Every year, more than six million tourists visit the Indonesian island of Bali. A large proportion of these are surfers. Of course, surfing is not the reason for the trip for everyone, but it definitely is for many. The sun-seeking tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the Balinese waves.
Bali’s surf spots by region
Surfing in the west of Bali
Surfing in the east of Bali
Surfing around the Bukit Peninsula
Why Bali is so popular with surfers
But why is Bali so popular with surfers and why do so many choose this island in particular and not one of the other 17,000 Indonesian islands for their holiday? There are a few reasons for this:
1. surfing at world-class spots
Bali is THE surfing paradise par excellence. Perfect reef breaks, barrels, many big swells and a very high spot density make Bali the surfing mecca of Indonesia. In the south, on the so-called Bukit Peninsula, one famous surf spot follows the next. Among them, Uluwatu is probably the most famous. But Padang-Padang, just a few hundred metres away, is also one of those world-class waves that a surfer must have seen at least once. Surf contests are regularly held at these two spots, as well as at Keramas on the east coast of the island. This is where the surfing elite meet and show off their impressive skills. Besides these world-famous waves, there are many other spots in Bali that offer perfect waves. So, as a professional or experienced surfer, you will definitely get your money’s worth in Bali and maybe even ride the wave of your life.
2. waves for every surfing level
But surfing in Bali is not only a dream for professionals. There are various waves around the island that are also suitable for beginners and/or advanced surfers. If you are not yet familiar with the area, it is best to take a surf guide. They will take you to the appropriate surf spots and give you instructions and tips that will make surfing in Bali a lot easier. There are also surf schools a-plenty that are happy to teach surfing novices the first steps.
The Bukit Peninsula may not be the ideal place to start surfing in Bali, as the waves there are very challenging. In addition, razor-sharp coral reefs make the spots dangerous if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. On the Bukit, there is only one spot suitable for beginners: Baby Padang.
Fortunately, there are many other places that offer more beginner-friendly waves, some with a sandy bottom. For example, in Jimbaran, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Canggu and Sanur.
3. Ideal surfing conditions all year round
Surfing in a bikini or board shorts all year round? Being able to surf every day and almost always finding a spot where the wind conditions are just right? It almost sounds too good to be true, but it is actually a paradisiacal reality in Bali. The biggest swells roll in during the dry season from May to October, but the rainy season is also quite surfable.
In the dry season, the waves are usually bigger, the water is a bit cooler and the wind blows offshore on the west coast of Bali all day long, which makes the waves perfect. In the wet season from November to April, on the other hand, the swells tend to be smaller, the water is bathtub temperature and there is offshore wind on the east coast.
Due to the different orientations of the surf spots, you can find ideal conditions somewhere on the island all year round. This makes surfing in Bali possible year-round, even though the pros usually prefer the dry season with its big swells.
4. Lots of alternative activities
If you are looking for a holiday full of variety or are travelling with someone who doesn’t surf, you will also get your money’s worth in Bali. There is a lot to see and do on the so-called Island of the Gods. Whether it’s cultural, hiking in the rice fields or up a volcano, yoga or a wellness experience, you won’t get bored in Bali.
5. Culinary highlights
Since many expats have settled in Bali, there are also many different cuisines. If you have already tried every Indonesian dish, you will find a number of restaurants from all corners of the world as an alternative. Italian, Indian, Japanese or Mexican restaurants can be found in at least some regions of the island. Here you will also find good barista coffee in nice cafés, which is not exactly an Indonesian speciality otherwise. Traditionally, the Balinese drink ‘Bali Kopi’ with lots of sugar, which is a type of mocha with lots of coffee grounds and is not necessarily to everyone’s taste. So if you’re in the mood for Western food after an extensive surfing session, Bali is the place for you.
6. affordable cost of living and surf equipment
Even though Bali is more expensive compared to other Indonesian islands, everything is still very affordable by Western standards. This applies not only to the cost of living, but also to surf equipment. If you are looking for a new (or used) surfboard, you will definitely find it here. And all other surfing equipment or clothing, such as fins, leashes, boardshorts, boardbags, reef booties and wetsuits, are also very affordable on Bali. Since other islands don’t always have a local surf shop, you should always have a replacement with you in case something gets broken or lost.
7. Safety
Bali is a relatively safe holiday destination. Due to the Hindu religion and the belief in karma, few Balinese people commit crimes. Of course, you should not rely on this and always take care of yourself and your belongings.
There are also fewer dangers in the water when surfing in Bali than in other places. For example, there are not as many sharks as in Australia and only a few poisonous sea creatures. However, you should always watch out for coral reefs and only surf at spots that do not exceed your abilities. Reef booties and neoprene tops also provide protection. And in the unlikely event of an accident, there are well-equipped hospitals with western standards.
Conclusion: Bali is a surfing paradise
To sum up, it can be said that Bali is probably the perfect destination for a surfing holiday. Both pros and beginners and advanced surfers can get their money’s worth here. Not only the waves themselves, but also the temperatures, the infrastructure, the delicious food, the hospitality of the Balinese and the variety make surfing in Bali a pure pleasure.
