The Bukit peninsula, the southernmost tip of Bali, has a very special atmosphere, shaped by the tides and breathtaking sunsets. The Bukit (which means hill) is a quiet part of the island that attracts mainly surfers and beach lovers. The peninsula’s impressive cliffs are lined with legendary surf spots such as Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Impossibles, as well as beautiful white sandy beaches. The waves at Bukit are perfect long lefts that make advanced surfers smile, as barrels are the order of the day here (in the dry season)!
The best surf spots on the western side of the Bukit peninsula
The legendary waves of Uluwatu
The most famous wave in Indonesia is Uluwatu. It breaks in front of an imposing cliff landscape at the western end of the Bukit and you can see the waves rolling in from afar as lines in the ocean. When the swell is right, the different peaks connect and Uluwatu becomes an endless wall of water. Usually, however, The Peak, Tempels, Bomby and Racetrack break separately.
When the swell is small, the waves at Uluwatu are also suitable for advanced surfers, but when it is bigger than 4 feet, only pros should paddle out. This is because getting in and out is difficult at this surf spot. You have to paddle through a cave, which is no problem at low tide but can be dangerous at high tide. But no matter what the waves are like at ‘Ulus’, it is always worth coming to Uluwatu for a sunset drink and to enjoy what is probably the most beautiful sunset in Bali from the cliffs!
Dreamlike scenery in Padang Padang & Baby Padang
Padang Padang is Bali’s version of the legendary Pipeline in Hawaii: it is a perfect barrel breaking over a shallow and sharp reef. The world’s best tube riders are sought here at the annual surf competition, the ‘Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang’. This wave is really only for absolute pros.
But in the beautiful bay of Padang Padang, there is also a wave for intermediate surfers and beginners. Baby Padang is located further to the right in the bay and breaks over a coral reef to the left and right. Be careful at low tide, as you will then surf dangerously close to the reef. You also have to be careful when the waves are a bit bigger, as there is an extremely strong current that can pull you out to sea. Since this is one of the few waves for beginners on the Bukit, there are usually a lot of surfers and surf schools in Baby Padang.
Endless waves at Impossibles
Another dream beach with perfect waves is rocky Impossibles, which got its name because it was difficult to access for a long time. When the swell hits the reef at the right angle, the left-hand waves at Impossibles even reach the next beach (Bingin). The bigger the swell, the better the wave gets and the longer it lasts. With bigger swells, you have more fun with a bigger surfboard. On smaller days, the wave breaks quite quickly in different sections and doesn’t run very long. This wave is also only for experienced surfers, because the surfing level is high and the wave is very powerful.
Barrels in Bingin
Right next to Impossibles, you will find another world-class left-hander breaking in a beautiful setting: Bingin. This popular wave runs over a sharp coral reef in front of cosy warungs nestled in the cliffs. Bingin is a short, perfect barrel with only a small take-off zone, which makes it difficult to catch a wave. Locals always have priority here too! But at high tide and a smaller swell (1-3 ft), it is a relaxed wave that is also great for beginners and intermediate surfers.
A surfer’s dream: Dreamland
Dreamland was originally a dreamlike beach with a fairly gentle wave that is perfect for intermediate surfers. Unfortunately, the beautiful white sandy beach was built over with a huge hotel complex including a golf course. Some of the beautiful beach with turquoise water has been preserved, as has the fun wave! To surf Dreamland in good conditions, you need the right tide, because the wave changes depending on the water level. Beginners usually have ideal conditions at mid-tide, while advanced surfers can enjoy a slightly more powerful wave at low tide.
Powerful surf at Balangan
The wide bay of Balangan is nestled between rocks, with numerous traditional warungs lining the white sandy beach, inviting you to relax after surfing. At high tide, the beach is completely covered by water, while at low tide the reef is exposed and there is space for sunbathing. Balangan is one of the Bukit’s few surf spots that offers surfers the right waves depending on the tide.
The Bukit is a paradise for goofy-footers and Balangan is also a left! When the swell hits the offshore reef at the perfect angle, the wave can be endless and even barrel. On normal days, Balangan is a powerful wave where you have to be able to perform a fast take-off. At high tide and with a small swell, however, beginners can also get their money’s worth. Since there are many peaks here, surfers spread out well at this popular spot.
Cozy waves in Jimbaran
In the dry season, huge waves regularly hit Bali’s west coast. If the surf spots of the Bukit are too intense for you, you will find a cosy alternative in Jimbaran Beach. Because with a swell of 9 ft or more, the spots in the long bay of Jimbaran begin to break and are perfect for longboarding. There is an ideal wave for beginners near the Four Seasons Resort – this works best at low tide. Other peaks that break to the right and left can easily be spotted in the bay, and there are usually a few surfers in the line-up.
Conclusion: World-class waves at the Bukit surf spots
The Bukit Peninsula is lined with world-class waves, making Bali a dream destination for advanced surfers. Especially in the dry season (April to September), large swells regularly arrive, bringing the numerous surf spots to life and revealing the perfection of the famous ‘indo waves’. Since the powerful waves of Bukit break over sharp reefs and you have to expect strong currents, they are really only for experienced surfers. But when the swell is small, intermediates can also venture into the perfect waves and enjoy their turns in the warm, turquoise water.
