Bali's Best Surf Spots

Bali’s Best Surf Spots.

Bali is one of those surf destinations every surfer has to visit at least once in their lifetime. Most surfers return again and again: Why? The answer is because there is hardly another surf destination on the planet that has so many different, World-class surf spots on offer within a small radius. The other awesome part about surfing in Bali is that Bali has something to offer everyone: From complete beginners learning to surf to hardcore surfers looking for long rides and barrels, it’s all here. The huge variety of spots, lefts and rights, beach breaks and reef breaks, combined with offshore winds on at least one side of the island at any time, make Bali a year-round dream surf holiday destination. We have tried here to make the ultimate Bali Surf spot guide but we have had to condense it into the most well-known surf spots. Certain spots like Uluwatu has been named here as one surf spot but it actually consists of several different peaks, each with their own unique characteristics. The 20 + list of surf spots below are the most well-known spots, but that doesn’t mean that there are not many more surf spots on the island. Lesser-known spots and even secret surf spots still exist in Bali. Needless to say, we would not be popular to give you directions and photos of the secret surf spots in Bali, so we will just leave you to explore and discover: Rent a scooter and start driving! Our list of Bali’s best surf spots starts North in Medewi and works its way south to Uluwatu and Pandawa. The star rating (out of 10 stars) we give for a wave’s characteristics is a generalization; when a spot is rated 5 stars it doesn’t mean it can’t be world-class on certain days. The same goes for the crowd rating. This is a measure for a midday, high season crowd levels. Wake up early in mid or offseason on your Bali Surf trip and there might only be 3 other surfers out. We will be adding more info and surf pictures over the next few months to this list of Bali Surf Spots. Enjoy! Looking for a Bali Surf Guide? We can organize guides for our guests at Swell Bali

Learn to surf & Yoga

Interested in learning to surf? join us at Swell Surf camp For a Unique surf & yoga Camp

Medewi

How to get there
Unless you’re staying in the area on your Bali Surf Trip, Medewi requires a bit of a drive. Located 2 hours north of Kuta or about 2 and a half hours from our camp on the Bukit Peninsula. The drive takes you inland through Denpasar.

Hazards
The cobblestone and sand seafloor is great for beginners.

What’s close by
Despite Medewi’s remote location, there are plenty of dining options for a post-surf meal. Checkout Maruf Dewi Rasta-Café for healthy breakfast bowls or dine at Waroeng Batan Jati for some delicious local cuisine.

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 7/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 5/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 3.4/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Medewi was once Bali’s best-kept secret. Located far north on the island’s west coast, Medewi is removed from typical tourists’ routes and therefore seen as a quiet and tranquil destination compared to many of the popular surf breaks on the island.

About the wave
Medewi offers surfers a lengthy, friendly left point that moves across cobblestone and sand. The left at Medwi can be the island’s longest ride. Given the right conditions, the waves stretch to half a kilometer long.

Ideal conditions
The wave works best with a south-southwest swell, but cannot handle southeast or northwest trade winds.

Skill level required
Medewi is great for intermediate and advanced surfers.

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Canggu

Located north of Kuta beach, Canggu offers an intermediate option to the beginner crowds scattered throughout Kuta and Seminyak

About the wave
The black sands of Canggu are home to a variety of waves that cater to both beginners and intermediates. The inside reef produces fun long rides. The lefts tend to be a bit longer than the rights. The reef is submerged, so the wave can be surfed by beginners

Ideal conditions
Canggu works best with a south-southwest swell with northeast winds at mid-tide.

Skill level required
Surfing Canggu is great for intermediate surfers

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How to get there
Canggu is about 2 hours away from The airport The drive/ scooter ride will take you along the Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai through Kuta.

Hazards
Be mindful of the reef, especially those who have never surfed a reef break before.

What’s close by
Canggu is a yoga retreat hot spot and is therefore littered with Yoga studios, smoothie shops, and trendy bars/restaurants. Canggu is also home to the breathtaking Tanah Lot Temple, located just 300 meters offshore on a rock outcrop surrounded by ocean.

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 6.2/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 7/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 2.3/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Keramas

How to get there
Keramas sits roughly 38 kilometers away from our surf camp on the Bukit Peninsula. By scooter that translates to approximately 80 minutes of drive time between you and your first Keramas session. The drive bypasses the heavy traffic of Denpasar.

Hazards
The crowds and sharp reef are constant hazards at Keramas.

What’s close by
Warung Legong is right across the street from Keramas and remains a favorite spot among pro surfers

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 9/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 7.8/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 2.2/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Keramas is a current World Surf League World Tour stop, the island’s best right, and perhaps one of bali’s best surf spots

About the wave
Keramas is Bali’s premier east coast break. When the winds shift during the rainy season, the east coast lights up with swell and Keramas handles it best. The result is a combination of deep barrel sections, carvable walls, and launch ramps that breaks over a jagged lava reef.

Ideal conditions
Keramas is at its best form with a south-southwest swell and a northwest wind direction. The wave works well during all tides and can even stay consistent during a light onshore wind. Mainly a Bali wet season surf spot

Skill level required
Keramas is for advanced surfers. Don’t be surprised if you see a few pros in the lineup. The locals also surf at an extermely high level at keramas

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Sanur

Another east coast gem, Sanur will provide surfers with a reliable right with plenty of barreling potential.

About the wave
During a large swell, Sanur transforms into a freight train barrel that breaks for hundreds of meters over a jagged reef.

Ideal conditions
It takes well overhead conditions for Sanur to do its thing.

Skill level required
Advanced surfers only.

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How to get there
Roughly 22 kilometers along Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai will bring you to Sanur in roughly 40 minutes.

Hazards
The live coral reef and crowds make Sanur an expert only wave.

What’s close by
All-Inclusive hotels, restaurants and shops Sanur is also home to the oldest artifact in Bali, The Blanjong Pillar which dates back to 914 AD.

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 8.5/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 7/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.7/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

More surf spots below

A New Surf Hotel in Bingin

Walk to 3 different surf spots

See more of
Swell Bali

Serangan

How to get there
Access to surf Serangan is by boat only, since road access has been blocked in recent years. Boats charge 100K to 200K IDR for a return trip

Hazards
Crowds of tourists without surfing ability cluttering the lineup.

What’s close by
Boats to Serangan can also drop beginners and intermediates off at Baby Sanur reef

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 7/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 7/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 1.6/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Serangan is a fun reef break for intermediate and good surfers. Is the go to spot in Bali rainy season between November and March since the winds are offshore or side offshore

About the wave
Fun lefts and rights split between several peaks. Picks up a good amount of Swell

Ideal conditions
The wave works best with a south-southwest swell, westerly (offshore ) winds. Best in early mornings with light winds

Skill level required
Intermediate and good surfers

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Kuta Reef

Located just north of the Bukit Penisula is the once sleepy fishing village turned tourism capital of Bali. Kuta was the first location surfed on Bali and remains consistent for surfers of all levels.

About the wave
Kuta beach is great for learning to surf and kids. Kuta Reef is good for intermediate surfers looking to hone their reef surfing skills.

Ideal conditions
Best in Dry season with offshore winds. Picks up a decent amount of swell size.

Skill level required
Kuta beach is great for beginners, Kuta reef is good for intermediate surfers

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How to get there
Half an hour driving via Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai will take you to Kuta Reef.

Hazards
Crowd levels and the reef at Kuta Reef

What’s close by

A better question might be, “what’s not close by?” Kuta is the center of Bali tourism and is home to hundreds of shops and restaurants.

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.8/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 8/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 3.4/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Airport Lefts & Rights

How to get there
Organize a boat from either Jimbaran Bay or Kuta beach to drop you off and pick you back up

Hazards
Shallow reef on lower tides. Big crowds when it’s good

What’s close by
Kuta reef is another surf spot close by

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 7/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 7.5/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

The surfbreaks at the airport are a great alternative for people based around the Kuta and Jimbaran area looking for high quality reef breaks without having to go to the Bukit

About the wave
Left and Right reef breaks that break on the western side of the runway at the Airport.

Ideal conditions
Best on the higher tides and expct rides of up to 100 mteres with fun barrel sections

Skill level required
Advanced and expert surfers

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Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is a righthand swell magnet located on Bali’s East coast.

About the wave
Copious amounts of swell are funneled into the Lombok straight and bent over 2 kilometers of coral reef to produce a shifty, peaky right-hander. The wave combines heavy lip bowls and long speedy walls.

Ideal conditions
Nusa Dua works best during a southwest swell with northwesterly wind directions.

Skill level required
Due to the reef, Nusa Dua is an advanced surfer’s wave.

There are other surf spots close by: Mushroom and black rock that also cater for beginners and intermediate surfers

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How to get there
40 minutes by car or scooter via Jl. Dharmawangsa will take you to Nusa Dua beach.

Hazards
The sharp reef and crowds can be a danger at Nusa Dua.

What’s close by
After a long surf, enjoy local flavors for a great price at Warung Bule & Susy.

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 8/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 5/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 7/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Balangan

How to get there
An easy 10-minute scooter ride from Swell Bali brings you to the white sandy beach of Balangan

Hazards
Sharp reef and crowds of mixed abilities

What’s close by
Dreamland is just around the corner. Several warungs right on the beach serve cold beers and nasi warungs in a friendly vibe

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 6.2/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 6/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 3.4/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Balangan is a consistent left hand wave that has big walls and barrel sections. Located at a pretty white sandy beach.

About the wave
Powerfull left hander with barrels and rippable sections. Picks up plenty of Swell

Ideal conditions
The wave works best with a south-southwest swell, Can handle swell size from 2′ to 12′

Skill level required
The inside is a good spot for beginners and intermediate surfers to practice their skills, the outside is good for advanced and expert surfers

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Dreamland

Pretty beach with awful development on and around the beach and golf course.

About the wave
Fun mellow left and right waves that break over a mellow & flat rock shelve

Ideal conditions
The wave works best with a south-southwest swell, better on lower tides.

Skill level required
Intermediate & advanced surfers

More info
Surfing Dreamland Spot guide

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How to get there 10 minute walk or 3 minute scooter drive from Swell Bali

Hazards Shorebreak and submerged rocks What’s close by Walk to Bingin on low tide

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.5/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 7/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 3.4/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Bingin

How to get there
Walk to the beach from Swell in minutes

Hazards
Sharp reef, level of surfers in the water is high.

What’s close by
Kellies Warung on the beach offer good food and drinks and a great view of the wave.

More info: Surfing Bingin

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 8.5/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 7/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 3/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Stunning white sandy beach and a machine like left hand wave

About the wave
On low and mid tides it’s a machine like left hand barrel . On high tide it’s a great spot for beginners and intermediates.

Ideal conditions
Dry season offshore winds and any swell size between 1′ and 10′

Skill level required
Depends on the tide: see above

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Impossibles

Long left hand walls that can be ridden for 200 meters +

About the wave
A couple of different sections make up this 400 meters long stretch of reef. The bigger the Swell the better and longer the waves

Ideal conditions
The wave works best with a south-southwest swell, all tides and best on bigger swells

Skill level required
Advanced to experts

Play Video

How to get there
Walk from Swell to Bingin Beach and paddle 5-10 minutes to the line up

Hazards
Rhe reef on the inside is sharp and close on the lower tides.

What’s close by
Bingin beach and surf spot and BabyPadang further up the reef

More info
Surfing Impossibles Spot guide

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 7.2/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 6/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 2/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Padang Padang

How to get there
7 minute scooter or taxi ride from Swell

Hazards
The reef, the wave, the crowds, the waterphotographers.

What’s close by
Baby Padang in the inside, On the main street in Padang Padang there are a ton of nice restaurants

More info: Surfing Padang Surf spot guide

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 10/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 3/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 1/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

Bali’s best surf spot when it’s on. Perfect barrel, the indo pipeline

About the wave
Perfect heavy barrel, short and ultra intense left-hand wave

Ideal conditions
The wave works best with a south-southwest big swell,

Skill level required
Padang is expert only. Baby Padang (further inside) is ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers

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Uluwatu

Uluwatu, or Ulu’s, is Bali’s most famous wave. Super consistent. Multiple sections and long left handers. Stunning setting.

About the wave
Uluwatu has several different sections, spread out over 1,5 km. The Peak is a ultra-performance wave right in front of the cave at Uluwatu

Ideal conditions
The wave works best with a south-southwest swell, Any wave size and best with offshores in the dry season

Skill level required
Advanced to expert surfers only!

More Info: Surfing Uluwatu

Play Video

How to get there
10 minute scooter or surf transport ride from Swell bali

Hazards
Strong current so don’t miss the cave entrance when coming out of the water. Sharp reef, big crowds, powerful waves.

What’s close by
Single fin bar overlooks the waves. Big parties there on Sundays for the younger ( 18 to 25 year ) crowd.

Wave quality

★★★★★★★★★★ 8/10

Consistency

★★★★★★★★★★ 10/10

Crowd levels

★★★★★★★★★★ 2/10

1= Ultra Crowded 10=No crowds

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Swell Bali Surf Holiday

Swell is a brand new hotel for Surfers, steps from the best surfing beaches in Bali. Ideal for solo travelers who want to meet new people. Healthy food, great location and a friendly vibe.

Bali's Best Surf Spots