You have to surf in Bali at least once in your life. The island has a lot of great places to surf, with a wide range of breaks for surfers of all skill levels or none at all. So whether you're experienced, a beginner surfer, or curious to try surfing, this article is for you.
In Bali, you can surf all year long. You don't have to worry about how to plan the best surf vacation. Bali has a big surfing community of expats, visitors, and tourists who are very welcoming, even for the newest beginner. Bali is the best place to start surfing because it has many surf hotels, camps, and world-famous waves.
🌊When is the best time to Surf in Bali?
You can surf in Bali all year round, and it's ALWAYS good. On the island, certain seasons are safe and more suitable for those learning to surf. April through October is the best time to surf in Bali. The dry season is when waves are more predictable and under control.
South and west-facing beaches on Bali have the best waves. Additionally, the east and north shores have more difficult currents. The monsoon season (November to March) is surfable. During this period, the eastern regions of Bali are at their peak.
🌊How to Start Surfing in Bali
Bali's coast has a lot of beautiful spots. It's not strange that surfers come from all over the world to Bali to ride the waves.
The island is also an excellent place for people who want to learn to surf. To learn how to surf in Bali, you must find a suitable beach with calmer waves, more manageable currents, and a lovely sandy shore.
Not every beach in Bali is good for surfing at all times of the year. If you want to learn how to surf in Bali, you should watch the waves and current news. The best and safest time to learn to surf is from April to October, during the dry season, especially on the west side of the island of Bali and around the Bukit.
🌊Where is the best beach to surf in Bali?
Every surfer in Bali has a favorite spot where they like to ride the waves. On the island, each beach differs in what it offers and how big the waves are. Here's our list of where to surf in Bali.
Best Beaches to Surf in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is the most well-known place in Bali to surf. Every self-proclaimed surfer has to go there because of the perfect beaches, beautiful scenery, secret beaches, and world-class waves, making it the must-go spot for every surfer.
Moving away from the hustle and bustle of the southern coast, Uluwatu awaits with its rugged cliffs and world-class waves. Uluwatu Beach has earned its reputation as one of Bali's premier surf destinations due to its powerful reef for most surfers from across the globe. During the peak season running between April and October, there's no doubt that Uluwatu will offer up jaw-dropping rides for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure on their board. But be warned: these mighty waves require expertise and respect; they are not for beginners, and the reefs are very rocky.
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🏄Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach | Photo credit from momoacrosstheglobe
Padang Padang Beach is one of the most iconic surf spots in Bali. Located on the Bukit Peninsula, this picturesque beach offers consistent waves attracting beginners and experienced surfers. The reef break provides powerful left-hand barrels during the high tide, making it a favorite among thrill-seekers. What sets Padang Padang apart from other beaches is its unique atmosphere - surrounded by limestone cliffs and only accessible through a narrow entrance, it feels like stepping into a hidden paradise.
Safety Tip: Padang Padang Beach is very rocky, so only experienced surfers should try to ride big waves outside the coral reefs. If you want to learn how to surf in Bali, especially in Uluwatu, you should go to Baby Padang, where the waves are gentler and safer. Or, hire a Bali surf guide to have a great time.
Best For: Intermediate and beginner surfers.
Entrance Fee: IDR 15,000 or $1 USD per adult and IDR 10,000 or $1 USD per child
🏄Balangan Beach
Surf Bali in Balangan Beach | Photo credit from kuta_surf_phothograper
Balangan Beach is in the south of Bali, near Pecatu Hill. Tourists know about the hidden beach because it is where many top-level surfing events occur. The beach is often called a "private beach" because it is far from the noise and crowds of the city and has a quiet mood. It's about a kilometer long and has two rock peaks on either side. Balangan Beach has big, high, and long waves that are sometimes considered dangerous and difficult. You shouldn't try it at this beach if you've never surfed.
Best For: Intermediate surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
🏄Bingin Beach
Surf Bali in Bingin Beach | Photo credit from daily_salt
The waves in Bingin Beach are usually big, strong, and hard, which gives every surfer a rush of energy. The wind blows from east to west During the dry season,Bingin is the best place to surf because the waves are the best. During the dry season, the waves on the right side of the Bali peninsula are big and strong.
Best For: Intermediate surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
🏄Green Bowl Beach
Surf Bali in Green Bowl Beach | Photo credit from claire.moret
This beach used to be called Bali Cliff Beach or Ungasan Beach before it got its new name, Green Bowl. Surfers say that the curved reefs covered in green moss look like a bowl when the water goes away. You can see the green bowl under the water as you go down the cliff. Green Bowl is hard to reach because it is behind a tree-covered cliff. You must go down about 330 steps to get to the beach, so be ready. When you get to the beach, being tired is worth it. Some of the waves are the most consistent on the island.
Best For:
Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000 or $0.50 USD
🏄Dreamland Beach
Surf Bali in Dreamland Beach | Photo credit from ztlybailecka
Dreamland Beach is a large beach with a long stretch of soft, clean, white sand and strong waves that can sometimes reach up to 5m. It is a great place to spend a day with your family and watch surfers ride the waves. The beach is lined with comfortable day beds beach bars, and is very clean. It is often a stop on a day trip to Uluwatu called "New Kuta Beach."
Best For: Intermediate surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
🏄Impossible Beach
Surf Bali in Impossible Beach | Photo credit from antonsid
Three different peaks on a large reef make the waves at Impossible Beach some of the most photogenic in the world. In the Hills, you can expect the most extended wave. With an average current, they can go higher than 1.75m. The beach waves you can ride are up to 400m, mostly with good waves and wind. At this break, you will almost always get a wave. But it's better for more experienced riders than newbies.
Best For: Intermediate surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
🏄Suluban Beach
Surf Bali in Suluban Beach | Photo credit from hoangrapherx
Limestone rocks hide Suluban Beach, also called Blue Point Beach Uluwatu. To get to the beach, you have to go down a set of stairs and through a high rock gate that looks like the entrance to a cave. Since the waves are pretty big, experienced swimmers like to go there. Between April and August is the best time to surf at Suluban Beach. It's when the wind blows east to west, and the waves are between 3 and 12 meters high.
Best For: Intermediate surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
Best Beaches to Surf in Canggu Bali
Many people say Canggu is one of the best places to surf in Bali. But the coast is very rough and can be dangerous if you fall! Knowing some basics is best if you want to surf in Canggu. Or, if you've never done it before, you can hire a local teacher to make things safer.
There are a lot of beaches in this area, and the waves are good for surfing. We'll talk about each coast and what makes it unique, so all you have to do is choose.
🏄Echo Beach
Surf Bali in Echo Beach | Photo credit from tono_vargas
Echo Beach is great for both newbies and experienced surfers. Beginners should start surfing at the river mouth, where a right-hand wave can almost reach the sand bar. We suggest you try between Echo Beach Reef break and the area by Sand bar if you have already learned how to surf and are sure of yourself. Even though it's safe for newbies, be careful because there are a lot of rocks around.
Best For: Intermediate, newbie and beginner surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
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🏄Batu Bolong Beach
Surf Bali in Batu Bolong Beach | Photo credit from saltyshakas_balisurfing
The area around Batu Bolong is known for its fantastic beer garden, Old Man's, and soft waves. If you're a surfing beginner or curious to try it, choose this spot because it's easy to get a cold beer after a long session. We suggest hiring a fun teacher to learn all the tips and tricks quickly.
Best For: Intermediate, newbie and beginner surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
🏄Berawa Beach
Surf Bali in Baerawa Beach | Photo credit from villaberawa
Berawa Beach is a long stretch of black sand with big waves and views of the Indian Ocean. It has big waves and strong water currents, so more experienced and strong surfers like to go there. Plus, it's not as busy as other places. You can also try kite surfing on Berawa Beach if you get tired of surfing.
Best For: Intermediate, newbie and beginner surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
🏄Pererenan Beach
Surf Bali in Perenanan Beach | Photo credit from pererenan_photosurf
Pererenan Beach or Warung Beach might not be as famous as some other spots on this list, but that's precisely why it's worth exploring for avid surfers looking for something off the beaten path. Situated just north of Echo Beach, Warung offers consistent beach breaks that cater to different skill levels depending on where you paddle out from. The rolling waves are perfect for practicing maneuvers or simply enjoying a leisurely session without too much crowd interference.
Best For: Intermediate surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
🏄Kedungu
Surf Bali in Kedungu Beach | Photo credit from
Kedungu is a new place that will soon be a favorite among surfers. Just behind Tanah Lot, about 30 minutes from Canggu, you'll find beautiful scenery, black sand that sparkles, and calm waves that come and go. Kedungu Beach is suitable for skilled, intermediate surfers and people who want to learn how to surf. Bring your surfboard and gear, because the beach is much quieter without the usual warungs and renting shops.
Best For: Intermediate , newbie and beginner surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
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Other Beaches to Surf in Bali
Here are other beaches you can explore surfing in Bali:
🏄Medewi
Surf Bali in Medewi Beach | Photo credit from kevinlutolf
Go to the west side of Bali to find Medewi Beach, known for having the most extended left-hand break on the island. Surfers in Bali love it because they can escape the crowds in Kuta and Canggu. On the beach, there are two breaks, both of which break to the left. The waves aren't too crazy, so even first-timers can try it.
For those seeking a quieter and more laid-back surfing experience, Medewi Beach in West Bali is the place to be. Known for its mellow left-hand point break, Medewi boasts long rides that can go up to 400 meters on good days. Unlike many famous surf spots in Bali, this beach remains relatively uncrowded most of the year. Surfers of all skill levels can enjoy catching small to medium-sized waves here while viewing the black sand beach and lush greenery surrounding it.
Best For: Intermediate surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
🏄Nusa Lembongan
Surf Bali in Nusa Lembongan Beach | Photo credit from gingerandjamu
On Nusa Lembongan, there are many places to surf. The Playground is the most well-known. The Playground has a beach with big waves that are not dangerous or hard to handle. The waves are so good that the spot is often used for local and foreign surf competitions. Even though it is famous, it is not as busy as off the beaten path. It's great for surfers in Bali who want to find peace while on the water.
Best For: Intermediate surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
🏄Kuta Beach
Surf Bali in Kuta Beach | Photo credit from 8surfschoolbali
Kuta Beach in Bali is famous for new surfers and people who want to stay in the sun. You can relax between rides or take surf classes from experienced locals. When the sun goes down, the beach changes into an exciting place with bars and restaurants that are always busy.
Best For: Newbie and beginner surfers
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee
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.
So check out one of these surf spots in Bali, and let me know what you think! Are there any spots for surfing in Bali we missed? Send us a messag, and we'll happily update our list.
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