surf trip bali indonesia

• Surf Trip To Bali: All Your Questions Answered

Dreaming of embarking on a surf trip to Bali? 

Look no further! 

With its breathtaking beaches, warm waters, and world-class surf breaks, Bali is a surfer’s paradise. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, this Indonesian island offers an incredible surfing experience. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planning your trip, including costs, surf seasons, wave conditions, finding the right spots, packing essentials, safety considerations, and more. 

  Get ready for the ultimate surf trip to Bali!

1. Tips for Planning Your Trip to Bali

Planning a surf trip to Bali requires some careful preparation. Here are a few quick tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

• Research the best surf spots in Bali based on your skill level and preferences.
• Check the visa requirements (more below) and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
• Book accommodations close to the surf breaks you wish to explore.
• Learn about local customs, traditions, and etiquette to show respect to the Balinese culture.

2. How Much Does a Surf Trip to Bali Cost?

The cost of a surf trip to Bali can vary depending on your preferences and travel style. From the shoestring surfer paying just a few dollars per night to the once in a ‘life-timer’ ready to blow their bank accounts on the ultimate Bali surf trip, everyone can plan a trip to suit their budget in Bali.

Here are some approximate on-average expenses to consider:

• Accommodations: You can find a range of options, from budget-friendly homestays to luxury villas. Budget around $30-$100 per night.
• Food: Local warungs (restaurants) offer affordable meals, and street food is also popular. Plan to spend around $20-$30 per day.
• Transportation: Renting a scooter is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around Bali. Budget around $5-$10 per day depending on how long you are renting the scooter. The longer you rent a scooter the cheaper the daily rate.
• Surf Lessons: If you’re a beginner, we highly recommend taking surf lessons. Prices can range from $20-$50 per lesson.

3. Surf Seasons in Bali

Bali enjoys consistent surf throughout the year, but there are two primary seasons to consider: the dry season (April-October) and the wet season (November-March). Both seasons offer great surfing conditions, but there are some differences to note.

Waves in the Dry Season

During the dry season, Bali experiences offshore winds, which create clean and perfect waves. The west coast of Bali, including spots like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, and Kuta Beach offers world-class waves. The dry season is known for its consistent swell, making it a favorite among experienced surfers.

Waves in the Wet Season

In the wet season, the east coast of Bali, including spots like Keramas and Nusa Dua, come alive with incredible waves. While the weather can be more unpredictable with occasional rain showers, the wet season brings fun swells and a few less crowded lineups.

4. Can You Surf in Bali as a Beginner?

Absolutely!

Bali caters to surfers of all skill levels, including beginners. Beach breaks such as Kuta , Legian , and Canggu offer gentle waves and sandy bottoms, ideal for learning and improving your skills.

Consider taking surf lessons from qualified instructors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

5. How to Decide Which Waves Match Your Ability

It’s essential to choose surf breaks that match your skill level to maximize your enjoyment and safety.

Important factors to consider include:

• wave bottom (reef vs sand),
• wave difficulty (beginner vs Advanced),
• wave conditions,

Do comprehensive research on the surf spots you are considering surfing before you go. There is a tonne of information out there so take advantage of a website like this one to source reliable local knowledge on the spots throughout Bali.

If you’re a Full Access Member of our website you can utilize the Spot Finder to filter surf spots based on your own personal preferences to find out everything you want to know including the best accommodation and how to get there.

6. Booking Accommodation Ahead vs Booking In Person

The conundrum of whether to book the bulk of your stay or only the first few nights before arriving is a real challenge for surfers heading to Bali. Booking most of your accommodation beforehand offers peace of mind, however, there are some risks:

• Surf reports can only be accurately forecasted a week or so in advance. Construction is always in full swing and the quiet street you stayed on last year would’ve changed.
• Some accommodations may neighbor resident dogs that howl through the night. The Balinese are generally undisturbed by nightly howling, as they believe the dogs are trying to redeem themselves in their new incarnation by trying to frighten away evil spirits.
• Online photos of accommodation in Bali are often altered to make them look more appealing.

What Veteran Surfers Do

Most well-traveled surfers book the first few nights of their trip, then if a place meets expectations – and the surf is cranking – they extend their stay. This approach gives you:

• The flexibility to change accommodation after checking out the area in person.
• The advantage of being able to move around and chase better surf.

It’s worth noting that if you’re staying in a hotel and you wish to extend, you’ll most likely be asked to book online. Bali is one of the few places where hotels prefer you to book online rather than at reception (even when they pay a commission) due to the intense competition between hotels on travel sites.

In general, surfers will leave their accommodation options wide open so they can check online surf reports and make a decision based on where the waves are. If the surf isn’t up to much, they’ll head somewhere nice to chill and or hit the party scene in areas like Canggu or Seminyak.

Tip: Popular accommodations will be booked out well in advance, especially during the peak season from May-September. Even more so for places with immediate access to the best surf breaks.

Final Rule of Thumb:

• If you’re committed to an area and want to stay somewhere specific, be sure to book it well in advance.
• If you want to be flexible, chase the surf, and aren’t too fussed about where you sleep, only book what you have to ahead of time!

7. Veteran Tips On Arrival

Fast track service “vip” through immigration on arrival.

A common practice by seasoned travelers to Bali was to approach people hanging around the immigration area who collected bribes from those who were willing to pay for a shortcut (more commonly termed “Express” or “VIP”) through immigration. They would get you processed through the citizen or diplomatic channels, skipping the long line of arrivals queuing up, and distributing part of the bribe to the officials there.

Today there is a legitimate commercial option through The Bali Concierge where you prepay for the official fast-track service. The cost is around 500,000 IDR and can very well save you an hour or two if the arrivals hall is jam-packed. For some, this isn’t worth the cost, considering the immigration process is relatively quick since Indonesia introduced the free 30-day visa on arrival, (for most nationalities), and also…there’s always a wait for your bags.

With so many flights from all corners of the world coming into Bali, and multiple flights delayed daily, you can never really know just how busy the arrivals hall is going to be.

Visas On Arrival (‘Free 30-Day Visa’ or Paid ‘30-Day Visa’)

Travelers often get confused as to why there is the option to buy a ‘30-Day Visa’ on arrival in the arrivals hall before lining up to go through immigration when they get a ‘Free 30-Day Visa’ on arrival when going through immigration anyway. This is because the ‘Free 30-Day Visa’ on arrival cannot be extended.

Therefore, if you want to extend your stay in Indonesia beyond 30 days you must purchase a ‘30 Day Visa’ on arrival which can then be extended for an additional 30 days – giving you 60 days total in Indonesia.

• You can only extend your paid ‘30-Day Visa’ at an immigration office that is not located at the airport.
• Visa extension agents such as Bali Visas provide a good service to help you speed up the process. The number of times you have to visit the immigration office is reduced as they’ll drop your passport off and pick it up for you. However, you will still need to visit the immigration office once in between.
• You’ll pay a penalty of 1,000,000 IDR per day if you overstay.
• Citizens from the countries displayed in green below are able to receive a ‘Free 30-Day Visa’ automatically or can purchase a ‘30-Day Visa’ on arrival.

60-Day Tourist Visa

If you want to stay longer than 30 days without having to extend your paid ‘30-Day Visa,’ or pay for flights to do a visa run, (flying out and back into Indonesia to get another ‘Free 30-Day Visa’) apply for a ‘60-Day Tourist Visa’ well before you travel.

• A ‘60-Day Tourist Visa’ is a single entry visit visa for tourism or recreational activities.
• It’s straightforward to obtain through an Indonesian embassy within your own country before you go.

Believe me; this process is much more straightforward than going through the procedure while in Indonesia. We have done both multiple times and organizing a ‘60-Day Tourist Visa’ before you travel saves you both money and time.

Getting Local Currency On Arrival

On the left, immediately after exiting customs, there are several ATMs run by major local banks. These new additions are entirely safe to use and provide the best place to withdraw Indonesian Rupiah.

You can also use the bank branches there when they are open to exchange your cash for IDR. Both are incredibly convenient and 100% trustworthy.

• Always cover your fingers with your other hand when entering your pin code.
• Try to use ATMs attached to a bank, they have the best security. For example, BNI.
• The next best ATM option is branded stand-alone ATMs. For example, BNI stand-alone ATMs are serviced frequently and are well kept.

Local SIM Card

Get yourself a local SIM card as soon as you arrive and exit departures. There’s a small bright red Telkomsel kiosk as you exit the building where they’ll get you sorted. You’ll be able to purchase a SIM card with enough data to last you 30 days. This will save you a lot of time rather than spending time trying to find a local SIM card once you’ve settled in. The locals working at the airport generally speak better English too.

Then, download the MyTelkomsel app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to manage your data usage and top it up on the go.

Getting a Cheap Taxi From the Airport

By far, the easiest way of getting from Bali airport to your accommodation with surfboards is to book an airport transfer through your accommodation beforehand. You’ll get a cheaper rate than what you would organising a ride once you land, especially if you’re travelling with surfboards. Best of all, the driver will know exactly where your accommodation is.

Negotiating with independent drivers after arriving, often ends up costing you more than what you would usually pay at the taxi counter, as independent drivers often try to stifle more out of unsuspecting foreigners. You could try and grind them down on price, but often you’re too jetlagged and don’t have the energy! Also, it’s common for the driver to have no idea where your accommodation is. This can turn into a real hassle amongst Bali’s labyrinth of streets.

8. Bali Surf Trip Packing List

To ensure you’re well-prepared for your surf trip to Bali, you’ll want to pack the following essentials:

• Travel-sized first aid kit with reef-related injury supplies. The Surfers First Aid Kit is specifically designed for surfing in Bali.
• Surfboards, fins, and wax or rent them locally if preferred.
• Rashguard or wetsuit vest to protect your skin from the sun and the reef.
• Reef booties to protect your feet from the sharp reef.
• Sunscreen. Have a glimpse at our best surfing sunscreen recommendations.
• Travel adapter and charger for your electronics.
• Lightweight and breathable clothing for everyday wear. 
• Backpack for any day trips. Take a look at our best surfing backpack recommendations.
• Travel Insurance

9. Travel Insurance for Surfing in Bali

Surfing is an adventure sport, and it’s crucial to have adequate travel insurance.

Look for policies that specifically cover surfing-related injuries, emergency medical evacuation, and equipment damage or loss. Ensure the policy covers the destinations and activities you plan to engage in during your surf trip.

Conclusion:

A surf trip to Bali promises endless waves, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

By following the tips provided in this guide, planning your trip thoroughly, and equipping yourself with the necessary knowledge and gear, you’ll be ready to make the most of your adventure in Bali.

So pack your board, embrace the Balinese spirit, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime in one of the world’s most renowned surfing destinations!

Recent Posts

• 14 Luxury Yacht Destinations To Visit In Asia
• Bali Belly: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
• Best Time To Visit Bali: 30 Examples in 2023
• 30 Best Things To Do In Bali
• 30 Best Things To Do In Indonesia

THE SURFERS FIRST AID KIT

Home » Surf Trips

Surf Trips Bali & Indonesia Packages & Pricing

Dawn Patrol Bali Surf School  creates personal, authentic and thrilling Bali surf trip adventures. Our surf guides proudly take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy your Bali surf vacation.

We provide invaluable experience and local knowledge to ensure you get the most out of surfing in Bali and Indonesia, while enjoying the opportunity to share it with like-minded surfers and entertaining surf guides.

Each Java or Bali surf trip package is tailored to surfer ability; from intermediate riders visiting surf spots that challenge, to adrenaline-charged advanced surfers searching for the wave of their life!

SURFING INDONESIA

Surfing Bali   is a magical experience and should be part of your surf exploration, but with an ever intriguing and ever intoxicating search for epic, less discovered and legendary waves, we must venture elsewhere as well.

With so many quality Indo surf trips to choose from and consistent waves all year round for every level of surfer.. How do you know what is the best trip for you? For the more adventurous, if you are planning a  surf trip to Bali  – why not island hop at the same time. We believe Java is the perfect place!

East Java has a raw and untouched region of national parks with one of the planets most iconic set of waves. It is a reef break that is so long and perfect geological serendipity must have been at play. All our Indonesia surfing trips offer a wide variety of quality waves in all shapes and sizes including long, hollow barrels, mellower reefs, river mouths and beach breaks.

It is said that the G-land trip is very high and it was the best! I went because it was amazing cheap price! Best location, perfect break, the best guide, photographer, a friend I met here. This trip was a wonderful unforgettable my life. Let's very thank you meet again:bangbang:︎ G-land tripは高いと言われてますがここは、すごく安くサービスも良く最高でした(^^) 忘れない最高の思い出になりました。ありがとう. 

I went on Dawn Patrol's camp pre G-Land season so all camps were closed and we scored it big time! Perfect glassy conditions all day everyday with not a soul in the water. Highly recommend to anyone! I've travelled Indonesia and am an experienced surfer and rate that high on my list of things to do!!!

I went on a 3 day trip to G-Land through Dawn Patrol and it was the best way I could have ended my stay in Indo. Aka, a staff member of dawn patrol, is an absolute legend. Not only did he coordinate the trip very quickly and take us to our accommodation in G-Land(within a day,) he also enhanced our experience tenfold. He's a very outgoing dude who makes you feel like a friend as soon as you meet him. Oh, and we scored really good waves. I 100% recommend the Dawn Patrol crew, and if you want to go to G-Land, going through Dawn Patrol is half the price of most surf camps.

PHOTOGRAPHY

ACCOMMODATION

FOOD + DRINKS

INDONESIA + BALI SURF TRIP PACKAGES

G-LAND, EAST JAVA

Seeking adventure and to surf in world-class waves? G-Land has long been considered one of the most consistently rideable left hand waves in the world with offshore trade-winds and plentiful swells.

RED ISLAND, EAST JAVA

This trip is tailored for adventurous intermediate surfers who are in search of surfing somewhere new away from the busier surf spots in Bali.

WANT TO SEE BALI?

We offer day trips to two surf locations with 2 hours surf per day, tailored to surfer ability. Our surf guides provide all transportation, equipment and will take you for an hour lunch between surfs.

INTERMEDIATE SURF TRIPS

Looking further off the beaten track? Join our friends Indo Surf Crew who offer surf conscious adventures and retreats at different islands around Indonesia – for different surf levels. Locations include; Rote, Nias, Lakey Peak, Mentawai, & Simeulue.

BALI SURF + BOAT TRIPS

Just a short island hop, we travel by fast boat from Bali to Java in good conditions, or otherwise travel by car & local ferry to our basecamp in Grajagan. ‘Back-to-basics’, we set out by charming local fishing boats to reach the line-ups in  G-Land .

Our Indonesia surf trips by boat last around 5 hours per day, offering us plenty of advanced or intermediate waves within the Alas Purwo National Park.

BALI SURF TRIP PACKING LIST

All our Bali & Indo surf trip packages are inclusive of  surf accommodation , transport, food and drinks as well as professional and friendly surf guides & surf photographer (extra cost). We require a minimum of 3 people per trip and allocate space for 2-3 surfboards per surfer based on travel logistics.

We ask guests to bring sufficient equiptment and sun cream / protection to enjoy the surf while staying safe and comfortable under the sun. We try our best to hit optimum surf conditions, however guests must accept that we cannot control nature or anticipated swells.

INDONESIA SURF TRIP COSTS

Want to surf Indonesia or Bali on a budget? Depending on your surf level, our trips offer different opportunities and pricing. Our advanced trips include daily boats to G-Land and therefore costs are slightly higher than our other surf trips, but still at a fraction of the cost of staying at a G-Land surf camp. Surfing Indonesia for intermediates is perfect at  Red-Island  and often possible in G-land when conditions are small, so our prices vary. Surfing in Indonesia for beginners is perfect with a tailored Red-Island trip and affordable price and set itinerary.

Booking a surf Trip with Dawn Patrol Bali is easy! All you need to do is complete our Inquiry Form  or email us with you interested location and dates. After receiving your request, we will coordinate with you to confirm your booking and itinerary. Payment can be made online or in person on the day in IDR. We may request a deposit to reserve your place for popular dates.

SURF TRIP PHOTOGRAPHY

Dawn Patrol Bali – Surf Trips Indo  offers high quality in-water, boat and on-shore surf photography packages that capture your whole surf trip experience.

Our photography shows the exceptional quality of our surf photographers and the variety of shots possible using advanced long-range cameras and under-water equipment. Prices start at IDR 1,200,000 for a full 3 day trip. 5 day photography trip prices vary depending on Indo / Bali surfing trip itinerary. Drone & Film packages are also available.

Follow our Instagram  @dawnpatrolbali  to see more of our activity.

Thank you for your interest in surfing with Dawn Patrol Bali! We guarantee a fun experience! To reserve your dates, please fill in the following details and we will get back to you with a booking confirmation, price and information about your excursion.

Interested in:   Intermediate Trip Advance Trip G-Land Java

Surfing Ability:

Intermediate Advanced

Start Date:

End Date: 

Photography:    Yes   /   No

Balangan Beach is 30 minutes south of the airport and 45 minutes from Kuta centre. Froggy’s waroeng is located towards the right hand side of the beach when facing the ocean.

• Balangan Surf School
• Bali Surf Spots
• Guide To The Best Surfboards for Beginners
• Beginner Surf Lessons
• Intermediate Surf Guiding
• Advanced Surfing
• Surf & Stay Packages
• About Surf Trips
• Red Island Surf Trips
• Advanced Surf Trip G-Land
• © All Rights Reserved Dawn Patrol Bali
• TERMS & CONDITIONS

@ellismultimedia

@ombaksurfphoto

@surfpicturebali

@seaparadise_ph

Katerina Leontyeva

@Jordan_bennett

Thank you for your interest in surfing with Dawn Patrol Bali! We guarantee a fun experience! To make a booking, please tell us your interested dates, No of students & surf level and we will get back to you with all pricing/packages and other information required about your excursion. Yeww!

• Costa Rica | 7 days
• Nicaragua | 7 days
• Bali | 10 days
• Maldives | October
• Mentawais | November
• Surf Trip Calendar
• Maldives | Intermediates
• Mentawais | Intermediates
• Social Responsibility
• Is This Trip for me?
• What is my Surf Level?
• How do we Coach Surfing?
• Reservation Policy

• En Français

• Online Courses

Bali & Lembongan

10-day surf coaching camp.

Exclusive accommodation

Choose the best surf camp near the beach, live the island life, boat trips to surf and snorkel.

Complete surf program

A surf coaching retreat tailored to your personal objectives.

Surf only the best surf spots

For beginners & intermediates.

ACCOMMODATION

PRICES & DATES

Surf trip to Bali, Indonesia 10-Day, Nusa Lembongan & Bali surf camp

Welcome to our Nusa Lembongan & Bali surf camp. Have you ever dreamed of surfing perfect, turquoise waves in a tropical paradise? Your dream will come true on this Indonesian journey across two amazing islands.

• World-Class surf breaks for all levels of surfers
• Internationally recognized restaurants & cafes
• Snorkelling and stand up paddleboard in crystal clear waters
• Live in a quiet yoga and surf coaching retreat
• Inspiring Hindu culture

A typical day At our Bali surf camp

Start your day in our luxurious private villa on top of a cliff, enjoying panoramic views of the crystal-clear waters of Nusa Lembongan. After breakfast, you and your fellow travelers are picked up by boat by the welcoming surf coaches and taken to your surfing spot. You feel the incredible sensation of sliding on turquoise waves and notice the vibrant colors of the reef beneath your surfboard. Back at the villa, your Barefoot surf guide analyzes and discusses your surf photos and videos, and you are more motivated than before you started. At night, you and your friends enjoy freshly caught fish at your local surf coach’s family restaurant, right on the beach.

SEE AVAILABILITY

Live in Canggu 4 Days

You will be living in Canggu for the first part of our Bali Surf Camp. Canggu is one of these places with a special energy to it. Its bohemian vibe, breathtaking rice fields, inspiring culture and quality surf breaks combine to create a unique surf trip experience.

Live in Lembongan 5 Days

When you step foot on this 8km² island, you will probably think you are dreaming. Nusa Lembongan is the definition of a paradise surf island. It has crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, a very mellow vibe and friendly, authentic people.

Discover amazing destinations:

• Cliff jumping in Nusa Ceningan
• Snorkeling boat trip on the coasts of Nusa Penida

Personalized surf program for your level

On all surf trips.

Level 1: beginner surf coaching

Never tried surfing before? Or have you tried a few times, taking a few lessons here and there? If you still need to master basic techniques, this surf coaching level is for you.

Level 2: intermediate surf coaching

Have you been surfing for many weeks, months or years? Can you paddle through the white water and catch unbroken waves by yourself? This coaching will take your surfing to the next level.

How we coach surfing?

This surf trip is for you if:

  surf level.

• You have never surfed and want to learn how to surf
• You have basic surf experience (4 years or -)
• You want to progress & surf the best suitable spots for your level
• You’re looking for tropical weather and surf spots suitable for beginners & intermediates

  Lifestyle

• You are a lone traveller or travelling between friends, or as a couple
• You would like to get immersed into surfing’s lifestyle
• You enjoy having access to world-class restaurants
• Average traveller age: 25 – 55 years old

By joining this 10-day Bali Surf Camp, you will learn to surf faster than you could imagine. You will quickly feel the amazing sensation of going down waves in transparent waters. Our surf guides have more than 10 years of surf-coaching experience, and our local instructors are amongst the best surfers in Indonesia. We make sure to maximize both your enjoyment and your surf progression during each surf session.

• 7 surf lessons –  3:1 student/coach ratio
• 5 surf workshops – theory & technique
• Professional surf photos sent to your e-mail
• Advanced surf clinic including technique analysis with surf photos & videos
• Professional surf coaches & guides

“I got to travel and surf around with an amazing group of people who just love to embrace the good things in life. It was an authentic and unforgettable experience that I couldn’t recommend enough.”  Jessica P, Canada – Bali surf camp. TripAdvisor

• Inter-islands fast cruises (between Bali & Lembongan)
• 4 X Boat trips to surf spots
• Boat trip to snorkel with the possibility to see manta rays
• Private transport with our minivans
• Stand Up Paddleboard equipment rentals
• Airport shuttles

Accommodation

On both the islands of Bali and Nusa Lembongan, you will be living in gorgeous private villas, exclusive for your surf group. This sets a “home” vibe like no other: travelers become close friends and share unforgettable moments together. You will always be within walkable distance to the surf beaches, restaurants, cafes and main attractions.

• Exclusive accommodation in private beach villas
• Best locations, near & on the beach
• Walking distance to restaurants, cafes & beach bars
• Breathtaking ocean view in Nusa Lembongan
• Chic interiors, pools & chilling areas
• Welcome dinner

See Accommodation 

Surf information

Surf overview.

Indonesia is arguably the best place on earth to surf. No other country can match the number of surf spots on these islands, nor the quality of the waves.

While Bali is famous for its expert, world-class surf breaks, it also offers great surf spots to learn and progress. On our  Bali Surf Camp, o ur surf guides will bring you to fun surf spots so you can practice surfing safely according to your surf level.

Typical surf conditions

Being a small island, there is always a surf spot that works (it’s always offshore somewhere!), and that’s exactly why we’re here. Barefoot guides will ensure to provide you with all the advice that you need to find the best waves for your skill level. There are waves practically year round on the island. Ideal months for a surf trip in Bali is between April and October, in order to avoid the rainy season.

While Bali is famous for its expert, world-class surf breaks, it also offers great surf spots to learn and progress. Our surf guides will bring you to fun surf spots so you can practice surfing safely according to your surf level.

Things to do on our Lembongan & Bali surf camp

Boat trips to surf.

Surf with us on the Northern coast in Canggu, and into South Bali, down the Bukit peninsula. Also included is a boat trip to a surf spot on the island of Nusa Lembongan.

Snorkelling

With its colourful reefs and exotic marine life, Nusa Lembongan is the perfect place to explore life under the sea.

Ubud day trip (not included)

In Ubud, visit art galleries, ride a bicycle through the rice fields, take a yoga class, take a walk in the monkey forest or visit an ancient temple filled with monkeys.

Stand Up Paddle Board

During your 5 days in Nusa Lembongan, Stand Up Paddle Boards will be at your disposal on request. Discover secret beaches on the coast, the colourful corals, the crystal clear waters and some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen.

Other activities (not included)

• Waterfall trip
• White water rafting
• Traditional temple visits
• Volcano treks
• Water park trip
• Scuba diving
• & many more

Lembongan & Bali surf camp

From $3,650 usd, faqs | surf & lifestyle, am i too old or too young for this trip, i have never surfed in my life. is this trip for me, how are the waves/temperature during month x, should i bring my own surfboards, how much cash money should i bring / what else do i need to pay for, is it possible to stay 2 weeks in a row, does my surf level fit this surf coaching retreat, do i need to arrive one day early not to miss the surf on the 1st day, can i sign up for just 1, 2 or 3 days or book individual lessons, faqs | travel, how does the airport transportation work, do i need a visa to enter the country, is there a minimum age to go on a surf trip, what's the ideal currency, how do the shared rooms work, is it safe to travel to these countries, what type of travel insurance should i get, what’s the best website for plane tickets, what airport should i land to can i land at a different airport, i am planning to travel alone on this trip. will there be any other lone travellers on my trip, testimonials, we are #1 on tripadvisor.

Reviews on TripAdvisor

“The best part of my trip with Barefoot was how much I improved my surfing. I’d done a bunch of single surf lessons before & this was the first time I actually felt like the surf guides were instructing, critiquing & pushing me to get better at surfing.”

“The total experience exceeded expectations, staff was knowledgeable, professional, and gracious. Accommodations were very welcoming and comfortable. Everything was top notch!”

“I’ve been traveling to various surf camps for the last 2 years. This trip was beyond incredible, everything from start to finish was top notch and focused on improving my surfing while having a wonderful cultural experience.”

“Created some great friendships, and experienced a beautiful country in the best week possible. Already trying to figure out when I can plan my next trip with them!”

“I couldn’t ask for time spent with more friendly, truly awesome people. The team is very responsive and well organized. My surfing was pushed to another level”

“The coaches are nationally acclaimed surfers and give great tips to better your surf technique. All in all a great experience.”

2024 Surf Trips

Costa rica - 7 days jan - mar 2024.

View surf trip

Nicaragua - 7 days May - July 2024

Mentawais - 10 days november 2024, 2025 surf trips, costa rica - 7 days jan - mar 2025, nicaragua - 7 days may - jul 2025, mentawais - 10 days november 2025.

Bali and Maldives trips are on hold until 2025. If the trip you are interested in is full, you can join our waiting list & get notified if someone cancels.

It takes 1 minute!

Whats Included

Surf better, faster Get news about our latest Tutorials & Surf Coaching Retreats

1% of every sale goes to nonprofit organizations that protect & clean our oceans.

• Mentawai Islands
• Philippines
• The Maldives

A Complete Guide to Surfing Bali

Bali is a year-round swell magnet. Many come here for a spiritual experience; whether visiting one of its many temples, or the other type of religion here – surfing.

Thinking about surfing Bali?

This is our complete surf travel guide. Read for everything you need to know about surfing in Bali.

Glistening in the Indonesian waters, the hedonistic island of Bali is best known for its azure blue sea, exotic coral reef, luscious vegetation, and dramatic volcanic backdrop. Many come for a spiritual experience; whether visiting one of its many temples, or the other type of religion here – surfing .

A popular spot with Australians (more than two million visit every year), it also attracts honeymooners, travelers, and of course surfers, from all over the world.

With a population of more than four million, Bali is a thriving cultural hub to visit any time of year. Noted for its warm hospitality and breath-taking beauty, there’s more to it than first meets the eye.

How to get to Bali

Bali Ngurah Rai International, also known as Denpasar, is the main airport in the country. Enjoying a makeover in 2013, it has a modern welcoming feel, despite it being a busy hub.

Check for flights to Bali here.

Indonesian Rupiah (Rp or IDR) is the main currency used in Indonesia, including Bali. Be sure to exchange enough money for your travels, since foreign currency is not accepted by a law. Most ATMs allow a maximum withdrawal of between 1,250,000 and 3,000,000 rupiah a day. Keep in mind that 1,250,000 is the equivalent of roughly $87 USD, or £69 in UK sterling.

The main two languages spoken are Balinese and Indonesian. However, due to the high level of tourism on which the country relies upon, most locals have some basic understanding of English too.

How to get around Bali

The faithful moped is the most popular way of getting around the island. Cheap to hire, it will set you back a few dollars for a day. However, this is also the least safe way to get around, with visitors involved in road incidents all the time. If you do decide to rent a moped when surfing Bali, be sure to get a helmet.

The bus (bemo), which is more like a mini-bus, is a popular choice with locals. This no-frills approach to travel usually costs IDR 4,000 for a trip. Alternatively, the Seminyak Shuttle services the main locations, costing IDR 20,000.

Finally, Bluebird Taxis is one of the best taxi services on the island, with a downloadable app, a bit like Uber.

Surfing Bali

Bali is the place to absorb yourself in some of the best surfing conditions throughout Indonesia. Although it attracts experienced surfers, it’s also sympathetic to newcomers with lots of different breaks.

Although it’s an all-year destination for surfing, Bali is a tropical climate with a wet and dry season.

Dry season (May to September) brings the tourists, especially in peak month August. This is when surfing conditions are at their prime with legendary breaks on the west coast to be enjoyed.

Meanwhile wet seasons (October to April) provides temperatures in the 80s, with interchangeable sunshine and rain. There is still lots of surf to be had, especially on the east coast.

Although there are more than 60 surf spots on the island to enjoy, there are three main destinations that surfers come for; Canggu, Kuta, and Uluwatu.

Surfing Canggu

If you’re looking for a popular spot that’s easy to reach, Canggu never fails. Suitable for all levels of capability this busy spot can however get crowded in the summer months.

Many come to try their hand at breaks in one of three spots; Berewa Beach for rolling barrels, although there are rocky reefs so it’s better suited to confident swimmers.

Batu Bolong is more suited to beginners with its kinder waves perfect for easing newbies into the waters.

And finally, Echo Beach; you’ve heard the name mentioned so many times it would be remiss not to come here. There are waves upon waves and three spots in succession to keep you entertained.

Also read : A Complete Guide to Surfing Canggu in Bali

Surfing Kuta

Further along the coast, Kuta’s long stretch of white sand has long been a mecca for surfers, since the 1930s.

Locals and tourists intertwine, in this exposed spot that offers consistently reliable waves. Since they break along its 2km beachfront, there’s plenty of room for everyone, making it a good place for learners.

Nearby Double Six Beach provides the perfect spot to unwind and chill during sunset.

Surfing Uluwatu

Made from the stuff of legends, Uluwatu underpins everything that surfing Bali is about. Big towering waves that, when ridden, offer a glimpse of the Hindu temple hovering in the backdrop. It’s almost as if the Gods are inviting you in!

Located deep in the south of the island, Uluwatu benefits from its coastal position, hanging off the tip of the Bukit Peninsula. Waves can be large and unforgiving, so pros need only apply!

Also read: A Complete Guide to Surfing Uluwatu in Bali

Surfing for beginners in Bali

With its famous coral reef, there are plenty of hazardous spots dotted around the island. Therefore, beginners will benefit from taking lessons in one of the many surf schools available.

When surfing Bali for the first time, you’ll find that Kuta is the best place for newcomers due to its gentler waves and overall conditions. Although you can find tons of surf schools up and down the beach, we recommend picking up a 2-hour lesson with one of the Kuta locals for $29.

Meanwhile, in Canggu, you can book a full day lesson with lunch and transport from your hotel for just $50.

Alternatively, if you want to try your luck in Uluwatu, Rapture Camps have an outpost with qualified instructors to ease you in. These start from around $11 for two-hour sessions.

Surfboard hire in Bali

There are plenty of places where you can hire surfboards in Bali.

Like most of the surf schools, Odyssey in Kuta offers body boards, short boards and long boards, which can be reserved online. These start from IDR 65,000 – that’s less than $5.

Otherwise, it’s easy to roll up to many of the surf shacks on Kuta Beach and hire kit, starting from IDR 50,000.

When in Canggu, Uluwatu, or Seminyak, there are plenty of Awayco outlets offering a good range of boards at competitive prices. Reservations can be made online here .

Bali Surf Camps

Whatever your budget, Bali has something for you. Go high-end luxe, or purse-friendly eco, there’s no shortage of great places to stay. That said, Bali is a country of great contrast and as such does budget accommodation and high-end luxury best. Mid-range hotels are available, but not as easy to find.

For an absolute bargain when surfing Bali, the Sunny Surf Lodge in north Kuta gives you plenty to smile about! For less than $9 a night, you can live the surf dream, in this hotel that is basic, but perfect for resting your head. It’s just a 30-minute walk to hit the shores of Batu Bolong, designed for those who love nothing more than to surf.

For a little more budget, at $24 a night, the Mote Surf Stay is a hidden gem. This is also the place to stay for surfers – you won’t find any other kind of tourist here.

Mid-range hotels are hard to find. However, from $87 a night (including breakfast) The Surf Motel in Canggu is well located for those who like to party by night and surf by day…. and in that order! This clean modern dwelling also offers easy access to the local beach, ideal for catching waves, followed by cocktails.

For all the trappings of five-star luxury, the irresistible collection of private villas at ZIN Canggu Resort & Villas will set you back $175 a night.

However, for some of the best hotels on the island, and for complete indulgence head to Uluwatu. Here you will find honeymoon haven, the Six Senses, and the ever-fashionable Bulgari which starts from $767 a night.

Also read : 10 of The Best Surf Camps in Bali

Where to eat in Bali

Local Balinese cuisine is known to be lively and delicious. Fresh ingredients are used with just the right touch of spice, paying homage to its Asian influence. This is best brought to life at Ulken in Canggu.

In keeping with the surf vibe, Shady Shack in Canggu is a popular spot for those on a health kick and is also vegetarian friendly.

Of course, being surrounded by so much water has its culinary advantages too. Seafood lovers should head to The Echo Beach Club for its catch of the day while looking out to sea. It’s also a fun spot for after-hours fun too.

When you’re ready for something more iconic, head to Potato Head in Seminyak. Contrary to its name, this is a luxurious spot seemingly for the beautiful people, matched with equally as palatable dishes!

Other activities in Bali

Even if you do just come for surfing Bali, there’s so much culture to soak up. The local sights deserve at least one day out of your busy schedule.

You’ve seen it carving the ways, but there’s nothing better than seeing the ancient Hindu temple of Uluwatu up close and personal. Perching on a cliff, this sacred site is said to be over 1,000 years old. The best time to come is before sunset, to experience the uniquely wonderful Kecak dance performed. It’s one of several wonderful temples to visit, others include Ulun Danu Beratan and Besakih Temples.

When it’s time to swap shore for the jungle, Mandala Suci Wenara Wana (also known as the Monkey Forest) is a refuge for more than 700 monkeys. Nestled deep inland, this sanctuary is doing great work to protect the species as a notable conservation project. You can book a tour here alongside a visit to the instagram-famous jungle swing and the Ubud waterfall for $35 per person.

Finally, when in Bali (and indeed only in Bali) the Goa Gajah is a fascinating cave carved with elephants. Dating back to the 11 th century, this archaeological site it a special place to visit and well worth the pilgrimage out to Bedulu Village.

Enjoyed our Essential Guide to Surfing in Bali ? Check out all of our Surf Travel Guides here .

Maceda Surf Camp : Book a shared or private room now from €260pp

Maceda Surf Camp : Book a shared or private room now from €510pp

Surf Coaching Porto : Book a shared or private room now from €385pp

Surf Coaching Porto : Book a shared or private room now from €545pp

Marias Surf & Hostel : Book a shared or private room now from €165pp

Golden Waves Surf Lodge : Book a shared or private room now from €639pp

Lighthouse Hostel : Book a shared or private room now from €28/night

Aldeia Caiçara : Book a shared or private room now from €25/night

Nice Way Cascais : Book a shared or private room now from €25/night

The Salty Pelican : Book a shared or private room now from €71/night

Pineapple Surf House : Book a shared or private room now from €14/night

WOT Hostel in Peniche : Book a shared or private room now from €18/night

• Advertising
• Affiliate Disclosure
• Privacy Policy

Privacy Overview

Select a region to explore

More info coming soon

West Sumbawa

East Sumbawa

Central Java

Grajagan - G-land

Nias / Asu / Hinakos

Let our well informed guides direct you in the right direction! just select what you are looking for below. (These guide will be updated as we release more regions, subscribe to keep updated)

All types of waves

All abilities

All budgets

Explore sub regions of Bali

Kuta Reef, Echo Beach

Season: Dry (April - Oct)

Coral, Reef, Beach, Boulder

Crowd Factor: High

Ability: All levels

Bukit Peninsula

Uluwatu , Bingin

Crowd Factor: Medium

Keramas , Nusa Dua

Season: Wet (Nov - March)

Coral, Reef, Beach

• Back to spot guide

Surfing In Bali Overview

• How to get here

The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise. It’s more than a place; it’s a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind. – Lonely Planet

An island of stunning tropical, mountainous beauty filled with activities to please all as well as a range of waves for all surfing types and abilities. For this reason, Bali is one of the top destinations in the world to combine a surf trip with a family holiday or romantic getaway.

Bali is unique within Indonesia’s 2000 islands and stands out as the only island with Hindu as the predominant religion. The Balinese love to celebrate, and many visitors to the island will come across a ceremonial parade during their stay, filling the streets with rhythmic drumming and resplendent dress. For those wishing to get closer to the action, the Balinese kecak (“Ké-chak”) dances are performed in Ubud and at the Uluwatu temple and are well worth the effort. For recommendations on non-surfing activities see our article on surfing with families.

Known as ‘The Island of the Gods’, we think Bali (and the whole of Indonesia) must have been created by the surfing gods. Bali boasts an incredible range of waves suitable for heavy barrel hunters to long boarders , learners to advanced surfers . A roughly triangular island with a bulbous peninsula at its southern tip, this lush tropical paradise is home to waves all year round if you know where to look. Made famous for its reef breaks, other waves found on Bali include beach breaks, river mouths and boulder-bottom point breaks.

The Bukit peninsula is the region that has turned from a sleepy fishing village into a bustling tourist destination, with coral reef framed by sheer cliffs. From a surfing perspective, Uluwatu is actually a series of breaks accessed by traversing down a steep path now flanked by bars and shops and paddling out through the iconic Uluwatu cave. The secret got out in the 1970’s and the crowds on the name breaks such as Uluwatu , Bingin and Padang-Padang can be some of the thickest in the world. Patience and a smile go a long way when the conditions are perfect and everyone is out for a wave. For those willing to stray off the beaten track there are still gems to be found, but we’ll be sticking to the main breaks for the purposes of this guide.

In the Bukit Peninsula region , The south part of the East Bali Region and Nusa Lembongan you will find waves breaking on coral reef, some of these reefs such as Uluwatu – Racetracks and Shipwrecks can be shallow and dangerous but there are other waves that can be more approachable such as Padang-Padang Rights and Playgrounds.

North of Kuta in the West Bali region you will find a few more sand bottom breaks, such as Kuta Beach and Berawa , and the reefs up here are volcanic reef or boulder bottomed river mouths. The same goes for the East Bali region , once you travel north of Sanur a lot of the reefs become volcanic reef, and there are a few hidden beach breaks in the mix too.

With the ever-increasing range of surf craft around, we’ve jotted down some great spots for long boarding and short boarding so you can find the best waves for you.

Surf Spots In Bali

Airport Lefts

Pererenan Rivermouth

Nyang Nyang

Lacerations

Impossibles

Batu Bolong

Green Bowls

Uluwatu The Peak

Playgrounds

Uluwatu – Racetracks

Airport Rights

Tanjung Sari

Padang-Padang Rights

Uluwatu Outside Corner

Padang-Padang

Legian beach.

Uluwatu Temples

Surfing Ability For Bali

Are you a learner looking to catch your first wave or a barrel hunter looking for heaving slabs? Because of the way Bali is shaped, there are many breaks to choose from depending on your ability and conditions. This is especially true of course when there is lots of swell as the crowds are thinned out on the more exposed breaks, leaving the more protected for the learners.

Click here for learn-to-surf spots and here for advanced waves.

Surf Equipment For Surfing In Bali

Due to the range of conditions available, it is recommended to have a versatile quiver. If there is a swell running and you know you’ll score, then a performance short board and a solid step up will be fine, but if the swell is looking moderate to small then a good fish will mean you still have a great time regardless.

As the first stop for many traveling through to other surf destinations, Bali is a great place to stock up on all your essentials. Many popular surf board brands manufacture on Bali and pricing is incredibly competitive and the quality is generally pretty good. However, prices for apparel and surf accessories can often be equal price or more expensive than you may find at home, especially if you find yourself needing a new leash or fins at a more remote break where the local shop doesn’t have a high turnover.

Surfing Seasons In Bali

With the unique shape of the island, Bali breaks all year round. So close to the equator, the temperature fluctuates 3-4 degrees between seasons and has around 12 hours of daylight every day of the year.

The wet season from October-March is characterised by hot, humid weather with afternoon storms but can offer fantastic surf along the east coast with significantly lower numbers in the line-up. Those in search of offshore glass will hit the waves early to make the most of the typically calm mornings as the weather during this time of year is predictably turbulent, particularly in the afternoons. Purchase a sturdy plastic poncho on arrival or hire a driver if you are particularly adverse to wet weather.

The dry season from April-September is the most popular time of year with slightly lower temperatures and less humidity. Offshore trade winds combine with large long-period S – SW swells generated by winter storm systems in the Southern Ocean traveling across the Indian Ocean to light up the Bukit Peninsula and Nusa Lembongan .

How To Get To Bali

As a popular tourist destination in addition to its incredible waves, Bali is easily accessed through the international airport at the narrowest point on the island. With Kuta immediately to the north and Jimbaran to the south, most destinations are easily reachable within a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic.

How Much Is Bali?

More surf spots in Bali Surf Guide

Not sure where to go.

The ultimate resource for surfing in Indonesia.

Coming soon

© 2021 Indonesian Surf guide All images and information are the property of Indonesiansurfguide.com, unless otherwise stated. Indonesian Surf Guide is to be used as guide only, and is not liable for any harm or mis-judgments. Please be careful when surfing Indonesia.

Surfing In Bali: Plan Your Perfect Bali Surf Trip!

Posted on Last updated: May 24, 2021

Bali is one of the best and most popular surf destinations in the world. The “Island of the Gods” is blessed with warm temperatures, sick waves almost year round and chill tropical vibes, pretty much everything you need for a fun surf trip!

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time ever standing on a board or if you’re a pro surfer already, Bali has waves for every level. Bali was the third place where I ever surfed, and I loved the experience.

In this guide I put together everything you need to know about surfing in Bali. I didn’t surf all over the island (I wish I had!) so I asked some of my Bali-based digital nomad and surfer friends to contribute to this post.

Here you will discover all the best surf spots, surf beaches and surf camps in Bali, as well as the best time to surf in Bali, what you should pack for a surfing trip and where to stay.

So let’s dive in (metaphorically for now, and soon in real waves)!

• 1 Best time to surf in Bali
• 2 Bali surf spots map
• 3.1 Seminyak Beach
• 3.2 Uluwatu
• 3.3 Padang Padang
• 3.4 Kuta Beach
• 3.5 Old Mans
• 4 My experience surfing in Bali
• 5.1 Mojo Surf
• 5.2 Surf House Bali / Canggu (Pure Surf Camps)
• 5.3 Surf Goddess Retreats
• 6 What to pack for a Bali surf trip

A popular tourist spot in Bali; the “Love Bali” sign at Tegalalang rice terraces

Best time to surf in Bali

Like most tropical countries Bali has a wet season and a dry season. The wet season goes from November to March, whilst the dry season goes from May to September.

The months in between are known as “shoulder months” and are my personal favourite time to travel.

In the “shoulder months” the weather is better than in the wet season, but the prices are still low as it’s not peak season yet, and there will be considerably less tourists around.

Even if you can only travel to Bali in the wet season don’t worry too much about the rain, it usually means warm and sun for most of the day, with a short torrential storm towards the end of it.

When it comes to the waves, Bali’s west coast is blessed with strong ocean waves year round. Whatever time of the year you visit Bali, you will find great waves.

However the dry season, May to September, has the most consistent waves and is the best time to surf in Bali.

Bali surf spots map

Here is a map outlining all the best surf spots in Bali. As you can see they’re concentrated along the west coast, in the southern part of the island. Let’s look at the most notable ones in more detail!

Photo of the best surf spots in Bali by BaliSurfWaves

The best surf spots in Bali

Seminyak beach.

On my first trip to Bali I surfed in Seminyak Beach. It was my third time ever surfing and I found it a pretty easy spot to surf. There’s a long beach break with consistent waves.

Uluwatu is one of the most famous Bali surf spots. It’s located under the impressive cliffs and temples of Uluwatu, and is actually a cluster of 6 different reef breaks.

The waves here can get pretty big and the surf line-up can be quite busy. It’s a pretty challenging spot and more one for the advanced surfers, but stunning nonetheless.

Me attempting to surf in Seminyak, Bali

Padang Padang

Padang Padang is also a reef break with pretty big waves, also recommended for more advanced surfers. However it also has an inside reef that can be surfed by beginner and intermediate surfers, depending on the tide and swell.

Kuta has a soft sand beach break, meaning it’s a great Bali surf spot for beginners. Lessons and board rentals are also a bit cheaper than in other spots of the island, making it ideal if you want to clock in a lot of surfing hours to learn.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9xZ4LAAEMS/

Old Mans is one of the best surf spots for intermediate surfers. It’s also a reef break but a really long one, meaning you can ride the same waves for a very long.

When you’re first starting out this is ideal as it gives you more time on the board.

Medewi is home to Bali’s longest left-hand wave. The wave breaks slowly meaning it’s perfect for all levels. This spot is still far from the main tourist radar, so you won’t find much in the area besides other keen surfers.

It’s without a doubt one of the best surfing beaches in Bali.

The limited number of cafes and restaurants actually make it ideal as you’ll see the same people in the water as you do at night in the restaurants, making it easy for solo travellers to make friends.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Dc8C-hczX/

My experience surfing in Bali

Like I said I only had the pleasure of surfing in Seminyak Beach, but I wish I’d been able to visit more of the epic surf beaches in Bali. There’s no denying the surf itself was awesome, but what I loved most was the overall atmosphere.

The beach is huge and there was plenty of space for all the surfers, I never found myself getting in someone’s wave or someone crashing into mine.

The waves were also long, powerful and consistent, making it very easy for someone like me, who was very much a beginner at this stage, to catch some waves.

I also loved chilling in Seminyak Beach post surfing. We sat on the beach as the sun lowered itself in the sky, setting the clouds on fire.

Seminyak is slightly on the more expensive end of prices in Bali, but there are lots of adorable beach bars that you have to try.

We spent the evening drinking mojitos, enjoying tasty food and watching the sunset on the beach from a colourful and fun beach bar. It was the perfect ending to our first Bali surf day.

Dinner on the beach with a sunset view and live music in Seminyak Beach

The best surf camps in Bali

If you want to learn how to surf (which I’m guessing you do if you’re reading this post) I highly recommend doing a surf camp in Bali.

I didn’t do one last time I was in Bali but I have since done two surf camps in the Canary Islands, one in Fuerteventura and one in Tenerife , and they’ve been amongst my favourite trips and travel memories.

By doing a surf camp you’re not only sure that they’ll take you to the best places to surf in Bali, but also that you’ll be surrounded by likeminded surfers throughout your whole trip.

Instead of staying in a normal hostel and then getting classes from any surf school on the beach, you can be a part of a little surfing community. These are some of the Bali surf camps that my friends have done and can recommend.

Some of my friends went to Mojo Surf years ago and to this day they still rave about it. With camps all over Indonesia and Australia Mojo Surf have years of experience teaching people from all over the world how to surf.

The camp has a pool and common area where you can relax after spending a long day out on the waves. They also arrange overnight surf trips to Nusa Lembongan and Lombok for those looking to adventure and surf beyond Bali.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8tmQ6MHNrx/

Surf House Bali / Canggu (Pure Surf Camps)

I haven’t been to this one, but I the surf camp I did in Gran Canaria was organised through Pure Surf Camps and it was awesome.

The Surf House in Canggu has a private pool for guests only, serves breakfast every day, and has some awesome common areas. They will take you to all the best surf spots in Bali, at the best time for your surf skill level.

When you come back you can sit on poolside and relax with a drink in hand, while you become friends with your new surfing pals. The price also includes daily breakfast and yoga.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5sA6TyBB1N/

Surf Goddess Retreats

If you’re a girl travelling solo and are looking for something a bit more unique, then the Surf Goddess Retreat might be for you.

It’s a bit more on the pricier end of the range but can be an incredible experience for girls looking to be surrounded by other positive and empowering women.

The retreats include almost all meals, yoga and meditation sessions, surfing classes, transfers and many other goodies.

It’s a great opportunity to not only learn how to surf, but pair it with a once in a lifetime empowering female trip. Being surrounded by likeminded and strong women is always a plus.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9c9A57H2Qo/

What to pack for a Bali surf trip

So what do you need for a Bali surf trip? Ultimately you don’t really need much more than any normal trip to Bali.

If you’re a beginner or early intermediate surfer it’s easier to rent a board in Bali than bringing your own, most classes will include board usage.

If you’re an advanced surfer and plan to surf a lot it usually makes sense economically to travel with your own board. It also gives you the freedom to explore all the surf spots.

Besides boards, here are some useful things to bring with you when you travel to Bali.

Sun cream – Make sure to pack sunscreen! The sun in Bali can be very strong, especially if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the water. You might also want to get a zinc sunblock stick for your face, surfing is great but let’s try to avoid ageing skin if we can!

Surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica – sorry all my Bali surf photos aren’t great, here’s proof I can stand on a board!

Reef booties – If you’re planning to surf any of the reef breaks you might need these. They’ll save your feet if you ever fall close to the reef and have to stand on it to get back on the board.

Rash vest – The water in Bali is warm enough that you could swim just in board shorts or a swimsuit. However if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water it can be a good idea to use a rash vest. It will keep you just a little bit warmer, protect your back from the sun, and avoid you scratching your belly on the board.  

First aid kit – We all hope that nothing ever goes wrong on our trips, however when you do an active sport like surfing, it’s normal to get a bump every now and then! Bring your own first aid kit so that you don’t have to go searching for plasters all over Bali.

GoPro  – You’re going to be surfing in one of the most beautiful places in the world, I’m sure you want to capture it all! Whether you mount it to the front of your board or strap it to your head, you can capture lots of great surfing moments with a GoPro.

Surfing in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Spain – again, to prove I can stand on a board despite my lack of surf photos in Bali!

If you’re looking for more Bali travel advice, beyond just surfing, check out my other Bali articles:

• 30+ epic things to do in Bali
• Planning the perfect Bali itinerary
• Where to go & not go in Bali
• Villas with private pools in Bali (for every budget!)
• Ubud travel guide
• Tegalalang Rice terrace – the ultimate guide
• The most beautiful & photogenic hotels in Bali
• The 33 most instagrammable spots in Bali

Going beyond Bali? Check out these Java and Gili resources!

• Borobudur & Prambanan temples day tour
• Hiking an active volcano at night!
• Snorkelling with turtles in Gili Trawangan

Since my first trip to Bali 3 years ago I’ve been surfing to a lot of cool spots around the world, and I’d love to go back to Bali and try some new surf spots there now that I’m more experienced on the board.

Bali is a surfers heaven, with lots of epic spots dotted all along the coast, I hope this post answers your questions about where to surf in Bali! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

Enjoyed reading my Bali surf guide? Pin it!

• ALL SURF CAMPS
• LEARN TO SURF
• SOUTH AFRICA
• SOUTH AFRICA & MOZAM
• SRI LANKA – SHORT COURSE
• VIEW ALL COURSES
• BALI & INDONESIA
• LUXURY SURF RESORTS
• SURF CHARTERS
• LOCAL ISLAND OPTIONS
• EXPLORE ALL
• MENTAWAI ISLANDS

BALI SURF CAMPS & INDONESIA SURF TRIPS

When it comes to bucket-list surf destinations a Bali surf trip should be on everyone’s to-do list! The surf in Bali and Indonesia is world-class – and the Island of the Gods is home to a whole array of world-class waves.

We’ve sourced some of the best surf experiences Indo has to offer – from Bali Surf Camps for those wanting to learn to surf in the tropical waters, through to epic Indo Surf Adventures and even Instructor Training Courses

So whether you’re taking your first surf lesson or an experienced surfer looking for those waves of a lifetime we’ve got you covered!

POPULAR BALI & INDONESIA SURF PACKAGES

Bali Surf Instructor Course – Island Hopper

15 Day Bali Surf Trip – Red Island & Lembongan

6 Week Ultimate Bali Surf Trip

Bali & indonesia surf packages.

2 Week Bali Surf Camp Medewi Roadtrip

4 Week Indonesia Surf Adventure

4 Week Ultimate Bali Surf Trip

7 Day Lombok Surf Camp

7 Day Nusa Lembongan Surf Trip

7 Day Red Island Surf Trip – Java

Bali Surf Camp Canggu With Mojo Surf

Bali Surf Camp With Dreamsea Surf Camp Uluwatu

Bali Surf Development Academy – 4, 8 & 12 Week Options

Top bali surf spots.

The list of world class Bali surf spots is a long one – the island is home to a whole array of surf breaks that are household names in the surfing world.

Whether you want to leg burning lefts of Medewi (one of the longest waves in the world!), the hollow, barrelling waves of Uluwatu or Padang Padang, the famed rights of Keramas (a WSL World Tour Stop) or something a little more mellow and beginner friendly in Canggu – there are plenty to choose from.

With so many waves within such a small area you’ll no doubt get to sample a whole array of them – so get involved and tick them all off your surfing bucket list!

Surfing In Bali – Everything You Need To Know

Thinking of surfing in Bali? Well here’s the ultimate Bali Surf Guide – from the best Bali surf spots for all levels to the best Bali surf camps & more!

Surfing in Bali is surely on the bucket list of every surfer – whether you’re just learning to surf or an experienced waterman.

The “Island of the Gods” is easily the most famous island in Indonesia (which has over 17,500 of them!) and is arguably one of the most famous surf destinations on the planet. For good reason too – warm water, tropical vibes, pumping surf breaks and a low cost of living tick all the boxes fo any surf trip!

I’ve been coming back to Bali again and again for years and although it has changed a lot, underneath all the development it’s still the same fun, tropical island with epic surf that it has always been!

So if you’re planning a surf trip to Bali anytime soon here’s everything you need to know…

Surfing In Bali – The Ultimate Surfers Guide

Bali surf season & weather.

Although surfing in Bali is a year round option the time of year you go will have a big impact on both the weather and which surf spots you’ll be paddling out at – so take this next section into serious consideration when planning your Bali surf trip!

• Wet Season = November to March
• Dry Season = May to September

Travelling on the shoulder or wet season does make things cheaper and also less crowded. But just keep in mind that depending on the season you’ll be heading to either the East or West coast to score the best waves…

• Bali East Coast Surf Season =  November to March
• Bali West Coast Surf Season =  May to September
• Bali Peak Surf Season =  May to September,  there are consistent pulses of big, clean swell throughout dry season

Basically if you’re looking for the perfect combo of weather and waves then head to the West Coast of Bali in the dry season and you’re sorted with all the major spots lighting up!

Also the water temperature in Bali is tropical all year round, so dig out those bikinis or boardies! In wet season you might want to go with a thermal rashie as well.

Bali Surf Spot Map

Before we delve into the breakdown of all the main surf spots in Bali, including the type of break and the best surf spots for different abilities here a handy Bali surf spot map so you can put everything into perspective!

Top East Coast Surf Spots (Rainy Season)

When it comes to surfing in Bali during the rainy season the East Coast, which offers a huge range of right handers, is the place to head. Here are some of the top spots to paddle out at…

The home of the WSL stop in Bali most surfers worth their salt will know all about this wave. A punchy right hander breaking across a reefy river mouth get ready for barrels and air sections galore. So go channel your inner Toledo or Medina and see how you measure up on this awesome wave!

Green Bowl/Green Ball

Once the hidden gem of the Bukit and a wet season nugget the word has spread about Green Bowl (sometimes call Green Ball) but its secluded location and access still keep the crowds down and there are plenty of waves to be had.

This right hander breaks over a pretty sharp reef so not suitable for beginner surfers – also be careful of the current, you’ve been warned!

Less singular surf spot, more an area with numerous reef breaks Nusa Dua is the home of the best right handers in Bali as well as some infamous big wave surfing. Despite being nestled amongst the luxury resorts that populate the area and the white sandy beaches this is no beginner spot.

Capable of holding a big swell the fast, punchy right handers at Sanur break over a very sharp, very shallow reef – so expert surfers only and be prepared to leave a chunk of skin behind during your session!

Along with Keramas Serangan is one of the most well known wet season waves and as a result it can get a bit crowded when its working. But offering up a selection of lefts and rights there’s plenty of waves to go around so its well worth checking out and has something for intermediates upwards.

Hang on aren’t we talking about surfing in Bali? Not the country, but the surf spot Sri Lanka sits slap in front of the Sofitel Hotel in Nusa Dua. Almost like a right hand Padang its a quick take off, barrel and out – its also pretty busy so get ready to hustle.

Top West Coast Surf Spots (Dry Season)

Surfing in Bali during the dry season is a West Coast affair – where some of the most famous left handers on the planet begin to work and offer up some epic rides…

Airports – also know as Kuta Reef – sits a short boat ride off of the main part of Kuta Beach, surprisingly either side of the Airport runway (I wonder how it got named?!). This deep water reef can handle some serious size and it can be easy to underestimate it when looking from the beach.

Offering both lefts and rights (depending on the side you surf) it’s best left to the more advanced surfers.

A mellow semi reef and beach break Berawa offer up both lefts and rights.

Situated right in front of Finns Beach Club (check out my full Bali Beach Club Guide here ) you’re not too far from a post surf beer, or simply chill in the pool and watch the waves after your session!

Great for all levels of surfer

Echo Beach sits a few hundred meters up the coast from the main section of Canggu . This spot consists of 2 main breaks – the reef and the beach. Echo Reef is a short but punch left hander, which can offer a few cheeky cover ups.

Echo Beach is again super punch with some cover up sections and offers both left and rights.

With both options be aware of the tide as both can get super shallow and unforgiving on the rocks below!

This fun little reef is actually not in front of the beach bar that bares the same name, it’s just off to the right towards Echo. A deep reef it runs for agggggges and I’ve clocked up rides well over 200m long. The take off can be punchy but then get prepared for some serious rail to rail game on the easy walling sections.

Can be a bit of a nightmare with lessons out there, but great for a fun surf or on a longboard, but can also handle some serious size.

Ah Medewi! A goofy footed long boarders dream! This fun left reels for days across a rocky bottom point and trust me your arms will be like noodles after a session here but for all the right reasons! It was a bit of a hidden off the track spot a few years back but don’t expect an empty session anymore.

Also reef boots might be a consideration as there are plenty of urchins kicking about!

Click here for my full guide to surfing in Medewi

The Bukit Peninsular (Dry Season)

Seeing as the Bukit Peninsular is ram packed with world class waves I figured I’d give it its own section in the guide, and if your a serious surfer then surfing in Bali isnt complete without ticking these spots off your to do list! As a rule of thumb though if you’re wanting to get the best of this area then dry season is the best time to hit it up.

Fast and punchy, the left hand reef at Balangan is great on all tides, although low tide does offer a much more advanced wave, especially with a big swell. The key at Balangan is speed to make the section! A great spot for more experienced surfers its also much less crowded than other spots in the area.

One of the more crowded waved in the Bukit due to the fact it offers waves for all levels of surfer and the fact the beachfront is home to numerous luxury hotels and resorts. Best at low tide and offer both lefts and rights (admittedly the left is much longer) it’s a greta step up spot – but when the swells pumping there’s plenty of barrels to be had for advanced surfers.

One of the most consistent, fun and picturesque waves on the Bukit, the lefts at Bingin are a Mecca for those looking for clean, open barrels. Often crowded and with a tight take off spot – but well worth it when you lock into one of those reeling lefts.

• Impossibles

Named after the fact it looks much more makable than it is the speed of the barrels and sections at Impossibles are picture perfect, reeling for well over 400m. If you catch it on the right conditions though (over 5 foot at mid to low tide) get prepared for the waves of your life…and a paddle out to match! Dont be fooled by the perfection and beauty of this wave though – advanced surfers only!

• Padang Padang

Paddle, drop, tuck, get spat out – that’s Padang Padang in a nutshell! This fast hollow left hand reef break is one of the most famous barrels in the world and home to the Ripcurl Padang Padang Cup. Honestly it’s incredible to watch but definitely reserved for advanced surfers only!

If you’re beginner or intermediate the inside reef at Padang does offer a more chilled affair, but only when the swell permits!

Uluwatu  

Saving the best – and most famous – for last! Seriously what can I tell you about Uluwatu (aka Ulus) that you probably dont already know? The cave paddle out, the speed of the section at Racetracks, THOSE barrels. Uluwatu is pretty legendary and the chances are if you haven’t heard about it you shouldn’t be paddling out there anyway – so go grab a cold beer at Single Fin instead and watch the show!

Click here for my full guide on surfing Uluwatu

Where To Learn To Surf In Bali

When it comes to where to learn to surf in Bali there are 4 main spots that offer beginner surf lessons that I’d recommend;

• Canggu – one of the most popular options
• Kuta – this beach break is perfect for beginners and also one of the cheapest places for lessons
• Seminyak – much like Kuta, but with a slightly higher price tag due to the area!
• Padang (inside) – even though this is a reef break on smaller swells they do also do lessons here

Many sites also recommend Nusa Lembongan as a good place to learn, but personally I’d strongly advise against this due to the shallow reefs and increasing crowds. If you want to learn to surf safely a mellow sand bottom beach break is the ideal option!

…trust me, I’ve worked as a surf coach all over the globe!

When it comes to surf lessons in Bali you can get a private local lessons for around 350,000IDR ($35AUD, £20, $25USD) or pay a premium and go for an accredited surf school (like Mojo or Odyssey) but this will be much more expensive at around 700,000IDR ($70AUD, £40, $50USD), so double the price. What this will however get you is a certified surf coach, decent surf kit and insurance.

I’m all for supporting locals and they’re great if you just want to give it a try, but honestly the quality and safety of an accredited lesson are something I highly advise.

Best Surf Spots For Intermediates

Already comfortable on unbroken waves, smashing out some turns and wanting some solid waves to get your teeth into? No worries there are plenty of surf spots in Bali suitable for intermediate surfers – but here are some of my favourites.

• Padang (inside)
• Kuta Reef (Airports)
• Uluwatu (depending on the swell!)

Keep in mind that all of these spots can hold a big swell and when they pump it’ll be advanced surfers only – I’ll leave it down to your judgement on when to call it quits!

Best Surf Spots For Advanced Surfers

As well as being able to enjoy all the beginner and intermediates spots (many of which can hold a solid swell so can become advanced waves in the right conditions!) here are some of the advanced waves that Bali has to offer…although you’ve probably heard of most of them already!

To be honest if you’re an advanced surfer you’ll probably just be heading to the Bukit – but trust me it’s worth having a look around at some of the other fun waves Bali has to offer too.

The Best Surf Camps In Bali

There are heaps of Bali surf camps to choose from, but here are some of my top picks…

With camps surf camps in Canggu, Java, Nusa Lembongan, The Mentawais and even Sumbawa Mojo Surf certainly has the largest range of surf camps in Bali and Indonesia as a whole! All their camps are clean, comfortable and certainly more flashpacker than you’d expect from a surf camp!

Their Canggu Surf Camp  is the perfect spot to learn to surf in Bali though, right on Batu Balong a walking distance from the beach, bars and restaurant. And when you’re not partying or surfing you can relax in the pool and escape the Bai heat!

They also run some pretty awesome Bali surf trips too (linking together their surf camps) which are ideal for those looking for waves but who want to explore some more too.

Another big name on the luxury surf camp list it’s no wonder than LaPoint have a Canggu surf camp in their portfolio! Not quite as central as Mojo but still boasting all the flashpacker vibes you’ll find plenty of Scandinavians here!

Definitely one of the pricey options, but all their camps are more like surf villas than anything else!

If you’re looking for a smaller, more boutique surf camp then Dreamsea is a solid choice. With surf camps in Canggu and Uluwatu (well actually more Padang!) they’ve created some seriously awesome hipster, white washed vibes.

Admittedly the Canggu option is out of town a bit, but the Uluwatu one if slap on the ocean and absolutely stunning!

Ticket To Ride

Although not a permanent fixture in Bali, Ticket To Ride run a couple of Bali surf trips each year – suitable for all levels of surfer. These include their Canggu Surf Camp, Medewi Road Trip, Island Hoppers (over to Lombok and Lembongan) or combining them all into and Ultimate 6 Week Bali Surf Trip .

Their coaches are some of the best I’ve ever encountered (and also run their popular South Africa Surf Adventure) so if you really want to take your surfing to the next level (now matter what level that is) you’re in good hands with them!

Kima Surf has been running Bali surf camps since 1995 and they’ve put their experience to good use – with options in Seminyak, Padang, Canggu and Green Bowl, as well as villa options in Canggu and Seminyak…oh and the Kima Boat too over in the Maluku Islands!

With a range of dorm and private rooms all their camps cater for all budgets and are all seriously gorgeous!

Rapture Surf Camps

Rapture (who also have camps in Portugal, Nicaragua and Costa Rica) have two Bali surf camps – Bali Padang and Bali Cliff. Bali Padang is as you might expect at Padang Padang, whereas the Bali Cliff is down towards Green Bowl – making it an ideal option for the wet season.

With both options expect lots of creature comforts, awesome pools and pumping waves!

Click here to check out some of my favourite Bali Surf Camps and Bali Surf Trips!

Bali Surf Resorts

Want to combine all the creature comforts of a good hotel with world class waves on your doorstep? Well here are some of the best surf resorts in Bali – ideal for surfers with a bit more of a budget or travelling with a partner or family who want somewhere a bit more luxurious to relax!

Komune (Keramas)

Click here for the latest availability and rates

Bombora (Medewi)

Overlooking the reeling left hander of Medewi (one of my favourite surf spots in Bali) Bombora Waveloadge is a surfers delight! With an infinity pool that you can watch the waves from, in house stay and relatively budget friendly rooms it’s ideal for those who want to be based on the beach.

“The Residence” is also the perfect option for honeymooners or small groups/families – with its own private pool (overlooking the waves of course) and amenities.

Check out my full review of Bombora here

Como UMA (Canggu)

If Canggu is where you want to head then look no further than Como UMA. These luxury eco hotel overlooks Old Mans with Echo Reef and Echo Beach less than a 2 minute walk from the doorstep!

The chilled out beach club is also the perfect spot fo a sunset beer and for those just looking to learn to surf the in-house surf school offers lessons and longer surf packages.

Anantara (Impossibles/Uluwatu)

Anantara Hotels are some of the most luxurious I’ve ever stayed at (check out my review of Anantara Dhigu in The Maldives here! ) and their Uluwatu hotel is no exception. Right on the ocean it is actually closest to Impossible surf spot, with Uluwatu a short drive around the corner.

Certainly the bets option for those looking for luxury, but the price tag might be a decider for some!

Uluwatu Surf Villas (Uluwatu)

A firm favourite amongst surfers from around the world Uluwatu Surf Villas is right on one of the best breaks on planet and with an epic setup too.

Bulgari Resort (Uluwatu)

Another Uluwatu option, the Bulagri Resort offers some truly stunning clifftop views from the infinity pool and a range of private pithing the resort. Choose from a one bedroom villa for a romantic getaway through to the 5 bedroom mansion for the ultimate family or group Bali surf trip!

Check out my list of top Bali Surf Hotels here for some more epic options!

Bali surf instructor courses.

If you’re looking at becoming a surf instructor then Bali is an epic spot to complete your training! 

With over 15 years of experience running courses and surf camps in Australia, Mojo Surf have now also launched a Bali surf instructor course too .

Instead of being based out of a single destination it covers Canggu, Red Island (in Java), Nusa Lembongan and also an island getaway to Gili T .

So if you’re looking to explore a bit more of Indonesia at the same time as completing your course it’s another great option to check out, with monthly start dates, year round.

They do also do shorter 4 and 8 week courses, however these don’t include the instructor examinations, but are a great way to progress your surfing skills over a longer period.

Click here for more info and to book your spot

Board Rental & Board Buying (Or Bring Your Own?)

When it comes to buying v renting surfboard in Bali you a lot will come down to how you’re travelling around, your level or surf ability and of course how long you’re spending in Bali!

You can rent a surfboard in Bali relatively cheaply – around 50,000IDR ($5AUD, £2.70, $3.50USD) for a couple of hours so for beginners this is a no brainer and the perfect way to dip in and out when you fancy a paddle.

For more experienced surfers advanced kit can still be rented, but it will be much more expensive and very limited in selection.

Buying boards in Bali can be relatively cheap too, with a brand new board from companies such as Freedom Movement for around 5,000,000IDR ($500AUD, £270, $350USD). However the consensus amongst the surf community is that boards made in Bali aren’t quite as robust and tend to ding (or even snap!) much more easily.

Bringing Your Own

If you’re a serious surfer bringing your own gear is certainly the way to go and there are plenty of surfboard friendly airlines flying into Bali – with the likes of Etihad, Emirates and Qatar being my top pics for luggage allowance and surfboard allowance.

Low cost airlines can be a bit pricey and dodgy once you factor in surfboards – but it’s worth noting that Aussies get a free 15kg surfboard allowance with Air Asia for flights starting or finishing in Oz, which is a pretty solid option!

Board wise there are breaks all over Bali to suit a huge range of boards, so brining your favourite surfboard is going to mean you have the most fun!

For me that usually means the Firewire Mashup or the Firewire Dominator 2 – the Mashup has enough foam for smaller fatter days at spots like Canggu or Medewi, with the Dominator 2 boasting enough performance and speed for bigger, hollower spots like Uluwatu, Keramas and Padang.

The bottom line is if you’re coming to Bali for a serious surf trip, it’s best to bring your own kit!

Check out my surf trip essentials here and get packing!

If you’re wanting to pickup any surf kit whilst you’re in Bali spots like Canggu, Kuta and Uluwatu have a range of big brand surf shops to choose from – including the likes of Ripcurl, Billabong etc.

If you’re on the hunt for some bargains though the surf outlets stores on Sunset Road in Kuta are the place to head – with last years stock going at significantly cheaper prices, so for tees and boardies it’s a greta option!

But if you’re in a hurry or dont want to splurge out on big named brand the crew at Palm Bay Bali are who you need to hit up!

This awesome little surf brand offer a range of gear (including fins, tail pads, leashes, board socks and even sunnies) at great prices – and even better is they’ll deliver it right to your guesthouse/hotel door the same day!

…they can even meet you at the airport so you’ve got everything you need as soon as you land!

Customer service at its finest!

Check out their range of gear here

Custom Board Bags

If you’re on the look out for a new board bag you can get custom board bags made in Bali for a fraction of the price they cost in places like Oz, UK and USA. This is great news if you’ve got a fairly odd shaped board (such as fishes or mini longboards) or are looking to invest in a coffin board bag for your travels.

There are shops all over the island but be warned spots like Canggu are more expensive than the little locals spots or outside major tourist areas.

Personally I get all my board bags made by Oros Board Cover, in between Poppies 1 and Poppies 2 in Kuta. Not only is the owner super friendly and helpful but the bags are extremely well made and he turns them around in around 48 hours!

I got a custom, 6’6, double board bag (you get to pick all the colours and strap styles as well as adding additional pockets if needed) and upgraded it to 20mm padding all around for 900,000IDR ($90AUD, £50, $64USD).

To put this into context the same bag in the UK (non custom) would set you back around £150 – so 3 times the price!

If I’d just wanted to stick to the standard 10mm padding it would’ve been 750,000IDR ($75AUD, £43, $53USD) but when you’re dealing with airline baggage handlers I’d say the upgrade is more than worth it!

I’ve spent 2 years travelling with my last coffin bag from Oros (including the Mentawais , South Africa , Mozambique and Australia) and it’s held up perfectly – with solid straps, zips and padding, so he comes highly recommended.

Drop him a What’s App on +62 819-1650-8424 and he’ll hook you up!

The WSL Corona Bali Protected Surf Comp

No guide to surfing in Bali would be complete without mentioning the yearly WSL stop at Keramas Beach would it?

The worlds top surfers descend on the island to tear apart one one of the best right handers it has to offer – with the likes of Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Gabriel Medina and Filipe Toledo all battling it out to be crowned the winner of the 3rd stop on the world tour.

Hosted by Komune Resort, if you’re in Bali when around mid May when the even window is open it’s well worth heading over and watching it with a cold Bintang in hand!

Surfing Beyond Bali

If you’re looking to continue your Bali surf trip elsewhere in Indonesia there are some epic spots super close by where more incredible waves await and some with heaps less crowds too!

Nusa Lembongan

One of my personal favourites, this gorgeous little island lies just a 30 minute speedboat from Bali. With a lot less crowds and a much more chilled vibe it’s the perfect Bali escape. Spots like Playgrounds (I love this spot!), Lacerations and Shipwrecks offer up some punchy reef breaks, with plenty of barrels to be had on the right swell.

Off the west coast of Bali lies Java – one of the biggest islands in Indonesia and just like Bali the coastline is packed with surf spots. However unlike Bali many of these spots remain incredible uncrowded! So if you put in the time (either a flight across or a long drive + ferry combo) you’ll be in for a treat.

Red Island would be my pick of the bunch, with some super fun beach breaks and total lack of crowds asides from a few friendly local surfers.

Also if you head that way you can also bounce across to G-Land, famed for heavy, reeling barrels – although if the swell is big a much more forgiving spots called Tiger Tracks (a right hander) offers up some long rides too.

Often referred to as “the next Bali”, Lombok is either a short flight, or 4-5 hour ferry away and is littered with pumping surf spots. Kuta Lombok is the main hub, with a variety of guest houses and surf camps catering for those hunting for waves.

The waves here cater for all levels, with some deep reefs which are surprisingly well adapt for beginner surfers.

Spots like Gerupuk, Ekas and Mawi and offer a huge variety of waves for all levels with the famed Desert Point being the crown jewel…for highly experienced surfers only!

The one thing you should know about surfing on Lombok though is many spots are either remote or need to be accessed by a boat ride from the shore – so it’s not as simple as just paddling out. Something to consider for your time and also budget.

Unfortunately the crowds are starting to build here already so get in quick!

The Mentawais

For experienced surfers The Mentawais is the ultimate surfing playground, with more epic surf spots than you care to imagine!  

Situated off the west coast of Sumatra it’s not the easiest place to get to (it’ll be a couple of flights from Bali), but you’ll be rewarded with some of the best waves on the planet and stunning tropical backdrops.

Spots like Bank Vaults and Rifles offer big, open barrels whereas spots like Burger World, Beng Bengs and Good Times offer punchy, yet much more forgiving rides!

Check out my full Mentawais guide for all the info .

Bali Travel Info

Getting to bali.

Getting to Bali is pretty easy and affordable these days – with lots of major carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Qatar offering long haul flights from Europe, Australia and beyond.

If you’re already in Asia (or Australia for that matter!) it’s also worth checking out the likes of Air Asia, Scoot and Jetstar who all offer low cost flights to Bali.

…personally I smash my dates and route into Skyscanner as a good starting point!

When it comes to visas you’re not actually getting a Bali Visa, you’re getting an Indonesian one! For most countries (including UK, Australia and USA) you’ll get a free 30 day visa on arrival – but make sure you double check with your embassy for the most up to date info on this.

It is possible to extend your visa for a stay of up to 60 days via a visa extension – check out this Bali Visa Extension Guide for full details.

NOTE: As of March 2022 the VOA has now returned for limited countries, and there are extra entry requirements regarding CHSE Hotels and PCR tests, so make sure you are up to date with the latest requirements before travelling.

How To Get Around

When it comes to getting around Bali there are a couple of options to choose from – private driver, Grab, local taxi or hiring a scooter.

Private Driver

If you want to go the private driver route (the most convenient and comfortable in my opinion) finding a good Bali driver is a must. Luckily for you my driver (and good friend!) Budah said I can pass his details on – so drop him a Whats App on +62 819-9785-1578 for a reliable and reasonable contact !

If you want to save some cash then Grab is a great budget option (especially Grab Scooter) – simply download the app and enter your route, same same as Uber! The downside on this route for surfers is they wont have racks, so it’s more for short trips or getting between main destinations.

Local taxis I’ve put in here simply to say try and avoid them! Most will rip you off unless you can get them to do it on the meter so beware! They’re especially bad with airport transfer prices, you have been warned!

Hiring A Moped

If you’re in Bali for a while and want the ultimate in flexibility then hiring a moped is something you’ll probably be looking at doing. This can be done directly with most hostels or guesthouses, but there are plenty of rental places all over Bali.

For surfers make sure you ask for one with a rack – which makes it super easy to get to all the breaks! Price wise the day rate is usually around 50,000IDR ($5AUD, £2.70, $3.50USD) but if you rent for a month or more this will easily drop to around 800,000IDR ($80AUD, £44, $55USD), which works out at 26,000IDR per day (just $2.50AUD, £1.40, $1.80USD)

Please please please make sure you wear a helmet and just be aware – traffic in Bali is organised chaos!

Accommodation Costs In Bali

You’ll be stoked to hear that no matter what your style and budget Bali has you catered for when it comes to accommodation – from 5* villas to budget backpacker hostels!

For those who want some comfort and a splash of luxury there is the full range of hotels across Bali. Expect to pay anything from $35USD/£25/$50AUD right through to $100s depending on the location and standard. Check out Booking.com for the biggest range.

If you’re on a bit of a budget and travelling solo hostels are one of the best options to meet some new travel buddies and not smash your wallet. Again there’s a huge range of hostels from as little as $3.5USD/£2.5/$5AUD per night right through to some fancy flashpacker options (like Kos One in Canggu ) which offer a more luxury at around $17USD per night.

Guesthouses

This is my personal recommendation for accommodation in Bali. Not only does this support the locals, but if you’re staying for a week or more this can also be the best option price wise too! And dont think you’ll be slumming it either, most have A/C and a lot also even have pools! Bargain for a monthly rate for long term stays and save even more!

Want to go all out and pimp it up? Travelling as a group? Then renting a villa in Bali is also a solid shout. Prices vary depending on the size of the villa, season and location so you can be paying anything from $105USD per night to $1000’s!

If you’re going the villa option one of the easiest and most convenient ways to find something is going to be Air B n B – use this link to save yourself $38 off your first booking too !

Have you been surfing in Bali?

Any other hints or tips you’d add in, related posts.

REVIEW: McTavish Elveen Mid Length Surfboard

REVIEW: Harley Ingleby Moe – An Epic All Round Midlength?

The Apple Watch Surf Guide: Apple Watch Series 9 & Dawn Patrol App

9 Cheap Surf Travel Destinations – Epic Waves On A Budget!

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

10 comments

Mate what an absolute corka of a piece on all things surfing in Bali . Unreal I have learnt heaps

Tell me , do you have a go to for scooter hire In kuta ? Amd what about a driver around the ulluwatu to Nusa dua who is a local and can take you straight to the spots ?

Thanks mate

Hi Chris – stoked it helped you out! Scooter hire wise you can rent pretty much anywhere on the island. I usually base myself out of Canggu for a chunk of the season so rent from there, but honestly most guesthouses anywhere offer the service. Driver wise I’m assuming you’re looking for a surf guide? Personally I’m not too sure on that, but a lot of driver will know the main spots. Have a sick time out there!

Great Bali guide, hopefully, we can be part of it next year with our Surf Resort in Bingin

Hey Jim! We’re heading back to Bali again later this year and would love to check out your camp and include it. Drop us an email and we’ll sort something out 🙂

Hi, thank you for all those recommendations. I am french and I would like to know if there is any french surf school on the west coast of Bali that you could recommend ? I would like to take some classes with my boyfriend but I rather to have a French instructor to learn … Thanks again !!!

Hi Llolux, stoked to hear you and your boyfriend are heading to Bali for some waves! Unfortunately I dont know any French surf schools off hand 🙁 If you find one though let me know and I’ll add it in!

Hi Chris, after some research, I found Bali Ocean Surf in Double Six on the west coast. Its a french surf school who seems to have pretty good reviews on google and tripadvisor so I am gonna book with them and let you know how it was then. However I am pretty excited to try surfing for the first time and especially in Bali. Hope this is gonna help the other frenchies though 😉

Yeeewwww stoked to hear you found one! Let me know how it goes!

I grew up surfing and surfed Bali (Ulus) when i I was 24 years old in 1986. Some Aussies from Qantas showed me the ropes, great guys. I am now 58 and still surfing every chance i get at La Jolla reef breaks. I see tons of videos on Youtube from SOB, and usually only see locals catching waves. After all these years and about ready to retire. Can a 58 year old, good US surfer get any waves at all, given crowds and youth factor?

Hey Todd – wow what an epic journey! Jealous you got to experience it back then! Wave count wise it really depends on the day, but I’ve still managed to have a few really fun sessions in the last few years recently with smaller crowds, so its certainly possible! Plenty of waves around the area too if you wanted more fun less scrabbling!

• Search Search Search …
• Search Search …

Surf Spots in Bali- The Complete Guide to Surfing in Bali Indonesia

Last updated on January 25th, 2024 at 08:45 am

If you are looking for the best surf spots in Bali, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to Bali, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surf tips, and everything related to surfing in Bali, Indonesia.

* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

About Surfing in Bali, Indonesia

Bali is Indonesia ‘s most famous surf island and definitely the most touristy one. With perfect surf conditions and consistent swells, it gained its reputation as the ultimate place to get barreled. “The Island of the gods”, as some call it, offers some of the best surf breaks in the world. In addition, it provides a unique culture, welcoming people, stunning beaches, world-class diving, a kicking nightlife scene, and ridiculously low prices. For these reasons, Bali became one of the most visited islands in the world. Obviously, everybody wants a piece of this paradise.

As for the surf in Bali, you can’t get any better than that. In fact, you can surf Bali 365 days a year and consistently score fantastic waves. The reason for that is the unique reef shelves surrounding the island and picking up any swell coming from the Indian Ocean. 

The swell that hits the coast of Bali is the same swell that hits the Maldives Islands and West Australia . When this swell meets the reef, it breaks with massive power and perfect shape. From crazy barreling reef breaks to user-friendly beach breaks, there are various surf spots in Bali to suit any surfer. Yes, it can get too crowded, especially during high season, but that’s part of the deal while surfing in Bali. 

After all, riding perfect waves on a beautiful island is pretty much what all surfers dream about. Therefore, a surf trip to Bali is exactly what you need to make this dream come true.

Surf Seasons in Bali

Generally, you can surf Bali on any day of the year and score perfect rides. While being exposed to any swell direction and having such a diverse coastline, there is no such thing as a day without waves in Bali. However, knowing the difference between the 2 major seasons will help you plan your surf trip better.

The dry season lasts from May to October. This is also the tourist high season, so the hotels are packed, and the lineups are ultra crowded. During these months, the big swells hit the shore with great consistency and decent size. In fact, you can find 8 to 15 feet of waves breaking in front of you, especially in July and August. Of course, different beaches pick up the swell differently, but in general, this season is suitable for advanced surfers who can deal with fast barrels and crowded lineups. At this time of year, the West Coast of Bali gets the swell, so beaches that face west, such as Canggu, Uluwatu, and Balangan, perform well. 

In contrast, the wet season in Bali lasts from November to April. This time of the year is the low season, even though it only means 1-3 hours of rain every day. Actually, some surfers prefer to surf in Bali during this season to avoid the crowds. Surfing the low season means riding 2-4 feet waves. This is the worst of Bali, and yet, it is still much better than your home break. During this season, the beaches facing east perform better, especially Keramas.

So, you can always surf in Bali; you just need to choose a suitable beach according to the season. Moreover, you can go between the seasons, in April-May or October-November, and get the best of both seasons.

The Best Surf Spots in Bali, Indonesia

When surfing in Bali, you will have difficulty choosing your favorite surf spot. Since there are so many good ones, the task is not that easy. Therefore, depending on your skill level, swell size, and time of the year, you can find the right break for you. So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in Bali:

Surf Spots on Bali’s West Coast (From May to October):

Kuta is the main tourist beach of Bali, and this break is right in front of it. If you are a beginner, you can hang out at the beach break and practice your skills. However, advanced surfers can paddle further to enjoy the barrels on the outer reef. Since this is the main surf beach in Bali, the crowds are always here in the water.

Since this spot is a bit further northwest from the other spots in Bali, there are fewer people in the lineup. In fact, most tourists don’t even bother making the 2-hour drive from Kuta Beach. Therefore, if you make the effort to come here, you will get an amazingly long left ride (500 Meters on a good day) with only a few surfers next to you. Furthermore, the break at Medewi is relatively soft and slow, so it is suitable for all skill levels.

A bit north of Kuta, you will find Canggu, which provides one of the easiest waves to surf. Yes, it is an inside reef that barrels often, but it opens up quite softly to both sides. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels love to ride the waves on this beach, and it is one of the most popular surf spots in Bali.

Airport Reefs:

Just in front of the airport, you will find these 2 breaks. Luckily, there is one to the left and one to the right, so any surfer can choose his favorite side. The waves are not so long but offer lovely barrels.

This left-hand point break is famous for its high quality. It is long, hollow and has a great wall to practice your maneuvers. The outside reef is only suitable for experienced surfers, but beginners can also have fun on the break.

Not far from Balangan, Dreamland is a great beach for beginners surfing in Bali who don’t want to get hurt. Even though it breaks over a rocky bottom, it opens up gently to both right and left.

Bingin is a spectacular left-hand reef break that suits all skill levels. However, note that there is a big difference between the tides on this beach. For instance, during high tide, beginners can hang out here and enjoy soft and forgiving waves. However, once the tide goes down, it turns into a barrel machine that suits advanced surfers only.

Impossible:

This is an incredible left-hander breaking with perfect shape. In fact, it has several different sections that unite when the swell is big enough. Even though the reef is shallow, it is a super fun wave, especially for goofy footers.

Padang Panang:

Worldwide famous as “The Indonesian Pipeline”, this spot is a pure left-hand barrel. On a good day, you can spend almost the entire ride under the shade of the barrel. It is fast, short, and super popular. If you want a good picture inside the tube, that’s the place to be. Moreover, closer to the shore, there is a beginner spot called “Baby Padang”.

This break is world-famous for its top-quality waves. It breaks in front of a beautiful cave and produces long left rides with some barreling sections. This spot is a must for any advanced surfer who comes to surf in Bali.

Surf Spots on Bali’s East Coast (From November to April):

This is definitely the best surf spot on Bali’s East Coast. Therefore, those who come to surf in Bali during the wet season usually hang out here. It is a right-hand reef break with barreling sections, suitable for advanced surfers. Also, Keramas is extremely consistent and performs well at any tide. Just be aware of the shallow reef during low tide.

This spot requires a big wet season’s swell to work. However, once such swell hits, you will get massive right-hand barrels and long rides. Here too, you better be aware of the coral reef.

This beach works excellent during the wet season. Actually, you can find here several different peaks opening up to both right and left, as well as some barreling sections.

A right-hand reef break on the East Coast. This break picks up a lot of swells and offers long rides with heavy barrels. Due to its distance from shore, prepare for some long paddle to get to the peak.

To clarify, there are many more surf spots in Bali than those mentioned here. Obviously, it is impossible to write about them all. Therefore, if you come to surf in Bali and have some adventurous spirit, explore the coastline on your own. You will probably get rewarded big time and surf perfect breaks with no crowds.

Can Beginners Surf in Bali?

Yes, absolutely!

Spots like Kuta Beach Break and Baby Padang are perfect for beginners. Both offer a soft break over a sandy bottom, and many surf lessons take place on these beaches.

If you are an intermediate or an advanced surfer, though, you will find more challenging waves in Bingin, Uluwatu, and the other surf spots in Bali. In short, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Bali.

Surf Camps in Bali

If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Bali’s surf scene at a surf camp . These are the most recommended ones:

1. Mojosurf.

2. Kima Surf Camp.

3. Wave House Surf School.

4. Endless Summer Surf Camp.

5. Cari Surf Camp Bali.

6. West Break.

7. Padang Padang Surf Camp.

8. Seaside Tribe.

For all the details about surf camps in Bali, please click here .

Surf Hotels in Bali

When coming to surf in Bali, you want to make sure you stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the best spots. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels on the island:

1. Flower Bud Bungalow Balangan – Built entirely with raw and natural materials, like bamboo and wicker, Flower Bud Bungalow blends harmoniously with its tropical surroundings. It features a 12 m outdoor swimming pool and spa treatments.

2. Bima Sakti Homestay Echo Beach Canggu – Offering a terrace and hot spring bath, Bima Sakti Homestay Echo Beach Canggu is situated in Echo Beach in Canggu, 6 km from Tanah Lot Temple. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.

3. MAMAKA by Ovolo – Located in Kuta, a few steps away from Kuta Beach and 500 m from Beachwalk Mall, MAMAKA by Ovolo provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a rooftop pool with beach views, and 24-hour fitness center. Popular points of interest nearby include Discovery Shopping Mall, Waterbom Bali, and Dewa Ruci Roundabout. The urban accommodation offers free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and room service for guests.

For more surf hotels in Bali, check out the best deals on Booking.com .

Nightlife in Bali

Besides incredible waves, Bali also offers a wild nightlife scene. Actually, Bali is one of the best party destinations in the world. Since young travelers and surfers come here from all over the world, there is something to do every night of the week. From low-key bars to beach parties and kicking nightclubs, Bali has it all. Despite being a part of a Muslim country, the rules in Bali are different due to tourism. Sure, drugs are illegal, and you do need to respect the local culture, but other than that, the party is always on.

The main party town in Bali is Kuta. This is where you will find most of the bars, clubs, and young crowds. However, Canggu, Sanur, and Seminyak also started to develop some night scenes of their own, even though it is more relaxed. Therefore, if you consider yourself a night person, you will definitely love Bali.

Bali- Travel Information

Language- Indonesian.

Population- about 4.5 million.

Currency- Indonesian rupiah.

Calling code- +62.

Time zone- GMT +7.

Pros- perfect waves, warm water, fascinating culture.

Cons- over-touristy and crowded. 

Conclusion- A Final Thought

To sum up, surfing in Bali is the best you can get as a surfer. This beautiful island offers spectacular nature, perfect waves, and a fascinating culture.

We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to Bali. Have a great surf trip!

Before you go, for more surf destinations in Indonesia, check out the Mentawai Islands , which also offers epic surf.

Hi, my name is Matt. I am a surfer, a diver, a traveler, and a true ocean lover. After surfing in so many countries, I founded Reef Break to share my passion with other surfers and help them plan their surf trips better. If you have any questions or ideas to share, I would love to hear them, so please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

View all posts

You may also like

Surf Spots in the Maldives- The Best Guide to Surfing in the Maldives

Last updated on December 3rd, 2023 at 10:34 am If you are looking for the best surf spots in the Maldives, you […]

Surf Arugam Bay- The Complete Guide to Surfing in Arugam Bay

Last updated on January 18th, 2024 at 04:49 pm If you plan to surf in Arugam Bay, you came to the right […]

The Best Surf Camps in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Last updated on December 27th, 2023 at 06:14 pm If you are looking for a surf camp in Arugam Bay, you came […]

Surf Spots in Indonesia- The Complete Guide to Surfing in Indonesia

Last updated on December 6th, 2023 at 01:23 pm If you are looking for the best surf spots in Indonesia, you came […]

The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Indonesia

Surfing in Indonesia – reads like a dream? This land hosts the epic Isle of the Gods and the upcoming Ments. There’s so much to get through and surfers from all over a enchanted.

An introduction to surfing in Indonesia

Surfing in Indonesia is one of those top-of-the-list sorta’ things. The country just has SO much to get through for the wave hunter that it borders on the nigh on ridiculous. Locations like Bali and Lombok are now well trodden. As are the likes of G-land over in Java . They’ve adorned the covers of surf mags since at least the 70s, with pictures of double overheads and perfect barrels of glistening Indian Ocean water. Today, these remain the mainstays of the country, and – Bali especially – now caters to all levels of surfer, from total beginner to WSL pro.

But to stick to the tried-and-tested spots when it comes to surfing in Indonesia sort of misses the point. The country has more than 17,000 islands. Yep, 17k! They are all potential surf havens, especially the ones that enjoy any touch of exposure to the Indian Ocean (a veritable factory for groundswells come the dry season months). Just glance at the map folks. Anywhere from the edge of Sumatra near Malaysia to the distant coast of West Timor is in play, with a hodgepodge in between.

Wave wise, there’s loads to get through. However, the west-south orientation of shoreline that picks up Indian Ocean swell means that Indonesia is primarily a land of left handers. Most are powered by the abundance of jagged volcanic reef, so lots are no joke at all. But there are nice beach breaks in the mix to boot. The hardest part will probably be getting around. Remoteness brings challenges, folks!

We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!

This guide is a part of our larger ultimate guide to surfing in Asia

Surfing in Indonesia at a glance

• Bali – an island of epic left handers
• The Mentawai chain – perfect breaks with hardly a lineup in sight
• Long, long swell seasons (AKA it doesn’t stop here!)
• Some surf areas are hard to reach
• Busy spots (mainly Bali and Lombok)

What will I find in this guide to surfing in Indo?

The top surf destinations in indonesia.

Surfing in Indonesia takes you across a whole archipelago country of such epic proportions that any truly comprehensive guide to all the spots within would take up tomes that would make even Tolstoy blush. The truth is prowling the islands for the next gnarly point break or left is kinda’ half the fun, as only small portions of the country have been cased out properly – Bali, Lombok. There’s still loads of unchartered surf territory, along with more barrels than you can shake a Indonesian gado gado at. Let’s go…

Mentawai Islands

The Mentawai Islands, or The Ments, as they’ve become known to the now-global surf community, are a string of about 70 islets that sit just under 100 miles off the coast of Sumatra.

The location is an absolute gift, because all that SW-S swell that blesses Bali and other spots for surfing in Indonesia comes in here like clockwork throughout the dry season.

It meets a series of jagged reefs and point break to throw up all sorts of surf – points, A-frames, lefts, rights. The remoteness of the archipelago, coupled with the sheer abundance of surf sports means that this one is now riding high as one of the most sought-after wave hotspots in Asia.

It’s hard to know where to begin trying to pick out the best of the Ments. There’s the epic left hand rifles of hardcore Maccas, one of the best lefts on Earth. There are the guaranteed barrels at The Hole. Oh, and you find more forgiving reefies at Nipussi and Lances.

Mentawai used to be the mecca of boat charter surf trips but there have been some new appearances in the last five years in the form of very cool on-land surf camps .

Check out our complete guide to surfing in the Mentawai Islands right now

Bali is numero uno on most surfer’s lists of places to go in Indo. That’s understandable. The island has carved out a place in the annals of surf history like few islands on earth. It’s like Asia’s answer to Oahu, only with Hindu temples and satay chicken on the side. If we had to pin it down, we’d say Bali excels in the world of the pristine left-hander reef. There are about four of those on the western side of the Bukit Peninsula that are world class. Like, seriously, world class. Ever heard of Uluwatu? Padang Padang?

But that’s not all Bali has to offer. This isle is a bona fide surf mecca because of quantity and quality. The waves of Kuta , for example, have given many a backpacker their first intro into the sport, while the coastline north of Balian and Soka is still being discovered.

Bali is bursting with surf camps. Of course it is! Our advice? Don’t just rush ahead and book. Not all the camps here are the quality surf trips they say they are. We’ve got the lowdown on the best Bali surf camps for the coming season right here.

Check out our complete guide to surfing in Bali right now

Lombok sits just over the strait from Bali. It used to be touted as the same thing but 20 years past. We’ve seen some hefty development here in the last decade, though, and it can seem like every time we get back there there’s a whole load of new-fangled hotels and resorts. It’s still WAY more empty than Bali, though, and has some spectacular surf breaks for those willing to work for them.

Yep, we’d say this is the home of the surf boating trip. The whole south coast here picks up direct swell from both SE and SW, making it a whole different workhorse to Bali’s more sculpted breaks. That fuels everything from Desert Point in the west to the remote breaks of Ekas Bay. For good intermediates and expert surfers, this really is heaven. Beginners have one or two spots to pick from too.

There’s no doubt that the best place to base yourself is the now-established surf town of Kuta Lombok . That’s home to many of the finest surf camps in the region (and, in our humble opinion) in the whole of Indo besides, and a great place to access the rest of the south coast by bus and boat.

We’ve got a full guide to surfing in Lombok

Sumbawa is the next island over from Bali and Lombok. So, it follows that it should have good surf, right? Right! The places you’re looking for are the parts of the strangely-shaped island that get exposure to the open Indian Ocean, like Bukit before it. *Quick glance at the map* They’re on offer on the far west coast facing the straight with Lombok and in the far southeast, south of Hu’u and Madawa.

Without spoiling too much, we’ll just say that there’s some serious quality in Sumbawa. East coast options include the likes of Lakey Peak, a frothing A-frame that spits you right onto a sectiony left, and nearby Lakey Pipe, a slab of a slab of a left point. Stay west and you can hit breaks like Yo-yos and tropicals, which have great consistency throughout the wet season, too.

Check out our full guide to Sumbawa surfing

The home of sprawling Jakarta and the hippy enclave of Yogyakarta, Java is known for its smoking volcanos, amazing train rides, and its coffee. We’d just add surf to that list, since this is the home of G-Land , that series of left-handers that form off a huge coral shelf; a spot that Kelly Slater likes to rip up without letting anyone know he’s on his way.

That’s just the tip of Java, though. There are other world-class breaks on offer for those willing to do a little legwork in the less-developed south of the island. They come in the form of the uber-long barrel at One Palm Point (if you can handle seeing the reef whiz by underfoot) and the sucky right of Apocalypse (name = deserved!).

The middle of the island’s south coast hosts other, lesser known, surf areas. There are the mellow rights at Pangandaran , for example. Or the series of versatile bays in Pacitan.

Check out our complete guide to the surf in Java right now

If you follow the map of the best places for surfing in Indonesia down from the Ments to the far eastern end of the country, you should notice a bean-shaped island hanging right there in the Indian Ocean swell channels. Curiosity got the better of you? Well…that’s Sumba. It’s only just coming onto the mainstream surf scene, with one pretty lovely surf camp having just set up shop. The breaks are something else, too. They’re empty, for one. And they offer something for all levels – from Pantai Marosi’s beachies to the faster left-rights of Racetracks.

Check out our complete guide to Sumba surf right now

Rote Island

Matching Java’s G-Land with Rote’s T-Land, this isle has cracking dry-season surf conditions. The main spot is a left hander that rolls perfectly into the Besialu Reef to offer long rides and three different take off zones. It can hold loads of height is unquestionably up there with the longest waves in all of Indo.

Check out our complete guide to surfing Rote Island

Big Nias is right next to the Ments. But, still, fewer people go here. It’s trickier to get to but has right-hand points that are epic, no doubt. We really like this oft-overlooked isle as an option for surf campers, too, since the line ups aren’t busy and there are reef breaks that are suited well to improvers.

Check out our complete guide to surfing in Nias

Best surf camps in Indonesia

If you’re thinking about doing a surf camp in Indonesia then you’re thinking right. There aren’t many better places than this to find your water feet and ride your first wave. And it’s not just for the beginners. There are surf camps in the Metawais that are tailored to pros and advanced surfers too, some even on their own private islands.

Basically, surf camps are a very convenient way to plan a surf adventure. They usually cost a little more than conventional hotels (but not always) but cut out all the hassle so that you can focus on practicing your bottom turns and whatnot. Most involve daily surf sessions and surf lessons along with gear rental at the bare minimum.

There are thousands in Indonesia now. We outline what we think are the very best of the bunch in our guide to the best surf camps in Indonesia . Here’s a little taster:

• Rapture Surf Camp Green Bowl (All levels) – An all-rounder of a surf camp on the island of Bali that ticks all the boxes. They have an 8-day package that promises good surf spots around the Bukit. Plus, the lodge itself is real stylish and the pool is to die for.
• The Shadow Mentawai (Advanced) – Seasoned surfers will be licking their lips at the prospect of 10 days of surfing in the Ments’ Playground region. This resort sorts it all for you with a package that includes a stay on a private island.
• Mondo Lifestyle Resort (Beginners) – If you’ve NEVER surfed before then the week-long package offered by Mondo comes very highly rated. It’s casual enough to not put pressure on, you’ll surf the bowly waves of Canggu, and it’s in a gorgeous surf hotel.
• Kura Kura (All levels) – <3 Kura Kura. Just a solid, lovely all-round surf stay with daily sessions that last up to four hours each. They’ll take care of you in south Lombok.

Our pick of the best hotels for surfers in Indo

There are oodles of hotels and surf camps on offer to traveling surfers in Indonesia. It’s essentially a whole subsection of the travel market in its own right. We’ve stayed in some cracking places for wave hunting. We’ve shared a few below…

Dreamsea Bali ($$-$$$)

Dreamsea Bali has one of the finest locations of any surf camp on the Isle of the Gods. It’s right there on the edge of the western Bukit Peninsula, with Padang Padang (a famous left and a beginner right) just in front. It’s also a gorgeous hotel, with boho interiors and rooms with balconies that are scorched yellow and orange at the sunset.

NIHI Sumba ($$$)

My god…if you can afford this…book it. Book it now! Yep, the NIHI Sumba   is something else. It basically guarantee that you’ll have one of Indo’s best left-hand reefs (Occys) all to yourself, since the wave breaks on private beachfront right in front of the resort. You have to register as one of the 10 surfers allowed out there when you book, which means you can rip without the crowds. Oh, and the hotel is downright INCREDIBLEEEE!

Masokut Ebay Surf Camp ($-$$)

Super chilled and affordable, the Masokut Ebay Surf Camp makes scoring the epic waves of the Ments easier than ever. It’s backpacker stuff – no infinity pools and whatnot. But it’s great vibes all round and you get access to some corkers of waves.

Need more inspiration on the hotels front? We have a full guide to the most stunning hotels for surfers in Bali .

Step-by-step guide to planning your surfing in Indonesia trip right now

Step one: Book flights to the surfing in Indonesia…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!

Step two: Book your surf camp Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com . That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.

Step three: Get insurance This is kinda’ important. Not just for surf trips but for any trips. SafetyWing is great for nomad travelers. They offer rolling contracts that cover amateur surfing.

Step four (optional): Rent a car If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.

Step five: Enjoy!

For paying for stuff when you’re traveling – Get a Wise borderless card/account . They charge NOTHING for POS payments in any country and have some of the best FX rates around in our humble opinion.

When to surf in Indonesia

There are really only two season in Indonesia, the dry and the wet. Ask any seasoned surfer and they’ll tell you that the dry season is the holy grail here. It’s got the more frequent groundswells and the best conditions. However, surfing in Indonesia really is an all-year thing. Just you don’t get those heavy Ulu bombs and the like in the wetter season. Let’s take a closer look…

Dry season (April-October)

The Indian Ocean starts pumping out its nigh-on perfect groundswells in the spring and hardly lets up for a second until the late fall. These are what bless all the south-west facing reefs of Indonesia, from the Ments all the way to Sumba. The dry season coincides with less rainfall and north and east winds, which adds glassiness to the water and keeps the barreling spots holding nicely. This is the prime time to surf here and the best for intermediates and experts alike.

Wet season (November-March)

There’s still loads of surfing in Indonesia in the wet season. In fact, we’d give little thought to a Bali surf trip in December, where breaks like the Sanur reefs and Nusa Dua hold well, and Kuta’s long sand pumps for beginners basically nonstop. The main thing to bear in mind is that SW and S swells are less powerful and nowhere near as clean. It’s generally better for beginners and improvers, as there’s a bit of power drawn out of the bigger breaks.

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Surf Trips & Camps in Indonesia

If you're a surfing pro or a total rookie, surf camps in Indonesia are a great way to challenge yourself or learn to surf. With 14 surf adventures and an instructor by your side, you'll be perfecting a pop-up in no time!

14 Surf trips in Indonesia with 2,382 reviews

Bali Intro 9 Days

A really great tour with lots of cultural experiences, I really enjoyed my 9 day Bali intro tour and saw a lot in my stay. We also had the best tour guide I have ever had, Hendri was so helpful and was always on hand if anyone needed help with anything, he was a super fun tour guide. Can’t recommend enough, thank you 😁

• Christmas & New Year

7 Day Island Hopper Learn to Surf Adventure

Had an amazing trip, I learned so much and had such a fun time! Our guide Kajsa made the trip a 10 of 10. Would recommend this tour and guide to all my friends!

Best of Bali

Bali Tour I’ve just recently finished the 12 day tour in Bali with Feel Free Travel and had the absolute best time !! I’d already done a different tour with the company a few days prior to starting this one so had an idea as to what it was like but was so excited to meet a brand new group of people and see a new place. Bali definitely didn’t disappoint and neither did the group and leaders !! I started the tour unfortunately being quite unwell (wasn’t Bali belly) which meant i missed a large chunk of the first half of the trip. That being said even though I was sad I couldn’t join in, the care and comfort both group leaders Gab and Sophia provided was amazing. They helped to assess me each day and suggested a hospital i could visit in Ubud. They arranged a taxi to take me and then later brought my belongings to the hospital where they ensured i gave updates on my health and helped me with anything i needed. I also had a lovely message from Adam, making sure i had everything i required. I’m sure anyone can agree that going to a hospital in a country so far away from home can be so scary, but Gab and Sophia made me feel so at ease and so safe - just like having 2 big sisters !! Once i had recovered they both made sure i was included in the group and activities so that i still had the best time for the remainder of the trip, and believe me, i had an incredible time !! Gilli T was my favourite and getting to surf in Uluwatu on a Bali beach was something to tick off my bucket list !! I highly recommend this tour if you’re wanting to explore Bali, soak up the sun and make lifelong friendships along the way !!

• In-depth Cultural

3 Day Best of Bali Arrival Package

Great package! I was only there for a few nights and wanted to fit a lot in. I wish I could have been able to stay longer and take more surf lessons!! Friendly people and new hostel, so very clean. Really enjoyed and would use this company again.

• Gorilla Trekking
• Island Hopping

Bali & Sumatra Adventure

9 day Island Hopper Learn to Surf Adventure

Island Hopper, Bali. The instructors were great and also just generally nice people. Red Island camp could use some improvements but it's set in paradise so I'd still go back just don't expect 5 star resort. Lembongen was amazing. Don't choose a trip without that stop!

• Health, Spa & Wellness

3 Day Surf Stay and Yoga Canggu Bali

It was very great and i will come back

• Intl. Flights Included
• Sightseeing

Bali, Lombok & Gili: From Sunrise Hike to Surf Paradise (7 destinations)

• Flights included
• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Bali, Lombok & Gili: From Sunrise Hike to Surf Paradise (6 destinations)

4 days Surf and Yoga Retreat in Nusa Lembongan

Met some really inspiring and friendly people.

Mocean Tribe Yoga & Surf Retreat

6 days Surf, Freediving and Yoga Retreat in Nusa Lembongan

4 day Surf, Stay and Yoga Retreat Canggu Bali

2 Day Surf Stay and Yoga Canggu Bali

Regions in indonesia, travel styles.

• 10 Best Surf Travel Companies 2024/2025
• Indonesia Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 2 Weeks Indonesia Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Surfing Indonesia / Everything You Need to Know

If surfing has a Disneyland, it’s undoubtedly Indonesia. Located in the Indian Ocean, to the northwest of Australia, the Indonesian archipelago is arguably the most wave-rich zone in the world, with thousands of quality reef passes, reef points, and even beach breaks sprinkled across its 17,000+ islands.

The boat trip was practically invented in Indo, and surf camps abound. Bali was the original tropical paradise discovery, and has today become “the North Shore of the southern hemisphere.” Surf tourism is a national industry here, and, as typically happens, the backpacker scene followed closely on the heels of the surf pilgrimage to Indonesia.

The country is now a super-popular (and often crowded) tourist destination, but there are still secret spots and feral destinations for those seeking solo adventure. With consistent swells year-round, and wind ranging from dependable trades during the dry season to light/variable during the wet season, Indonesia delivers world-class waves no matter when you visit — you just have to know where to go.

This Guide to Surfing Indonesia is packed with heaps of Indo surf wisdom to help you plan an awesome surf trip to this surfer’s Shangri-la. We’ll cover where to go, different surf regions, the best surf spots, travel information, surf trip costs, where to stay, food, and other helpful info to equip you with all the knowledge you need to make some solid plans.

Table of Contents

Regional Overview

Mentawai Islands

Lombok & Sumbawa

Travel Basics

Indonesia Surf

Indo Surf Map

Top Surf Breaks

Surf Trip Costs Indonesia

Transportation

Where to Stay

Travel Insurance

Surfing indonesia, indo surf regions.

Surfing Bali

The epicenter of the Indonesian surf scene, Bali is as easy as a surf trip gets — politically stable, a colorful and welcoming Hindu culture, and tourist accommodations for every budget and comfort level. And if that’s not enough, there’s always the Bukit Peninsula, home to constant offshores and left-hand reefs like Uluwatu and Padang Padang, which have been the stuff of goofy-footed dreams since the 1970s. Check out our dedicated Guide to Surfing Bali .

Surfing the Mentawai Islands

A chain of islands located off the western coast of Sumatra, the Mentawais were “discovered” in the 1990s, and quickly became the gold standard in surf travel. The luxury boat trip was practically invented in the Ments, and today the islands are home to dozens of charters, numerous land camps, and thousands of visiting surfers each year, all drawn by the allure of perfect barreling waves like HTs, Macaronis, Rifles, Greenbush, and dozens of other legendary surf mag centerfolds.

Surfing Java

At nearly 50,000 square miles, Java is a big island with a ton of surf potential. Numerous camps have sprung up on Java, the most famous of those being the camps that front G-Land. But there are also plenty of opportunities for the feral explorer to strike out on his own, discover a world-class setup, and jungle-camp in front of it for months on end without seeing another surfer.

Surfing Lombok & Sumbawa

A quick hop, skip and jump from Bali are neighboring islands Lombok and Sumbawa, which are easy strike trips from Kuta and the Bukit (although they are both worth posting up for a time as well). Lombok is home to Desert Point, arguably one of the best and longest barrels in the world, while Sumbawa houses Indonesian staples like Lakey Peak, Supersuck, Periscopes, and Scar Reef.

Surfing West Timor

Indonesia’s forgotten zone, West Timor sits far to the east and has more in common geographically with Western Australian than the rest of Indo. Desert landscapes, less crowding in the lineup, sapphire blue water, and user-friendly lineups like the rippable left at T-Land are the region’s normal fare.

INDONESIA TRAVEL BASICS

WEATHER: Indonesia is a huge country with thousands of islands covering a large swath of the Indian Ocean, so the weather tends to vary from one location to another. That being said, average temperatures in most areas hover around 80 F (27 C) all year, with water temps in the same range. The dry season (May through September) sees consistent trade winds from the east/southeast, while the wet season (October through April) sees more variable wind patterns (although it is important to note that local weather can vary drastically from island to island). Swells are more consistent during the dry season, but its possible to score waves just about any time of year.

CURRENCY: The local currency is the Indonesian rupiah, although larger resorts in large tourist areas will occasionally accept US and Australian dollars.

STAYING CONNECTED: Internet connectivity varies throughout the country. Heavily touristed areas such as Bali have Wi-Fi everywhere—often for free—while feral outposts on outer islands will be completely off the grid. There are numerous cell providers in Indonesia, including Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat. With a local SIM card, it is pretty easy to stay connected, especially with today’s modern smartphones that often offer hotspot technology.

LANGUAGE: Although Bahasa Indonesian is the official language, Indonesia is a large and varied country, and has more than 300 spoken dialects and native languages in total. As with most places, the locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak the language, even if you end up butchering half of the things you try to say. Here are a few handy phrases to help you get around:

• Good morning: Selamat pagi
• Good day: Selamat siang
• Good afternoon: Selamat sore
• Good evening: Selamat malam
• Goodbye: Selamat tinggal
• Please: Silahkan
• Thank you: Terima kasih

GOOD TO KNOW/LOCAL INSIGHTS:

• While the normal custom for greeting someone in Indonesia is a handshake, the Indonesian handshake is much lighter (a slight, gentle touch) compared to the firm handshake of the West.
• Indonesia is predominantly a Muslim country (although the island of Bali is predominantly Hindu). The country is accustomed to tourism, however, so Western clothing and swimming attire are accepted in most tourist areas.
• Drug use is strictly forbidden in Indonesia, with drug traffickers often executed or imprisoned for life. While illegal substances of virtually every type are available in tourist areas, it is best to keep your nose clean while in Indonesia, as the prisons aren’t exactly known for being comfortable.
• There has been a recent push by the government to outlaw alcohol in the country. While this has not been successful (and will likely never happen, due to the fact that the country’s economy relies heavily on tourism), keep in mind that this is a Muslim country, and many smaller villages will be dry.
• Indonesia sits squarely on the Ring of Fire, and is in a seismic and volcanic hotspot. Eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis are a way of life here, and visitors should be aware of the dangers. The infamous Krakatoa volcano is located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, and on Bali, Mount Agung and Mount Sinabung recently erupted, displacing thousands of local inhabitants and closing Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar for a short time.

SURFING INDONESIA

TYPES OF SURF BREAKS: The majority of the waves in Indonesia break over coral reefs, although there are some volcanic reefs and beach breaks as well. Waves range from user-friendly/high-performance to dredging barrels.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: While the waves in Indonesia range from beginner to expert, the majority of the best-known waves are in the intermediate+ category, with powerful barrels and sharp, shallow reefs.

Epic surf trips made easy.

Explore luxury done-for-you surf vacations with Lush Palm Private Retreats.

SEASON AND SWELL INFO: The dry season runs from May through September, and enjoys consistent E/SE trade winds and frequent south swells. The wet season, which extends from October through April, sees more light/variable wind conditions, and less frequent south swells (although the waves are still relatively consistent).

CROWDS: Indonesia is one of the most popular surf destinations in the world, and can be extremely crowded, especially during the high season and in the more popular regions. The waves in Bali are typically very crowded, as are the marquee spots on most of the nearby islands (such as Lombok and Sumbawa). Most quality waves in the country have surf camps or charter boats servicing them, which tend to pack in the surfers (although it is possible to score relatively empty sessions if your boat captain has good local knowledge). That being said, the country is so large and has so much surfable coastline that it is very possible for the feral surfer to enjoy waves alone, if you are willing to do some searching and endure a bit of hardship.

WATER TEMP BY SEASON: The water in Indonesia is quite warm, with little change in temps between the wet and dry seasons. Surfers typically need little more than board shorts/bikinis, and some sun protection up top. Bali and the nearby islands range from 80-84 F (27-29 C), while the Mentawais are consistently around 80 F (27 C). G-Land in Java ranges from 77-86 degrees F (25-30 C), while West Timor ranges from 80-88 F (27-31 C).

GETTING TO THE SURF: Access to the surf ranges from easy drive-up-and-paddle-out spots to boat-access-only reef passes. Many waves have surf camps and resorts built right in front of them, making this one of the easiest surf zones in the world, in terms of logistics.

INDO SURF MAP

TOP SURF BREAKS IN INDONESIA

ULUWATU on the Bukit Peninsula is the original Indonesian dream wave—a long, rippable left-hand wall breaking in front of limestone cliffs that was immortalized in the seminal film Morning of the Earth. While not Indonesia’s heaviest or hollowest wave, Uluwatu does have barreling sections, and the Outside Corner section can turn into one of the country’s only legitimate big wave spots during huge swells. Uluwatu can be quite crowded, but typically picks up more swell than any other spot on Bali. Get the lowdown on surfing Uluwatu .

PADANG PADANG is also on the Bukit, and is arguably Bali’s best barrel. Only working on large SW swells with mid tides, Padang Padang is a challenging, dangerous, expert-only left-hand barrel that many refer to as the “Balinese Pipeline.”

HOLLOW TREES (HTs)  • The wave that put the Mentawais on the map, and one of the best right-hand barrels in a country best known for lefts. HTs (also known as Lance’s Right, after the feral Aussie surfer who discovered it) is a heavy, perfect barrel from head high to double overhead, breaking over shallow reef that gets even shallower on the inside Surgeon’s Table section. Often crowded due to its popularity with luxury boat tours and a nearby land camp, HTs needs a large SW swell and NE to E wind to really turn on. One of the most photographed and filmed waves in the world over the past two decades, HTs has starred in films such as September Sessions and …Lost at Sea.

KANDUI  • The hairball star of the Playgrounds region of the Mentawais, Kandui is a shallow, heavy, barely makeable left-hander serviced by Kandui Villas and Kandui Resort. First revealed during a specialty boat trip/surf contest, Kandui (which was originally called “Nokandui” due to its challenging speed) is one of the best and heaviest barrels in the Mentawais.

DESERT POINT • When people think of surfing in Lombok, they think of one wave—Desert Point. Arguably one of the best waves in the world, Desert Point is a rare, heavy, shallow, left-hand barrel that grows the farther down the line it grinds. Tube rides in excess of 15 seconds have been logged here, but the wave is notoriously crowded, and only breaks on a huge SW swell at low tide (it actually goes flat sometimes at high tide, despite a pumping swell!).

G-LAND • Unquestionably the most famous (and most crowded) wave in Java, G-Land is an impossibly long and sometimes perfect left-hand reef point in the Grajagan Bay/Plengkung National Forest region. The immense lava-based reef bends through various sections, including Kong’s, Moneytrees, Launching Pads, Speed Reef, and Chickens, all of which thrive at different sizes and provide different experiences (ranging from playful to perfect to downright frightening).

G-Land enjoys consistent offshore trade winds throughout the dry season, typically kicking in at around 9:00 a.m. each morning. G-Land’s history is almost as impressive as the actual wave, with its discovery being one of surfing’s great exploratory legends. The world’s first surf camp was started here in the late 1970s by Mike Boyum, and the wave served as a stop on the world tour in the 1990s.

LAKEY PEAK • A quick flight or ferry ride from Bali gets you to Sumbawa, home of the infamous Lakey Peak. A powerful left and right A-frame peak that gets notoriously crowded, Lakey is rippable, hollow, and one of the most consistent waves on the island—although it does tend to blow out each afternoon.

T-LAND • The best and best-known wave on Rote in West Timor, T-Land got its name as a tribute to G-Land, although T-Land is a much mellower and more user-friendly left-hand reef point. Breaking through four sections (the Point, the Steeple, Magic Mountain and Inner Tubes), T-Land is typically a long, fast, steepish wall fun for turns, with the occasional high-line almond barrel section.

LAGUNDRI BAY • A perfect right-hand reef located on the island of Nias just off the coast of Sumatra, Lagundri Bay has long been considered one of the best tropical rights in the world, but it got even better after an earthquake lifted the reef in 2005. The reef got shallower, the wave got hollower, and, 40 years after its discovery, Lagundri Bay is still one of the best waves in the world.

SURF TRIP COSTS IN INDONESIA

The options in Indonesia are endless, ranging from fully-catered luxury surf resorts and liveaboards costing upwards of $400 per night to self-catered, hostel-based or feral surf adventures that cost around $20-30 per day. Domestic flights between the islands are relatively affordable, ferry services are available between many islands, and accommodation options are endless.

Depending on where you are going and what level of luxury and service you are looking for, expect to spend between $30-$500 per night, taking into account accommodation, meals, transportation and surf guides.

TRANSPORTATION

Indonesia has a booming surf tourism industry, so most known waves have local services and logistics set up, ranging from taxis and land transfers to boat transfers and liveaboards. Those looking to be self-supported and operate on a budget typically rent or buy motorbikes, which they outfit with board racks.

WHERE TO STAY

Indonesia offers a wide variety of options and price points when it comes to places to stay. You’ll find everything from $12 a night hostels to $1,000 a night 5-star hotels. Generally speaking, your money goes a long way and there’s an abundance of options for all budgets. From bare-bones hostels to boutique hotels, surf camps , to all-inclusive surf resorts and everything in between.

Bali has an almost overwhelming amount of accommodations so you’ll have a wide range of choices. In less developed islands there are fewer options, and typically the more remote you get (i.e. the Mentawais) the more expensive it gets.

Here are a handful of recommendations for every budget (prices in USD):

BUDGET • up to $100 per night

MID-RANGE • $100 – $300 per night

LUXURY • $300+ per night

The food in Indonesia has become the stuff of legend amongst traveling surfers and backpackers—it’s almost a badge of honor to wear a Bintang shirt or know what nasi goreng is (fried rice). The local fare includes a lot of rice, meat, and noodle dishes, and popular options include satay (skewered meat served with a tasty sauce), gado-gado (a salad-like dish with boiled veggies, hard-boiled eggs, potato, tofu, lontong [rice cake], and peanut sauce), mie goreng (fried noodles), and various fish and seafood dishes.

In the most developed parts of Indonesia and especially Bali, there are really fantastic restaurants with every kind of cuisine you could ask for. Canggu , Ubud, and the Bukit Peninsula are especially full of impressive and delicious spots serving up everything from vegan dishes to Mexican food.

• A cheap local restaurant or street food will cost about 25,000 rupiah for a basic meal of nasi goreng ($1.75 USD).
• A mid-range restaurant will cost around 75,000 rupiah for a meal ($5 USD), and could include a breakfast of eggs, pancakes, fruit, and juice/tea/coffee.
• A high-end restaurant will cost you between 150,000 and 300,000 rupiah for a meal ($10 – $20 USD), depending on how fancy you decide to go.
• A local beer costs around 30,000 rupiah ($2.50 USD), and imported beer around 50,000 rupiah ($3.50), although you can find cheaper swill (such as the harsh, local arak, made from fermented coconut palm tree sap).
• An 11-oz bottle of water costs around 3,500 rupiah (around $0.25 USD) and is a good idea if you want to avoid the dreaded Bali Belly. That being said, there’s a huge problem with plastic pollution in Indonesia (and the world), so in the effort to cut down on waste, many places to stay are offering filtered water. Follow suit and bring a water bottle on your trip you can refill.

While we’d all rather not think about getting injured, there are too many cases of people who didn’t think about insurance and get nailed with crazy medical bills after the matter.

That being the case, many hotels and surf properties actually require that you have approved travel insurance in case of a serious inquiry or trip cancellation, especially in the wake of COVID.

You know the deal—better safe than sorry. We recommend  battleface  or  World Nomads Insurance . Both companies offer very comprehensive travel insurance and cover heaps of activities, including surfing and ocean sports. You can easily check them out and get a fast quote below.

Get a battleface Insurance Quote >>

Get a World Nomads Insurance Quote >>

Whether you’re surfing the well-known breaks of Bali or venturing to remote islands, there’s no shortage of epic waves in Indonesia. We hope this guide will help you find the waves of your Indonesia surfing dreams. Yew!

For more info on surf tripping in Bali, check out our Guide to Surfing Bali , Surfing Uluwatu , and Local’s Guide to  Canggu .

Have any questions about surfing Indonesia?

Let us know in the comments below, you may also like.

Puerto Escondido Surf & Travel Guide / Where to Surf, Stay, & Play

Tahiti Surf & Travel Guide / A Local’s Guide to the Island of Tahiti

Maldives Surf & Travel Guide / Plan Your Surf Trip to Paradise

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

5 thoughts on “Surfing Indonesia / Everything You Need to Know”

The Mentawai Islands are known for their untouched natural beauty. Picture-perfect beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush tropical rainforests, and breathtaking sunsets create a stunning backdrop for your surf sessions.

I am examining retirement in Lombok for a few years and learned to surf years ago in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Santa Barbara, CA. I will be a young 72 when I retire but I am planning a boogie board exploration trip this spring. Where do you suggest I go as coral reefs and points obviously won’t work for me any more than the Wedge in Newport when it gets big. Thanks, Gary Godges

Hi Gary, sorry but unfortunately we don’t have any specific recommendations for you at this time. Please visit our growing collection of recommended places to stay here . Hope you find the perfect place your retirement!

Hi! I would like to travel to Indonesia in May to learn surfing. I’d travel alone and I’d stay a month or more.. which spot do you reccomend me for my beginner level? Any package or suggestion to spend my month there about surf lessons and place to stay? Many thank!

Hi Rossana, thanks for getting in touch! Please submit a Surf Trip Inquiry here for help with planning and booking your awesome adventure, we look forward to hearing from you! Cheers

We send rad emails.

Sign up for surf travel deals, cool surf gear, and good vibes.

Want to go on amazing surf trips?

Sign up for our emails and get $100 off your first Lush Palm Surf Retreat.

A surfer rides a wave in Bali, Indonesia.

• ULTIMATE ADVENTURE BUCKET LIST

Surf the Waves in Bali, Indonesia

There are still hidden gems at this popular surfing destination.

There is a reason why surfers flock to Bali, Indonesia , in the winter. "The swells are really clean most of the time because they travel so far from South Africa to get there," Navarro says. "The waves just break perfect." And there are plenty of them. Bali has dozens of surf breaks, varying from mellow waves to big barrels.

Padang Padang and Uluwatu are some of the better known hot spots, but the southern coasts of the island are littered with great finds. The best advice? Just go looking. That’s good advice for the rest of the island, too, which is far more than a beach destination. Post-surf, visitors find an abundance of beauty in the colorfully dressed Balinese, the mellow pace of life, and the touching offerings of flower petals that brighten houses and temples everywhere.

Plan This Trip: There are many guides and surf camps in Bali, including Padang Padang Surf Camp .

Chilean Ramon Navarro has surfed big waves all over the world, from Todos Santos, Mexico, to Indonesia. But he is perhaps best known for catching one of the world’s most perfect barrel waves—a 15-footer—in June 2012 at Fiji’s Cloudbreak. His other laudable claim to fame: a commitment to conservation. He helped stop a sewage pipe from destroying the water quality of the bay of his birthplace, Punta de Lobos. Now, he’s working to turn a stretch of Chilean coastline into a national park to protect it from development.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

FREE BONUS ISSUE

Related topics, you may also like.

10 of the best hotels in Bali, Indonesia's spiritual island heartland

The essential guide to visiting San Diego

Hiking, surf culture and island life in southeast Tahiti

12 of the best family adventures in the UK

How to get active in the Maldives, from surfing to diving

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet
• History & Culture

History & Culture

• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• GIFT VOUCHERS
• GIVING BACK
• POLICIES + LEGAL

• Ten nights of surf, culture and adventure in a tropical paradise
• Expert coaching for all abilities – Beginner, Progressor and Intermediate
• Boutique accommodation by the ocean
• Snorkelling, island-hopping, monkey temples…and more!

Raise your surfing game in the bucket list destination that is Bali. You’ll get heaps of expert coaching on the water, plus local knowledge and waves for all abilities. Away from the surf, our two Adventure Days are packed with everything from snorkelling at Nusa Lembongan to meeting cheeky monkeys and visiting temples. Awesome surfing, culture and adventure… our Bali trip has it all.

QUICK FACTS

• Waves to suit all abilities
• Tropical climate, consistent swell, water temperature 28°C
• Includes video & photography package for you to take home
• Local knowledge = great waves + fast progression
• Some of the world’s most beautiful beaches
• Once-in-a-lifetime memories that build lasting friendships
• Years of experience means no rookie mistakes that all surfers make on their first trips
• A haven for foodies, from Michelin stars to 50p Nasi Goreng
• Fully insured with contingency and emergency plans for any eventuality
• Adventure days including a Nusa Lembongan snorkel trip + shopping at the coolest places
• Bali, the Land of the Gods, is Indonesia’s spiritual centre
• 03 Mar-13 Mar 12:00 am to 12:00 am Bali 2025
• WHAT TO EXPECT

ACCOMMODATION

Keen to step up your surf skills and also explore Bali’s epic underwater landscapes, wildlife and culture? Then this trip is for you. Over ten days, you’ll progress your surfing and embrace the spiritual and adventurous side of this small volcanic island. Surrounded by like-minded women, you’ll learn new techniques and have an awesome time together.

We’ll take care of everything both on and off the water, so you can focus on catching waves and soaking up everything Bali has to offer. Our expert coaching will see your surfing soar. We have local knowledge of the area, meaning we can find uncrowded waves suitable for surfers of all abilities – Beginner, Progressor and Intermediate.

We have also included two surf-free days that are packed with adventures to tick your Bali bucket list. You’ll travel by boat to the tranquil island of Nusa Lembongan and snorkel in pristine water teeming with colourful tropical fish and shimmering coral reefs. In Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital, you’ll meet cheeky macaques in the Monkey Forest and at Uluwatu, a beautiful Hindu temple located on a clifftop above the sea. There’s also plenty of time to take in Bali’s lush rice terraces, watch epic sunsets and, of course, eat delicious food.

Bali is home to some of the best waves on the planet, so it’s naturally become a must-visit destination for surfers. Our Bali instructor team knows all the best places to find learner and developer waves, like Balangan on the Bukit Peninsula. Consistent swell, bath-warm water and our video team capturing your rides mean you’ll see huge improvements in your surfing during this trip.

Accommodation on this trip is a cut above, too. We’ve picked a gorgeous camp on the Bukit Peninsula on Bali’s southern coast. Comprising ten individual bungalows, it has a super-cool and modern vibe with pared-down decor, an open-air yoga shala, tranquil infinity pools and big ocean views. Keep your body and mind ready for the waves with surf-inspired stretch sessions, cool off in the infinity pool and share stories of your best rides over an alfresco dinner. At the end of each day, you’ll feel surfed-out, blissed-out and energised all at the same time.

WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?

This trip is suitable for surfers of all abilities with a good level of fitness – Beginners, Progressors and Intermediates. If you’re a Beginner, we’ll get you up and riding in no time. Progressor Surfers will learn how to confidently paddle out back and catch green waves. Intermediate Surfers who are comfortably surfing out back beyond the breaking waves and consistently catching green waves will learn all the tricks and techniques: bottom and top turns, trimming and pumping, carves and cutbacks, angled and steeper take-offs, generating speed from your bottom turn and working on your confidence for catching bigger waves. Whatever your level, we’ll help you to develop your surfing skills and increase your ocean awareness – all whilst having heaps of fun! Come prepared to seriously step up your surfing!

AIRPORT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE MEETINGS AND TRANSFERS

• You’ll be greeted at airport arrivals by a member of our transport team at 3 pm and whisked away to our base for the week (around a 40-minute journey from Denpasar International Airport).
• After a surf-stoked ten nights, we’ll drop you back at the airport in good time for a stress-free check-in.

Please note if you are not able to join our airport transfer at 3 pm there will be an additional cost of $60 each way for your airport transfer. Our transfer back to the airport is at 11 am on the last morning of the trip, this is when the trip will officially end.

• Ten nights of accommodation – see more in our Accommodation tab.
• Six healthy breakfasts and six dinners are included – check out more in our Food tab.
• Please note that food on the two adventure days is not included in the price of the trip.
• Seven days of professional surf coaching delivered by our Bali instructor team. Plus tips from your Women + Waves trip leader.
• A Women + Waves surfing log book to track your progress and accelerate your improvements.
• Small group ensures you get personalised one-to-one coaching.
• We’ll help you find the waves that suit your objectives discussed in the pre-trip video call.
• We use the best Balinese surf instructors (male) led by our Women + Waves head coach and trip leader (female).

SURF SKILLS WORKSHOPS

Some of our workshops will be delivered during your coaching session or our video analysis sessions. We will tailor the workshops to suit your ability.

• A confidence-building workshop with the Women and Waves team, including tips on bodysurfing and breathing techniques and how to surf bigger waves
• Surf forecasting and travel
• Equipment (the right board for you and building a quiver)
• The secrets to duck diving and turtle rolling
• Cross-stepping for those riding bigger boards
• Cutbacks and snaps for shortboarders
• How to gain and maintain speed
• Women + Waves surf-inspired stretches (Pre-session x 2 and post-session x 1)

INTRODUCTION TO SURF SKATING

• Two Surf Skating sessions are included in the trip (all safety kit and surf skateboards are supplied).
• Courtenay, our trip leader, delivers this in a super fun session, we guarantee to have you skating by the end of it.
• Learn this super fun sport which is taking the surf community by storm.
• Surf skating is an invaluable tool to develop the dynamic body movements you require during surfing. It helps you improve your balance, generate speed and navigate through turns.
• Our instructors will deliver a series of drills that enable you to practise toe and heel control, opening your shoulders and using your arms to draw clean lines through your turns.
• These workshops will increase your time spent on a board simulating these manoeuvres.
• Which in turn, will increase your balance, strengthen your muscle memory and increase your rate of progression on a surfboard.

PHOTO & VIDEO ANALYSIS

• You’ll be filmed surfing throughout the trip – watching yourself in action during our video analysis sessions is hands down the fastest way to progress
• You’ll take home an awesome photo and video package of your surf sessions

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• Nusa Lembongan island visit and snorkel tour
• Uluwatu Monkey Temple
• Breakfast at Tarabelle
• Shopping in Canggu
• Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest
• Sunset at Tegalalang Rice Terraces
• Sunset Dinner at Tebasari Resto, Jimbaran Bay

Touch down in Bali! You’re about to spend 10 nights surfing world-class waves with a group of like-minded women – with adventure, culture and beautiful Balinese accommodation all thrown into the mix.

At international arrivals, we’ll pick you up at 3 pm and transfer you to our camp on the Bukit Peninsula, on the south coast. After being shown to your room, there’s time to freshen up before our welcome meeting.

Please arrange your flights to coincide with the following times:

• Arrive in Denpasar between 3:00 pm on the first day of the trip.
• Our transfer back to the airport is at 11:00 on the last morning of the trip.

Many of our guests choose to arrive a day early in order to acclimatise and get over jet lag.

We’ll have dinner together – it’s a chilled evening, a chance to meet the other women on the trip and share the stoke for the days ahead.

Today your surf coaching begins. Wake up in your Balinese bolthole and jump into the ocean for your first surf session. In the afternoon, pick up even more knowledge as we dive into a Surf Workshop and learn about etiquette and ocean awareness.

Today we’ll have a morning surf session on the water. Our video team will film you in action for a video analysis this afternoon. Then we’ll head to the pool for an afternoon workshop focusing on duck dives, turtle rolls and paddling.

Limber up with some surf-inspired stretches this morning, then hit the waves for another on-water session that will be filmed. Our surf theory session will cover forecasting and wave selection.

Ready for an underwater adventure? Today we’ll leave our surfboards and visit the idyllic island of Nusa Lembongan to go snorkelling. We’ll take an early-morning minibus and stop off for brekkie at our favourite cafe on the Bukit Peninsula. Then we’ll take a fast boat to Nusa Lembongan and hop on another boat for the snorkel tour. Strap on a mask and dive beneath the waves – you’ll swim in wild mangroves, over coral reefs and with majestic manta rays. Afterwards, kick back on the beach for some chilled drinks, sunbathing and lunch. We’ll jump back on the boat to Sanur and drive to Jimbaran Bay for a sunset dinner at our favourite seafood cafe, right on the beach. It serves everything from barbecued lobster and freshly caught red snapper to spicy nasi goreng. (Please note, no meals are included in the trip price today).

Start the day with morning surf stretches. Then hit the water for your filmed surf session. In the afternoon, we’ll go through video analysis and dive into the theory of equipment and talk through the best board for you to progress as a surfer.

Today’s on-water coaching will be filmed for video analysis later. Afterwards, it’s time to ease your muscles with a post-surf stretch session.

Your surf session will be filmed for video analysis later. We’ll also have a Q&A session – a chance to have your burning questions answered!

Today is our second Adventure Day. Wake up early for a sunrise walk around Uluwatu Temple – perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, it has a stunning location, plus a whole load of resident macaque monkeys. Got a sweet tooth? We’ll have breakfast at Tarabelle, a cafe specialising in handmade doughnuts and fresh coffee. Next up is the surf village of Canggu, home to loads of great surf and fashion shops. After lunch, we’ll head to Ubud, the art and culture capital of Bali, to visit the Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terraces. After dinner overlooking the rice terraces, we’ll head back to our camp.

Our final day in Bali will be chock-full of surfing. Perfect everything you’ve learnt from your coaches over the past ten days. This final session will be filmed – so bring your best moves! Afterwards, relax with a post-surf stretch sesh. Tonight we’ll celebrate a great trip with a group barbecue at camp. Grab a drink, and watch the sun as it sets on your last night in Bali.

All too soon, it’s time to say goodbye to Bali (for now!) and fly home. We’ll make sure we get you to the airport in good time for your flight.

You’ll be staying at Salty Breeze, a small and elegant retreat on the Bukit Peninsula where you can wake up and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. Overlooking Greenbowls beach, it’s a coastal oasis away from Bali’s tourist trail.

The camp is made up of just ten contemporary bungalows – so there’s a small and friendly feel. Dip into the super sleek infinity pool, stretch your surfing muscles in the yoga studio and watch the sunset over the ocean. Peckish? Tuck into fresh fruit bowls and French toast beneath a thatched roof in the open-air dining area.

Choose from a twin room (sleeping two people) or a private room. Please note, there are limited private rooms available – so be quick to snap one up! Each room has its own individual character, but all have a modern yet simple Balinese style, from the traditional thatch roofs to the natural wood furnishings and indoor-outdoor living. Some rooms have private balconies with plunge pools, others offer shared access to an infinity pool.

Meals are healthy and freshly prepared – you’ll be eating together at long tables surrounded by lush greenery in the open-air dining area. Facilities include two yoga studios, a gym, a communal pool and private infinity pools, a massage room and ping pong tables. The restaurant and bar is open all day (7am until 11pm) and there’s also a pizza oven and barbecue area.

Get ready to progress your surfing to the max. With seven whole days of surf coaching, including daily video analysis, theory sessions and handy tips both on and off the water, you’ll step up your skills and improve your technique fast.

You’ll be in great hands with our Bali instructor team who will deliver the coaching and our Women + Waves trip leader who will offer extra hints. The trip includes seven days of coaching, plus board hire. You’ll also get daily surf theory workshops.

The trip is suitable for all abilities – Beginner, Progressor and Intermediate surfers. And with its consistent swell and tropical warm water, Bali is the ideal place to learn and improve. So, whether you’ve barely touched a board before or are already confidently catching green waves from out back, you’ll take your surfing to a whole new level.

Seeing yourself surf is the best way to improve and gives you a move-by-move breakdown. Plus, you get to take the footage and photos home with you – it’s both a great memento and a valuable coaching tool.

WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE

We’ll be up early to get our surf session in before the onshore trade winds arrive at around 11am. After the surf, we’ll go through video feedback and have an afternoon workshop – then you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to take advantage of all that Bali has to offer.

You’ll have plenty of time to chill out before we meet up for dinner together. We also have two Adventure Days where we’ll explore some of Bali’s highlights, including Nusa Lembongan, Ubud’s Monkey Forest and Uluwatu Temple.

For more details on what each day involves, check out our Itinerary tab.

2025 Pricing

£3465 – single bed in twin shared room  (sharing with another female on the trip), £3680 – private double room.

(Payment plans available, see FAQ’s)

• AREA + WAVES + CLIMATE

Bali is blessed with world-class waves and a tropical climate – no wonder it’s on many surfers’ bucket lists. We’ll be based down south, on the Bukit Peninsula – home to some epic breaks. On the western side of the peninsula, Uluwatu and Padang Padang are the jewels in the crown. To the east, the white sandy beaches of Nusa Dua offer offshore reefs with even more perfect waves.

Our camp is on the very southern tip, overlooking Green Bowl Beach. We’ll travel to our surf spot each day – our Bali instructor team has local knowledge so can find secret spots and waves to suit all levels.

Bali’s west coast is known for having more left-hand breaking waves than the east coast. However, there is a great mix of both rights and lefts. The swell size and direction will dictate each daily surfari.

In previous years, we’ve travelled to the same spot for six days in a row and scored it uncrowded and perfect. On other trips, we’ve visited numerous different spots and ticked off both well-known and under-the-radar waves. Knowing where you need to be at the right time for tides and to beat the crowds is key. It’s this knowledge that our Bali instructor team will be able to share with you – so you’ll have the best surf experience possible.

You can expect warm and sunny weather every day with the odd evening downpour (depending on how quickly the seasons are changing from wet to dry). We hit the road early to score the best waves and benefit from the early morning temperatures.

The sea temperature in Bali is bath-like – it doesn’t drop below 20℃ and usually hovers around 29℃ in spring (when we visit). So you can forget your wetsuit and pack bikinis and boardies for surfing instead. It’s the ultimate way to escape the chilly northern hemisphere weather.

Fresh, healthy and totally delicious, Balinese food allows you to experience the essence of the island on your plate. Hungry? Tuck into everything from tasty nasi campur (Balinese mixed rice) to fresh pineapple and barbecued seafood.

Six healthy breakfasts and dinners are included in the price of the trip. This includes a pizza night and a barbecue night. Breakfast is an all-you-can-eat affair with options that include fresh fruit (pineapple, watermelon, papaya), any-style eggs, banana pancakes and French toast topped with coconut flakes. Vegan options, such as overnight oats made with coconut milk, are also available.

Please note, you’ll have to pay for your lunches and all meals on the two Adventure Days. Please budget around £5 per meal for this.

HOW DO I BOOK AND PAY?

We Offer 3 Easy Ways To Pay!

• Pay In Full  – Pay the full amount in one, that’s it your done! (Available online)
• 50/50  – Pay 50% deposit and the remaining 50% 12 weeks before the trip starts. (Available online)
• Payment Plan – Pay an initial deposit and the rest in instalments!  (Contact us using our online chat for this option)

We can’t guarantee your place until we have received a payment from you.

Once you have made a payment, you’ll then be sent a trip confirmation email with all details on.

Can I attend on my own?

Of course! 95% of our guests attend alone!  We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. You’ll arrive solo and leave with a whole heap of new surf friends for life!

Can I reserve a spot to think about it for a few days?

Due to this trip being in high demand and having limited spaces, we can only hold your space for up to 24 hours without payment.

How do I book my flight?

Read our helpful blog post about booking flights.

I’d like to come on the trip but I can’t attend for the full duration?

You are welcome to attend for a shorter period to suit your personal schedule, however, the package price will remain the same.

How soon should I book?

ASAP! These holidays fill up quickly and, with super limited spaces available, sell out fast. We operate on a first come first serve basis. If you want to secure your place on the trip, it is advised that you pay as soon as you can.

Are the holidays predominantly for young people?

We pride ourselves that Women and Waves is inclusive to all. We have a great mix of all ages and backgrounds.

Can a non-surfing partner stay with me in the accommodation?

If you wish to bring a non-surfing partner with you, that is absolutely fine, however, please be aware that this is a women-only trip, please contact us via our online chat to discuss this.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUDGET FOR THE TRIP?

You’ll have to pay for daily lunch, plus breakfast, lunch and dinner on two Adventure Days. Please budget around £5-£10 per meal for this.

You’ll also need to pay small entry fees for the Uluwatu Temple and Monkey Forest during the Adventure Days (around £5 for all entries for the full day).

What happens if the surf conditions aren’t good enough?

We choose the time of year and location for our events based on local knowledge and historical swell data. In the event of flat waves or stormy conditions, we will offer alternative activities and day trips to help you get the most out of your holiday. Please take a look at our ‘Other things to do’ in the ‘Area, Waves + Climate’ tab. 

We may adjust the format of the trip. For example, choosing to run more surf sessions on the days that the waves are at their best.

Please visit our T&Cs for more information

What are the surf conditions likely to be during my stay?

With decades of experience and knowledge within our team, we pick the best dates when the surf conditions are consistently fun and will be most suitable for the group. We’ll send you a brief predicted forecast in the pre-trip email. We choose Bali at this time of year due to the fun waves and gorgeous weather. The shoulder season is before the famous big swells of the dry season hit. The beautiful long sandy beaches offer peaks for all abilities; the skill is to know which is best on the tide and wind conditions that are on offer. That’s where our local guides are worth their weight in gold. We pride ourselves in having you in the right place for the best waves for your ability each trip. Your morning surfs will be a blissful experience!

Who will be coaching me during the trip?

Our Women + Waves trip leader will be accompanied by local Balinese surf instructors. We use female and male instructors during this trip.

Do I get a discount for bringing my own surfboard or/and wetsuit?

We do not offer a discount for bringing your own equipment.

What is the best way to transport my surfboard and kit?

Remember to check the baggage size and weight allowance with your airline. Read their guidance for carrying surfboards. Baggage handlers can be unforgiving so you need a tough travel bag and pack it well.

Firstly, pack your board(s) in a protective, padded board bag, and write FRAGILE and TOP LOAD ONLY on it with the largest, most permanent marker you can find. Make sure you wrap your towel and clothes around your board inside the bag for added protection.

Place your shampoo and other wet toiletries in a separate sealed bag in case of leakage. We also recommend locking your bag zips with a padlock.

DO I NEED A VISA?

More than 80 nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) when they arrive at the airport in Bali. This is valid for 30 days and costs IDR 500,000 (ca. USD 35). For more information, check Bali’s visa and immigration information page .

Please contact your travel agent or airline if you have any further questions. It’s a good idea to carry copies of your important documents and guidebooks. Pack them separately. We also suggest scanning copies and emailing them to yourself for extra reassurance.

ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS?

If you are under 18 we will need to chat to you on the phone and you will need to be accompanied on the trip by a parent or guardian throughout the holiday (although they don’t need to participate in the surfing). If you are 60 or over we’d love to chat to you about the trip before you book. Get in touch via our online chat.

CAN WE CONTACT YOU IF WE HAVE ANY TRAVEL PROBLEMS?

On the day you travel please keep your mobile phone handy so that we can stay in touch in case of delays and flight changes. Please inform us if you’re early or delayed for any reason.

If you need help to book your flight then just drop us a line.

If you can’t find our representative at the airport, stay there and wait, they won’t be far away having tracked your arrival time. However, if you’re having difficulties finding them, please call +44 (0) 7544 094518 or follow the instructions in your pre-flight email. One of us will locate you.

Do I need personal travel insurance?

As with any holiday, full travel insurance is a requirement for all guests booking a trip with the company.

Please also ensure that your policy covers you for ‘disruption to travel’ and ‘cover for cancellations’ as standard.

For further help please read our helpful blog post about travel insurance .

You may need to add additional cover for surfing, it is essential that your insurance policy covers you for all activities during your stay. Failure to take out travel insurance breaks the contract between Women And Waves and the client.

If you are joining one of our trips and you are native to the country of its location (i.e you live in Lisbon and are joining our Portugal trip) you do not need to take out medical travel insurance. This is as long as you have your own personal health-care plan or are covered by your country’s National Health Service. Although, we kindly request that you still take out trip disruption and cancellation insurance to cover all possible eventualities.  

HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT MEDICAL ADVICE BEFORE TRAVELLING?

Visit Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/indonesia

Please contact your doctor if you’re unsure about vaccinations. We advise you to take mosquito repellent to avoid getting bitten.

WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I TAKE?

Indonesian Rupiah

IS THIS TRIP OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS OR ONLY UK RESIDENTS?

We are a UK based company that delivers trips all over the world welcoming travellers of all nationalities.

Is it safe to travel to Bali

Yes! Bali is revered as the world’s most popular surf destination and on the bucket list of travellers as well for good reason. Tourism is booming and as a result, you will be met by smiley locals who will embrace you as their own. You won’t feel unsafe, this really is a paradise location.

You can find out the latest safety and security advice for Bali from Gov.uk .

CAN I MAKE CONTACT FROM ABROAD?

If you’re based outside the UK and want to chat through the trip details, you can get in touch via our online chat.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY BOOKING?

If your circumstances change and you can’t join the trip, please let us know as soon as possible via email. Your cancellation notice will start from the date we receive it.

Cancellation terms:

We hold part or full costs, depending on when you cancel:

• If you cancel 12 weeks or more before the trip we retain 50% of the total cost
• If you cancel with less than 12 weeks before the trip then its 100% of the total cost

Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.

Still have questions?

Contact us via our online chat.

Limited places available

Searching Availability…

Wander With Alex

Tropical Paradise: Planning a Vacation to Bali, Indonesia

Posted: March 21, 2024 | Last updated: March 22, 2024

The Indonesian island of Bali is a world-famous destination. It is best known for its sandy beaches, fantastic surfing, and, in recent years, a vibrant nightlife, but it has so much more to offer travelers of all ages and budgets. 

At just 70 miles long and 95 miles wide, Bali packs diverse features and attractions into a small area. Whether you like history, culture, adventurous activities, beach life, hiking, wellness, or food, you will find it all in tropical Bali. 

You’ll also be spoiled for choices regarding where to stay in Bali . Options include luxurious oceanfront resorts, boutique family-run hotels nestled amongst rice paddies in central Bali, and wooden treehouses offering elevated jungle or river valley views. 

Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali is an incredible destination year-round, and temperatures do not change much between the wet and the dry seasons. 

For consistent sunny days, visit in the dry season between April and October. These months offer the best weather for all the fabulous outdoor activities Bali has to offer.

November to April is the wet season. It won’t rain all day every day, but heavy, short showers are common on most days. Bali sees its highest number of visitors during the peak season months of December, January, and June through August. 

Things to Do in Bali

Bali, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, offers experiences for every kind of traveler. This Indonesian island paradise blends adventure, relaxation, and exploration in a unique tropical setting. This Indonesian island paradise invites you to explore its rich variety of activities set against breathtaking natural beauty.

Explore Ubud

Visit Ubud in central Bali to discover its cultural heart. This less-developed part of Bali offers a rich landscape of thick jungle, rice paddies, cascading waterfalls, and historic temples. You can visit Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung), hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk, or explore the Tegalalang rice paddies.  Dine on street food at Gianyar night market, pick up a souvenir in an art gallery, visit the Taman Saraswati temple, or stroll through the sacred Monkey Forest. 

Ubud is an excellent base for a Bali vacation. It has good transport links to other destinations on the island. It offers a taste of authentic Balinese life, which is hard to find in some of the more developed coastal resorts.  If you’re wondering where to stay in Ubud , the area offers wide-ranging options for romantic getaways, tranquil family vacations, and rural get-away-from-it-all breaks. 

Watch Kecak Dance in Uluwatu

The Kecak Dance is a culturally significant Balinese dance that tells the Hindu story of the Ramayana. It is performed by 50 - 100 seated men chanting in a circle, with dancers enacting the story in the middle. No instruments are used, just the men's voices. It is a mesmerizing performance.  Uluwatu is one of the best places in Bali to see a Kecak Dance. Many hotels in Uluwatu offer easy access to the iconic Kecak performance at the historic Uluwatu Temple. 

Visit Tanah Lot Temple at Sunset

Tanah Lot, near Canggu, is one of the best places in Bali to watch a sunset. The small temple sits on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the ocean, offering an uninterrupted view of the western horizon. Locals can only access the temple itself, but you can walk around the grounds or watch the sunset from the adjacent sandy beach. 

Visit the Famous Tegalalang Rice Fields

Also known as the Tegalalang Terraces, these rice fields have been carved into steep hillsides nine kilometers north of Ubud. It’s a scenic spot that can be accessed by car or on foot via local trails, though you can only explore on foot once you arrive.  The rice terraces are best visited in the early morning to catch the best light and avoid the crowds. 

Spend a Day at a Beach Club

Bali is famous for its beach vibe - and is legendary for its partying. As a result, there are many beach clubs where you can relax and socialize in the sunshine. Top recommendations include Single Fin and Ritual in Uluwatu, Finns, and The Lawn in Canggu.  All beach clubs offer bookable day beds, all-day food and drinks, and nighttime live music or DJ sets. 

Ulun Danu Beretan Temple in Munduk

The Hindu temple Puru Danu Beretan is on the shores of Lake Bratan in Munduk, northern Bali. Its simple but imposing Hindu and Buddhist architecture blends beautifully against the lake's backdrop. The temple complex is small; only local worshippers can enter the four temples on-site. When the lake level rises in the wet season, the temple is  cut off, which is how it got its nickname, ‘the floating temple.’ 

Take Surfing Lessons

Bali is world famous for its waves, which attract pro-surfers from all over the world. It is also one of the best places to learn how to surf.  Batu Balong, Kuta, and Sanur Beach are suitable for beginners. These beaches have shallow waters, a sandy bottom, and gentle, consistent waves. Several surf schools in these areas offer one-off lessons or longer learn-to-surf programs. Pre-booking is advisable in peak season. 

Party in Canggu

Canggu is Bali’s newest party hotspot. It’s no longer Kuta, where young crowds stay for a party-filled vacation, but Canggu, which offers some of the island's best nighttime entertainment. It attracts surfers, digital nomads, backpackers, and wellness travelers.  Check out Finns Beach Club, Atlas Beach Club, and Old Man’s. 

Swim in Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul Waterfall in northern Bali is the island’s highest waterfall. Surrounded by jungle, the waterfall looks like it has stepped out of a fairy tale. 

The twin falls plummet over 262 feet to the ground and are at their most impressive during the wet season. It’s worth the winding 2-hour drive from southern resorts such as Kuta and Canggu to see this stunning waterfall. 

After paying your entrance fee, a guide will accompany you down the steep steps to the waterfall's base, which will take around 30 minutes. If you’re visiting in the wet season, wear good gripping footwear. 

There is a small pool at the base of the falls, perfect for a shallow, refreshing swim before the climb back to the car park. 

Food to Try in Bali

Although Bali provides international cuisine, you cannot visit the island without trying a few local specialty dishes.  Popular Balinese dishes include Nasi Goreng (fried rice with meat or fish, sometimes served with a fried egg), Soto Ayam (a spicy chicken and noodle soup), and Laklak (a cake made with rice flour, coconut milk and sugar).  You’ll find these on menus all over Bali, but the best restaurant to try local food is Warung Local, which has branches in Canggu and Uluwatu.  

Day Trips From Bali

A day trip from Bali opens the door to discovering the enchanting wonders that lie just a short journey away. It offers a chance to explore the region's captivating blend of natural and cultural treasures. 

Nusa Penida

This idyllic island lies a 45-minute boat ride off the southeast coast of Bali. You can  visit Kelingking Beach, famous for its rocky headland shaped like a T-Rex, or go snorkeling off the pristine beaches of Crystal Bay or Atuh Beach. If possible, don’t miss the scenic coastal views from Thousand Island Viewpoint or the rolling green landscapes of the Teletubbies Hills.  The warm, clear waters of Nusa Penida are also a great location to swim with manta rays. 

Mount Batur is an active volcano that, at 1717 meters high, dominates the landscape of Bali. One of the most popular activities in Bali is hiking to the top of Mount Batur to enjoy the sunrise. 

The trail is suitable for beginners, and depending on your fitness level, it will take between 2 and 4 hours to summit. Dress warmly, wear good gripping footwear, and bring plenty of snacks and water. Most visitors climb with a guide as part of a tour, but it is possible to do it on your own—though for safety, you should always hike with others.  Your efforts will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of Bali. 

Dolphin Watching in Lovina

The waters around Bali are home to whale sharks, whales, manta rays, and dolphins. Dolphin-watching trips from Lovina are popular with visitors of all ages.  Lovina is an excellent location to choose as local boat operators prioritize dolphin welfare and follow stringent guidelines to minimize disturbance to the dolphins.

Plus, the boats used are traditional low-lying boats that only carry a maximum of six passengers so that you won’t be jostling in a crowd for a faraway view on an elevated ship. The best time to see dolphins from Lovina is May through to January. 

Vacationing in Bali

Bali is a diverse and captivating destination. Few places offer beaches, volcanoes, jungles, waterfalls, and river valleys in a small geographical area. Cultural and historical attractions for all ages, a thriving food scene, and nightlife make Bali have it all.  Many people come to Bali, fall in love with the tropical island , and never leave. If you’re planning your first trip to Bali, know it will unlikely be your last. 

More for You

Putin Ally Vows to Destroy NATO by 2030

Team Trump Is Ready to Lose the Supreme Court Immunity Case. They're Celebrating

13 Beloved Actors We Forgot Started Out As Child Stars

Martin Lewis issues warning to people choosing air fryer over oven

Michigan imam confronts ‘Death to America’ protester

Scientists claim people with this blood type more likely to have early stroke

The best 'Star Trek' episode of all time, according to fans—and see if your favorite ranks in the top 25

People Who Don’t Show Empathy Usually Have These 18 Traits

"GMA" Fans Congratulate Robin Roberts as She Announces Major Career Achievement

Here’s Why There Are 10 Hot Dogs in a Pack, But Only 8 Buns

3 lies women have been told about their bodies, according to a female doctor

Scientists have discovered the maximum age a human can live to

The films everyone should see at least once before they die, according to critics

Why You Should Be Putting Aluminum Foil Behind Your Router

The right starts to reckon with its Marjorie Taylor Greene problem

Owen Wilson turned down ‘$12m offer’ to star in movie depicting OJ Simpson as innocent

I’m a Bank Teller: 3 Times You Should Never Ask For $100 Bills at the Bank

Opinion: Taliban leaders enforce brutal restrictions against women, except for their own daughters

18 Vintage Boy Names No One Else Is Using Yet

The best Western show in TV history isn't 'Gunsmoke' or 'Bonanza,' according to data. Check out the top 50.