What was the first thing that popped into your head about Bali? Culture, art, beaches, waves, rice fields, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and forests which is, this place is good to surfing in Bali. Maybe God created Bali when he was in love.
Source: Surf Indonesia
In fact, Bali has become a paradise for surfers who dream of surfing. Over the years, many surfers have come from all over to surf in Bali. Some of them stay because they find comfort on this island, while the rest are forced to leave to keep looking for the waves they dream of.
Surfing in Bali offers various levels. The beaches on this island are well-decorated for all levels, whether you come with the intention, are a beginner, or have extensive experience.
If you are planning to come and want more surfing information in Bali, then this is the right guide with a wide choice of levels, waves, and beaches.
Surfing in Bali for Beginners
1. Combining the Waves – Blackstone Beach, Nusa Dua
Dive into the enchanting charm of Bali surfing in Black Stone Nusa Dua, a secluded treasure on the untouched beaches of Bali’s most opulent area. More than a mere beach, it serves as a sanctuary where the marvels of nature blend seamlessly with peace.
With its distinctive black sands, Black Stone surfing in Bali presents a remarkable juxtaposition against the clear turquoise sea that softly caresses its edge. This unusual natural wonder sets the scene for a tranquil retreat and a photographer’s paradise, establishing it as a prime destination for anyone pursuing calm and scenic beauty.
It has ‘soft’ waves for surfing in Bali, making it suitable for surfing beginners. Some people come intending to learn. The tide here will be ideal for beginner levels.
Waves: 2 to 5ft
Ideal swell conditions: SE
Highlights: Soft waves, perfect for beginners to learn
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Location: Jl. Pantai Mengiat, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali.
2. Exploring the Line – Medewi Beach
Beach line with black pebbles and you will find the longest waves in Bali. Located in a quiet little village, this will suit those of you who want to surf in Bali but away from the crowds. While the best time to surf here is mid-tide, the waves here are also smooth and fat. Be careful with the rocks.
In contrast to the lively and packed shores of Kuta or Seminyak, Medewi Beach presents a calmer, more peaceful vibe, ideal for anyone wishing to retreat from the lively tourist spots of Bali. The relaxed pace of life in this area invites guests to unwind fully and appreciate the stunning natural environment.
Beyond its appeal for surfers, Medewi Beach also serves as an excellent location for strolls along the beach, watching breathtaking sunsets, and immersing oneself in the local customs. The area around the beach is dotted with verdant rice fields and pastoral scenery, providing ample opportunities for those interested in exploring and capturing the beauty of the landscape through photography.
Waves: 2ft to 9ft, average size 2-3ft
Ideal swell conditions: S-SW
Highlights: Longest left-hand point break on the island
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Location: Pantai Batu Bolong Street, Canggu, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
3. Perfect for Longboard – Batu Bolong Beach
Batu Bolong is located in the heart of Canggu. It has good waves and is oriented towards beginners breaking on the volcanic reef. Many people call it perfection for a Longboard. Be careful with plastic bags.
Waves: 2 to 10ft
Ideal swell conditions: SW
Highlights: Mellow waves, perfect for longboarding and those learning to surf.
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Location: Pantai Batu Bolong Street, Canggu, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Intermediate Surfing
1. Simplicity – Sanur Beach
If you want to get a simple and relaxing touch of the waves, come to Sanur Beach early in the morning, then you will get the right wind. Apart from surfing, canoeing is quite popular here. Unfortunately, some trash tarnishes its simplicity.
Sanur provides select locations for surfing, particularly appealing to those at an intermediate or advanced level, thanks to its favorable breaks under the right tidal and wind conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for surfers beyond the beginner stage. The reef in Sanur can generate long, right-hand waves suitable for surfing when the weather and ocean conditions are just right, typically during the southeast swell season from April to October.
In contrast to the more intense and crowded surf spots like Kuta, Uluwatu, and Padang Padang known for their formidable waves, Sanur offers a more relaxed and less crowded wave-riding experience. This makes it a perfect spot for those seeking a more laid-back surfing atmosphere. The beauty of Sanur’s beach at sunrise adds a unique charm to early morning surf sessions, offering surfers picturesque views.
However, reaching the prime surfing locations in Sanur may require some effort, such as paddling out or taking a boat, since some of the best breaks are off the coast, past the reef. It’s advisable to consult the latest surf forecasts or seek advice from local surfers and surf shops to find the optimal times and places for surfing at Sanur Beach.
Waves: 3 to 6ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: Great learning spot for beginners, with soft, slow waves. Three different surf spots, with something for everyone
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Location: Jl. Duyung, Sanur, Denpasar Sel., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80716, Indonesia
2. Breezy Wind – Balian Beach
A breezy and relaxing touch to nature and the people. Come before 11 o’clock, and you will get a good breeze. Not much different from Sanur, some rubbish floats up because of the overflow of the river. But, it’s quiet here.
Waves: 2 to 12ft
Ideal swell conditions: S – W
Highlights: There’s often a big swell here with nice long, powerful left, where the swell at other West Coast beaches may not be as big.
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Location: Lalanglinggah, West Selemadeg, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82162, Indonesia
3. Counting the Wind – Balangan Beach
If you want to surf with waves suitable for all levels, plus beautiful views of the cliffs, then Balangan Beach is the right answer. But if you are a beginner, be careful and stay on the smaller waves.
Waves: 4 to 15ft
Ideal swell conditions: SW
Highlights: Good for surfing all tides!
Best season for surf: Wet Season (Oct-Apr)
Location: South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Advanced surfing in Bali
1. Climbing Popularity – Padang-Padang Beach
Residents call the best place for those who want to surf in Bali with high waves: Labuan Sait Beach. This beach is only recommended for those surfing at an advanced level because the coral reefs here are very shallow and damaged, so be careful. But sunbathing can be an attractive option.
Waves: 6ft to 12ft
Ideal swell conditions: SE
Highlights: Regular (and amazing) barrels
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
2. Waves and Caves – Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach is celebrated for its exceptional reef breaks that deliver powerful and consistent waves, captivating surfers worldwide at an intermediate or advanced level. Its reputation for producing exhilarating barrels positions Suluban as a prime destination for surfers eager to challenge the formidable waves of the Indian Ocean.
The beach’s distinctive landscape, marked by imposing cliffs and intriguing caves, offers a dramatic and beautiful setting for surfing adventures. At low tide, Suluban reveals a sandy expanse ideal for unwinding after a surf on Bali, while the surrounding caves and rock formations provide cozy nooks for relaxation and socializing.
The optimal time for surfing at Suluban Beach falls within the dry season, from May to September, thanks to the offshore winds that enhance surfing conditions. Nonetheless, the spot’s fame and the allure of its waves mean it can become quite busy. To find the best conditions with fewer crowds, visiting early in the day or late afternoon is advisable.
Want to get closer to the scene in the Pirates of The Caribbean movie? Perhaps you will be the actor here. The stunning surroundings and beaches are mapped out between the caves, making them unique, memorable, and beautiful. Inside, the tide makes perfect waves all day long.
Waves: 3 to 12ft, average wave size 3-5ft
Ideal swell conditions: WE
Highlights: Loads of barrels, perfect left and right-hand breaks, consistency
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
3. Draws the wind Uluwatu – Nyang-Nyang Beach Good Surfing in Bali
Apart from its beauty, the wind on the Uluwatu beach is known to be strong. Waves can be your best friend, but sometimes they can get really big, so make sure that you can handle it. It’s not difficult to come here, its location adjacent to Uluwatu Temple makes it easy to find.
To fully enjoy Nyang Nyang Beach and its surfing opportunities, it’s advisable to check the surf forecast in advance and plan your visit accordingly. Early mornings can offer the best conditions, with the added bonus of witnessing a spectacular sunrise over the ocean. For those exploring beyond surfing, the beach also provides a beautiful setting for beachcombing, photography, and simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of one of Bali’s hidden treasures.
Waves: 2-6ft
Ideal swell conditions: SE
Highlights: The long trail there keeps the crowds away, and there’s plenty of sea life out whilst you’re in the water
Best season for surf: Dry Season (May-Oct)
Location: Nyang Nyang Beach, Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
It’s Time for you to Go Surfing in Bali!
Source: Unsplash
Bali is a phenomenon for surfers; all the beaches here always have surfing enthusiasts. If you love surfing, there’s nothing wrong with including Bali in your plans. April to October breaks the waves, then moves eastward during the rainy season.
Have enough free time? Come here and describe to yourself how to surfing in Bali. Do you need a place to stay in the South Bali area? Sadara Resort might be an option!