Top surfing places in Bali
Bali has long been a mecca for surfers from all around the globe. First discovered by Bob Koke in the 1930’s, the surf scene didn’t take off until the late 60’s early 70’s when the famous movie Morning of the Earth was released. Although it didn’t name the surf spots, keen surfers caught on and started travelling to Bali and other islands around Indonesia. Within a few years some of the best waves in the world had been discovered such as G-Land in Java, Nias in Sumatra and Desert point in Lombok. While Bali is known as the island of the gods we have been blessed with several world-class waves, here’s our top picks surfing in Bali.
Uluwatu Beach
By far the most famous surf spot in Bali, the old days of trekking through thick bushland and scaling down the limestone cliffs to paddle out to perfect left hand barrels has changed a bit, but the reef still breaks the same. Uluwatu is the most consistent wave on the Island and has favourable wind from May till November with 4 different spots across the reef. It can be a sure thing at all tides and all sizes. Consistency comes with a crowd though, often having 80 plus guys spread along the multiple take off spots. If you pick your times right you’ll be out there with just a few.
BGS Uluwatu has recently opened it’s doors if your looking for surf accessories, a custom board or a great place to sit back and enjoy the islands finest almond milk coffee check out BGS Uluwatu
Padang Padang Beach
With the winter swell roaring up from the deep southern ocean from June till October you’ll see Padang Padang come to light several times throughout the dry season. A heavy barrelling left hander Padang Padang is regarded as the best wave on the Island and is often featured in magazines all around the globe. When it’s on it’s on, it will be busy and the Local boys will be getting the best ones but all you need is one. Get out there and have a go if it’s on.
A surfers dream a fun little left hand barrel to turn section. It likes a medium sized swell and is consistent through the surf season,heavily localised although patience will be rewarded and you’ll get your fare share and be coming in stoked. Also one of the best beaches to chill at, with great café vibes, live music and a scene like no other makes Bingin beach my favourite choice.
Keramas Beach
A barrel at the take off and then a perfect wall to start laying down turns or heading to the air makes this one of the most high performance waves. More recently made famous from Komune resort and the WSL contest held annually, Keramas is a wet season favourite. With the lighter winds it can be surfed all day and a bit onshore is not an issue, best from December till May.
Nusa Dua Beach
The most consistent wave throughout the wet season and can handle all swell sizes. It’s only a short ride across from Bingin and if you pick the right one you’ll be travelling a few hundred metres putting your rail to work. Blown out from May till November it starts to come to life December to April.
Travelling solo and looking for great surfer accommodation check out Swell Bali Surf Hotel & Surf Resort.
Best Beaches in Pecatu Bali
This is our favorite and closest located 800 meters from Canang Villas Bingin, it can be reached by a 10-minute walk or 2-minute scooter ride to the top of the enchanting stairs that lead to the gem below. Once there you’ll find it hard to leave with it’s laid back vibe. It’s an afternoon well spent and best at low tide for swimming in rock pools (The Aqua Life is the best option to go for swimming lessons) and walking either way to Dreamland or towards Padang Padang to find your own little piece of paradise. Or simply just lay the sarong down at Kelly’s Warung while watching the sunset and the waves reel down the reef. Also recommended is the fresh seafood barbeque held nightly on the beach where you can pick the days catch and have grilled while you sink your toes into the sand.
Thomas Beach
This is a beautiful long white sand beach with crystal clear blue water the ones you see in a travel magazine.Pull up a lounge chair, have a Balinese massage and enjoy some local delights prepared for you right there on the beach. Access is directly across from Suka Cafe.
Balangan Beach
A great spot to watch the surfers taking off at the point and surfing all the way down the line. With a beautiful little cover on the southern end it’s a magical place on the lower tide. All the local delights are available right there on the beach from fresh coconuts, local cuisine and traditional massages.
On a large swell this beach offers a great viewpoint to witness some of Bali’s best barrels go down. The beach has become a bit touristy and can be busy at times but nonetheless a cool spot to check out, lay down the towel and enjoy a refreshing dip on the smaller days.
Nyang Nyang Beach
Wanting to have a beach to your self, then this is the spot! With a leg burner of a walk down and back up it keeps the crowds at bay.For those that want to go on a little adventure then fill up your water bottle and head down. Beautiful white sand and crystal clear water, bring the snorkel to see some tropical fish and you may even be lucky to spot a turtle.