Bali is a paradise for surfers of all levels, with over 60 different breaks to choose from. Whether you are looking for big barrels, long rides, or gentle waves, you will find your perfect spot on this island. We will share some of the best surfing beaches in Bali.
Uluwatu
If you are looking for a surfing destination that offers consistent waves, stunning scenery, and a rich surfing culture, look no further than Uluwatu Beach in Bali. Uluwatu is one of the most famous surf spots in the world, and for good reason. It has something for every level of surfer, from a beginner to an experienced surfer, and it is surrounded by beautiful cliffs, temples, and sunsets.
Uluwatu Beach is actually a collection of five different breaks, each with its own character and challenge. They are:
- The Peak: The most popular and crowded spot, where you can catch long and powerful left-handers that break over a shallow reef. The Peak is suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, and it can hold swells up to 15 feet.
- Racetrack: A fast and hollow section that offers some of the best barrels in Uluwatu. Racetrack is for experienced surfers only, as it requires a quick take-off and a precise line. It works best on low to mid-tide, and it can handle swells up to 12 feet.
- Outside Corner: The most challenging and rewarding spot in Uluwatu, where you can ride huge and heavy waves that break far out on the reef. Outside Corner is for expert surfers only, and it only works on high tide and big swells of 10 feet or more.
- Temples: A less crowded and more mellow spot, where you can enjoy long and fun left-handers that break over a deep reef. Temples is suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, and it can handle swells up to 10 feet.
- Bombie: A big wave spot that breaks in the middle of the ocean, where you can catch massive and powerful waves that can reach up to 20 feet. Bombie is for expert surfers only, and it only works on very big swells and light winds.
Uluwatu Beach is located on the southern tip of Bali, on the Bukit Peninsula. It is about 45 minutes drive from the airport, and you can easily get there by taxi, scooter, or car. Uluwatu is close to other popular surf spots, such as Padang Padang, Bingin, and Balangan, so you can explore different waves and scenery.
Uluwatu Beach is also home to the Uluwatu Temple, one of the most sacred and beautiful temples in Bali. The temple is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and it offers a spectacular view of the sunset. You can also watch the traditional Kecak dance performance at the temple, which is a unique and mesmerizing experience.
To make the most of your surfing trip to Uluwatu Beach, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- The best time of year to surf Uluwatu Beach is during the dry season, from June to August, when the waves are at their biggest and best. However, you can surf Uluwatu Beach all year round, as it is very consistent and reliable.
- The best time of day to surf Uluwatu Beach is in the early morning before the crowds and the wind pick up. You can also surf Uluwatu Beach in the late afternoon when the sun is setting and the light is magical.
- The best way to access Uluwatu Beach is by walking down a steep staircase from the parking lot and then paddling out through a cave. You can also hire a boat to take you to the different breaks, but it will cost you extra.
- The best way to stay safe at Uluwatu Beach is by wearing a helmet, booties, and a rash guard, as the reef is sharp and shallow. You should also respect the locals, follow the surfing etiquette, and avoid surfing beyond your abilities
Uluwatu Beach is a popular spot for surfing in Bali as it offers some of the best waves in the world, and it has a beautiful and spiritual atmosphere. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find a wave that suits you at Uluwatu Beach.
Padang Padang
Padang Padang Beach is located on the Bukit Peninsula, the southernmost tip of Bali. It is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery, creating a dramatic backdrop for the turquoise water and white sand. The beach is also known as Labuan Sait, and it can be accessed by a narrow staircase that leads through a cave.
Padang Padang Beach has two distinct surf spots: the main peak and the inside break. The main peak is a left-hand barreling reef break that is considered one of the best waves in Bali, and even in the world. It is also known as the Balinese Pipeline, as it can rival the famous Hawaiian wave for its quality and power.
The main peak only works on big swells and low tide, and it is reserved for experienced surfers who can handle the fast and hollow tubes. The wave can reach up to 15 feet in height, and it has two sections that offer different challenges. The first section is a steep drop that leads into a deep barrel, while the second section is a longer and wider barrel that ends in a deep water channel.
The inside break, also known as Baby Padang or Padang Padang Right, is a mellow wave that is suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. It is a left and right-hand wave that breaks into the bay, and it works on smaller swells and higher tides. The wave is fun and playful, and it offers a great opportunity to practice your skills and enjoy the scenery.
The best time to surf at Padang Padang Beach is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This is when the southwest swells are consistent and strong, and the easterly winds are offshore. The dry season also offers sunny and dry weather, which makes for perfect waves.
The rainy season, which runs from November to April, is less ideal for surfing at Padang Padang Beach. The swells are smaller and less frequent, and the winds are onshore and gusty. The wet season also brings more rain and humidity, which can affect visibility and comfort.
However, the wet season can also have its advantages. The crowds are smaller and the prices are lower, and you can still find some decent waves at the inside break or at other nearby spots, such as Bingin, Impossibles, or Uluwatu.
Padang Padang Beach is a surfing hotspot that attracts surfers of all levels and backgrounds. You can find locals, expats, tourists, pros, and beginners sharing the waves and the vibe. The surfing culture at Padang Padang Beach is friendly and respectful, but also competitive and challenging.
The main peak is a highly coveted wave that can get crowded and tense, especially on big days. The locals have priority and respect, and they can be very protective of their home break. If you want to surf the main peak, you need to be confident and skilled, and you need to follow the surfing etiquette and the unwritten rules.
The inside break is more relaxed and accessible, and you can find a more diverse and inclusive crowd. You can still encounter some locals and pros, but you can also meet other surfers who are learning or improving their surfing. The inside break is one of the best places to have fun and make friends, as long as you are respectful and courteous.
Padang Padang Beach is not only a surfing destination, but also a surfing venue. The beach regularly hosts international surfing events that showcase the best surfers and the best waves in Bali. The most famous and prestigious event is the Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang, an invitational contest that features 16 of the world’s best tube riders.
The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang is held every year between July and August, and it is based on a waiting period that depends on the swell and the tide. The contest only runs when the conditions are perfect, and it can be completed in one day. The contest is broadcast live on the internet, and it attracts thousands of viewers and fans.
The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang is not only a competition, but also a celebration of surfing culture and lifestyle. The event includes live music, art, food, and entertainment, and it creates a festive and vibrant atmosphere. The event also supports local communities and environmental causes, and it promotes the values of respect and sustainability.
Medewi
If you are looking for a surfing destination that offers long, mellow, and consistent waves, then you might want to check out Medewi Beach in Bali. Medewi Beach is located on the west coast of Bali, about 75 km from Denpasar, and is one of the longest left-hand point breaks in Indonesia. It is also a beautiful and idyllic beach where you can enjoy the scenery, the culture, and the hospitality of the locals.
Medewi Beach is a great spot for surfers of any skill level, from beginner surfers to pros. The wave is mostly soft and forgiving, with a smooth and sandy bottom. The wave can reach up to 4 meters high on a good swell, but it is usually around 2 meters. The best part is that the wave can last for up to 400 meters, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the ride.
Medewi Beach is also a year-round surfing destination, as it receives consistent swell from the Indian Ocean. The peak season to surf at Medewi Beach is from April to October when the waves are bigger and the wind is offshore. However, you can still find good waves in the off-season, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
If you want to take a break from surfing or explore the area around Medewi Beach, there are plenty of things to do and see. You can:
- Visit the Medewi Village: A traditional Balinese village that is known for its weaving and fishing culture. You can see the local women making beautiful fabrics, and the local fishermen bringing in their catch. You can also join a cooking class or a cultural tour to learn more about the village life.
- Go to the Yeh Sumbul Waterfall: A stunning waterfall that is located about 15 15-minute drive from Medewi Beach. You can hike through the jungle, swim in the natural pool, and enjoy the scenery.
- Try the Balian Hot Springs: A natural hot spring that is located about 30 30-minute drive from Medewi Beach. You can soak in the warm and mineral-rich water, and relax your muscles and mind.
Medewi Beach is a perfect place for surfers who want to enjoy long, mellow, and consistent waves, as well as the beauty and culture of Bali. It is also a great place to escape the crowds and the hustle and bustle of the more popular surfing spots in Bali.
Keramas
Keramas Beach is located on the east coast of Bali, about 45 45-minute drive from the airport and Kuta. It is home to one of the world’s most exciting barrelling right-hand reef breaks, Keramas. Keramas has earned global fame for being a high-performance wave, and it is one of the most anticipated stops in the World Surf League.
Keramas is a powerful right-hander, breaking over shallow volcanic rock. It is known for fast, hollow waves, and perfect barrels. The initial take-off section is a steep drop, followed by a long wall that offers multiple tube sections and opportunities for radical maneuvers. The wave can handle any size from 2 to 10 feet, but it is best between 4 and 6 feet. The ideal tide is mid to high, and the best wind direction is west to northwest.
Keramas is a rare place where you can surf at night, thanks to the lights installed by the Komune Resort, which overlooks the break. Surfing under the stars is a unique and thrilling experience, and it also allows you to avoid the crowds that can sometimes plague the spot during the day.
Keramas is not a beginner-friendly wave. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers who are confident in their skills and fitness. The wave is fast, powerful, and shallow, and it can be unforgiving if you make a mistake. You need to be able to paddle hard, take off quickly, and position yourself correctly to get the most out of the wave.
The take-off spot is a bit shifty, and there is always someone out there prepared to go deeper, so you need to be patient and respectful to get the right wave. The key draw and defining aspect of Keramas is the barrels. This spot is known for its world-class barrels, and it is a dream destination for surfers seeking the perfect tube-riding experience in Bali. To get barreled, you need to stay low, tuck in, and adjust your speed and line according to the changing shape of the wave.
The end section offers performance walls for you to carve turns and pull aerials. As the wave face tends to form a bowl before reaching a closeout section on the inside, it offers an opportunity for impressive maneuvers. Pro surfers often exploit this section to pull big aerials, such as John John Florence, who landed one of the most significant airs ever recorded during a competition at Keramas in 2013.
You can find a surfable wave at Keramas year-round, but the best season for surfing Keramas is during the wet season, which runs from November to March. This is when the winds are most favorable, blowing offshore or cross-offshore from the west to the northwest. The swell is usually smaller during the wet season, but it is more consistent and cleaner.
The dry season, which runs from April to October, is when the swells from the Indian Ocean are usually bigger, but the winds are less favorable, blowing onshore or cross-onshore from the east to southeast. The wave can still be good during the dry season, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, when the wind is lighter or switches offshore.
Keramas Beach is one of the best surfing spots in Bali, and a must-visit for any surfer who loves barrels, performance, and adventure. Keramas is a challenging and rewarding wave that will test your skills and thrill your senses. Whether you surf it during the day or at night, you will have an unforgettable experience at this world-class break.
Canggu
Located on the west coast of the island, Canggu offers a variety of waves for all levels of surfers, from beginners to pros. Whether you are looking for smooth and mellow breaks, fast and hollow tubes, or challenging and powerful reefs, Canggu has it all.
Canggu has several surf spots along its coastline, each with its own characteristics and conditions. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Batu Bolong: This is the main spot for beginners and longboarders in Canggu. Batu Bolong has a sandy bottom and a gentle right-hand wave that breaks over a shallow reef. The wave is consistent and easy to catch but can get crowded and competitive. The best time to surf here is during mid to high tide when the wave is smooth and long.
- Old Man’s: This is another beginner-friendly spot, located south of Batu Bolong. Old Man’s has a sandbar that creates a fun and playful right-hand wave. The wave is suitable for all types of boards and can get bigger and faster during the dry season. The best time to surf here is during low to mid tide when the wave is clean and peeling.
- The Sandbar: This is a more intermediate spot, located north of Batu Bolong. The Sandbar has a sand and reef bottom that produces a powerful and punchy left and right-hand wave. The wave can get very hollow and barreling, especially during the wet season. The best time to surf here is during high tide when the wave is steep and fast.
- Echo Beach: This is one of the most famous and challenging spots in Canggu. Echo Beach has a reef bottom that generates a variety of waves, including a long and heavy left-hand tube, a short and sharp right-hand tube, and a peaky and unpredictable A-frame. The wave can get very big and dangerous, especially during the dry season. The best time to surf here is during mid to high tide when the wave is smooth and consistent.
- Pererenan: This is another advanced spot, located north of Echo Beach. Pererenan has a reef bottom that creates a long and powerful right-hand wave. The wave can get very fast and hollow, especially during the wet season. The best time to surf here is during low to mid tide when the wave is clean and breaking.
Canggu Beach is a surfer’s paradise in Bali, where you can find waves for all levels, surf schools and camps for all needs, and a lifestyle and culture for all tastes. Canggu is a place where you can surf your heart out, and enjoy the beauty and diversity of Bali.
These are just some of the best surfing beaches in Bali, but there are many more to explore and discover. Bali is a surf destination that never disappoints, as it has waves for every taste and mood. If you are planning to visit Bali and want to surf, We recommend you book a surf camp that can provide you with accommodation, surf lessons, surf rental, and more.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Bali then consider exploring Airbnb.
If you’re looking for another adventure then be sure to check out our guide to scuba diving in Hawaii!