All the Top Places to Go Surfing in Bali

At least once in your life, you have to try surfing in Bali. 

The island has so many dynamic surf spots, with a variety of breaks to suit any level of skill – down to none at all.

You can surf all year round in Bali. You don’t need to worry about planning the perfect surf getaway. 

There is a thriving surfing community of expats, visitors and tourists, who will welcome even the newest newbie. 

Packed with surf hostels, camps and world renowned waves, there is no better place to take up surfing than in Bali. 

Surfing in Bali for Beginners

The coastline of Bali presents endless beauty. It’s not surprising that surfers from all over the world come in droves to tackle the rolling waves of Bali.

The island is also a great spot for beginner surfers. The key to learning to surf in Bali is to find the right beach – calmer waves, easier currents and a nice sandy shore. 

Not all of the beaches in Bali are suitable for surfing all year round.

As a beginner surfer in Bali, you will want to pay attention to the wave and current reports.

April to October, the dry season, is the best and safest time to learn to surf, especially on the west side of the island of Bali and around the Bukit.

Best Spots for Surfing in Bali

All the surfers in Bali have their fave beach for riding the waves.

Across the island, different beaches have different kinds of offerings and level of waves. Check these out!

Canggu

Canggu is one of the most recommended spots for surfing in Bali. But the coastal area it is quite rocky, and can be dangerous if you fall!

It’s recommended to already know some of the basics before surfing in Canggu. Or if you are a beginner, you can hire a local instructor to be safer. 

This area is filled with beaches whose waves are very comfortable for surfing. We will describe the beaches and their characters one by one so you just have to choose.

Echo Beach

Echo beach is great for both beginners and experts. 

Beginners should start at the river mouth surf spot, where you will find a right hand wave, that can run almost all the way to the sand bar.

If you are already trained and confident, try the Echo beach reef break and spot by sand bar.

Although it is safe for beginners, you have to be careful as there are loads of rocks nearby.

Batu Bolong Beach

The Batu Bolong area is well-known for the hip beer garden Old Man’s, as well as having gentle and mellow waves.

Loads of beginners, and those just learning to surf choose this spot, especially considering after the tiring session you can immediately grab a cold beer. 

We recommend hiring a fun instructor to learn all the tips and tricks. 

Berawa Beach

Berawa beach is a stretch of black sand, big waves and views of the Indian Ocean.

It has big waves and very strong ocean currents, making it favored by more experienced, strong surfers. Plus, it is much less crowded than other spots!

You can also try out kite surfing on Berawa beach! 

Pererenan Beach

A statue in the shape of a fish with an elephant’s head, and ridden by the god of the sea named Dewa Baruna, sits at the entrance to Pererenan Beach.

The waves are known to be consistent and a great spot for beginners getting to grips with the motion of the ocean.

The river mouth is suitable for all surfers, Lima beach is best for those with intermediate level skills, and Seseh is for those of you who are just learning.

Kedungu

Kedungu is a new spot that will soon become a surfer’s favourite.

About 30 minutes from Canggu, just behind Tanah Lot, you will find beautiful scenery, dazzling black sand and calm waves that come and go.

Kedungu Beach is suitable for intermediate level surfers who are skilled, and also for those of you who want to learn to surf.

It’s better to bring your own surfboard and equipment, as the beach is much quieter without the regular beachside warungs and rental places.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is the most famous place to go surfing in Bali.

The impeccable beaches, stunning scenery, hidden beaches and world class waves have made it the must-go spot for every self-named surfer.

Padang Padang Beach

Warm, clear water, combined with the promising waves makes Padang Padang a favorite surfing destination.

Find long, hollow, and steep waves, that break over a sharp and shallow section of reef.

Make note, Padang Padang beach is very rocky, so big waves outside the coral reefs are only advised for advanced surfers. 

If you look for a spot to learn to surf in Bali, especially in Uluwatu, go to Baby Padang where the waves are more friendly and safe.

Or, get a Bali surf guide for the top-notch experience! 

Balangan Beach

Balangan beach is located in the Pecatu Hill area, in the South of Bali.

The hidden beach is known by tourists as it hosts many of the world-class surfing competitions.

Because of its quiet atmosphere and remote location, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the beach is often referred to as a private beach.

It stretches for approximately 1km, with two rock cliffs flanking it.

Balangan Beach has big, high and long waves that are sometimes classified as dangerous and challenging.

Beginner surfers are advised not to try surfing at this beach. 

Bingin Beach

Bingin waves are characteristically big, strong and challenging, stimulating adrenaline for every surfer.

The best season for surfing at Bingin is in the dry season, as the wind blows from east to west, creating the perfect waves.

Located on the right side of the Bali peninsula, during the dry season the waves are big and strong.

Dreamland Beach

Dreamland Beach is a sprawling beach with a stretch of soft, clean, white sand, and powerful waves that can sometimes reach up to 5m. 

Lined with reclining day beds, beach bars and incredibly clean, it is a great spot for a family day out, watching the surfers tackle the waves.

Known as the New Kuta Beach, it is a popular stop off on an Uluwatu day trip.

Suluban Beach

Suluban Beach, also known as Blue Point Beach Uluwatu, is hidden by limestone cliffs.

To get down to the sand, you will need to go descend a set of stairs, and pass through a high, rock gate (similar to a cave). 

The waves are pretty large, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers.

Surfing at Suluban Beach is best between April and August. It is when the wind blows East to West, with the waves reaching up to 3-12 meters. 

Impossible Beach

Impossible Beach has 3 separate peaks on a vast reef, which when lined up are some of the most photogenic waves in the world.

You can expect the longest wave in the Hills. They can reach above 1.75m, with an intermediate current.

With good waves and wind conditions, you can ride these waves up to 400m to the beach.

You will almost always get a wave at this break. But, it is more suitable for advanced surfers than newbies.

Nusa Lembongan

There are several surfing breaks in Nusa Lembongan. The most famous one being the Playground.

The Playground has a calm beach and big waves, but they are not tricky and dangerous.

The waves are so perfect in fact, the spot is often used for surf competitions both on a local and international scale.

Despite its popularity, it isn’t too crowded as it is off the beaten track. It is great for those searching for peace and tranquility while they surf in Bali.

Green Bowl Beach

Before being known as Green Bowl, this beach was formerly Bali Cliff Beach, or Ungasan Beach.

Surfers say when the sea water recedes, the curved corals overgrown with green moss look like a bowl. Even as you descend the cliff, you can see the green bowl under the water.

Green Bowl is located behind a cliff covered with trees, with difficult access. There are about 330 steps down to reach the sand, be prepared! 

All the tiredness pays off when you reach the beach. The waves are some of the most stable on the island.

Medewi

Go to the West of Bali and find Medewi beach, famous for Bali’s longest left-hand break.

It is a favorite among Bali’s surfers as it is a place to escape the crowds of Kuta and Canggu.

There are two breaks on the beach, both are breaking to the left. The waves are not too crazy, so beginners can give it a go too.

Best Time to Surf in Bali

In reality, surfing in Bali is ALWAYS good. There are just some seasons that are safer, and more appropriate for those wanting to learn to surf on the island.

The best time to surf in Bali is between April to October. This is the dry season where the waves are more controlled and predictable.

Beaches on the South and West sides of Bali have the best waves. While the east and north sides have more challenging currents.

You can surf in the rainy season (November to March). The Eastern areas of Bali are best during this time. 

Final Thoughts

You can’t call yourself a real surfer until you have been surfing in Bali.

A famous place to tackle the waves and earn your surfers stripes, there are so many beautiful spots across the island to test your skills.

Beginners have plenty of spots to learn how to play on the waves with friendly, talented instructors teaching you!

Are there any spots for surfing in Bali we missed? Let us know!

Featured image: Surfing in Bali