Besides Hawaii, Bali is on every surfer’s bucket list! After all, Bali has one of the highest densities of world-class waves. Thanks to the huge selection of surf spots, surfers of all levels can find the right wave for them here – all year round! Combined with warm water, a tropical climate, Bali’s unique culture and a relaxed atmosphere, the Indonesian island is a true surfer’s paradise. Here is an overview of Bali’s best surf spots on the west coast, which work best in the dry season (from April to September).
Surfing on the west coast of Bali
Surfing next to the runway: Kuta Airport Reefs
As you approach Bali, you will be delighted to see the first waves rolling over the coral reefs next to the runway at Ngurah Rai Airport. The reef breaks (waves that break over reefs) on the right side of the airport, such as Airport Lefts and Kuta Reef, are left-hand waves suitable for experienced surfers. These surf spots can be reached by boat from Kuta (Pantai Jerman). On the left side of the runway are the somewhat gentler right-hander Toro Toro and the powerful waves of Airport Rights, which are approached by boat from Jimbaran. The surf spots at the airport only work with larger waves from about 5 ft.
The surf spots of Kuta and the surrounding area
The city of Kuta is the tourist centre of the island, the streets and alleys are lively and bustling. Here you will find countless hotels, bars and clubs, as well as restaurants and boutiques. And also numerous surf schools, because the kilometre-long sandy beach, which stretches from Kuta via Legian to Seminyak, offers countless surfing opportunities. Kuta Beach is also perfect for surfing beginners, as the waves break over sandy ground. The beach breaks (waves that break over sand) are often named after the nearby hotels, such as Gado Gado, Padma or Halfway. The latter surf spot is very popular with advanced surfers when the waves are bigger, as the wave then also forms a tube.
Another popular surf spot on Bali’s west coast is KuDeTa, a semi-reef break on Seminyak beach. The wave breaks left and right, is also suitable for intermediate surfers and works best with slightly larger waves. Be careful of the shorebreak (waves that break directly onto the beach) at high tide!
The best surf spots around Canggu
Longboard waves in Batu Bolong and Old Man’s
The former fishing village of Canggu has developed into a hip surfing centre in recent years, where yogis and digital nomads also get their money’s worth. The surf spots off Canggu are rather gentler and therefore attract many beginners and longboarders – so the line-ups are always very crowded! The waves Batu Bolong, Batu Bolong Temple and Old Man’s are semi-reef breaks that break quite gently in both directions. Old Man’s is particularly popular with surfing beginners, as a wide channel makes it easy to paddle into the line-up and the wave is very forgiving.
Powerful surf in Berawa and Pererenan
If you are looking for more powerful waves, you will find them a little north of Canggu in Echo Beach and Pererenan. The left-hand wave at Echo Beach is very powerful and also barrels during big swells. Beginners are best off enjoying the sunset with a drink here and watching the pros! A little further along the beach you come to Pererenan, where there are more surf spots for intermediate and advanced surfers. In particular, the wave Rivermouth, a long, powerful right, is only for surf pros.
A little further south of Canggu is Berawa, with the beach and surf spot of the same name. The reef break is a little faster and more powerful than Batu Bolong and has several peaks, so there are enough waves for everyone.
Surfing in a picturesque setting: Kedungu and Tanah Lot
Kedungu is a small town just before the famous water temple Tanah Lot. In front of the idyllic black sand beach are several reef breaks that are great for intermediate surfers, as the waves break relatively gently. Here you can still experience the original Bali, with small warungs and few tourists.
A little further north, in the middle of one of Bali’s most important temple complexes, Tanah Lot, there is also a fairly gentle reef break that is particularly suitable for intermediates between high tide and mid-tide. To get to the left wave, you first have to pay the temple entrance fee, but then you can enjoy a breathtaking backdrop and numerous spectators.
Surfing in the calm northwest of Bali
Balian Beach offers perfection
About two hours by car from Canggu, you will find the tranquil beach of Balian, where life moves at a slower pace. Apart from a few hotels and homestays for surfers, there is not much going on in Balian. The highlight of Balian is the perfect wave at the river mouth. The left-hander is long and offers space for many turns and manoeuvres, while the right-hander is short and snappy. Balian is a swell magnet and is always bigger than the surrounding surf spots. Caution is advised after heavy rain, as the river washes a lot of dirt into the bay, which can lead to infections on the one hand, but can also attract bull sharks on the other. In recent years, there have been a handful of minor shark attacks, which fortunately did not end fatally.
The long pointbreak of Medewi
Medewi shows a different side of Bali: instead of sandy beaches, you will find a rocky coastline and wake up to the sound of the muezzin. The long left wave is also gentler and longer than the other waves on the island. Medewi Point is the longest wave in Bali and on a good day you can surf it until your thighs burn (up to 300 metres). The long, mellow left attracts many longboarders and intermediate surfers who come to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Medewi after surfing. In addition to the well-known point break, Medewi also has a right-hand wave that breaks just a few hundred metres from the point in front of the river mouth and is usually emptier than its better-known neighbour.
Conclusion: a variety of surf spots on the west coast
Bali’s west coast is a surfer’s paradise for all levels, as you can find a wide variety of waves from Kuta to Medewi. From powerful reef breaks to long beach breaks and gentle point breaks, there is plenty of variety. Many waves are world class and also offer ambitious surfers a perfect playground. The west coast scores in the dry season (April to September) with big, consistent waves and little wind or offshore wind. In the rainy season (October to March), on the other hand, you can enjoy smaller waves and fewer people. Bali is geared towards surfers and you will find numerous board rentals, surf shops and surf guides at the more famous spots, who are happy to show you their island and surf spots in more detail.Surfing on the west coast between Kuta and Medewi
