With over 400 km of coastline, beautiful beaches, and rolling swells, Bali is surfing heaven for enthusiasts. As a tropical island, Bali gets a lot of swells from the Indian Ocean all year round, with water temperatures consistently hovering around 27 °C to 29 °C. This means surfers can grab their board and pedal out at almost any given time. Combined with the laid-back vibe, friendly locals and sunny weather, many surfers would see this as a true definition of paradise.
Surfing Season
Despite an abundance of swells, there are certain times when the conditions are better than others to surf in Bali. In general, the peak surfing season is during the dry seasons of May and September. This is when the legendary swells and strong offshore winds come together for the best surfing experience in Bali. Additionally, surfers should stick to the beaches on the south and western side of the island for the best swells. The eastern and northern beaches are surfing friendly but will require surfers to pedal out further to catch the swells.
Alternatively, surfers can also catch the waves during the wet season, or border seasons, between November and March. The main advantage during the wet season is the relatively smaller crowds on the beaches. The wet season also means equal swells and conditions overall around Bali.
Beginner Surfers
For beginner surfers, the world-famous Kuta Beach is a popular spot with both left and right-hand breaks and a sandy bottom that is friendly for beginner surfers. For those just starting out, there are also plenty of surf camps and schools in Kuta where you can familiarize with the locals and get lessons as well. Another popular spot for beginner and intermediate surfing in Canggu. The swell conditions here make it perfect for all levels; plus, the vibrant community in Canggu is another added bonus.
Advanced Surfers
For the more seasoned surfers, the southern beaches of Bali will likely appeal more; in particular Padang Padang Beach and Uluwatu Beach. Padang Padang Beach is often regarded as having one of the best left-hand breaks in the world, and home to Bali’s most iconic waves. The only downside is that it can often get very crowded. Uluwatu Beach is a familiar name even outside of the surfing scene. It is home to Bali’s iconic waves and a left-hand break that rarely ever goes flat.
To summarize, Bali has a wealth of beaches and waves to satisfy any surfing enthusiast. Its nickname as the island of the Gods is rightfully earned. We hope this article has given you a reference point for surfing in Bali. Keep in mind that the sea is often unpredictable, so take note of the local precautions and weather conditions before you go.