Surfing in Bali is among the greatest in the world. It attracts wave riders from all over the world since it is dependable and has a huge variety. There are many fantastic surf hotels and camps. Many have swimming pools and they’re fantastic locations to arrange lessons and socialize with other surfers.
If you haven’t been to Bali yet, we strongly advise you to grab some boards and a few bikinis, and just go! In fact, we believe that everyone should experience surfing Bali’s picture-perfect reef sets at least once or twice in their lifetimes. You owe it to yourself to actually make it happen.
The Top Surfing in Bali Spots
Beginnner Level
It won’t take you long to uncover some truly incredible Bali surf. In fact, there is a small reef break right in front of the airport, so you can already see surfers before you even land.
Below we’re going to name some of the famous Bali surfing spots but not in detail. To read more about the beautiful surfing spots in Bali you can check our other posts.
Kuta Beach
Many surfer’s fondest memories of Kuta are there. Thousands of individuals gathered here to experience their first wave, literally thousands. The custom is still practiced today, and the entire coastline is dotted with many rental businesses and surf schools. The wave is often a calm beach break that has been mellowed out by the sandbanks. typically generates great left and right-handers across a long bay and typically holds up nicely to around 6 feet. Because of the small waves and lack of reefs, this beach is typically for beginners to intermediate surfers. Pollution, however, is the beach’s biggest issue.
Seminyak (Double Six)
In all actuality, Seminyak can be seen as a continuation of Kuta. After all, the sands are located along the same section of the coast only a few miles away. The waves here are almost identical to Bali’s primary beginner site in terms of quality and shape. This beach is superior to Kuta in our opinion because it is less congested and has a nicer atmosphere.
Intermediate Level
One of the most recent surf locations in Bali is Balian. The young crowds are not there because it is located far to the west along the coastline from Kuta. Behind the black sand, a little surf town has opened up, offering rentals and instructors. The wave itself is a tall, peaky run that, on smaller days, is excellent for beginner surfers who are looking for small waves and passable for upper intermediates when there is extra power. It’s wonderful if you want to get away from Kuta’s bustle and noise.
The mostly undiscovered Bali surf location at Medewi is much higher along the coast. Pure black sand lines the pebbly beach, which looks stunning in front of a row of spindly palms. Hardly any crowds and very little infrastructure.
On Bali’s southernmost tip, on the Bukit Peninsula, lies the stunning Bingin Beach, which offers some of the greatest surf from June to August. Just so you know, Uluwatu originates from the same Bukit Peninsula. This means that the breaks here will be of very high quality, especially during the dry season.
Expert Level
The pinnacle of a hard-core left-hand reef, Padang Padang is one of the most widely documented waves on the island. Works best during the big S-SW swells of the dry season, when people will brave the line up from sunrise to sunset. Be prepared for quick takeoffs at high speeds, followed by a run that is virtually always barreling. There isn’t really a point where you can kick back and unwind because it all finishes over a low shelf of broken coral. Not at all suitable for beginners.
The kind of wave that makes surfing in Bali famous is Uluwatu. It’s actually a series of five waves that may be surfed at various locations throughout the bay, not just one wave. One of the largest of the group, Temples, is where it all begins and requires a substantial paddle. Then there’s the monstrous Bombie, a sizable body of water that ranks among the island’s tallest breaks. Next is The Peak, a well-known ripping location with quick drop-ins. And then, there’s the incredible Outside Corner, which performs superbly during periods of big wave and provides some usable walls for the greatest surfers out there.
These are the only beaches we’ll mention for the time being, although you may read more about Bali surfing beaches in our other posts.
The range and performance level of Balinese waves is pretty much endless, ranging from ideal starting places to ominously hollow barrels. The main season typically lasts from June to September, when the west coast experiences its largest swells and most favorable winds.
Solid swells are not unusual during the summer rainy season, but it is much quieter overall because of the might of the Indian Ocean. On the east coast, winds are frequently offshore during this time.
The Indian Ocean is highly energetic. Bring a slightly larger or thicker board than you typically use if this is your first trip to assist you get into the waves.
Where should you stay in Bali?
Since Bali isn’t particularly large, it’s simple enough to travel to a variety of locations in a single day. On the other hand, the most of the surfing activity is centered on the southern part of the island, from Keramas in the east, west past Kuta and Canggu, up to Balian and Medewi, and finally down to the legendary Bukit Peninsula.
The closest city to the airport is Kuta, which is also likely Bali’s main tourist destination. Yes, Kuta has some beautiful areas. However, the most of it is a bustling cesspool of inebriated tourists, drug-pusher pimps, filthy, winding streets, and loud, sweaty nightclubs. It’s best to avoid, but if you’re looking for a wild night out, it might be worth a look.
From Kuta, if you continue northwest, you first encounter Seminyak and then Canggu. Seminyak is best compared to an upscale version of Kuta because it’s quite attractive and posh but ultimately still very touristy. However, it’s worthwhile to spend an evening exploring the many eateries, bars, and clubs. There are countless eateries and cafes in Canggu that serve delectable food from all over the world. The famed Deus ex Machina parties are also a lot of fun, despite the hipster atmosphere. All levels of surfers can find a variety of waves at Canggu, from high-performance waves at Echo Beach to ideal beginner and longboard setups at Berawa and Batu Bolong.
While Canggu’s waves can be genuinely world-class, Bali’s greatest waves can be found on the Bukit Peninsula at places like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Impossibles, Bingin, and Dreamland. It’s also one of Bali’s most picturesque regions, being drier and more arid than the rest of the island and featuring steep cliffs that drop off to amazing white sandy beaches and sapphire-colored water.
The shallow and steep reef is where many of the waves break, and on a good swell, the crowds can be rather competitive.
Transportation
Although it may be worth it to hire a local driver for comfort during long trips, scooters are the preferred mode of transportation in Bali. You’ll reach your location more quickly than with any other vehicles because you can maneuver past other cars and other roadside obstructions.
Ask around; there are lots of places to rent scooters all across the island. Prices are adjustable, especially if you’re renting in a group or staying for a longer amount of time. Once more, costs vary widely depending on how well you negotiate. If you’re not used to riding bikes, you won’t have to worry about shifting gears because the majority of rental scooters are automatic. Before you depart, check your brakes and tires, and grab a helmet.
Seasons in Bali
Dry Season (May-September)
The greatest time to go surfing in Bali is during the dry season. You get consistent sets pouring into the renowned breaks throughout the Bukit Peninsula since the dominant swell directions are from the west and the southwest (not just Uluwatu, but Bingin and Padang Padang, too). Offshore winds come from the north and northeast, which makes things even better.
Rainy Season (November-April)
Surfing in Bali continues throughout the wet season. The fact is, this island experiences excellent swell all year round. Just a little bit less dependability is expected down on Bukit and up the coastline from Kuta. It doesn’t really matter for beginners, though. In reality, the size reduction makes it easier for the surf schools to access the water along the primary resort strip. On the other hand, the island’s east shore begins to extend. That delivers swell to beginners areas like Playgrounds on Nusa Lembongan and to expert breaks like Keramas.
FAQs
Where is Bali?
Between the lengthy island of Java and its neighboring sister island, Lombok, is Bali. The enormous expanse of the Indian Ocean, which is the source of the huge surf swells, rolls to the south while the glittering Bali Sea washes the north shore, hosting beautiful islands like the Gilis.
What is Bali’s official currency?
For Bali, you’ll need to stock up on Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). 1 USD is currently equivalent to around 14,000 IDR. Therefore, it is worthwhile to conduct some research before landing, if only to determine what is reasonable for a chilly Bintang and what is not.
