Surfing in Bali - surfer's guide
Bali hosts some top surf competitions
Bali’s idyllic beaches and pounding waves have been attracting intrepid surfers ever since the 1970s. The island is well and truly a surfing mecca and an annual fixture on the world pro-surfing tour. Bali definitely has waves to suit everyone from the first time novice to the seasoned professional. There is a well established surf culture in Bali centred in the bohemian backpackers’ haven of Kuta beach.
In fact many young surfers can spend months doing little else but drinking and lazing on the beach waiting for the next big swell to appear.
Kuta and Legian beaches are the main places to learn the basics and soak up the lively surfer scene. Here you can find countless surf schools, board hire and repair shops, bars and even plenty of surfer friendly budget hotels. There are other great surf spots in south Bali, often secluded and way off the beaten path. Kuta may well be the epicentre of Bali’s surf scene but the unrelenting waves of the rugged Bukit peninsular are legendary and some of the best in the world. Whether you are new to surfing, fancy body boarding for the day or an irrepressible surfing addict, read on for an indispensable guide to Bali’s waves.
Kuta and Legian surfing in Bali
Surfing in Bali is not just for humans!
Lively Kuta beach is surf central for most people and the best place to learn the basics, hire boards cheaply or simply chill out. The adjacent streets of Poppies Lane 1 and 2 are filled with surfer bars and shops and offer a vibrant village atmosphere to socialise and meet other surf enthusiasts. Further north is Legian beach which is much less crowded and a more rewarding spot for newcomers to learn and gain confidence. There are surfable consistent waves for most of the year on both Kuta and Legian beaches. More on surfing in Kuta.
Nusa Lembongan surfing
The charming offshore island of Nusa Lembongan is becoming quite the haven for experienced surfers seeking uncrowded and challenging waves. It is reached by frequent boats from Sanur beach and has a pleasant laid back small town appeal. The surf breaks at Nusa Lembongan are not for the faint hearted with ominous names such as Lacerations and Surgery! The surfer scene is still in its infancy here and facilities are a bit limited. The island also has some of the best diving and snorkelling on Bali. More on Nusa Lembongan activities.
Sanur surfing in Bali
Sanur is a sleepy yet elegant beach resort favoured by middle class families and seniors but does have a lively local surfing scene. It is nothing like Kuta so expect almost deserted waves for most of the time. It boasts three main surf breaks at Padang Galak, Tandjung Sari Reef and the Sanur Reef. They are at their best from October to March and perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Invest in a strong pair of reef boots and a supply of iodine as there is abundant sharp coral lurking just below the water line. Several places hire out and repair boards on the beachfront but prices are more expensive than in Kuta. For more on Sanur activities.
Bukit Peninsular surfing in Bali
The stark Bukit peninsular is located in the extreme south of Bali and is the Holy Grail for seasoned pros, offering the trickiest waves in Indonesia. Padang Padang and legendary Uluwatu are right up there with the very best surf spots in the world and it is not uncommon to chance upon the odd surf legend strutting their stuff. Nearby Dreamland surf beach is slightly less tricky but still a real challenge for all but the very best. This part of Bali is diehard surfing territory with virtually no development other than a couple of very basic beachfront surf camps. Expect to find deserted windswept beaches and the deafening noise of pounding surf.
