The best surf spots in Bali
Bali is two coasts that take turns: the west and the Bukit peninsula in the dry season, when south-west swell meets offshore easterlies, and the east coast in the wet season when the wind swings. Below, the breaks worth knowing, what each one is, who it suits and when it works - and where to go if you are learning.
The wave Bali is famous for - a long left-hand reef under the cliff with several sections, from Temples to Outside Corner. Handles anything; experienced surfers only.
The Balinese Pipeline: a short, very shallow left barrel that needs a big swell and a low tide. World-class and unforgiving.
A long, fast left between Padang and Bingin that runs for hundreds of metres when the swell is big enough to connect it.
A perfect, short, mechanical left barrel over reef - at its best chest to head high, and crowded because of it.
The Bukit's softest wave: a beach-and-reef peak that suits confident intermediates on a small dry-season day.
A long left over reef and sand with a beautiful bay. Intermediate-friendly at chest high; fast and shallow above that.
Where most people surf their first wave in Bali: sand, small waves, and more surf schools than anywhere in Asia.
A left-hand reef a boat ride off Kuta Beach - where the beach's surfers go once they've outgrown it.
Old Man's: the long, slow longboard wave at Canggu. Bali's beginner and longboard wave, and its most crowded.
Canggu's faster reef-and-sand peak, best from low to mid tide before the reef gets shallow. Intermediates.
A long, slow left point over boulders two hours west of Canggu - the longest ride in Bali and a relief from the crowds.
The east coast's best wave: a fast, hollow right over reef that hosts world tour events. Works in the wet season on westerly offshores.
A big-wave right off the east side of the Bukit, reached by boat, holding size when the west coast is blown out.
A long right over reef off the Sanur beachfront, needing a decent swell and a boat - the wet season's intermediate option.
Today's forecast by area
Where should a beginner surf in Bali?
Kuta Beach for a first wave: sand bottom, gentle slope, small waves most mornings, and instructors along its whole length. Batu Bolong at Canggu is the next step - a slow, long reef wave that forgives mistakes, though it is the most crowded lineup on the island. Legian and Seminyak are Kuta's beach with fewer learners.
Not the Bukit. Every wave on the west side of the peninsula is a reef that gets shallow, and Uluwatu's paddle out goes through a cave. Come back once you can catch and turn on your own.
Bali by month
Common questions
What is the best surf spot in Bali?
Uluwatu, for quality and consistency - a long left reef with sections for every size. Padang Padang and Bingin are as good on their day but need specific conditions.
Where should a beginner surf in Bali?
Kuta Beach for a first lesson, then Batu Bolong at Canggu. Both are gentle and full of surf schools; avoid the Bukit reefs until you can catch waves on your own.
When is the best time to surf Bali?
May to September, the dry season - south-west groundswell and morning offshore winds on the west coast and the Bukit. June and July are biggest; May and September are quieter.
Can you surf Bali in the wet season?
Yes - the east coast comes alive from November to March when the wind swings west. Keramas, Nusa Dua and Sanur. The west coast still works at dawn on many days.
Do I need a wetsuit in Bali?
No. The water is 27 to 29°C year round; a rash vest for sun and a light top for windy mornings is all.
Is Bali crowded for surfing?
Very, at the named breaks in the dry season. Dawn, the far ends of Canggu, and Medewi in the west are the relief.