The best surf spots in Bali

You’ve chosen Bali as your holiday destination… and you’re right to do so. If there’s one activity not to be missed in Bali, it’s surfing. The Island of the Gods is undoubtedly a paradise for both amateur and professional surfers. Whatever your level, you’ll easily find a surf spot where you can have fun. As well as surfing, Bali is also an excellent spot for kitesurfing. The steady winds and vast open beaches offer ideal conditions for kitesurfers. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert kitesurfer, you’ll find schools and areas suitable for practising and perfecting your skills. This short guide will help you find the ideal spot, adapted to your desires and your level. We’ll also tell you about a few secret surf spots that only Indonesians know about.

Uluwatu: the legendary spot for experienced surfers

Located on the southern tip of Bali, this spot is a must if you want to surf in Bali. This very popular spot offers a sumptuous spectacle when the swell arrives. Indeed, the regular left-hand waves that wash up on the coral reef and the coast tend to create the rollers so eagerly awaited by surfers. But beware of the sharp coral. Avoid surfing at low tide to avoid crashing into the coral, especially if you’re an average surfer. Also, beware of the sometimes strong currents.

Padang Padang: Bali’s famous spot

A neighbour of Uluwatu, this beach is one of the most famous on the Bali peninsula. There may be fewer people on this beach, but the waves are just as majestic and terrible. Be careful, though, as the waves break against the rock faces. You can watch the huge waves of Uluwatu from the more or less inaccessible cliff peaks.

Once in the water, the atmosphere is quite competitive, even hostile at times.

Kuta and Canggu: the two places to learn to surf

Kuta and Canggu are located in the south-west of the Bali peninsula. Kuta is a major tourist town. It is very popular for its shopping, party venues and surf spots. Canggu is a trendy little town just north of Kuta.

These two beaches, with their blond, brown and fine sand, stretch for kilometres and offer beginners an easy and safe way to learn when small swells appear. With frequent swells, warm water and a sandy bottom, Kuta and Canggu are ideal for beginner surfers. If you’re an experienced surfer, you can hire the services of fishermen who will be happy to take you out to sea, where you’ll find bigger, deeper waves.

Keramas: a perfect right

The Keramas spot is on Bali’s south-east coast. This beach is well known to tourists, as it’s right opposite the Kommune hotel. It’s a great place to relax after a good surf session. On this spot you’ll find a reef wave that rolls off to the right. Often in a roll, it’s a wave that can be described as fast. Be careful at low tide, as it’s not uncommon to fall and injure yourself on the coral and sea urchins.

Dreamland Beach: a true paradise

Dreamland beach is located in the very south of Bali, on the Bukit peninsula. This spot is ideal for beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers. The wave rolls left and right and crashes into the sand-covered volcanic bottom. It’s probably one of the least dangerous waves on the peninsula. Learning to surf is fairly straightforward. Of course, the waves are only accessible at mid-tide and at low tide, with a consistent swell.

GreenBowl: a secret, idyllic beach

This beach is located at the very south of the Bukit peninsula. It can be reached via a circuitous route. You have to climb down a long stone staircase of around a hundred steps, which will make the less athletic suffer slightly. But it’s well worth the effort. Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll be blown away by the sight of the deserted white sandy beach, caressed by the clear, limpid waters. What’s more, this little paradise is riddled with caves where bats can even be found, so nature lovers will be in their element. This spot offers mainly straight, powerful waves, especially at high tide. Watch out for the strong current and sharp reefs.

Gunung payung: a desert spot

Gunung payung beach is located in the south of Bukit. Admittedly, this area is still undergoing major development and you’ll have to get to the beach by passing through building sites. This spot bears a striking resemblance to Green bowl, not least because of its deserted beach. The area is more popular with local surfers. Big virgin waves with rollers await you, but shhh, that’s a secret. As well as your board, remember to bring a bottle of water and a snack, as there are no services on this beach.