Last updated on January 25th, 2024 at 08:45 am
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Bali, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to Bali, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surf tips, and everything related to surfing in Bali, Indonesia.
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About Surfing in Bali, Indonesia
Bali is Indonesia‘s most famous surf island and definitely the most touristy one. With perfect surf conditions and consistent swells, it gained its reputation as the ultimate place to get barreled. “The Island of the gods”, as some call it, offers some of the best surf breaks in the world. In addition, it provides a unique culture, welcoming people, stunning beaches, world-class diving, a kicking nightlife scene, and ridiculously low prices. For these reasons, Bali became one of the most visited islands in the world. Obviously, everybody wants a piece of this paradise.
As for the surf in Bali, you can’t get any better than that. In fact, you can surf Bali 365 days a year and consistently score fantastic waves. The reason for that is the unique reef shelves surrounding the island and picking up any swell coming from the Indian Ocean.
The swell that hits the coast of Bali is the same swell that hits the Maldives Islands and West Australia. When this swell meets the reef, it breaks with massive power and perfect shape. From crazy barreling reef breaks to user-friendly beach breaks, there are various surf spots in Bali to suit any surfer. Yes, it can get too crowded, especially during high season, but that’s part of the deal while surfing in Bali.
After all, riding perfect waves on a beautiful island is pretty much what all surfers dream about. Therefore, a surf trip to Bali is exactly what you need to make this dream come true.
Surf Seasons in Bali
Generally, you can surf Bali on any day of the year and score perfect rides. While being exposed to any swell direction and having such a diverse coastline, there is no such thing as a day without waves in Bali. However, knowing the difference between the 2 major seasons will help you plan your surf trip better.
The dry season lasts from May to October. This is also the tourist high season, so the hotels are packed, and the lineups are ultra crowded. During these months, the big swells hit the shore with great consistency and decent size. In fact, you can find 8 to 15 feet of waves breaking in front of you, especially in July and August. Of course, different beaches pick up the swell differently, but in general, this season is suitable for advanced surfers who can deal with fast barrels and crowded lineups. At this time of year, the West Coast of Bali gets the swell, so beaches that face west, such as Canggu, Uluwatu, and Balangan, perform well.
In contrast, the wet season in Bali lasts from November to April. This time of the year is the low season, even though it only means 1-3 hours of rain every day. Actually, some surfers prefer to surf in Bali during this season to avoid the crowds. Surfing the low season means riding 2-4 feet waves. This is the worst of Bali, and yet, it is still much better than your home break. During this season, the beaches facing east perform better, especially Keramas.
So, you can always surf in Bali; you just need to choose a suitable beach according to the season. Moreover, you can go between the seasons, in April-May or October-November, and get the best of both seasons.
The Best Surf Spots in Bali, Indonesia
When surfing in Bali, you will have difficulty choosing your favorite surf spot. Since there are so many good ones, the task is not that easy. Therefore, depending on your skill level, swell size, and time of the year, you can find the right break for you. So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in Bali:
Surf Spots on Bali’s West Coast (From May to October):
Kuta Reef:
Kuta is the main tourist beach of Bali, and this break is right in front of it. If you are a beginner, you can hang out at the beach break and practice your skills. However, advanced surfers can paddle further to enjoy the barrels on the outer reef. Since this is the main surf beach in Bali, the crowds are always here in the water.
Medewi:
Since this spot is a bit further northwest from the other spots in Bali, there are fewer people in the lineup. In fact, most tourists don’t even bother making the 2-hour drive from Kuta Beach. Therefore, if you make the effort to come here, you will get an amazingly long left ride (500 Meters on a good day) with only a few surfers next to you. Furthermore, the break at Medewi is relatively soft and slow, so it is suitable for all skill levels.
Canggu:
A bit north of Kuta, you will find Canggu, which provides one of the easiest waves to surf. Yes, it is an inside reef that barrels often, but it opens up quite softly to both sides. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels love to ride the waves on this beach, and it is one of the most popular surf spots in Bali.
Airport Reefs:
Just in front of the airport, you will find these 2 breaks. Luckily, there is one to the left and one to the right, so any surfer can choose his favorite side. The waves are not so long but offer lovely barrels.
Balangan:
This left-hand point break is famous for its high quality. It is long, hollow and has a great wall to practice your maneuvers. The outside reef is only suitable for experienced surfers, but beginners can also have fun on the break.
Dreamland:
Not far from Balangan, Dreamland is a great beach for beginners surfing in Bali who don’t want to get hurt. Even though it breaks over a rocky bottom, it opens up gently to both right and left.
Bingin:
Bingin is a spectacular left-hand reef break that suits all skill levels. However, note that there is a big difference between the tides on this beach. For instance, during high tide, beginners can hang out here and enjoy soft and forgiving waves. However, once the tide goes down, it turns into a barrel machine that suits advanced surfers only.
Impossible:
This is an incredible left-hander breaking with perfect shape. In fact, it has several different sections that unite when the swell is big enough. Even though the reef is shallow, it is a super fun wave, especially for goofy footers.
Padang Panang:
Worldwide famous as “The Indonesian Pipeline”, this spot is a pure left-hand barrel. On a good day, you can spend almost the entire ride under the shade of the barrel. It is fast, short, and super popular. If you want a good picture inside the tube, that’s the place to be. Moreover, closer to the shore, there is a beginner spot called “Baby Padang”.
Uluwatu:
This break is world-famous for its top-quality waves. It breaks in front of a beautiful cave and produces long left rides with some barreling sections. This spot is a must for any advanced surfer who comes to surf in Bali.
Surf Spots on Bali’s East Coast (From November to April):
Keramas:
This is definitely the best surf spot on Bali’s East Coast. Therefore, those who come to surf in Bali during the wet season usually hang out here. It is a right-hand reef break with barreling sections, suitable for advanced surfers. Also, Keramas is extremely consistent and performs well at any tide. Just be aware of the shallow reef during low tide.
Sanur:
This spot requires a big wet season’s swell to work. However, once such swell hits, you will get massive right-hand barrels and long rides. Here too, you better be aware of the coral reef.
Serangan:
This beach works excellent during the wet season. Actually, you can find here several different peaks opening up to both right and left, as well as some barreling sections.
Nusa Dua:
A right-hand reef break on the East Coast. This break picks up a lot of swells and offers long rides with heavy barrels. Due to its distance from shore, prepare for some long paddle to get to the peak.
To clarify, there are many more surf spots in Bali than those mentioned here. Obviously, it is impossible to write about them all. Therefore, if you come to surf in Bali and have some adventurous spirit, explore the coastline on your own. You will probably get rewarded big time and surf perfect breaks with no crowds.
Can Beginners Surf in Bali?
Yes, absolutely!
Spots like Kuta Beach Break and Baby Padang are perfect for beginners. Both offer a soft break over a sandy bottom, and many surf lessons take place on these beaches.
If you are an intermediate or an advanced surfer, though, you will find more challenging waves in Bingin, Uluwatu, and the other surf spots in Bali. In short, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Bali.
Surf Camps in Bali
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Bali’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones:
1. Mojosurf.
2. Kima Surf Camp.
3. Wave House Surf School.
4. Endless Summer Surf Camp.
5. Cari Surf Camp Bali.
6. West Break.
7. Padang Padang Surf Camp.
8. Seaside Tribe.
For all the details about surf camps in Bali, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Bali
When coming to surf in Bali, you want to make sure you stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the best spots. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels on the island:
1. Flower Bud Bungalow Balangan – Built entirely with raw and natural materials, like bamboo and wicker, Flower Bud Bungalow blends harmoniously with its tropical surroundings. It features a 12 m outdoor swimming pool and spa treatments.
2. Bima Sakti Homestay Echo Beach Canggu– Offering a terrace and hot spring bath, Bima Sakti Homestay Echo Beach Canggu is situated in Echo Beach in Canggu, 6 km from Tanah Lot Temple. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
3. MAMAKA by Ovolo– Located in Kuta, a few steps away from Kuta Beach and 500 m from Beachwalk Mall, MAMAKA by Ovolo provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a rooftop pool with beach views, and 24-hour fitness center. Popular points of interest nearby include Discovery Shopping Mall, Waterbom Bali, and Dewa Ruci Roundabout. The urban accommodation offers free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and room service for guests.
For more surf hotels in Bali, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Nightlife in Bali
Besides incredible waves, Bali also offers a wild nightlife scene. Actually, Bali is one of the best party destinations in the world. Since young travelers and surfers come here from all over the world, there is something to do every night of the week. From low-key bars to beach parties and kicking nightclubs, Bali has it all. Despite being a part of a Muslim country, the rules in Bali are different due to tourism. Sure, drugs are illegal, and you do need to respect the local culture, but other than that, the party is always on.
The main party town in Bali is Kuta. This is where you will find most of the bars, clubs, and young crowds. However, Canggu, Sanur, and Seminyak also started to develop some night scenes of their own, even though it is more relaxed. Therefore, if you consider yourself a night person, you will definitely love Bali.
Bali- Travel Information
Language- Indonesian.
Population- about 4.5 million.
Currency- Indonesian rupiah.
Calling code- +62.
Time zone- GMT +7.
Pros- perfect waves, warm water, fascinating culture.
Cons- over-touristy and crowded.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, surfing in Bali is the best you can get as a surfer. This beautiful island offers spectacular nature, perfect waves, and a fascinating culture.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to Bali. Have a great surf trip!
Before you go, for more surf destinations in Indonesia, check out the Mentawai Islands, which also offers epic surf.
