Home to over 50 world-class surf spots of different skill levels, the tropical Southeast Asian island of Bali is synonymous with great surfing in the Asia Pacific region. Surfing Bali means consistent waves and a variety of excellent breaks in the most beautiful settings you could imagine. Most surf spots on Bali are suitable for intermediate or experienced surfers, but there are also plenty of great beach breaks for beginners and those who surf with longboards. Then there are the world-famous professional spots, like Padang Padang and Uluwatu, which have helped put Bali on the surfing map and hosted countless international competitions.
The highest concentration of great spots for surfing Bali are clustered on or near the Bukit Peninsula, which “hangs” down from the southern coast of the island like the head of a golf club — coincidentally another popular sport on “The Bukit”. What makes surfing Bali so special are the southern ocean swells that hit the south coast of the island so perfectly. This is also what makes Bukit, the southern-most tip of Bali, even more special.
The west coast of Bukit is home to the five legendary breaks at Uluwatu as well as world-famous Padang Padang, Impossibles, Bingin, Dreamland, Balangan and Nyang-Nyang. These breaks are are all for professional and highly skilled surfers, though Padang Padang Beach (Padang Padang Right) provides a long unbroken wave, perfect for beginners, longboarders and surf lessons. Under the right tides and conditions, Dreamland and Balangan can also be surfed by beginners.
Surfing Bali is best during the region’s dry season, which typically lasts from June to September, though crowds are smaller outside this peak time and great waves can still be had on the months that border the wet season. In fact, some breaks like those on the east coast of the Bukit Peninsula such as Nusa Dua, a great wave for beginners, are suitable for surfing during the rainy months.
Another important thing to remember about surfing Bali is being informed and hooking up with people who know the local scene and surf conditions. If you’re just learning to surf, make sure you choose the right surf school with expert instructors who are familiar with all of the island’s best surf spots. Find surf guides and friends who are willing to share their expertise with you — all for the love of surfing Bali!
Surf Spots Bali
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is the farthest most tip of the bukit and pretty much recieves all swells. The long reef offers many different peaks .There are 6 sections -Temples is a bit of a paddle from the main peak so tends to be less busy. Peak is right next to temples and seems to be breaking much more these days than the main peak .The main Peak is immediately in front of you as you paddle out of the cave and is a consistent wave that works at all tides. Racetracks is a fast racy wave that works best at mid to low tide . The bombie will break on the biggest swells and is rideable at up to 20′ or even bigger. Outside corners breaks on the biggest swells.
Padang Padang
Padang Padang left is known as the balinese pipeline. It is a very fast barrelling wave with some days where you might be able to get a turn or 2 in. Pandang breaks over a shallow coral reef and is only for expert surfers best at mid tide.
Padang Padang right is a very easy wave and is suitable for beginners. This is a perfect surf spot for learner surfers to progress from riding white water to green unbroken waves.
Impossibles
Impossibles is a fast racy wave , Hence its name. There are 3 seperate peaks on this reef which breaks up the crowds. On the right conditions with a good size swell and offshore wind it is possible for the sections to link up and to get a ride of a mile or more to the warungs at bingin.
Bingin
Bingin works at around mid tide. It is a very consistent wave and throws out many perfect barrels. If you want to practice barrel riding lefts – bingin could be the perfect location. At low tide it can be very shallow and for expert surfers only. At high tide the wave can break very soft and is where the bali children learn to surf. Bingin is run by local surfers so have some respect when surfing here.
Dreamland
Dreamland is a beautiful white sand beach just a short walk from Bingin at low tide. There are many different breaks here , mainly for beginners unless its big. Theres an A frame peak that works best at low tide on a big swell.
Balangan
Balangan is the next break along from dreamland and is within walking distance. It is a fast long left hand reef break which rarely has crowds and works best on high tides with big swells.
We also offer Surf Lessons and Surf School in Bali.
