Best Spots to Surf in Bali

Are you coming to Bali and looking for the best spots to surf in Bali? Bali is known for its amazing surf spots and is a surfer’s paradise.

Bali’s peak surfing season runs from April to October, when strong swells hit the reefs around Uluwatu, Nusa Dua and Kuta. The waves are 1 to 2 meters (3.2 to 6.5 ft) high, day after day. Headwinds provide good conditions, especially in the clear waters and spots of Nusa Dua and Sanur, which are some of the popular surfing spots during the wet season. There are many reputable surf spots on the island, but some are often dominated by local stars competing for the best waves.

During the dry season, between May and October, it is best to surf the west coast of Bali. Water and air temperatures average 28°C (82.4 °F) during this period and the winds are favorable.

During the wet season, the air temperature is around 30°C (86 °F) and the water is 28°C (82.4 °F). The east coast of Bali is then to be preferred because it benefits during this period of offshore wind.

The Very best spots to surf in Bali, Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Bali

Bali is renowned for its world-class surfing opportunities, and if you’re a surfer looking for the best waves, you’ll want to check out the comprehensive guide to the “Best Spots to Surf in Bali” that highlights the top surf breaks, beaches, and points throughout the island.

1. Uluwatu: the mythical spot of Bali

Best time to surf: dry season (April-October).

Uluwatu is a famous surf spot located in the Bukit Peninsula. It offers consistent waves all year round, making it a favorite spot for surfers of all levels. The waves can reach up to 3 meters (10 feet), so it’s best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.

A visit to Uluwatu is mandatory when you come to surf in Bali. Indeed, Uluwatu is located on the southwestern tip of the Bukit peninsula. This spot offers an incredible spectacle when the swell is there. It is a reef wave that unrolls to the left, where the tube is required on certain sections of the wave. We advise you to go there rather high tide / mid-tide. This spot operates from May to October during the dry season when the wind direction is offshore.

Uluwatu is a surfers’ haven with powerful waves and stunning coastal views, offering a unique and unforgettable surfing experience.

Be careful, Uluwatu is sometimes subject to strong currents. Getting into the water at high tide can be complicated, as well as its return. You start from an opening on the cliff, and you must not miss this opening when you come back, otherwise, you are off for another round.

At low tide, the reef is uncovered and the spot becomes shallow. The wave widens further and becomes faster. The fall is to be avoided if you do not wish to taste the benefits of lime.

If you are a neophyte surfer, you can still contemplate the barrels (tubes) over a drink from the Single Fins, present on the side of the cliff as well as the wonderful spectacle offered by the sunset.

2. Learn to Surf in Seminyak, Kuta Bali and Canggu

Kuta and Canggu is located on the south west coast of Bali. These two surf spots are renowned for their accessibility.

Kuta is one of the most famous surf spots in Bali. It’s located on the south coast and offers consistent waves all year round. The waves are suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, and can reach up to 1.8 meters (6 feet).

Indeed, the first steps, the first take-offs in surfing in Bali are mainly done on these two beaches. Kuta and Canggu (echo beach) waves break on sand not corals. (beach break). You will find on the spot what to rent a board as well as local surfers to give you your first lessons for a few tens of euros. (about IDR 200k). You can also stay in a surf camp and benefit from the advice of experienced instructors.

Seminyak

Seminyak is another popular surf spot that offers consistent waves throughout the year. The waves are suitable for intermediate surfers and can reach up to 1.8 meters (6 feet).

Surfing in Seminyak offers a unique experience, with a variety of surf spots that cater to different skill levels, ranging from beginner-friendly breaks with small waves to more challenging reefs that are suitable for experienced surfers, and with its lively atmosphere, trendy cafes, and bars, Seminyak is a popular destination for surfers looking for a fun and vibrant surfing experience in Bali.

Canggu

Canggu is a great surf spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. It’s located on the west coast of Bali and offers several breaks that cater to different skill levels. The waves can reach up to 1.8 meters (6 feet), making it suitable for intermediate surfers.

Canggu Surf Village is another hotspot for surfing in Bali. Many surf camps have also settled there. At Batu Bolong (Old Man’s) and Echo Beach, two must-see spots, beginners and intermediate surfers enjoy surfing consistent but calm waves. They have the particularity of breaking up and then reforming several times. Need a board or a lesson? Meet in the parking lot in front of the spot!

After an unforgettable session, you can end the day at one of the local bars. These two beaches turn into festive places once the sun goes down!

Batu Bolong (Old Man’s Beach)

Batu Bolong spot (Old Man’s beach) is a popular longboard spot very accessible to beginners with long, gentle waves rolling right up to the beach. Pleasure guaranteed!

Watch out for the volcanic reef at low tide, a few sea urchins, and other surfers!

Echo Beach

The Echo Beach spot is a consistent spot composed of several “A-Frame” waves (right & left) offering a powerful hollow wave also popular with bodyboarders. There is a sometimes competitive atmosphere there on medium swells but the spot is empty on big days, take advantage of it. Feel free to walk on the beach heading north towards Pererenan Beach. You will find other qualitative waves that are slightly less populated. Watch out for the reef which is almost everywhere between the sand areas.

Berawa

Back on a beach break! It is an ideal spot for learning to surf because the wave is slower and above all less populated than that of Batu Bolong.

Surfcamp: Mondo Surf & Lifestyle Village, Endless Summer, Surf Buddy Bali, Santai Surf School, Desu de Bali Surf

3. Balangan beach: from beginner to advanced surfer

Balangan is a surf spot on the bukit located not far from New Kuta Golf and luxury resorts under construction.

It is a more or less easily accessible beach, with a coral bottom. The Balangan wave is a breakpoint type left. At low tide, it is possible to walk to the peak along the cliff on the left.

When the Balangan beach spot receives the right swell, it is possible to tube at mid tide and low tide, but be careful of the fall. Balangan coral does not forgive.

At high tide, the waves are less hollow and it is quite possible, in average conditions, to learn to surf with a teacher who you can find in one of the warungs present along the beach. You can also rent a board there for IDR 50,000 per hour.

It remains accessible to beginner surfers during small swells only. She surfs on all tides. Only experienced surfers can afford sessions at low tide. Expect a hollow, fast and barreled wave.

As everywhere in Bali (and elsewhere), the spot offers you glassy waves in the morning.

4. Padang Padang beach (right side): from beginner to advanced surfer

The legendary spot that every tourist, surfer or not, comes to visit for the beauty and power of the wave. You can watch the huge waves of Uluwatu from the cliffs overlooking the spot while enjoying local food and beers. It’s like being in an amphitheater dedicated to surfing!

The spot offers different peaks more or less difficult to reach because of their distances from the launch which forms a cave in which the waves break. Watch out for the currents and the bottom of the volcanic reef.

The wave is structured in 5 sections named: Temples, The Bombie, The Peak, Outside Corner, Racetracks. They work in turn according to the tides. Each has its properties. They are all left!

The atmosphere in the water is very competitive, even hostile. Keep in mind that this is the most coveted wave on the island, surfers are thirsty and often very personal. Even very good riders can get frustrated.

Observe and know your limits!

Surfcamp: Dreamsea SurfCamp, Kamafari SurfCamp, Aloha Bali Surf

5. Medewi beach (West Bali)

Medewi is a small typical Balinese village, mostly Muslim, unlike the Hindu culture dominating the island.

Having remained authentic, life there is peaceful and traditional. The village is punctuated by the sound of the prayers of the two mosques of the village.

The famous Medewi left is known as the wave that offers the longest ride in Bali. It is accessible to longboarders, as well as to shortboarders keen on fast waves because the last section on the left (simply called “the inside”) will bring you power and speed, and sometimes a small barrel (tube).

Its bottom is half-rocky (pebbles), half-sandy. It works practically all the time, and on all tides. The goofies (surfers with the right foot in front) will not be left out.

The decor is magnificent, the beach is adorned with giant palm trees, it’s heavenly!

However, if the spot seems too crowded with surfers, there are always other waves to explore around, including straight ones.

Surf Camp: Surf Buddy Bali

The Best Beaches in Bali | Most famous beach during your holiday

6. Surfing in Nusa Dua – South Bali

East of Bali this time, Nusa Dua is the sector of luxury resorts. The spot is actually made up of 6 waves: Temple Lefts, Elevators, Keyhole Left, Keyhole Right, Main Peak, Chickens all difficult to access because of the sharp reef and its distance from the beach. These large walls of water unroll quickly and operate regularly during the rainy season (October to April) and sometimes at very large size.

Surfers looking for thrills can treat themselves to aggressive sections closing quickly on a light bottom of water, leaving the reef clearly visible. These waves tend to work according to different tides and conditions. They are often not perfect but if you are lucky enough to surf them on good days, your experience will remain memorable.

Reef and sand on the lagoon. Presence of sea urchins on certain parts.

The Nusa Dua spot in Bali is a hostile spot for experienced surfers only.

7. Bingin beach: for an intermediate and advanced surfers

The Bingin spot is a real tube machine! This is probably the most aesthetically pleasing left for photos and videos.

The volcanic slab on which this wave crashes creates an almost perfect structure allowing it to function during all tides and on all swells. It is reached by rowing at the top and on foot during the bottom. It can be very dangerous because the bottom varies between 30 to 60cm depending on the swells and tides. We regularly come across injured people and broken boards.

Take the time to observe the bottom which is exclusively rocky.

The spot is clearly a victim of its own success, it is very populated and a spirit of competition reigns there.

8. Dreamland Beach: for an intermediate and advanced surfers

Dreamland beach is located between Bingin beach and Balangan beach. This beach is famous for the turquoise blue color of its water.

Dreamland beach wave unrolls right and left. It’s a beachbreak with a few bumps at the end of the wave on the right and left (when the wave is shorebreak). It is an accessible wave for all levels, the wave breaks on sand. This spot only works at mid tide / low tide with a consistent swell.

Uluwatu Bingin and Balangan beachs, Bali. Wokshots, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Impossibles Beach: for experienced and expert surfers only

Impossibles Beach takes its name from the difficult access to reach this beach, but do not be fooled by this name, this surf spot is quite accessible to intermediate and advanced surfers. Located 5 minutes from the Uluwatu temple, in the village of Pecatu, Impossible Beach offers powerful waves that sometimes exceed 1.5 meters (4.9 ft). This surf spot is pleasant because it is not crowded with people, due to its relatively difficult access.

Impossibles is a reef-break renowned for its long and fast tubes that lock you in fiercely. It works very well during consistent swells at mid and low tide.

You will have to row about 400 meters (1 312 ft) to reach this powerful left. As its name suggests, it is practically impossible to hold it from A to Z because it has several sections that close. Follow the specialists to stay in the “take-off” areas.

In favorable conditions, Impossible beach will provide you with perfect and unforgettable sliding sensations.

Be in good physical shape and study the entry and exit areas.

This spot is intended for experienced and expert surfers only.

Surf camp: Dreamland Surf School

10. Keramas beach: a perfect straight line in east of Bali

Keramas Beach in Bali is known for its powerful and challenging waves that make it a popular destination for experienced surfers looking for a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping surfing experience.

This beach is located on the east coast of Bali between Padang Bay and Sanur. The spot is located in front of the Kommune hotel where it is very pleasant to come and rest after a session. Keramas is a spot that offers a reef wave unrolling to the right. Often tubular, it is a fast wave that surfs at rising or falling tide.

Stay vigilant, the spot is constantly populated by locals and pros who don’t hesitate to get irritated for little things.

Strong currents

At low tide, as in Uluwatu, falling is prohibited under penalty of injury on the corals and sea urchins present on this spot. The advantage of this spot is its influx of surfers: you will find there about fifteen people at most. Keramas operates mainly during the wet season, when the (offshore) winds are favorable for the formation of a perfect wave.

The beach has consistent swell and offers both left and right-hand breaks, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a variety of waves to ride. Keramas has also hosted international surfing competitions, showcasing its world-class waves and attracting professional surfers from all over the world.

However, the strong currents and powerful waves make it less suitable for beginner surfers, and caution should always be taken when surfing in this area.

11. Serangan Beach

Serangan Beach in Bali is a well-known spot for surfing and is highly recommended for beginners and intermediate surfers.

The beach’s calm waters, reef breaks, and consistent waves make it an excellent place to learn to surf or to improve your skills, and there are plenty of surf schools and instructors in the area who offer lessons and rentals. This spot offers rights and lefts for all levels. You can take your first tube there as well as your first surf lesson. This spot works at high tide as well as at mid-tide and low tide. The waves break on a background of corals. You can replenish your energy between two sessions by eating in the small local Warungs.

Access to Serangan is on the Bypass Road between Sanur and Kuta. Signs say Selatan. It is a recently built dual carriageway that will take you to a dirt road. After paying the dime (IDR 2000), you still have 1km to slalom between potholes and pebbles to reach the grail. This spot remained secret for a very long time. It is only very recently that there has been a slight increase in the population in the water.

12. Green bowl beach: intermediate and advanced surfers only.

Totally in the south of Bali, you will access GreenBowl via a long stone staircase that will make the less athletic suffer. Being isolated, the spot will offer surfers a session away from the crowds. The spot will work fully during the rainy season (from October to April) and will offer long hollow lines in translucent water. You can also find a barrel on the inside, near the channel.

Be careful, at high tide, access to the beach is practically impossible. Green Bowl is also famous for its powerful current, a broken leash can cost you dearly. Once again the spot will show a sharp reef bottom.

Green bowl is located south of Bukit. You have to follow the road that leads to the Bali Cliff Resort hotel, go down a hundred steps and you will arrive on a small, almost deserted beach full of caves where even bats can sometimes stay.

This beach is a hidden gem and a popular spot for surfing enthusiasts who are looking for a secluded and uncrowded location to catch some waves, with its crystal-clear waters, pristine white sands, and consistent surf breaks that offer a challenging and rewarding surfing experience, making it a must-visit destination for any surfer visiting Bali.

Green bowl mainly offers powerful rights on several peaks at high tide. You must be in good physical condition to surf this spot, the rest times are relatively short because the current is very strong there. Plus, after spending more than two hours in the water, the 100-odd walk to get back up is likely to get you down.

13. Gunung payung beach

Gunung Payung beach (Pantai Gunung Payung) is located between Nusa dua and Green bowl in the south of Bukit. This area is in full development and you access the beach by passing through various construction sites. This spot has the same characteristics as Green bowl except that you will probably be alone in the water. It is a secret spot frequented only by locals and surfers looking for “virgin” waves.

Bring a bottle of water and a small snack during your session because there is no service on this beach, but shh, it’s a secret.

In conclusion, Bali offers some of the best surf spots in the world, catering to surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, there’s a surf spot in Bali that’s perfect for you. Be sure to add some of these spots to your itinerary for an unforgettable surf experience in Bali.

Safety is essential, especially for less experienced surfers, so exercise caution, stay aware of ocean conditions, and consider guidance from local surf instructors. Always prioritize safety and follow local advice to enjoy surfing responsibly.

Photo credit: Kanenori via Pixabay

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