Bali surf is legendary all around the globe. The fabled Isle of the Gods has breaks to match every level, from beginner-friendly Kuta to the rippable walls of Ulu’s.
An introduction to Bali surf
Ah, Bali. Welcome to Asia’s Shangri-La of surfing; the east’s answer to Hawaii. Washed by the powerful swells of the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean, this one’s got it all. Zippy reefs that barrel? You bet. Mellow longboard waves? Yep. Beach breaks for that post-sunbathe kooky fun? No doubt.
Put simply, Bali surf is some of the very best surf in the world. Uber-reliable and incredibly varied, it brings in wave riders from all around the globe. It’s a place where you can find your water feet on the beaches of Kuta and Seminyak, but also a place for the Kelly Slaters and Italos to do their thing on the beefy breaks of Ulus and Padang Padang.
Most waves work all year round but it’s the dry season that really turns on the goods, sending up relentless pulses of SW swell to caress the cliffs of the Bukit Peninsular and create some of the finest lefts known to humankind. Fantastic surf hotels are everywhere. Many come with swimming pools and bohemian-chic interiors. They’re great places to meet other surf travelers and book lessons, or just ensure you’re close to the best breaks for those dawn patrols.
If we had to pick a downside, it would be the pollution – we had a BAD case of Bali belly back in 2018 – and overcrowding. It’s not so much localism – the Bali scene is very much internationalized. It’s more that pretty much every spot here has been firmly discovered and there can be a mixed bag in the line up; some chilled, some downright nasty.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
This guide is a part of our larger guide to surfing in Indonesia and our ultimate guide to surfing in Asia
Bali surf at a glance
Levels: All levels // Wave type: Reef, rivermouth, beach, point // Season: Peak is dry season (March to September)
The good:
The bad:
What will I find in this guide to surfing in Bali
Where exactly is Bali?
Bali is tucked between the long island of Java and its nearby sister island of Lombok (also a top surf spot, where the town of Kuta Lombok offers surf camps that are among the best in the region). Meanwhile, the glistening Bali Sea washes the north coast, hosting lovely islands like the Gilis, and the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean rolls to the south, which is the engine room of the powerful surf swells. More generally speaking, the island is smack dab in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago. Thankfully, it has its very own airport (one of the busiest in the country, no less) and can also be accessed by boats from Java and Lombok.
The top surf spots in Bali
You won’t have to look very far to find some seriously amazing Bali surf. In fact, there’s a little reef break right in front of the airport itself, so you can spot people ripping before you even touch down. To put it another way, it would be nigh-on impossible to list ALL the breaks on this island, even if we wanted to. But there are some places that stand head and shoulders above the crowd, since they are known as the most famous breaks on the planet. We’ve got full guides to those and a whole load more…
Kuta
Kuta is a warm memory for many a surfer. Thousands – literally, thousands – of people came here to try their first-ever wave. The practice continues to this day, with countless rental shops and surf schools dotting the whole shoreline. As far as the wave goes, it’s generally an easy-going beach break that’s mellowed out by the sandbanks. Usually holds up well to around 6ft and often forms nice left and right-handers across a long bay. When the swell gets a hit of adrenaline, there can be high walls, even A-frames with plenty of punch, and some barrels, so always check the Bali surf forecast before you paddle out for your learner sesh.
We’ve got a full guide to surfing in Kuta – check it out right now!
Seminyak
For all intents and purposes, Seminyak can be considered an extension of Kuta. After all, the sands are only a few miles along the same stretch of coast. The quality and shape of the wave here is essentially the same as Bali’s main beginner spot, only there’s a little more height in things. The crowds do thin out a little as you move farther from Kuta itself. That’s also where the swell tends to come in unhindered, so expect a few closeouts on big days. Hazards include water pollution from the big resorts (keep your lips sealed!) and rips.
We’ve got a full guide to surfing in Seminyak
Canggu
It’s not taken Canggu long to go from rustic rice paddy to digital nomad mecca. These days, there’s hardly a field in sight. Everything is flat whites and organic poke bowls. One thing that keeps the town drawing the cool crowd is the waves. They are known for being mellow peaks and reefs that have nowhere near the crowds of Kuta. Early mornings are always best.
Check out our full guide to Canggu surf right now!
Balian Beach
Balian is one of the more upcoming Bali surf spots. It’s located way out west along the shores from Kuta, which means the crowds of young’uns are nowhere to be seen. A small surf town has set up shop behind the black sand, offering rentals and lessons. The wave itself is a high, peaky run that is great for 9″ folk on smaller days, and decent for upper intermediates when there’s extra power. It’s great if you’re after somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta.
Check out our full guide to Balian surf right now!
Medewi Beach
Even further along the coast is the largely undiscovered Bali surf spot at Medewi. The pebbly beach is pure black sand and look darn wonderful before its own row of lanky palm trees. The swells that rolls in here are tempered by a river mouth and sandbanks, which help shape them into clean, glassy shoulders that roll beautifully left. Not many crowds. Not much infrastructure. Kuta 20 years ago, perhaps?
We have a complete guide to surfing in Medewi here
Dreamland
Don’t be fooled by the name – Dreamland is hardly the paradise you might expect. It’s almost always busy and is hemmed in by more hotels than you can shake your Gado Gado at. Still, the wave is well-known for its versatility, offering both left and rights over a sand-coral bottom. It’s nowhere near as challenging as the places further down the Bukit Peninsula, which means there’s often plenty of intermediate improvers to be found paddling out.
Bingin Beach
Beautiful Bingin Beach is dashes under the cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula on the southern extremity of Bali – the area with the best surf throughout the June-August surf season. It’s a mecca for waves, with two breaks up its sleeve. The first is a primary-swell reefy that rolls perfectly right-left over the rocks. It’s a tricky, nifty takeoff into a quick ride that’s never more than 60m. There’s often a second-swell wave for those who want to practice pop-ups over the reef.
We’ve got a complete guide to surfing Bingin Beach right here
Impossibles
It’s names like these that help to keep the crowds away. Only here, between Bingin and the famous reefs of Padang Padang, it’s probably best everyone steers clear. That said, there are occasions when this trio of sections gets fatter than usual and slows a little. Otherwise, it’s super zippy and can be hard to control, which is less than ideal when the landing zone is a shallow volcanic reef without a grain of sand in sight! TLDR: Experts only.
Padang Padang
Padang Padang is the epitome of a hardcore left-hand reef that’s among the most photographed and filmed waves on the island. Works best in the strong dry season S-SW swells, when you’ll find people daring the line up from sunrise to sunset. Expect high-speed drop-ins in a shallow take-off zone, followed by a zippy run that’s almost always barrelling. It all ends over a low shelf of crushed coral, so there’s not really a moment when you can sit back and relax. Definitely not for beginners.
Check out our complete guide to surfing in Padang Padang right now
Nyang Nyang
Off-the-beaten-path at the very end of the Bukit head is hidden Nyang Nyang. Feeling the full brunt of the Southern Ocean swell that powers the awesome waves in the region, it’s virtually always on. Thing is, there’s an easy max out and lack of shelter, so any winds can chop up the waves and there’s often unbearable closeouts. When it’s good, you can run nice cutbacks into the occasional barrel. Beware of rips and be ready to hike down jungle-fringed paths before you hit the shore.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is just the sort of wave that puts Bali on the map. It’s not actually one wave, but rather a set of five that can be ridden at different points in the bay. It all starts with Temples, one of the biggest of the bunch that needs a hefty paddle. Then there’s the gnarly Bombie, a huge slab of water that’s among the tallest breaks on the island. The Peak comes next, a popular ripping spot for fast drop-ins. And then there’s the awesome Outside Corner, which goes beautifully when there’s a strong swell to offer some workable walls for the very best surfers out there. Not a pro? Just come to watch some of the maestros surf Bali in this legendary spot!
We’ve got a complete guide to all the awesome Uluwatu surf
Green Balls
Pulls in some pretty hefty power from the Southern Ocean when the S-W swells start kicking, which is why most of the locals will hold out for the offshores that come between November and March to ride this one. It’s a reef-sand mashup underfoot, with a nice lip of a wave that forms pretty steady verticals on its good days. Try to get there early but be ready to make a trek from the nearest carpark – it’s nowhere near anything, really.
Keramas
Keramas is a wet-season special that’s got to be up there with the hugest quality breaks in Bali. S swells that push through the gap with Nusa Penida and Lombok pump into action here as they hit a rivermouth reef and start balling right into a perfect barrel before opening onto a lovely shoulder. There’s always a crowd but it’s a rare high-performance right on the Isle of the Gods, so there.
We have a complete guide to surfing in Keramas
Sanur
Sanur is another east coast, wet-season wave like Keramas before it. Only this one’s a fickle beast that needs loads of swell and the right angle to boot. When it fires, it really fires – some say it’s the best right in Indo when that happens. Crowds will come when it’s on. However, there are one or two other breaks here for intermediates and up that work Dec-March, and plenty of family hotels just behind.
Check out our full guide to surfing in Sanur
The best hotels for surfing in Bali
One of the reasons Bali is so damn popular with surfers is that you can cruise in, book a hotel literally steps away from some of the best breaks in the world, and be surfing that very evening. The quality of accommodation is a cut above many Southeast Asian and other tropical destinations, too – expect pads with pools, sleek villas, and surf lodges with their very own boho bars.
It’s impossible to say where’s best because that all depends on where you want to surf (you’ll want to choose a hotel in Keramas to surf that, or Bukit to surf Ulu, or Kuta to take lessons there, for example). We have stayed in our fair share of hotels on the Isle of the Gods, though, and there are some that we think are worth a special mention as worthy places to base an entire surf trip…
Bombora Medewi Wavelodge ($$-$$$)
Good for: All levels
This is a really great hotel for surfers. It’s sat literally on the rocks just above the main left-hander in Medewi, which just so happens to be the longest and least busy of the south coast breaks. It’s an all-level place that’s good for learners and up. Plus, the hotel itself is sheer lux – just check out that infinity pool!
Dreamsea Bali ($$$)
Best for: Unforgettable surf trips
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, you see Dreamsea Bali. This lodge is nothing short of legendary. It clings to the rugged cliffs in the middle of the Bukit and is probably the surf camp that first brought serious luxury style to Bali. You get access to Padang Padang and Ulus, along with the rest of the peninsula (so best for intermediates and up). Needless to say – EVERYTHING is stunning. If the budget allows and you want to be down south, this has to be top pick. It simply has to be.
Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu ($)
Best for: Expert surfers
Tregge might not be the Ritz but it’s risen to become pretty hallowed ground for Bali’s regular crowd of returnee surfers. It sits on the cliffs above Uluwatu, just a stone’s throw from arguably the best left-hand reef break on the planet. Accommodation is in self-contained bungalows that front a flower-filled garden.
Surf camps in Bali
We’ll be frank – there are more surf camps on Bali than you could hope to get through in a whole decade. Not all of them are great. The industry here has run amok and people who really shouldn’t be running surf camps are doing just that. However, there are some fantastic standouts. We love that they can cover ALL levels, what with options for beginners in Kuta and in the Bukit for pros. Here’s a look at the cream of the crop:
You can also check one of our complete guides to surf camps in Bali or surf camps in Canggu for even more awesome recommendations.
- 8 Day in Between White Water and Green Waves Surf Camp in Medewi, Bali – A whole surf camp tailored to beginners looking to move from whitewash to green waves, this one’s perfect if you’ve done one or two sessions before and really want to improve. It’s hosted at the Brown Sugar Surfcamp in Medewi, which gets waves all year and offers one of the more mellow lefts on the isle. There, you’ll get video training and theory training to back up the daily lessons and – mark our words – will be ripping green waves by the time you head back to the airport!
- 8 Day Surf Camp in Canggu @ In Da Surf Camp – In Da Surf has become a bit of a staple in lovable Canggu. We’d say they have some of the best instructors and all-round rental gear in the area, along with access to those multi-level reef breaks. This package includes seven days of surfing, four video analyses, and shuttles to breaks.
Step-by-step guide to planning your Bali surf trip right now
Step one: Book flights to the Bali surf…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!
Step two: Book your surf camp Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com. That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.
Step three: Get insuranceThis is kinda’ important. Not just for surf trips but for any trips. SafetyWing is great for nomad travelers. They offer rolling contracts that cover amateur surfing.
Step four (optional): Rent a car If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.
Step four: Enjoy!
The main season for surfing in Bali
When school’s out for summer in the Northern Hemisphere, Bali is getting ready to feel the brunt of its very best swells. Yep, from May to September, the west coast mainstays are all pumping. Plan your surf trip to Bali then if you’re keen on conquering the pipes and reefs of the west-facing Bukit Peninsula. That said, there’s always a wave on offer in these parts, with wet-season favourites stringing right up the east coast, from Green Balls to Serangan.
Dry season (May-September)
The dry season is the best time for surfing in Bali. Dominant swell directions are from the west and the southwest, which means you get reliable sets flowing into the famous breaks along the Bukit (not just Uluwatu, but Bingin and Padang Padang, too). Offshore winds are from the north and northeast which helps matters even more – check out a proper NE day at Dreamland and you’ll see what people mean when they say Bali’s glassy in dry season! All that combines with a drop in the rainfall, which helps to keep run off pollution out of the water and that dreaded Bali belly at bay.
Wet season (November-April)
The wet season isn’t the end of the surf in Bali. The truth is this island gets very good swell all year. It’s just going to be a touch less reliable down on Bukit and up the shoreline from Kuta. Not that it really matters for beginners. In fact, the drop in size helps the surf schools get in the water along the main stretch of resorts. On the flip side, the east coast of the island starts going. That brings swell to advanced breaks like Keramas, and to beginner spots like Playgrounds on Nusa Lembongan.
Surf hire and surf lessons in Bali
Where to begin? One reason surfing in Bali is so darn popular these days is because the rental and tuition scene is out of this world. No matter if you’re staying in a remote jungle town on the Bukit headland or in the fizzing heart of Kuta, you can rest assured that there will be a school or board shop right on the doorstep.
The official outpost of the Quiksilver Surf Academy is definitely one worth noting. Based in the chic resort area of Legian, it’s eminently accessible from loads of the highest-rated hotels. Tutors are local Indonesian pros and lessons take place twice a day (8 am-noon, and noon-5pm).
An alternative to rocking up and renting is to go for a full-on surf camp. Up in Canggu is the all-round In Da Surf, which has packages that include airport pick-ups, accommodation, breakfast, and the whole equipment shebang for around $60/night. Then there’s the likes of Pelan Pelan Bali, which have week-long packages that combine sessions on the waves with yoga, clean eating, meditation, and temple visits – you know, to infuse your surfing in Bali with a little culture and wellness.
Where to eat in Bali
Bali is chock full of taste-bud-tingling eateries. Right from the simplest street-side stall to the most refined bistro, you can look forward to a truly tantalising array of Indonesian staples and creative international fusion food. Some of the intriguing spots to stop for chow that we’ve enjoyed in the past are…
Beach Bowl Bali
Start that Bali surf session all healthy, with the poke bowls, organic fruit, cold coconuts and fresh-pressed juices here. Or, get hungry on the waves of nearby Kuta and then hit the veggie brunches of avocado, fake bacon (fakon?) and sourdough.
Kelly’s Warung
Chillax after a long day on the Bingin break at Kelly’s Warung. Fruit platters, smoothies and BBQ skewers are all part of the offing, while the view of the barrelling wave here is second to none.
Single Fin Bali
Single Fin has become nothing short of legendary. It’s perched on a rugged clifftop above the point breaks of Uluwatu. Open decks offer sweeping views across the ocean and the swells. There’s a menu of tasty pub grub and healthy breakfasts with roasted coffee. And you can stick around for some surf après on Wednesday and Saturday nights when things get pretty lit.
What to do when you aren’t surfing in Bali
Bali is a darn awesome place for hitting the ocean. But Bali surf spots are just the first chapter in the story. The Isle of the Gods has smoking volcanos, lush beaches, and loads more to boot…
A weekend on the Gili Islands
You can either fly or whiz across the Bali Sea to the Gili Islands. Either way, the result is the same: A Shangri-La of shimmering white beaches, resplendent coral reefs, bamboo beach bars, and azure waters. There are three islands in total. Choose Gili Trawangan to party until sunup. Choose Gili Meno or Air for R&R, freediving, and sunbathing.
Go to Ubud
Surfers in Bali might have to pull themselves away from the coastline, but Ubud is a worthy reason. Hemmed in by emerald-green rice paddies and jungles in the southern heart of the island, it’s a mystical town that’s topped by Hindu shrines and ancient palaces. The Monkey Forest is a must, to meet the resident macaques, but also be sure to head to Ubud Market to get your necklaces, saris, and traditional Balinese batiks.
Nusa Penida
An Instagrammer’s dream, Nusa Penida is a small isle on the south-eastern edge of Bali. You can get there on quick ferries that leave regularly throughout the morning. The reward? Well..how do glistening white-sand beaches backed by high jungle-clad cliffs sound? How about uber-romantic resorts with honeymoon suites? How about remote coconut groves and beautiful vistas back across the Indian Ocean?
A travel guide for people planning a surf trip to Bali
How to get to Bali?
Being an island, there are really only two ways to get to Bali: by plane or by boat. Most travellers will take the first option. Oodles of regional low-cost airlines (AirAsia being the largest) serve the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, and there are also plenty of long-haul connections arriving to boot. If you want to hop across the water, you can get high-speed ferries into Padangbai on the east coast or into Gilimanuk on the west coast.
What is the local currency in Bali?
You’ll need to fill your purse with Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for Bali. At the time of writing, 1 USD is equivalent to around 14,000 IDR,. So, it’s worth doing a bit of homework before touching down – if only to know what’s fair for a cold Bintang and what’s not.
What language do they speak in Bali?
Bali’s not really like the rest of Indo. Along with its unique form of mystical Hinduism, ancient aga (village) traditions, and tasty culinary nuances, the island also brings its own language. That’s the Balinese language, which is spoken by an estimated three million of the local. However, most of the people here will also speak Indonesian, while it’s common for people in Denpasar, Kuta, Ubud, and Seminyak to have great English, too.
How to get around when surfing in Bali?
Most people will opt for a scooter to get around Bali. Rentals with fixtures for boards are available. Be warned, though, navigating the traffic-clogged streets is not for the faint-hearted. Alternatives include Uber and the GO-JEK on-demand apps,. However, there’s an ongoing conflict with local taxi drivers that’s been known to turn ugly.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!