A relaxed family surf camp in Bali where kids, teenagers and parents surf at their own level –
with small-group coaching, quiet beaches and everything organised for you.
Most families arrive here with the same question. Will this actually work for all of us? The eight year old who has never stood on a board, the teenager who wants a proper challenge, and the parent who last surfed fifteen years ago.
It works because we do not teach families as one group. Every family member is coached at their own level, in the water at the same time, at a beach that suits the whole group that day. Our surf guides work with a maximum of two guests each, and younger children usually get one on one attention.
Pelan pelan means slowly in Indonesian, and that is the pace of the whole stay. There is no packed schedule, no queue for boards and no crowded line up. Just enough structure that nobody has to organise anything, and enough space that everyone can do their own thing.
One family. Different levels. One surf holiday.
Kids learn at their own pace. Teenagers are challenged at the right level. Parents can start from scratch or continue building their skills.
You don’t all need the same package. Stay together at Pelan Pelan while everyone chooses the programme that suits them best.
More waves, better technique and daily progress with our expert coaches.
Time for yourself with yoga, spa treatments and space to relax and recharge.
Surf in the morning, yoga in the afternoon and the perfect balance in between.
Fun, safe surf coaching at their own level with patient guides and plenty of support.
Childcare and fun activities can be arranged, giving parents time to enjoy the beach, surf, yoga or simply relax.
All packages include: airport pickup, surfboard rental, transport to surf spots, use of the retreat facilities and daily breakfast (every day) and lunch (weekdays).
All packages have the same price. From €682 per person/week. Kids under 5 stay for free.
Based on 600+ reviews from Tripadvisor & Google
“We had an absolutely amazing stay! This place offers the perfect package of surfing, relaxing massages, and several freshly prepared meals each day ”
-Sascha F. (Family)
“The quality of the surf coaching is the best I’ve ever had”
-Francesca H. (family)
“ The real highlight is the surfing and the family atmosphere”
-Rene (Family)
Five is our usual starting age, although younger children can join when they are comfortable in the water. For young children, the first sessions are all about building confidence, getting comfortable on the board, playing in the white water and experiencing their first waves with a guide. Children who cannot swim or stand up yet, can surf tandem with their guide; please bring a suitable life jacket if your child needs one
Give them a week away from the screen and into the ocean. Surfing gets teenagers moving, challenges them to learn something new and gives them a real sense of achievement. They’ll spend their days outdoors, focused on the waves, building confidence and having fun and probably forget about their phones for a while.
You don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy a surf holiday. Many parents join us for their very first experience on a board. We’ll guide you through everything from the basics and water safety to catching your first waves, building confidence as you go. There’s no pressure to be good at it — just enjoy learning something new together with your family.
You’re a surfer. Your family isn’t — yet.
We know the challenge of planning a family holiday around everyone’s different interests. At Pelan Pelan, you don’t have to give up the surfing you love. Our local guides know where to find the best waves for your level and can help you work on your technique, while the rest of your family enjoys their own time in the water or at the retreat.
More detail on how we coach is on our surf lessons and coaching page, and the full level breakdown sits on the Bali surf camp page.
Canggu has become one of the busiest stretches of coast in Bali. For a family surf holiday, we prefer to get away from the crowds and choose the beach that best suits your family and the conditions that day.
We are based in Cemagi and drive to the surf spot that works best for your families experience, confidence and the day’s tide, swell and wind. For some, that means starting out in gentle white-water waves at a beach break. For others, it means finding bigger, more challenging waves that match their experience.
Everything is organised for you – your experienced surf guide, video analysis, theory, boards and transport – so you can simply enjoy your time in the water.
You can read more about the beaches we use on our page about uncrowded surf spots in Bali.
Stay together, with space for everyone. The retreat is made up of traditional wooden houses set around a large garden and pool. It’s small by design, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere where families quickly feel at home.
For most families, the Suite is the easiest option. It sleeps up to four guests and has a private semi-open bathroom with an outdoor shower and its own balcony. Larger families can book 2 suites – a great option when older children or teenagers would like a little more space of their own.
Families can spend time together around the retreat, while still having plenty of space to do their own thing.
See all room options and what’s included on our Rooms & Suites page, or explore the Spaces & Experiences around the retreat.
No two days are exactly the same. We plan the surf around the tide and conditions, while the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Some family members might be in the water, others by the pool or having a treatment at the spa. You can join in as much or as little as you like.
Not everyone wants to surf – and that’s part of the beauty of a family holiday at Pelan Pelan. While some family members are out in the water, others can slow down with yoga, enjoy a Balinese massage or simply relax by the pool.
Our open-air yoga shala sits at the edge of the jungle, with classes suitable for all levels. The spa offers traditional Balinese treatments using natural ingredients, while the garden and pool give everyone space to relax between activities.
When you feel like exploring, there are rice fields, temples, local villages and other places to discover nearby. Everyone can fill their day in their own way, then come back together at the retreat.
See the yoga retreat and Bali spa pages for the full programme, or read our guide to family activities in Canggu.
With over 15 years of experience,
Putu leads our surf coaching team and
mentors our instructors. He has a
unique ability to choose the right
waves for your level and gently push
you just beyond your comfort zone -
helping you catch waves you never
thought possible. Always calm,
positive, and fully supportive.
Dadi grew up in the ocean and is
also a fisherman, giving him a deep
connection to the waves. He’s
excellent at giving clear, practical
feedback and helping you understand
exactly what to work on so you can
improve faster. He started working with
us at a young age and has developed
into a highly skilled surf guide.
You’ll rarely see Komang
without a smile. His relaxed
energy and sense of humor
make you feel at ease from
the moment you enter the water.
He never pushes too hard and is
especially great with beginners,
helping you build confidence
step by step.
Alit started with us at 18
and has been part of the team
for over 7 years. Always up
for a laugh, he brings great
energy to every session.
At the same time, he’ll challenge
you to try something new,
helping you progress while
keeping it fun.
Yes. This is one of the things that makes our family surf camp different. Each person can choose the package that suits them best, while the whole family stays together at Pelan Pelan. One person can surf every day, another can choose yoga and spa, and the children can choose what suits their age and level.
No. Every surfer is coached according to their own experience, confidence and goals. Families can surf together at times, but children, teenagers and parents can also be placed with a guide and group that matches their level.
Around five years old is our usual starting age, although younger children can join when they are comfortable in the water. We adapt the coaching to their age, confidence and swimming ability.
Children who cannot swim can surf tandem with their guide. They need to bring and wear a suitable life jacket. Please let us know about their swimming ability when booking so we can plan the session appropriately.
Absolutely. Teenagers get coaching based on their own level and goals rather than simply following the family programme. They can work on technique, surf green waves when ready and use video analysis to see their progress.
You don’t have to surf to enjoy a family stay at Pelan Pelan. Non-surfing family members can enjoy yoga, the spa, the pool, the garden or explore the area while the surfers are at the beach.
Childcare can be arranged for younger children, giving parents some time to surf, enjoy a treatment, join yoga or simply relax. Let us know what you need when booking so we can discuss the available options.
Definitely. Our guides can take experienced surfers to waves that suit their level and help with technique, positioning and wave selection. Meanwhile, the rest of the family can enjoy their own programme — so you don’t have to choose between a family holiday and the surfing you love.
Every guest receives breakfast every day and lunch on weekdays, regardless of which package they choose. Other inclusions depend on the package selected.
We choose the surf spot based on the tide, swell, wind, wave conditions and the experience levels of the family. Some days that means gentle white-water waves at a beach break; on others, we choose more challenging waves for those ready to progress.
Most of the beaches we use are around 15–30 minutes from the retreat, depending on the conditions and which spot is best that day. Surf transport is included, so you simply get in the shuttle and we’ll take care of the rest.
Yes. Surfboards are included with the surf packages, with boards selected according to the surfer’s size and level.
No. Pelan Pelan is a small, relaxed retreat designed for people who want to surf, spend time outdoors and slow down. Families are very welcome, but you don’t need to be a family to stay with us.
