Journeymarvel – Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches. Each beach has different features. Starting from the beautiful nature, seawater, to the waves. It is not surprising that there is the term best surf spots Bali because there are various popular surfing spots in Bali.
Starting from beginner surfers who are looking for small waves to expert surfers who need bigger waves. For those of you who are beginners in the world of surfing, don’t worry about trying it in Bali. This is because every beach in Bali has surf schools that can teach you how to surf properly. With relatively affordable prices, you can already enjoy the waves with a surfboard without worrying about mishaps. This is because the surf instructors here are seasoned professionals who have lived for years with the waves on the beaches of Bali. Here are some recommendations for Bali surf locations that you must visit for those of you who want to surf on the high seas.
a. List of the Best Surfing Beaches in the Bali
The following are recommendations for the best places to surf in Bali along with complete explanations. Starting from Balangan, Medewi, Uluwatu, Legian, to Suluban.
1. Balangan
Balangan Beach is located on Balangan Street, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali. Balangan is a popular surfing spot in Bali, with intermediate surfer experience levels. If you are still at the beginner stage, it is not suitable for surfing at Balangan Beach because the wave height alone can reach 4 feet.
If you want to visit Balangan Beach, you should visit during the dry season, around April to October. This is because during these months the sea waves are consistent and the weather is also sunny.
Balangan Beach never feels flat. You will always find waves you can ride. In the dry season, the waves are offshore from sunrise to sunset. Then, in the rainy season, the wind shifts from the South to the Southwest. Then, the headland offers protection so it is a year-round surfing spot in small to medium waves.
The waves at Balangan Beach are indeed famously strong. If you are a beginner and still want to try surfing here, you can do so with the guidance of professional and experienced instructors. This way, your safety will be ensured.
Along the coastline, you can find numerous surf schools such as Balangan Wave Surf School Bali, Dawn Patrol Bali Surf School, BALANGAN SURF LESSON, and Balangan Sea View Surf School. You can choose any of them as these surf schools are conveniently located right on the beach. The offered prices are also relatively affordable, starting from $32 per day. The surf instructors here are seasoned professionals who engage with the waves on the shoreline daily. Typically, a single training session lasts for about 2 hours.
Information & Location Map : Balangan
2. Balian
Balian Beach is not well known to local tourists but is very popular with tourists from Australia. Balian Beach is not as famous as Kuta. So, if you are looking for peace, you can go to Balian Beach.
Balian Beach is located on Balian Street Beach, Lalanglinggah Village, West Selemadeg District, Tabanan Regency, Bali. About an hour and a half drive from Kuta Beach. Balian Beach is unique, namely its black sand and the mouth of a river called the Balian River. Balian Beach has waves that are quite high and consistent every year. So, it is only acceptable for expert surfers.
Information & Location Map : Balian
3. Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua Beach is a very famous beach for foreigners and locals. The location of Nusa Dua Beach is Nusa Dua Street, Benoa, South Kuta District, Badung Regency. Apart from being a beach with white sand, Nusa Dua Beach has big and consistent waves. The height of the waves at Nusa Dua Beach can reach 6 feet.
Not only that, Nusa Dua does not have a lifeguard. So, this beach is only suitable for experienced surfers. If you are still a beginner at surfing, it is better to just surf in Kuta.
Similar to most other beaches in Bali that offer surfing facilities, you will easily find services to guide you as you surf. This is especially suitable if you are a beginner in the world of surfing. There are several surf schools here, and one of them is Nusa Dua Surf School Bali. Its location is right on the edge of Nusa Dua Beach, and you won’t have difficulty finding it.
Information & Location Map : Nusa Dua
4. Kuta
Kuta Beach has become a favorite of all tourists and is always busy with local and foreign tourists. Apart from having a beautiful sunset, Kuta Beach has white sand with calm sea water. Kuta Beach is discovered in the Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali.
Along Kuta Beach, there are various kinds of surfing spots that you can explore. The waves are not too high, calm, and small, making Kuta Beach suitable for beginner level surfing activities. However, several spots are only used by professionals. You also have to pay attention to the flow when the waves get bigger in the afternoon.
In this place, there are also people selling cold drinks and there are also those who rent out used surf equipment for up to IDR 25,000 or USD 1.61 per hour. You can also ask them to teach you how to surf here. Then, several surfing beginners can generally book a course at one of the surf schools along the coast.
Then, Kuta Beach is not just a place for surfing, but also for enjoying its culinary delights. One of the exciting activities you can do after surfing in the sea is a BBQ party. Around Kuta Beach, you can find many BBQ restaurants.
No need to worry about your wallet getting thinner. This is because you will still be able to have BBQ at an affordable price which you can find around this famous surfing area in Bali.
Apart from that, Kuta Beach is also suitable for tourists who do not surf. You can enjoy the beach view, sunbathe under the hot sun, play in the sand, and even swim in the sea. Moreover, at night, Kuta Beach becomes a busy place with nightlife that is no less interesting.
Information & Location Map : Kuta
5. Batu Bolong
The location of Bolong Beach is Batu Bolong Street Beach, Canggu Village, North Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali. This beach is a surfing spot that is suitable for beginners apart from Kuta Beach.
Batu Bolong Beach has slow wave currents. In terms of wave height, it is more or less similar to Kuta Beach. The thing that differentiates it is the brownish white sand of Batu Bolong. Meanwhile, Kuta Beach has white sand.
Information & Location Map : Batu Bolong
6. Medewi
Location of Medewi Beach in Pekutatan District, Jembrana Regency, Bali. Then, Medewi Beach is about 3 hours from Kuta. This beach has black sand with lots of rocks on the shoreline. The sea looks clear and the village is still natural.
Tourists call Medewi the best surfing beach in western Bali. This is because the Medewi Beach has big and also long waves. The height of the waves is bigger than the waves in Kuta. However, it is smaller than the waves in Balian. Medewi Beach is suitable for those of you who want to surf, but this beach is not suitable for sunbathing because the beach is very hot.
The location of Medewi Beach which is quite far from the city center gives it a calm and conducive feel. You can find the best waves on the beach in the morning. Apart from that, this beach is also a favorite spot for you to enjoy the sunset in Bali.
Apart from its beautiful nature, Medewi Beach also has a unique culture and traditions. You can visit traditional villages around the beach to find out more about local life and culture.
Information & Location Map : Medewi
7. Bingin
Location at Bingin Beach in Pecatu, South Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali. The beach is a white sand beach with waves that can reach 5 feet high but not as long as Medewi beach.
Bingin Beach is only suitable for experienced surfers because the waves are quite high and fast. The waves are consistent, the distance between the waves is not too close, and the current is moderate, making Bingin Beach the main destination for local and foreign surfers.
Although it is recommended for experienced surfers, there is also a special surf school available here for beginners who still do not understand the basics of surfing. As long as you follow the instructor’s directions well, of course, you will be safe.
Changes in sea tides and tides are very sensitive so you have to be alert. For pro surfers, you can surf when it is low tide. The best surfing time is during the dry season, from May to October. The average wave is 1 meter.
Information & Location Map : Bingin
8. Impossible beach Bali
Impossible Beach is an impossible beach for beginner surfers. This is because the waves are high, fast, long, and layered. The height of the waves can even reach around 5 feet and above. So, make sure you are fluent in the basics of surfing before going to this beach.
Impossible Beach is in the middle of Padang Padang Beach and Bingin Beach. The location is still part of Pecatu Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency. Getting to this beach is very difficult because it is hidden behind a cliff and the road access is also difficult to pass. Even so, the feeling of tiredness will disappear once you see the beauty of Impossible Beach.
The name Impossible Beach is actually not because of the size of the waves which makes it impossible to use for surfing. However, it is called Impossible Beach because the route to this beach is very difficult. After all, you have to go up and down cliffs.
Even though it is difficult to reach, this beach hides its beauty. For example, the sand is white, the water is very clear, the shoreline is shallow, and the tides are not too different.
Another advantage of Impossible Beach is that it is not too crowded with tourists. Apart from that, it is suitable for both high and low tides. The best surfing time is during the dry season (May to October). The average wave is 1 to 2 meters.
If you are interested in surfing at Impossible Beach, you can wear foot protectors. This is because under this beach there are lots of sharp rocks which could scratch your feet or other body parts when hit by the waves.
Information & Location Map : Impossible
9. Keramas
The location of Keramas Beach is in Keramas Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar Regency, eastern Bali. This beach is good for surfing, especially for those who are experienced. This is because Keramas Beach has fast and large wave currents. Not only that, the waves at this beach seem to be rolling.
The waves that appear to be rolling indicate that the sea breeze is very strong. So, it is very dangerous for those of you who are still beginners in surfing. Fortunately, there are lifeguards so it is safer for travelers.
Keramas Beach is very suitable for those of you who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city because this beach is still quite quiet. So, you can surf in this area in peace and comfort. To get to this surfing location, you can use a private vehicle and it only takes around 45 minutes from Denpasar.
Not only about surfing, but Keramas Beach also offers stunning natural views with black sand and clear seawater. The characteristic of Keramas Beach is that its sand is really black, so it is often called Black Beach by foreign tourists. Even though it was initially less well known, since the many facilities and cafes lining the beach have made surfers come to Keramas Beach.
You can also explore the beach by renting a bicycle or motorbike. Even though it is quiet, you can still find accommodation around the beach to rest. Several hotels around the beach offer a calm and comfortable atmosphere with complete facilities. For example, a swimming pool and restaurant that offers delicious dishes. The best surfing time is during the rainy season, from October to April. The average wave is 1 to 1.5 meters.
Information & Location Map : Keramas
10. Padang Padang
Padang Padang Beach has 2 places for surfing. There is a baby Padang or Padang Right area which is good for intermediate beginners and there is a Padang Left area for people who are already experts in surfing.
So, those of you who are still at the intermediate beginner stage can surf on the right side of the wave. On the left side, the waves are big and bigger than Keramas Beach. Not only that, the waves are very fast and rolling.
The Padang Padang Beach also has lifeguards. So, if you need something, you can ask the Coast Guard for help. This beach is close to Impossible Beach and is still in the Pecatu Village area, South Kuta District, Badung Regency.
Padang Padang Beach is one of the surfing spots in Bali which is quite famous internationally. This beach is the location for the annual event, Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang, which is a competition for surfers from all over the world.
Not only that, Padang Padang Beach is also known for its challenging waves because the height can reach up to 4 meters. Apart from surfing activities, Padang Padang Beach also offers beautiful sea panoramas and a cool environment. For those of you who like challenging beaches and want to feel the sensation of conquering the waves, Padang Padang Beach could be the best surfing destination.
Information & Location Map : Padang Padang
11. Uluwatu
Uluwatu Beach is close to Uluwatu Temple, about 12 minutes away by car. So, it is still in the Pecatu Village area, South Kuta District, Badung Regency. Then, Uluwatu Beach is also very easy for you to reach because it is only about 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
For Uluwatu Beach, this is specifically for professional surfers. This is because the waves can reach 6 feet high. The waves also roll with currents that look fast and long. So, do not recommend it for beginners.
The beautiful waves make this area attract the attention of world surfers. Not only that, the Uluwatu area itself is one of the most visited cultural tourist destinations in Indonesia, especially the Luhur Uluwatu Temple which is one of the best locations for enjoying the sunset.
So, it is very suitable for those of you who are satisfied playing in the waves at the beach area, you can rest for a while while enjoying the beautiful sunset at Pura Luhur Uluwatu and enjoy dinner at the nearest restaurant which serves delicious dishes.
Information & Location Map : Uluwatu
12. Canggu
Canggu Beach is one of the beaches in Bali that you must visit. The characteristic of this beach is that it is quite large and consistent. Not only that, on this beach, you can feel the rural atmosphere which is still very strong. Canggu Beach is located in the northern area of Kuta and offers a different atmosphere from other beaches in Bali.
Apart from having big and consistent waves which are a favorite of surfers, Canggu Beach is also surrounded by green rice fields which add to the natural beauty of the surroundings. You can feel the beautiful rural atmosphere with panoramic views of rice fields and coconut plantations around the beach.
It is not surprising that Canggu Beach is also often used as a place for pre-wedding photos because of its stunning beauty. Even though this beach is still relatively quiet, around the beach there are various places to eat and stay for tourists. There are also Instagrammable photo spots that you can visit to capture holiday moments at Canggu Beach.
Information & Location Map : Canggu
13. Next: The Legian
Legian Beach has almost the same features as Kuta Beach. At Legian Beach, there are also many surfing schools. So, it is very suitable for those of you who are still at the beginner stage. This beach has a calm atmosphere with brown sand and a blue ocean. The sunset panorama is an added value when you visit this surfing spot in Bali.
The waves at Legian Beach are varied, as are Kuta. Even though there are not as many board rentals as there are at Kuta Beach, in Legian there are several surfing schools, such as the Rip Curl Surf School.
Information & Location Map : The Legian
14. Double Six
Double Six Beach is located in the Legian area and this beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Kuta Beach. This beach has waves that are suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. There are also various restaurants and cafes around the beach, so you can visit them after you have finished surfing.
15. Seminyak
Seminyak Beach is famous for its luxury resorts, upscale restaurants, and is also the perfect place for surfing activities in Bali. The waves at Seminyak Beach are suitable for surfers of various skill levels.
Seminyak is a stunning white sand beach north of Legian. This beach offers lots of waves. There are short waves on the left and right so it is suitable for children and beginners. There are surf schools along the beach, where you can eat, sleep, and improve your surfing skills.
Information & Location Map : Seminyak
16. Suluban
Located in the Uluwatu area, Suluban Beach is also known as Blue Point Beach and is one of the hidden surfing destinations in Bali. The waves at this beach are quite challenging and suitable for experienced surfers.
To reach Suluban Beach, you have to pass through a path and impressive limestone cliffs. Apart from surfing, you can also explore the natural caves around the beach or enjoy the amazing views from the top of the cliff.
Along the edge of Suluban Beach, there are coral cliffs that rise very high. However, on the beach, you will be able to see very soft and clean white sand with the beach looking light blue and very clear.
If you want to visit Suluban Beach, you do not need to be picky about the time because almost every time this beach produces waves that are perfect for surfing. The powerful pressure of the waves is of course very popular with professional surfers. The average wave is around 1 to 2 meters.
Information & Location Map : Suluban
b. Beaches in Bali Based on Experience Level
Not all beaches are for all groups. Some are specifically intended for professionals and there are also people who are beginners who can only surf at certain beaches. The following is the detailed explanation.
1. Best Surfing in Bali for Beginners
Beaches that are suitable for beginner surfers are Kuta Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, Tuban Beach, Legian Beach, and Seminyak Beach. Tuban Beach itself is located south of Kuta towards the airport. The characteristics of the beach and sand are the same as Kuta Beach. However, Tuban Beach is calmer because there are not as many tourists as Kuta Beach.
Then, access to this beach is quite easy. Then, not far from the beach, there are lots of hotels, malls, and shops so you do not get bored. Tuban Beach is suitable for those of you who want to focus on learning to surf in a place that is not too busy.
Tuban Beach is very nice. The beach sand looks clean white. While relaxing after learning to surf, you can also enjoy the stunning sunset panorama.
2. Best Surfing in Bali for Intermediate
Beaches that are suitable for those of you who are still in the intermediate stage are Balangan Beach, Balian Beach, Medewi Beach, Toro-Toro Beach, and Dreamland Beach. Toro-Toro Beach has easy waves and is suitable for intermediate surfers. When the waves get bigger, the inside can be fun.
Meanwhile, Dreamland Beach itself is a charm that is no less than other beaches. The charm of Dreamland Beach cannot be separated from the presence of large coral rocks located nearby. Plus the steep cliffs that surround the beach make it have its characteristics.
The existence of cliffs and rocks combined with clean white sand and clear sea water makes the perfect composition for you to take photos. Not only that, the position of the beach surrounded by high cliffs can give the impression of being hidden. Therefore, Dreamland Beach is suitable for those of you who want to just relax or calm down.
There are several activities you can do at Dreamland Beach. First, surfing and conquering big waves. One of the beaches that is a favorite of surfers is Dreamland Beach.
This is because the waves are quite large on this white sandy beach. In fact, several surfers say that the waves at Dreamland Beach have the same characteristics as the waves at Kuta Beach. For this reason, many surfers and tourists call Dreamland Beach New Kuta Beach.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, tourists are not advised to swim at this beach because the waves look quite big, especially at high tide. Even so, you can still play in the water on the beach, take photos, or build sand castles.
Second, relax and sunbathe on the beach. You can try walking along the beach while seeing panoramic views of the beach from various angles. Once you are satisfied exploring, you can relax on the edge and spread out a mat. Apart from that, there are also chairs equipped with umbrellas for tourists who want to relax without being exposed to direct sunlight.
Third, enjoy the sunset view. The Dreamland Beach is one of the best spots in Bali for you to enjoy the sunset view. To enjoy this sunset panorama, you can be at Dreamland Beach around 5 pm.
There are several facilities available at Dreamland Beach. For example, a special parking area for those of you who bring your vehicle, public toilets, accommodation around the beach, rows of places to eat, and cafes.
To enter this Dreamland Beach, you are not charged the fee. Meanwhile, those of you who bring private vehicles are required to prepare IDR 5,000 or USD 0.32 for parking fees for two-wheeled vehicles and IDR 15,000 or USD 0.97 for four-wheeled vehicles.
Fees are also charged for the use of bathroom or toilet facilities. You have to pay IDR 5,000 or USD 0.32 to urinate. Meanwhile, for defecation and bathing or rinsing you will be charged IDR 10,000 or USD 0.65. Then, if you want to rent a chair with an umbrella, you can prepare around IDR 50,000 or USD 3.23.
Dreamland Beach is discovered in the Pecatu Village, South Kuta, Badung. To reach this beach, you can depart from Kuta and Legian by driving for around 1 hour. From Kuta Beach, you can also travel via Jalan By Pass Nusa Dua or South Main Street.
From South Main Street, you will find the McDonald’s fast food restaurant intersection, then turn west towards the Jimbaran area. Once you find the intersection, you have to take the road to the left. From here, continue to follow the signs to Dreamland Beach.
3. Best Surfing in Bali for Experts
The beaches in Bali which are specifically for expert surfers are also diverse. There are Bingin Beach, Uluwatu Beach, Impossible Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Keramas Beach, Suluban Beach, and Batu Mejan Beach.
Batu Mejan Beach itself is known as Echo Beach. This beach offers very powerful waves. So this beach is only recommended for truly experienced surfers.
The average swell is consistent over time. However, the best time to surf is when it is high tide so that the surfing position is not too far from the beach. There are various types of rocks around the beach, so you have to be extra careful when you want to swim. This is because you could hit a rock if you are not careful.
So, the advantage of Batu Mejan Beach is that the waves tend to be consistent, very suitable for pro surfers, and this beach does not have too many tourists. The average wave is 1 meter. The location of Batu Mejan Beach is in Canggu, North Kuta, Badung, Bali. The best surfing time is during the dry season or from May to October.
c. Best Place to Learn Surfing in Bali that You Should Know
Do not worry for those of you who do not have surfing skills or are just getting to know it. In Bali, there are several best places for you to learn to surf properly. Of course, you can also focus on understanding the instructor’s explanation and ask if there is something you don’t know.
1. Kuta and Seminyak
Kuta and Seminyak are considered the most popular places to learn to surf in Bali. The coastline, which is more than 8 kilometers long, offers shallow sandy beaches with soft white waves, making it suitable for playing in sea-level water.
If you have never surfed before, you can start surfing here and take the first lesson. The waves here are perfect for beginner surfers all year round.
2. Canggu
Currently, Canggu is considered the best place to learn surfing in Bali for both beginners and intermediate surfers. You can learn and improve all the basic surfing skills. For example, choosing the right position, rowing, reading the ocean, and even standing on the board.
3. Jimbaran
Jimbaran is not usually known as a surfing spot. However, when big waves come to Bali (from July to August), Jimbaran becomes the only surfing spot for beginners.
That is all about surf beaches Bali, especially the various recommendations for the best places to surf in Bali. Apart from that, there is an explanation of the best beaches in Bali based on their level of experience (beginner, intermediate, and expert), to the best place to learn surfing in Bali. Before surfing, you also need to know that not all beaches are suitable for surfers who are still beginners.
Even if the beach is considered a suitable spot for beginners, you should still be careful. Do not take risks and still learn to surf with a surf guide because the current season and sea conditions matter a lot.
