Bali is one of the best surf destinations on earth because there is something for every level year-round. The west coast (Canggu, Uluwatu, Kuta) works in the dry season (April-October), the east coast (Nusa Dua, Keramas, Sanur) works in the wet season (November-March). Inside those two coasts, you can always find a wave that matches your level.
Beginner breaks
Batu Bolong (Canggu) - the archetypal Bali learner wave. Soft peeling whitewater, sand and rocky bottom, works almost every day, 1-2 hours of usable wave most tides. Packed but fun.
Kuta Beach - long white-sand beach break, the original Bali surf school hub. Always has something.
Padang Padang Right (inside) - on small days, a very mellow right-hander perfect for moving up from the foam.
Dreamland/New Kuta - good for progressing beginners, bigger when swell is up.
Intermediate breaks
Bingin - a short, fast, hollow left-hander. Paddle from the beach at mid-tide. Crowded but punchy.
Balangan - a long left, slightly shoulder-height most days, great for intermediates on a shortboard.
Medewi (2h west of Canggu) - the longest soft left on the island, great wave for progression.
Nusa Dua (east coast, wet season) - a right-hand reef break, forgiving face.
Advanced breaks
Uluwatu (The Peak, Racetracks, Outside Corner) - powerful, hollow, shallow reef, extremely crowded. Not a place to learn how to read reef.
Padang Padang (proper) - hollow left reef, a true big-wave barrel when on.
Keramas (east coast) - fast, punchy right, most famous for dawn and dusk sessions.
Desert Point (Lombok) - worth the ferry trip if you can surf it.
How much does it cost?
Group surf lesson with board: Rp 400.000-650.000 ($25-40) for 2 hours including board, rashguard, instructor. Private lesson: Rp 750.000-1.500.000 ($50-100). Board rental without lesson: Rp 70.000-150.000 per hour.
Multi-day surf camps in Canggu or Uluwatu run $50-100/day all-in (accommodation, lessons, breakfast).
Safety essentials
Check the forecast on MagicSeaweed or Surfline before paddling. Bali reefs are sharp - reef boots for Uluwatu/Padang. Watch the currents - the rip at Old Man’s (Batu Bolong) is no joke when it is 5+ foot. Travel insurance with surf coverage is strongly recommended.
Recommended surf schools
In Canggu: Pro Surf School, Endless Summer, Tropic Surf. In Uluwatu: Padang Padang Surf Camp, Drifter Surf Camp. WhatsApp us for a personal introduction - we have surfed with most of them.
