In brief
Bali is an island that belongs to an archipelago of over 17,000 islands forming Indonesia. Known as the "Island of the Gods," Bali boasts a large number of quality surf spots with breathtaking scenery. Surfing in Bali was brought into the spotlight by American surfer Gerry Lopez in 1972 when he discovered the Uluwatu spothttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNpncQwX7g8Since then, Bali has become a popular destination for surfers worldwide, drawn to its waves, culture, and stunning beauty. The island and the surfing scene have quickly developed, as the local population recognized the significant demand from international tourists and built numerous accommodations to welcome surfing enthusiasts.
There are many great reasons to enjoy the magnificent waves of the island: warm water, consistent swells throughout the year, surf spots suitable for surfers of all levels, delicious and affordable local food, and, above all, the warm hospitality of the Balinese people.
Of course, you won't need a wetsuit in Bali. However, you might need some t-shirts!
Here are the best surf spots in Bali:
Surf at Kuta & Seminyak Beach
Kuta est la grande ville touristique de Bali. Elle est plus réputée pour le shopping avec son mall de bord de plage et ses lieux de fête que pour le surf.
Kuta is the major tourist city in Bali, known more for shopping and nightlife than for surfing. However, it still offers multiple beach breaks that stretch for kilometers along the coast, providing easy and safe learning opportunities during smaller swells.
As the swell size increases, the waves become powerful and fast, suitable only for intermediate to expert surfers.
Surfcamp : Kima SurfCamp Seminyak, Surf Goddess Retreats Seminyak (pour les femmes seulement), Rip Curl School of Surf, Pro Surf School, UP2U surf school Bali, Odysseys Surf School
Surf at Canggu
Located north of Kuta Beach, Canggu is a trendy expatriate town.
Batu Bolong (Old Man’s Beach) :
Batu Bolong (Old Man’s Beach): A popular spot for longboarding, perfect for beginners with long and gentle waves that roll to the beach.
Attention au récif volcanique à marée basse, aux quelques oursins, et, aux autres surfers !
Echo Beach
The Echo Beach spot is a consistent surf spot consisting of several "A-Frame" waves (right and left) that offer powerful hollow waves, which are also popular among bodyboarders. The atmosphere here can be somewhat competitive during medium-sized swells, but the crowd thins out on big days, so take advantage of that. Don't hesitate to walk along the beach towards the North to Pererenan Beach, where you'll find other high-quality waves that are slightly less crowded. Be cautious of the reef, which is present almost everywhere between the sandy areas.
Berawa
Ideal spot for learning to surf with slower and less crowded waves than Batu Bolong.
Surfcamp : Mondo Surf & Lifestyle Village, Endless Summer, Surf Buddy Bali, Santai Surf School, Desu de Bali Surf
3 – Surf à Balangan
South of Kuta and the airport, you'll find the best waves in Bali. As you enter the Bukit Peninsula, the scenery and waves are breathtaking. The rapid and powerful reef wave at Balangan is accessible to beginner surfers during small swells but becomes challenging for experienced surfers during low tide. Expect fast, hollow waves with barrels.
The rapid and powerful reef wave at Balangan almost turned into a luxury marina, but it was saved thanks to the efforts of the local icon, Kim Bradley, who preserved this natural gem.
It remains accessible to beginner surfers only during small swells. It can be surfed at all tides, but experienced surfers can enjoy sessions during low tide. Expect a fast, hollow wave with barrels.
Like everywhere in Bali (and elsewhere), the spot offers glassy waves in the morning.
Surfcamp : Balangan Surf Camp
4 – La Sainte Trinité
The cliff overlooking the spots of Dreamland, Bingin, and Impossibles is absolutely stunning in its beauty and offers a unique viewpoint of the three spots you will learn about below.
To access the cliff, pass by the restaurant "Cashew Tree" and continue on this road for an additional 100 meters. To reach the beaches, you'll need to descend a few hundred steep steps.
Dreamland
This beach is famous for its turquoise blue water and massive resorts. The wave breaks both right and left. The bottom is a volcanic reef covered with sand. It is probably the most accessible and least dangerous wave on the peninsula.
Recommended for intermediate and experienced surfers.
Bingin
Bingin is a true tube machine! It is probably the most aesthetically pleasing left wave for photos and videos.
The volcanic slab on which this wave breaks creates an almost perfect structure, allowing it to work on all tides and swells. Access to the wave is by paddling during high tide and walking during low tide. It can be very dangerous because the bottom varies between 30 to 60 cm depending on the swells and tides. Regularly, injuries and broken boards are encountered.
Take the time to observe the rocky bottom.
This spot is clearly a victim of its success, as it is heavily crowded, and a competitive spirit prevails.
Recommended for intermediate and expert surfers only.
Impossibles
Impossibles is a reef-break known for its long and fast tubes that fiercely envelop you. It works very well during consistent swells at mid and low tide.
You'll need to paddle about 400 meters to reach this powerful left wave. As the name suggests, it's nearly impossible to ride it from start to finish as it has multiple sections that close. Follow the experts to stay in the take-off zones.
Under favorable conditions, Impossibles will provide you with perfect and unforgettable surfing sensations.
Be in good physical shape and study the entry and exit zones.
This spot is intended for confirmed and expert surfers only.
Surfcamp : Dreamland Surf School
Surf at Padang Padang
Padang Padang is a legendary spot that every tourist, surfer, or non-surfer comes to visit because of the beauty and power of the wave. You can observe the massive waves of Uluwatu from the cliffs overlooking the spot while enjoying local food and beers. It feels like being in a surfing-dedicated amphitheater!
The spot offers different peaks that are more or less difficult to reach due to their distances from the water's edge, creating a cave where the waves break. Watch out for the currents and the volcanic reef bottom.
The wave is structured into five sections named: Temples, The Bombie, The Peak, Outside Corner, and Racetracks. They work in rotation according to the tides, and each section has its characteristics. They are all left waves!
The atmosphere in the water is highly competitive, even hostile. Keep in mind that this is the most coveted wave on the island, and surfers are eager and often possessive. Even very skilled riders can get frustrated.
Observe and know your limits!
Surfcamp : Dreamsea SurfCamp, Kamafari SurfCamp, Aloha Bali Surf
7 – Surf à Medewi
Medewi is a small, typical Balinese village, predominantly Muslim, unlike the dominant Hindu culture of the island.
Having remained authentic, life here is peaceful and traditional. The village's rhythm is set by the sound of prayers from its two mosques.
The famous left wave of Medewi is known for offering the longest ride in Bali. It is accessible to both longboarders and shortboarders who enjoy fast waves, as the last section of the left wave (simply called "the inside") provides power, speed, and sometimes a small barrel (tube).
The bottom is a mix of rocks (pebbles) and sand. It works almost all the time and on all tides. Goofies (surfers who have their right foot forward) will also enjoy this spot.
The scenery is beautiful, with the beach adorned with giant palm trees, creating a paradise-like setting!
If the spot appears too crowded with surfers, there are always other waves to explore in the surrounding areas, including right-hand waves.
Surfcamp : Surf Buddy Bali
8 – Surf à Nusa Dua
To the east of Bali, Nusa Dua is the area of luxurious resorts. The surf spot here is actually made up of six waves: Temple Lefts, Elevators, Keyhole Left, Keyhole Right, Main Peak, and Chickens. All of these waves are difficult to access due to the sharp reef and their distance from the beach. These powerful walls of water break quickly and regularly during the rainy season (from October to April) and sometimes at very large sizes.
Surfers seeking thrills can take on aggressive sections that close quickly over a shallow reef, clearly visible in the water. These waves tend to work with different tides and conditions. They are often not perfect, but if you have the chance to surf them on good days, your experience will be memorable.
The bottom consists of both reef and sandy lagoon areas. There are sea urchins present in some parts.
The Nusa Dua surf spot in Bali is a hostile spot intended for experienced surfers only.
9 – Surf at Green Bowl
Located entirely in the south of Bali, you can access GreenBowl via a long stone staircase that will challenge the less athletic. Being isolated, the spot offers surfers a session away from the crowds. It works best during the rainy season (from October to April) and provides long, hollow rights in translucent water. You can also find barrels on the inside, close to the channel.
Please be cautious as access to the beach is almost impossible during high tide. Green Bowl is also known for its powerful current, and a broken leash can cost you dearly. Once again, the spot has a sharp reef bottom.
Recommended for intermediate and experienced surfers only.
10 – Keramas
A solid right-hand wave breaking over a sharp reef section amidst a backdrop of rice fields. Particularly appreciated for its fast drops, long barrels, and wide shoulder allowing maneuvers and aerials. A fantastic opportunity for regular-footed surfers!
Stay vigilant as the spot is constantly crowded with locals and pros who can easily get irritated.
During big days, the barrel breaks faster, but the water level remains the same, so be aware of your own abilities.
The beginning and end of the dry and wet seasons are the best times to fully enjoy Keramas.
Surfcamp : Keramas Surf Camp, Komune
How to get to Bali from France?
Flight: Paris - Bali
Departing from Paris to Bali, you will spend about 15 hours on the plane, not counting the variable waiting time during layovers. Tickets are naturally more expensive in July and August.
Visa
For stays of less than 30 days, French nationals (among others) no longer need a visa. The visa can be extended for an additional 30 days at most, for around 1 million Indonesian rupiahs (approximately 60 euros). This service is available from visa extension agencies found all over the island.
Exchange Rate in Bali
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah. 1 euro is worth approximately 16,000 rupiahs. Prefer cash payments, as only large shops and hotels accept card payments. Many ATMs are available in towns and villages.
Time Difference France/Bali
The time difference between Bali and France is 6 hours in summer and 7 hours in winter.
Accommodation in Bali
You will have plenty of choices as the supply exceeds the demand in Bali.
You can find: luxurious resorts, personalized guesthouses (to share with other tourists), homestays (small private and affordable family hotels), bungalows, and even individual cottages.
You won't have any problem finding accommodation on the spot thanks to the very understanding locals and word of mouth. Airbnb also works very well.
Room rates are for two people. Don't hesitate to ask if taxes are included in the price (same for food in warungs). Also, check the room facilities, which can sometimes be poorly maintained.
Average price range/night:
- Very cheap: 150,000 IDR (10 euros)
- Cheap: less than 350,000 IDR (23 euros)
- Medium price: 350,000 to 700,000 IDR (from 23 to 45 euros)
- Chic: from 700,000 to 1,200,000 IDR (from 45 to 80 euros)
- Very chic: +1,200,000 IDR (80 euros and above)
Balinese Food
Prices are added on a per-person basis. Local dishes are the cheapest and are often excellent. You will also easily find "western" dishes (burgers, pizza...).
A cheap meal will cost around 40,000 IDR (approximately 2.70 euros). You can get a set menu with starter, main course, and dessert for about 100,000 IDR (approximately 6.30 euros).
The local beer Bintang costs around 30,000 IDR. Be careful with arak, the local alcohol, which can be of mediocre quality or even adulterated with toxic substances. Trust the person who serves it to you.
Getting Around in Bali
Traffic in Bali is CHAOTIC. Prefer to travel between 9 PM and 9 AM, and especially use scooters for short and medium distances. Renting a 125cc scooter per day costs around 50,000 IDR (3 euros). International driving licenses are required.
