Bali attracts a wide variety of visitors, including those seeking relaxation, beach worshippers, culture lovers, yogis and sports enthusiasts – especially surfers. The Island of the Gods is blessed with numerous world-class surf spots. Most surfers come in the dry season, between April and September, when the wind usually comes from the east and big waves break on the west coast of Bali. But if you want to escape the crowded line-ups and discover something new, the rainy season is the best time to come, when the wind changes direction and the surf spots on the east coast come to life. This is where Bali shows surfers its most diverse side: on the east coast, you can take a boat to offshore reefs, surf in front of imposing cliffs, explore the spots of Nusa Lembongan and, with a bit of luck, share the waves with turtles and dugongs (sea pigs).
The best surf spots in the east of Bali
Pro surfers in Keramas
All of Bali’s world-class waves break to the left, with one exception: Keramas. This fast and steep right-hander breaks over a shallow and sharp coral reef and attracts numerous professional surfers who also compete here in international competitions. Since the wave breaks very close to the beach, you can watch the pros perform their spectacular manoeuvres up close. Those who venture into the water at Keramas to hunt for barrels must definitely show respect to the local surfers, as they always have priority here. However, Keramas also works with a small swell, best in the early morning, and thus also offers intermediate surfers an opportunity to surf the powerful wave. Surfing at night is a special highlight: the hotel right in front of the surf spot has floodlights so that you can surf even after sunset.
Plenty of variety in Sanur
Even though Sanur is very popular with tourists, it still has a much more relaxed atmosphere than Kuta. On the kilometre-long white sandy beach, hotels line up like waves in the rainy season. There are several waves in Sanur, which are particularly fun for advanced surfers. However, the surf spots Baby Reef, Sanur and Hyatt Reef break so far out to sea that you have to take a boat to get to them. The waves at Baby Reef are always smaller than at Hyatt Reef, where the left waves are also suitable for less experienced surfers. The other spots mainly break to the right and are quite challenging.
Wide range of waves off Nusa Dua
The headland in front of Bali’s Benoa Bay is lined with huge hotel complexes and is geared entirely towards mass tourism and beach holidaymakers. But in the rainy season, the sandy beach of Nusa Dua, which takes its name from its two small peninsulas, attracts visitors with a range of consistent waves for all surfing levels.
The two well-known surf spots of Nusa Dua for beginners and advanced surfers are Mushroom Rock and Black Stone, located at the peninsulas of Nusa Dua. Both surf spots should only be surfed between mid-tide and high tide, otherwise there is not enough water over the sharp reef. While the waves at Black Stone mainly break to the left and are also suitable for beginners and intermediates when the swell is small, Mushroom Rock is a fast, steep right-hander for experienced surfers only.
Waves for every level in Pandawa
On the east coast of the Bukit Peninsula is the long bay of Pandawa, which was once known as a secret beach. This is no longer the case, as Pandawa is now frequented by many locals at the weekend and countless Chinese tourists have also discovered the beach for themselves. However, they are hardly interested in the waves that break to the right and left throughout the bay. When the swell is smaller and the tide is high, the waves of Pandawa provide plenty of fun for beginners and intermediate surfers, while the spot shows a different side when the swell is larger: Then you have to expect strong currents and powerful waves.
Hidden gem: Green Bowl
A beautiful surf spot on the east coast of the Bukit Peninsula that packs a punch! Firstly, you have to descend several hundred steep stone steps to get to the waves and secondly, the fast, steep wave is a challenge for advanced surfers. The right-hander is considered a hidden gem of Bali. The turquoise water shimmers promisingly in front of the huge cliffs, which contain two large limestone caves with stone sanctuaries. But the strong currents and the size of the waves should not be underestimated from above, nor should the strenuous walk back to the scooter.
Lively reefs off Nusa Lembongan
If you want to escape touristy Bali and discover a pristine island without much traffic, come to Nusa Lembongan. Located southeast of Bali, the small island offers beautiful underwater world, mangroves, white sandy beaches and three world-class waves for every level, depending on the wave size. Since the surf spots are located on the west coast of the small island, they work best in the dry season, unlike the spots mentioned above!
All spots break over sharp reefs, so it’s best to only surf at mid-tide or high tide. In addition, the waves are far out in front of the island, so you either have to paddle out for a long time or take a boat.
The easiest spot from Nusa Lembongan is Playgrounds, a fast wave that breaks in both directions and is also an ideal playground for beginners and longboarders when the waves are smaller. It is sheltered and breaks smaller than the other two reef breaks. To the right of Playgrounds is the surf spot Lacerations, a fast right-hander with a barrel section, which, like the point break Shipwrecks, named after the shipwreck in the reef, is only for experienced surfers.
Conclusion: Surfing even in the rainy season
The east coast of Bali also holds some hidden treasures for surfers! During the rainy season, the wind in Bali is mainly westerly, so it blows offshore at the surf spots on the east coast, creating perfect surfing conditions. In addition, the east coast offers a wide range of different surf spots to choose from, so there is something for every surfer. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore a different side of Bali and discover new surf spots.
