7 Best Bali Surf Spots for Every Level: From Kuta to Uluwatu
With over 60 world-class breaks scattered around its coastline, Bali truly is the Island of the Gods for surfers. But with so many options for Best Bali Surf Spots, how do you know where to paddle out?
Whether you're a first-timer standing up on a foam board or an experienced charger looking for barrels, Bali has the perfect wave for you. After years of surfing every break on the island, we've curated the ultimate list of the 7 best surf spots Bali offers—categorized by skill level and complete with everything you need to know to score them.
Grab your board; your perfect wave is waiting.
Read also about: The Ultimate Guide to Bali Surf Spots: Maps, Seasons & Breaks
1. Kuta Beach: The Beginner's Paradise
Why It's Perfect for Learning
- Wave Type: Gentle, slow-peeling beach break
- Bottom: Soft sand
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Best Tide: Mid to high
- Crowd Factor: High but spread out
What Makes Kuta Special
Kuta isn't just historically significant as Bali's original surf spot; it remains the most forgiving place to learn. The sandy bottom eliminates reef anxiety, while the consistent whitewater provides endless practice opportunities. Numerous surf schools line the beach, offering affordable lessons and board rentals.
Local Tip: The stretch between Hard Rock Hotel and Halfway Kuta offers the most consistent learner waves.
2. Batu Bolong (Canggu): The Social Surfer's Playground
Why It's Perfect for Progressive Beginners
- Wave Type: A-frame peaks over sand-bottom
- Bottom: Sand with some reef
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Best Tide: All tides
- Crowd Factor: Very high
The Canggu Vibe
Batu Bolong offers more challenging waves than Kuta while maintaining a relatively forgiving setup. It's where beginners graduate to unbroken waves and intermediates practice turns. The iconic beachfront scene with cafes, bars, and sunsets makes this Bali's most social surf spot.
Local Tip: For slightly fewer crowds, walk north toward Berawa or south toward Old Man's.
3. Balangan Beach: The Intermediate's Dream
Why It's Perfect for Progressing
- Wave Type: Long, fast left-hand reef break
- Bottom: Flat reef
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Best Tide: Low to mid
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
The Balangan Experience
This stunning bay offers one of Bali's most enjoyable intermediate waves. The long left-hand wall provides plenty of time to set up turns and practice flow. The relatively flat reef bottom is less intimidating than other reef breaks, making it the perfect introduction to reef surfing.
Local Tip: The inside section offers shorter but less crowded waves when the main peak gets busy.
4. Dreamland: The All-Rounder's Choice
Why It's Perfect for Versatility
- Wave Type: A-frame peaks over reef
- Bottom: Reef
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Best Tide: All tides
- Crowd Factor: Moderate to high
Dreamland's Appeal
Originally created for a failed resort development, Dreamland's silver lining is one of Bali's most versatile waves. It handles swell from various directions and works on all tides. The wave offers both left and right options, making it perfect for regular and goofy footers alike.
Local Tip: The right-hand wave often has fewer surfers than the more popular left.
5. Medewi: The Longboarder's Heaven
Why It's Perfect for Cruising
- Wave Type: Long left-hand point break
- Bottom: Rocky reef
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Best Tide: Mid to high
- Crowd Factor: Low to moderate
The Medewi Experience
Located on Bali's west coast, Medewi offers rides lasting up to 30 seconds—some of the longest waves in Bali. The slower, peeling wave is perfect for longboarding, mid-lengths, and practicing cross-stepping. The rustic setting provides a welcome escape from Bali's busier breaks.
Local Tip: Time your visit with the wet season (November-March) when westerly swells light up this point break.
6. Keramas: The Performance Right-Hander
Why It's Perfect for Advanced Surfers
- Wave Type: Powerful right-hand reef break
- Bottom: Volcanic reef
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Best Tide: All tides
- Crowd Factor: High
The Keramas Challenge
Made famous by the World Surf League, Keramas offers one of Bali's most high-performance right-hand waves. The wave packs incredible power, throwing out hollow sections perfect for carving and barrel riding. The black sand bottom and occasional night surfing events add to its unique character.
Local Tip: The early morning offshore winds create ideal conditions before the crowd arrives.
7. Uluwatu: The Legendary Left
Why It's the Ultimate Bali Experience
- Wave Type: World-class left-hand reef break
- Bottom: Sharp reef
- Skill Level: Advanced to Expert
- Best Tide: Low to mid
- Crowd Factor: Very high
Surfing a Legend
No list of surf spots Bali would be complete without Uluwatu. This legendary wave offers multiple sections—from The Peak to Racetracks to Outside Corner—each providing a different challenge. The temple perched on the cliff above adds to the magical atmosphere of surfing one of the world's most iconic breaks.
Local Tip: Show respect to the local surfers and wait your turn—the lineup hierarchy here is strong.
Comparison Table: Bali's Best Surf Spots
| Spot Name | Skill Level | Wave Type | Bottom | Crowd | Best Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuta Beach | Beginner | Beach break | Sand | High | Mid-high |
| Batu Bolong | Beginner-Intermediate | A-frame | Sand/reef | Very High | All tides |
| Balangan | Intermediate | Left reef | Flat reef | Moderate | Low-mid |
| Dreamland | Intermediate | A-frame | Reef | Moderate | All tides |
| Medewi | Intermediate-Advanced | Point break | Rocky reef | Low | Mid-high |
| Keramas | Advanced | Right reef | Volcanic reef | High | All tides |
| Uluwatu | Advanced-Expert | Left reef | Sharp reef | Very High | Low-mid |
FAQ: Best Bali Surf Spots
The dry season (April-October) offers the biggest and most consistent swells, particularly on the Bukit Peninsula. The wet season (November-March) offers smaller, cleaner waves on the east coast.
For reef breaks like Uluwatu, Keramas, and Padang Padang, reef boots are highly recommended. For beach breaks like Kuta or Canggu, they're unnecessary.
Kuta Beach and Batu Bolong are perfect for beginners. We recommend avoiding reef breaks until you have solid control of your board and can paddle confidently.
Very crowded at popular breaks during peak season. For fewer crowds, surf early morning, seek out less famous breaks, or visit during shoulder season (April-June or September-October).
Yes, board rentals are available at all popular spots. Kuta and Canggu have the most rental options, while more advanced breaks may have limited selection.
While there are no formal women-only breaks, some surf schools offer women-only lessons and retreats. The community is generally welcoming to all surfers.
Respect the lineup hierarchy, don't drop in, apologize if you make a mistake, and be friendly to locals. The right attitude goes a long way in Bali's lineups.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Wave
From the gentle whitewash of Kuta to the legendary barrels of Uluwatu, Bali's diverse surf spots offer something for every level of surfer. Each break has its own character, challenge, and beauty waiting to be discovered.
The key to scoring great waves in Bali is matching the spot to your ability, respecting the local culture, and embracing the incredible surf community that makes this island so special. Whether you're catching your first wave or chasing perfection, your perfect Bali surf adventure awaits.
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