Ultimate Guide to Bali’s Best Surf Beaches: From Beginner to Pro

This post introduces the best surf beaches in Bali for beginners to pro-level surfers!

When visiting Bali, it’s impossible not to become wrapped up in its incredible surf scene (and why wouldn’t you want to be?!)

Along with its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, this tropical paradise is a surfer’s dream come true. 

Picture warm aquamarine waters shimmering beneath your board while looking out onto the serene Balinese beaches. Sounds like heaven, right?

Whether you’re a surf pro or a complete beginner, Bali is the perfect location to have a truly unforgettable surfing experience. 

I cannot wait to get back over there purely to embody my Balinese surfer babe persona again (even if I’m nowhere near pro level hehe!)

From beginner-friendly spots to world-class reef breaks, this island has it all. Use this ‘Best Surfing Beaches in Bali’ guide to help you find the perfect surfing spot just for you.

Read on to plan your next Bali surfing adventure!

Let’s take a look at some of the more beginner-friendly surfing locations in Bali, that are perfect to catch your first wave!

Kuta Beach is one of the most classic beginner surfing spots in Bali. Its consistent chilled-out waves make it an awesome place to learn the ropes to all things surfing!

The waves do not reach overwhelming heights and being one of the few purely sandy shores in Bali, you can relax and worry less about injuries since there are no rocks or reefs to bump into.

With an immense range of surf schools to choose from, your confidence is bound to progress rapidly alongside your surfing abilities when learning at Kuta Beach!

One of the most popular surf schools located along Kuta Beach is Odyessy Surf School. They have incredible reviews from fellow tourists and even guarantee that you’ll be able to stand up on the surfboard after taking a few lessons with them!

It is also advised to learn how to surf during Bali’s dry season (April-August). During this time you’ll experience more favourable surfing conditions thanks to the winds blowing offshore.

Batu Bolong Beach located by Old Man’s legendary surf break in Canggu is where I first learned to surf and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Besides, Canggu’s awesome surfing scene, this popular tourist destination is home to many incredible (and visually stunning) eateries, where you can fuel up with a nutritious meal post-surf!

During the morning, the waves are gentle and you can easily book a private 2-hour lesson that will cost around 350,000 IDR (~£17) with one of the local surf schools. You’ll find the stands of these surf schools located all along the top of the beach.

As a beginner, I cannot emphasise how important it is to book your surf lesson for earlier in the morning. I once booked a lesson around the early afternoon and couldn’t believe how much larger the waves became by the afternoon!

As a rule of thumb, aim to book your lesson between 7 am and 9 am for more beginner-friendly surfing conditions.

◼️Related: 10 Awesome Activities You Need To Do In Canggu, Bali!

Located along the southeastern stretch of beaches in Bali, Baby Reef offers gentle and friendly waves to all those learning to surf.

Again, in Sanur, you’ll find many reputable surf schools that are taking advantage of these ideal surfing conditions for beginners. This means the prices of each lesson will remain competitive too!

The best time to catch a wave at Sanur Beach is between November to March since this is when the winds are blowing offshore in this location.

🛏️ Looking for a luxurious get-away spot for a fraction of the price? Check out Surfer Garden in Sanur!

• Use surf schools! The expert advice acquired via these private or small-group lessons will teach you to understand ‘wave reading’, board control, and- most importantly- how to stand up!
• Opt for soft top boards. You’ll likely already be given one by your instructor but this is useful to know just in case! Soft top boards are ideal for beginners due to their greater surface area and are made from softer materials, minimizing the risk of injuries.
• Safety first! Some surfing locations are more popular than others however it’s likely that there will be other people in the sea at the same time as you. To avoid collisions stay aware of your surroundings, and if you’re approaching someone too rapidly, either steer away or jump off your board asap!
• Protect your skin. Wear a rashguard (these can usually be rented from shops/ surf schools) and apply UV protection before you go out. The sun in Indonesia is strong and you can easily burn without even knowing while you’re lying on your board looking to catch a wave!

Maybe you’ve already had a few successful surf lessons and are looking to ramp up the challenge a little. If this is the case for you, then the following beaches should be at the top of your list for your Bali surfing itinerary!

First, we have Seminyak Beach. This is ideal for newly graduated intermediate surfers since this spot is a beach break, making the surf session slightly less daunting while tackling slightly larger waves.

This is great for the more cautious intermediate surfer since the risk of injury as a lack of inexpertise is much lower.

This super famous beach also has lots of cafes, restaurants and shops nearby, making this an excellent stop or location for an action-packed day out!

Sandwiched between Kuta and Seminyak, Legian Beach promises again gentle waves that are perfect to partice on your own with your own or rented board.

At this stage in your surfing journey, you may no longer need an instructor to show you the ropes. Instead, all you’ll be wanting now is practice!

You can rent both soft and hard boards for even less than a lesson (between £2-5), which is a great if you’re a backpacker on a budget like me!

◼️ Recommended: The BEST Gyms in Bali for Backpackers that Cost £6 or Less!

Combine two aspects of the Balinese culture in one by surfing at Tanah Lot Beach.

Home to a breathtaking cliff temple, Tanah Lot, Tanah Lot Beach offers awesome slightly more powerful waves.

It’s important to note that the waves on this beach will be reef breaks, so be sure to stay safe and know where any sharp areas, holes, or caves, are before beginning your surfing session! If you’re unsure how to check, ask a local guide for guidance.

Medewi is slightly further out compared to the other surf spots featured in this Best Surf Beaches in Bali Guide. However, it may be the quaint characteristics of this small western village of Bali that is exactly what attracts the surfing enthusiasts!

You’ll want surf shoes (unless you’re seriously hardcore of course) when surfing in this area since the beach does have a rocky bottom.

Medewi is famous for bigger and longer waves, which make for a super fun session.

You may even be lucky enough to have some alone time in the ocean if you visit during off-peak hours (especially around midday!).

If you’re a surfing pro looking for the most epic waves to ride in Bali, then this section is for you.

However, even if you’re a surfing newbie or prefer spectating then I highly recommend the following locations to witness some absolutely incredible surfing!

Considered the surfer’s Mecca, Uluwatu consists of five different breaks, named The Peak, Racetrack, Outside Corner, Temples, and The Bombie.

The Bombie has produced some of the biggest waves that have been surfed in Indonesia, leaving no guesswork why so many surf enthusiasts are drawn to Uluwatu Beach each year.

Given this, it is no surprise that only experts are recommended take on the waves at Uluwatu beach, due to the powerful and challenging breaks that can be overwhelming for beginner and intermediate surfers.

For visitors that are looking to plan a day-trip to Uluwatu Beach, be sure to check out the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple that sits upon the cliffedge above the beach.

This spectacular Balinese-Hindu Temple is steeped in extraordinary history. For example, it is one of nine of Bali’s directional temples that were built to protect the island from evil and is considered a highly important spiritual centres in Bali.

🗺️ Need help planning your trip around Bali? Check out my popular 10-day Bali itinerary here.

Padang-Padang Beach, located just a few kilometres from Uluwatu Beach, has multiple reef breaks. However, as an advanced surfer, you’ll be wanting the Padang Padang Lefts.

The waves here are serious.

Prepare to be amazed by the collosol barrels that are a key feature at Padang-Padang. It’s no wonder why Padang Padang Lefts is famously known as The Balinese Pipeline!

Many surfers argue that Padang-Padang Beach has superior lefts to Uluwatu Beach- so if you’re really looking to go all in on your surfing adventure, look no further. This really is the God-Tier of surf breaks in Bali!

As I have mentioned in previous Bali posts, the island has two main seasons. These are the wet and the dry season.

The dry season is considered to be between May and September.

This is the peak surfing season with consistent swells and sunny weather. During this time expect larger crowds and higher prices.

This leaves the wet season to take place from October to April.

While it may rain (although based on my own experience this year, the rain was surprisingly minimal), the wet season is much less busy yet can still provide good surf, especially on the east coast.

• Beginners: The wet season can be ideal for learning as the waves tend to be smaller and more forgiving.
• Intermediate: Both seasons offer suitable conditions. The dry season provides bigger swells for progression, while the wet season offers more mellow waves.
• Advanced: The dry season is generally preferred for experienced surfers due to the larger and more consistent swells.

No matter your budget, you can find many hostels, homestays, and hotels that specialize in surfing! This makes it easy to book lessons (if needed) and become immersed in the surfing world.

Popular examples of surf accommodation across Bali include:

• Wave House- Surf Camp: Located in Canggu and a short walk from Berawa Beach, Wave House is a top choice for newbies who are serious about learning to surf. Here you’ll get surf coaching, theory and all the surfing equipment you need included in the price of a bed (as well as access to Finns Recreation Club!).
• Surf & Party – Hostel Somewhere Else: Just what it says on the tin! This party and surf hostel is one of the best for those chasing a ‘buzzing’ atmosphere while staying in Canggu.
• Surfers House Green Bowl: The perfect location to relax after catching the mighty waves of Uluwatu!

If you’ve had several surf lessons and simply want the practice without a full-blown lesson, renting a surfboard and surf gear can be a great option.

You’ll be able to find surf shops dotted along the majority of these beaches that can provide you with everything you need for an extremely affordable surf session. The boards alone will only cost a few pounds for a couple of hours!

Other than the surfboard, I highly advise renting a rash guard. This is a piece of long-sleeve swimwear that will help protect your skin from the super strong UV rays!

A few of the most important safety tips that apply to surfers of ALL levels are:

🌊 Respect the Ocean: Understand local conditions, tides, and rip currents.

👩‍🤝‍👩Surf with a Buddy: Always surf with a friend for added safety.

🏄‍♀️ Wear a Leash: To prevent your board from drifting away.

☀️ Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the strong tropical sun with sunscreen and a rash guard.

🧳 Insurance: Consider travel insurance that covers surf-related accidents.

As shown throughout this guide, there is a beach in Bali for you, no matter your surfing abilities!

To recap, the best surf beaches for each skill level include:

• Beginners: Kuta Beach, Batu Bolong, and Sanur Beach
• Intermediate: Seminyak Beach, Legian Beach, Tanah Lot Beach, and Medewi
• Advanced: Uluwatu Beach and Padang-Padang Beach

Whether the surf scene is the main reason you’re visiting Bali or it is just a bonus for your trip, spending a day at one of these beaches is a must-do activity for all visitors looking to experience the complete Balinese package!

Share below if you’ve ever taken a surfing lesson or caught a wave at one of these (or another) Balinese beaches. You may help provide that ‘final push’ to someone who is still undecided!

I hope this post helped you discover the perfect surf beach in Bali for you. Thank you for reading!🏄

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