Surfing in Bali (Best Spots) Gadsventure

Want to go surfing in Bali? But you don’t know where to start looking for the best breaks?

Well read on!

I have personally surfed most of the breaks and can tell you which ones are the best breaks for your ability.

Bali caters for most levels of surfers ranging from breaks that suit beginner levels to ‘Kamikaze Pro’!

What is Your Surfing Level?

This is what you need to ask yourself before you go surfing in Bali.

Don’t tackle surf that may get you killed or injured, it’s just not worth the hassle when surfing overseas on a holiday or surf trip.

If you do get injured please visit BIMC for the best medical care in Bali. They have 24-hour emergency service and are conveniently located in Kuta.

So are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level?

Once you honestly answer this question you can choose the right break to surf and the break that will be the most fun!

Time of Year you are Surfing in Bali

This plays a huge role in where you will be surfing.

Best Blog Read Now: The Best Time to Visit Bali

East coast or West coast which is Best?

The West coast gets it’s best swells from April to October and the East coast is best from November to March.

Winds in Bali are generally light but the slightest onshore or crossshore breeze can really make the surf messy. This is why it is important to surf the right side of the coast at the right time of year, East coast has offshore winds from November to March while the West coast has offshore winds generally from April to October.

Bali can have waves all year round but remember Bali gets most of its rain during December to February and can be a little polluted from the runoff!

Bali is more crowded during April to October, so I try to pick the shoulder times. It can be a little hit and miss but I have always had good surf. The months of March/April and September/October are my favourite times to visit.

Surfboards – BYO or Rental?

Are you serious about your surfing and want to surf every day or do you just want to give it a go and surf for a couple of times while in Bali?

If you’re serious I would bring your board (I do!) especially if you love your board. It costs nothing if you have checked luggage, especially on Virgin and Jetstar!

Board rental, on the other hand, costs around 200,000 IDR, (check xe.com for the latest exchange rates) for the day and if you break it you pay! All these surf spots mentioned have surfboard rental available.

So if you don’t want the hassle of carrying around a surfboard and aren’t fussy with the performance I would rent!

Surfing in Bali – 16 of the Best Breaks

I will start from Bali’s East Coast and work clockwise so that you can follow and don’t get too lost or confused.

Here is a map of the Bali’s best surf breaks as described below:

Break #1 – Surfing at Keramas

Keramas is an epic right hander that breaks over a sandy bottom.

This wave is fast and powerful!I would only attempt this break if you have a little bit of experience.

It is hollow at times and the rides can get up to 60m long and generally end with a closeout near the beach.

Access

Access to this break is very easy, you can park at the Komune Resort and paddle straight out the front.

(Hot tip: Paddle straight out in front of restaurant and you will land at take off point)

Difficulty Level

This place is for Intermediate to pro level, easy to get out but you need to know what you are doing.

Best Tides

Best at all tides, higher is best.

Best Surf Size

2ft to 12ft is best with swell from the South – South West.

Surfing at Keramas Fun Factor

Such a fun wave, I found it daunting at first, because the paddle out seems like you are heading straight into the impact zone but it sucks you out easily.

Once out you need to keep paddling south to stay in the take off zone. Taking off is steep but if you commit and paddle hard into waves they are actually easier to catch than you think!

Surfing this wave is a buzz, – fast, often hollow with a great right-hand pocket to smash if you are good enough.

Getting Back to Shore

Just ride the wave to the closeout section and head to shore, you may have to cross the creek mouth to get back to the resort. (Can have a little rubbish around due to rain and tides).

Characteristics

Submerged reef, Dead coral, Black sand.

Dangers

Rubbish, long hold downs, steep wave.

Surf Report

Where to Stay in Keramas for Surfers

Komune Resort – perfect location overlooking the break. Doubles start at $239AUS per night
Bali Diamond Estates and Villas – 2-bedroom private pool villa sleeping 4 costs $243 with ocean view right next to surfbreak.
Desa Pramana Swan – one block back from the break, private pool villa for 2 $101
Keramas Surf Camp – low key and budget option with airconditioned rooms a short walk to the beach $37 a night per double

Break #2 – Surfing at Sanur

Sanur is another right-hand wave that breaks over the reef.

This place needs some serious swell to really work at it’s best, so in general expect waves to close out a bit down the line.

This wave is a little fickle and breaks inconsistently down the line.

There are a couple of other breaks around this area try Tanjung Sarito the South for fun Rights and lefts.

This wave is suitable for beginners to intermediate when smaller and pro when big. There is a learn to surf school on the beach. It is a fast right-hander that can close out a bit and the rides range from 50 – 200m long.

Access

Access to this break is straight out the front of the turtle conservation area. You can park up the street and paddle straight out the front. (You have to paddle out in a calm 70m until you get to the reef, then wade or paddle for 30m to access wave)

Difficulty Level

This place is for Intermediate level to pro when conditions are on, the wave is fairly mellow most of the time but still be wary of the reef bottom.

Best Tides

Mid to High tide is the best

Best Surf Size

6ft to 15ft is best with swell from the South – South West -West.

Surfing at Sanur Fun Factor

Very fickle, I found it to be a bit hit and miss and because the paddle out takes a little bit of time, it seems to be a lot of effort for not amazing rewards. Fun but not amazing.

Typical reef take off.

Getting Back to Shore

Once off the wave you will need to paddle for 70 meters back to shore over the reef (ccan have a little rubbish around due to rain and tides).

Characteristics

White sand foreshore with a submerged live reef bottom.

Dangers

Rubbish, Reef, Currents.

Surf Report

Where to Stay in Sanur for Surfers

Beachfront rooms at Segara Beach are well suited if you want to surf at Sanur.

Break #3 – Surfing at Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is a right-hand wave that breaks over rocky reef which has a submerged reef bottom, this stretch goes for a couple of kilometres.

This wave has shifting peaks and has a variety of spots that can be surfed. I surfed out the front of the Club Med and had a bit of fun.

This wave is suitable for beginners to intermediate, pro when big.

It is a mellow right-hander, rides range from 30m – 100m long.

Access

Access to this break is straight out the front of the hotel areas. The paddle straight out to the reef is about 100m through the boat channel. (It is a little bit of a paddle to get out here) Hiring a boat is probably easier.

Difficulty Level

This place is for intermediate level, the wave is fairly mellow most of the time but still be wary of the reef bottom. It breaks in different spots down the reef with an array of shifting peaks.

Best Tides

Best on all tides.

Best Surf Size

3ft to 20ft is best with swell from the South – South West – West.

Surfing at Nusa Dua Fun Factor

This is a fun wave if it is working. I found it to be fun and pretty easy to surf, but the peak keeps moving around depending on the sets. It is a little bit of a pain to get out and paddle out takes a little bit of time.

So don’t expect to rush out and have super fast surf.

Getting Back to Shore

Once off the wave, you will need to paddle for 100 meters back to shore over the reef then through the boat channel (it can be very busy with boats passing through so be careful).

Characteristics

White sand with an outer rocky reef bottom, seagrass areas and live coral.

Dangers

Speed boats, jet skis, reef, waves and currents.

Surf Report

Where to Stay in Nusa Dua for Surfers

There is a 2km stretch of beach here with reeling surf. Staying beachfront at these resorts will have you perfectly positioned to catch a few waves:

Break #4 – Surfing at Uluwatu

Uluwatu is the cream of the crop in Bali, it catches the most swell, holds the biggest surf and is really only for Pros!

This wave has 3 sections Temples, The Peak, and the Racetrack.

This wave is not suitable for beginners, only experience and confident intermediates should tackle this wave!

It is a fast left-hander and on its day is the best surf spot in Bali! Rides can range from 50 – 300m along the front of the Uluwatu Cliffs.

Access

Access to this break is through the cliff top village where you will park your vehicle at the top and walk down the steps through the shops until you come to an open cave. The launch spot is off the small beach surrounded by cliffs, very narrow and sketchy. Pay around 5000IDR to park your motorbike here.

Jump in and start paddling out over a sharp rock reef until out the back. Can be a hard paddle and the current is strong which pulls you down towards Kuta, so be prepared to paddle. (Not for the unfit!)

Difficulty Level

This place is for Intermediate to Pro level. The wave is a steep take off that barrels at times and produces a steep face to surf. Depending on which part of the wave you surf it will be different.

It gets big here so be ready for the sets that will come and be fit – you will paddle a lot.

Best Tides

All tides are the best. The reef can get shallow.

Best Surf Size

2ft to 15ft is best with swell from the South – South West – West.

Surfing at Uluwatu Fun Factor

Uluwatu always has swell. Most fun out here is from 3ft to 6ft. Any bigger and it becomes hard work if you are like me!

Typical reef take off – steep, fast and unforgiving. Becomes serious when bigger and only go out if you know what you are doing.

Getting Back to Shore

It can be hard getting back in due to the cave being the entry point and the exit point.

So you will need to catch a wave into the cave beach or, if it is too big and hard, just go with the current and exit at the next beach.

Characteristics

Sheer cliffs, great waves, sharp rocky reef bottom.

Dangers

Large waves, sharp rock reef, strong currents.

Surf Report

Where to Stay in Uluwatu for Surfers

Break #5 – Surfing at Padang Padang Beach

Padang Padang has two breaks straight out the front of the small white sandy beach. ‘Padang Padang Right’ which is great for learners and intermediates, and ‘Padang Padang Left’ which is for experienced surfers only.

The left only works on bigger swells while the right works all the time and is super fun.

If you have a girlfriend or family then Padang Padang is for you – a white sandy beach with food and drinks, also a suitable swimming beach.

The right-hander is quite a short ride, a drop, maybe 2 turns then it pretty much turns to white water, rides are about 30m.

The left, on the other hand, is a steep drop that turns instantly into a bowling barrel with rides up to 100 meters long over the reef.

Access

Access to this break is straight out the front of the main beach. You have to pay 30,000IDR for adult entry onto the beach. There is the main rip that takes you out between the two breaks making it super easy to get out the back. (You have to paddle out in a calm 150m until you get to the take-off zones.)

Difficulty Level

The right is for beginners to intermediate level, with a steep to gradual shifting takeoff zone making it a little difficult to stay in the right spot due to the rip.

The left is for pros! But if you have some guts and are intermediate give it a crack when it is average size, you may surprise yourself (I did!)

A super steep, fast, ever-changing barrel that spits you out in front of a giant cliff!

Best Tides

Mid to high tide is the best

Best Surf Size

6ft to 12ft is best with swell from the South-South West for the left and 3ft – 6ft for the righthander.

Surfing at Padang Padang Fun Factor

The right-hander is fun! If you are ever bored in Bali just paddle out here and rip it up for half an hour, no hassles!

The left-hander, on the other hand, takes skill and fun if you are good, but it’s quite challenging if you aren’t.

Ranking 8 out of 10 Fun Factor!

Getting Back to Shore

Easy getting back to shore. Just surf in as far as you can go and paddle on the angle to the shore. (It can be a struggle against the outgoing rip though.)

Characteristics

White sandy shore with rocky reef bottom. Left-hander is dangerous with submerged rocky reek. (Bombies)

Dangers

Rubbish after rains, reef, currents, heavy waves.

Surf Report

Where to Stay in Padang Padang for Surfers

Break #6 – Surfing at Impossibles

Impossibles has gotten its name from exactly that! It is impossible! This left-hander looks great from the beach and air but is so fast, you really need to be a fast surfer for this spot.

It isn’t that popular but when the swell is right it can be magic. I have never surfed it when it was classic. It just is hard to stay ahead of the break.

The left is fast with rides from 10m up to 100 meters long over the reef.

Access

Access to this break is straight out the front of the main beach at Padang Padang or off the rocks anywhere where there is access along the steep cliffs. It is easiest from Padang Padang end.

Difficulty Level

The left is intermediate level, with a steep to gradual take off. I would put this as high difficulty level due to the speed of the wave, and the fact that the wave can close out in sections over the reef.

You have to pick the right waves that give you the longest rides without closing out.

(Hot tip! Speed is everything here, almost impossible)

Best Tides

All tides, but it can break better on a higher tide

Best Surf Size

4ft to 12ft is best with swell from the South-South West for the left-hander.

Surfing at Impossibles Fun Factor

Impossibiles is hard work, unless the conditions are perfect, if they are normal conditions it keeps breaking in front of you and can be frustrating.

So a fun factor rating of 7 out of 10.

Characteristics

Submerged reef, Dead coral, Running along the cliff shore.

Dangers

Submerged reef, dead coral, currents.

Surf Report

Break #7 – Surfing at Bingin Beach

The Bingin surf break is a little bit of a hidden break and is in front of a series of guest houses clinging to the cliff faces.

Surf here if you are staying here due to its location. I have never seen it breaking really well but it must have its days. It is described as short, sharp and shallow.

Expect rides here to be no more than 50 meters long and a little crowded with a tight take-off zone.

Access

Access to this break is tricky! There are roads going everywhere but you just need to find a carpark area with a path leading down to the ocean.

Weave your way past guest houses and follow the steps down to the water, there is a little bit of sand access where you paddle out into the tight line-up.

Difficulty Level

The left is short, sharp and shallow so intermediate level plus would be recommended here. It is short rides and can get a little crowded so be careful.

(Hot tip! Beginners – only go out when small)

I never really like the look of this wave so I don’t ever surf it.

Best Tides

Mid tide to high is the best, low is dangerous.

Best Surf Size

3ft to 8ft is best with swell from the South-South West-West for the left-hander.

Surfing at Impossibles Fun Factor

This is a fun little wave with short rides but heaps of fun if the swell is right so we give this a 7 out of 10.

Characteristics

Submerged reef, live coral.

Dangers

Submerged reef, live coral, currents.

Surf Report

Bingin Beach Bali, you might get lucky out here!

Where to Stay in Bingin for Surfers

You can’t get any closer to the beach than these unique places:

Break #8 – Surfing at Dreamland

Down at the end of the bay is the Dreamland break, straight in front of the shops and big resort. The wave has a short left wall and a shouldering right over a sandy reef bottom. Expect shorter rides and crowded conditions at times

The wave has a mean shore break when the swell is up, so watch out!

the bali travel guide — Visiting ‘Dreamland’ Beach was interesting. It’s not high on our recommended list.

Access

Access to this break is straight out from the hotel. It is easy to get out once you are past the shore break.

Difficulty Level

The left is short walled, the right is a shouldering right so suits all levels of surfer.

Best Tides

Best at low tides. On high it is too fat.

Best Surf Size

2ft to 10ft is best with swell from the South West.

Surfing at Dreamland Fun Factor

Dreamland wave is not a classic reef break so it varies a lot depending on conditions, it gets a rating of 6 out of 10.

Characteristics

Uneven reef, sandy bottom peaky break.

Dangers

Uneven Reef, Sand, Heavy short break.

Surf Report

Where to Stay in Dreamland for Surfers

Break #9 – Surfing at Balangan Beach

The Balangan surf break is the last break on the Bukit Peninsula before you get near Kuta.

This is another left-hander break that reels down the line over dead coral, it has the main take-off area but you can take off anywhere along the line and get a decent ride.

The other great part about this spot is you can watch the surf from the many Warungs that are scattered along the foreshore. The beach here is quite nice with white sand and a really attractive bay.

Access

Access to this break is straight out the front from the many restaurants, if the size permits. If larger you may have to paddle out where the waves finish to get out. It can be a little bit of a challenge.

Apart from that it easy to get out once over the reef area.

Difficulty Level

The left has a lot of sections in general that can close out making it fairly difficult to get a wave all the way to shore. Very speedy and barrels occasionally depending on the tide.

This wave is well suited to intermediate level when average size and maybe pro when there is a big swell on.

Beginners will have fun on the inside if you have an instructor with you!

Best Tides

Best at all tides.

Best Surf Size

4ft to 15ft is best with swell from the South West.

Surfing at Balangan Fun Factor

It may not be the best left-hand point in Bali but it sure is fun in the right conditions, easy to access and friendly crowd.

This gets an 8 of 10 fun factor.

Characteristics

Bottom dead coral, submerged reef.

Dangers

Submerged Reef, dead coral, uneven bottom, rip.

Surf Report

Where to Stay at Balangan Beach for Surfers

Only a few steps to the surf:

Break #10 – Surfing at Airport Reef

I haven’t personally surfed this break, or ever seen anyone out there, but have heard it can get good.

You will need a boat to get out and back out here unless you love paddling or you own a SUP board.

It’s supposedly a performance wall that can offer some great long rides and picks up more swell than Kuta Reef.

Access

Access to this break via a boat transfer or else long paddle.

Difficulty Level

The left is the best and breaks over Submerged reef and dead coral. Suitable intermediates to advanced surfers.

Best Tides

Best at all tides.

Best Surf Size

4ft to 12ft is best with swell from the South West.

Surfing at Airport Reef Fun Factor

Fun if you can get a boat out here! Due to the spot it is in, it gets a 6 out of 10 for fun.

Characteristics

Submerged Reef with dead coral.

Dangers

Submerged reef, dead coral, remote and out of the way.

Surf Report

Break #11 – Surfing at Kuta Beach

I personally stay well clear of this area due to crowds. It is just too busy.

We usually stay at Uluwatu or Canggu areas so Kuta is always out of the way for surfing. Here are the details for is you stay here!

This is the most of the iconic of the breaks but probably in the most built-up parts of Bali. The beach here is busy full of hawkers offering heaps of products from jewellery to massages.

Access

Access to this break is just via the shore, pick the best spot and paddle.

Difficulty Level

Suitable to all levels of surfers.

Best Tides

Best at all tides.

Best Surf Size

1ft to 8ft is best with swell from the South West.

Surfing at Kuta Fun Factor

Kuta is the original hang out but has gotten very busy since then so it gets a score of 8 out of 10 for the number of cool things to do here!

Characteristics

Seabed is all sand, busy beach.

Dangers

Crowds, locals, beginners, pollution after rain and vicinity to city.

Surf Report

Where to Stay in Kuta for Surfers

Stay absolute beachfront on Kuta Beach for the pick of the waves before the crowds get there:

Break #12 – Surfing at Seminyak Beach

There is a huge selection of beach breaks along this stretch of coastline that break left and right on most tides and swells. All the breaks along here are seabed sand.

Also check out Padma (Legian) for good beach breaks, breaking left and right. These are a lot of fun and easy to access quickly.

Seminyak has a variety of spots, each road down to the beach may lead to a peaky left or right depending on the swell height and tide. Expect rides from 30 meters to 100 meters.

Access

Access to this break is just via the shore, pick the best spot and paddle out in a rip for ease. Might be challenging on a big swell.

Difficulty Level

Suitable to all levels of surfers.

Best Tides

Best at all tides.

Best Surf Size

1ft to 8ft is best with swell from the South West.

Surfing at Seminyak Fun Factor

These are just fun beach breaks, no hassles, no fuss and generally, has great little waves.

This place gets a score of 9 out of 10.

Characteristics

Peaky beach break, sand bottom.

Dangers

Pollution after rain, rips, large sets, crowds.

Surf Report

Where to Stay at Seminyak for Surfers

These hotels are as close to the ocean as you can get in Seminyak:

Break #13 – Surfing at Berawa Beach

Berawa Beach in Canggu area has some superb beach breaks, you can find most of these are to the left or right of Finns Beach club.

A series of lefts and rights break here but at the moment there is a fun right-hander just to the right of Finns.

It can get a little crowded here, and you can have a lot of learners out and about!

The waves here are peaky left and rights with an uneven seabed of reef and sand. Expect rides from 30 meters to 100 meters long.

Access

Access to this break is just straight offshore, pick the best spot and paddle out and have some fun. When I was here last a rip was running out just to the right of Finns beach club.

Difficulty Level

Suitable to all levels of surfers.

Best Tides

Best at all tides.

Best Surf Size

2ft to 8ft is best with swell from the South West.

Surfing at Berawa Fun Factor

These are just fun beach breaks, no hassles, no fuss and generally, has great little waves.

This place gets a 9 out of 10.

Characteristics

Peaky beach break, uneven reef and sand.

Dangers

Pollution after rain, rips, large sets, crowds.

Surf Report

Where to stay in Berawa for Surfers

Break #14 – Surfing at Old Man’s

This break is a favourite amoung longboarders and stand-up paddle boarders.

It is generally fatter than most waves and friendly for most surfers, and the main break goes right over a submerged reef that consists of uneven reef and sand.

This break can handle some size so expect some long rides from right out the back especially on a SUP or longboard.

Access

Access to this break is just straight offshore from the Old Man’s bar, Batu Bolong.

Difficulty Level

Suitable to all levels of surfers but suited to bigger boards.

Cactus Beach — Old Man’s is perfect for SUPs

Best Tides

Best at all tides.

Best Surf Size

2ft to 10ft is best with swell from the South West.

Surfing at Old Mans Fun Factor

This place suits longboards and SUPs, so the fun factor will be better on one of these! Fun factor of 7 out of 10.

Characteristics

Peaky waves, uneven reef and sand.

Dangers

Pollution after rain, rips, large sets, submerged reef.

Surf Report

Where to Stay Near Old Man’s for Surfers

These hotels are the closest you can stay to Old Man’s Break:

Break #15 – Surfing at Canggu

Head North West of Old Mans a bit and you will get to the breaks of Canggu, a series of peaks breaking left and right over submerged reef and sand.

The surf here is so much fun, it is probably my favourite area in Bali! This area picks up more swell than Kuta and has some really awesome waves.

family travel guide canggu bali — Heaps of learner surfers out there giving it a go!

It is best to surf here at mid tide but is great on all tides and really suits intermediate surfers but is great for pros also.

Canggu is constantly changing so the surf is never really the same here, so always check your spots.

Rides here vary in difficulty, sometimes it may be barreling, rippable walls or just a normal beach break. Expect 50 meters to 100-meter rides in general. This place is so much fun, trust me.

Access

Access to this break is down one of the many roads that access the beach, pick which looks best and paddle.

Best Tides

Best at all tides.

Best Surf Size

2ft to 10ft is best with swell from the South West.

Surfing at Canggu Fun Factor

Canggu is such a fun place to surf, so many left and right breaks to ride. Canggu also receives more swell than the Kuta area and can be accessed easily.

Giving it a fun factor of 9 out of 10! (My personal favourite!)

Characteristics

Submerged reef with peaky waves, uneven reef and sand.

Dangers

Pollution after rain, rips, large sets, submerged reef.

Surf Report

Where to Stay in Canggu for Surfers

Koa D Surfer Hotel is the ultimate for surfing accommodation in Canggu.
Villa Como is perfect for a group, sleeping up to 10 mates for a great Bali surf trip.

Break #16 – Surfing at Balian Beach

Never surfed here, so go explore this part of the world and get back to me!

It is a river mouth break that breaks to the left and catches a lot of a swell compared with other spots in the area.

The wave has a large shoulder to ride and a shifting peak so be alert! It has a right-hander also which breaks into the river mouth.

Best Tides

Best at all tides.

Best Surf Size

2ft to 12ft is best with swell from the South West.

Surfing at Balian Fun Factor

On the right conditions, Balian can have fun conditions. It gets a fun factor rating of 7 out of 10.

Characteristics

Uneven Reef and sand.

Dangers

Pollution in river, rips, large unexpected sets, submerged reef.

Surf Report

Where to Stay in Balian for Surfers

The closest accommodation to the action in Balian is:

Beach Villa Balian (perfect for a group with 4 bedrooms)
Villa Helen Balian
Gubug Balian Beach Bungalow

Break #17 – Surfing at Medewi

Medewi Surf break is a long left hander wave that breaks over boulders and sand. On it’s day it is the longest ride in Bali.

The only problem with Medewi is that it is a long way to get to, about 2 hours from Canggu on busy roads, so not many people have surfed this spot.

It is also worth staying in Medewi for a night or two if you are going to surf here.

Expect long rides here of up to 500 meters on a good day and fewer crowds compared with other spots in Bali. It is described as fast crumbling walls with shoulders type of wave.

Access

Access to this break is over the rocks up near the take-off zone or just pick a spot you would like to start from and hit it!

Best Tides

Best at all tides.

Best Surf Size

2ft to 10ft is best with swell from the South West.

Surfing at Medewi Fun Factor

Medewi has the longest left-hander when the conditions are right and is out of the way a little so tends to have lesser crowds.

Fun factor of 8 out of 10.

Characteristics

Boulders and sand sea bed.

Dangers

Boulders, rips, remoteness.

Surf Report

Where to Stay in Medewi for Surfers

These hotels and lodges are in the ultimate location for surfing Medewi’s perfect break:

Which Surf Spot will You Surf this Season?

Bali is such a surfer’s destination and no matter your level in surfing you can find a surf spot that will suit your style and needs.

If you need some advice on which surf spot will suit you, hit us up and get in touch. Email on kris@gadsventure.com is the best way to reach our team.