the peninsula’s southwestern tip and was first surfed in the 1970s. Much has changed since then, and the Bukit peninsula is rapidly expanding. The Bukit Peninsula is much more peaceful than Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu. With significantly more space and a more rural feel. But that appears to be changing quickly, as hotels and nightclubs begin to line the cliffs.
Bukit Peninsula Waves
The Bukit is a swell magnet, sucking in all available swell when exposed to the large southern ocean swells. The peninsula is surrounded by coral reef breaks, with only two sand bottom beach breaks, one at Dreamlands and the other a beginner spot at Jimbaran.
Although the waves on the West Coast are the most famous (see: Uluwatu), the waves on the East Coast (Nusa Dua) are outlined in the East Coast region for ease of explanation with the seasons.
Surf Spots In Bukit Peninsula
Surfing Ability for Bukit Peninsula
On the Bukit, there are spots for all abilities and surfing styles, with beginner favorites like Dreamland and Padang-Padang Rights offering great conditions to learn to surf on smaller swells, as well as lessons and boards for hire.
Padang-Padang Rights becomes the go-to spot for intermediate surfers as Uluwatu, Impossibles, Bingin, and Balangan become advanced only spots, and surf schools typically take their students further north to a more friendly beach near Kuta or Jimbaran bay.
On a good day, advanced surfers will enjoy the options available here, with most waves offering powerful walls, thick barrels, and challenging sections.
Caution: Many overconfident surfers have been rescued because they underestimated the current at Uluwatu and were washed all the way down the coast to Padang-Padang, surrounded by spectator surfers who decided to have a beer and wait for more manageable conditions. Please be aware of your ability; if in doubt, hire an experienced guide to show you the ropes.
Surfing Season Bukit Peninsula
The dry season runs from April to October, when there are big swells and the trade winds blow offshore daily.
Because the location is coastal and higher up on the cliffs, the temperature can be very mild, and those who can handle the heat well may find a sweatshirt or jumper useful for evening outings.
How Much Cost is Needed to Surf in Bukit Peninsula?
Due to the distance goods must travel from Denpasar and the lower resident population, average costs are slightly higher on the Bukit, though there is still a general distribution of options available.
Taxis and scooter rentals, for example, maybe more expensive than in Kuta. Most taxis booked from the peninsula will be driven by locals rather than official taxis, and taxi fares from the airport should be around 200k-300k.
There are a number of new restaurants opening, and a handful of retail stores, primarily in the boutique space, have opened in recent years, but the range of services available has grown rapidly in recent years, and now offers a great range of activities for both surfing and non-surfing visitors.
source: indonesiansurfguide
Bukit Peninsula Distance
The drive from the airport to Uluwatu takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The road will travel through Jimbaran and up the hill through Ungasan in the peninsula’s center before returning to the coast. The majority of beaches around the Bukit are only accessible by driving all the way back to Ungasan and then back to the coast, with few connecting roads.
As a result, despite the fact that Bingin, Dreamland, and Balangan are technically adjacent, the journey between them can often take 30 minutes or more, and walking is not recommended because the roads are narrow and there are no footpaths.
