Surfing in Bali 2023 | Best Spots, Areas, & Hotels

What is Bali Surf? 

Welcome to Asia's Shangri-La of surfing, the eastern equivalent of Hawaii. This one has it all, having been washed by the tremendous surges of the Indian and Southern Oceans. That barrel of vibrant reefs? Sure thing. Longboard waves that are gentle? Yep. Beach vacations for post-sunbathe crazy fun? Without question.

Simply said, Bali surf is among the greatest in the world. It attracts wave riders from all around the world because it is dependable and diverse. It's a location to find your water feet on the beaches of Kuta and Seminyak, but it's also a spot for Kelly Slater and Italos to do their thing on the meaty breakers of Ulus and Padang Padang.

Waves are strong all year long, but during the dry season, swells from the southwest caress the cliffs of the Bukit Peninsular and create some of the best lefts known to man. There are fantastic surf hotels around. Many have swimming pools and boho-chic décor. They're lovely locations to meet other surf tourists, get lessons, or ensure you're close to the finest breakers for those early morning patrols.

Seasons in Bali

When the Northern Hemisphere's schools are let out for the summer, Bali prepares to experience the brunt of its finest swells. Yes, the west coast staples are all pumping from May through September. If you want to conquer the pipes and reefs of Bali's west-facing Bukit Peninsula, plan your surf trip to Bali accordingly. Having said that, there's usually a wave to be had in these areas, with wet-season favorites stretching all the way up the east coast from Green Balls to Serangan.

• Dry season (May-September)

The dry season is ideal for surfing in Bali. The prevailing surf patterns are west and southwest, which means consistent sets run into the legendary breakers along the Bukit Peninsula (not just Uluwatu, but Bingin and Padang Padang, too). Offshore winds from the north and northeast aid even more - check out a good NE day at Dreamland, and you'll understand what locals mean when they claim Bali is glassy in the dry season! All of this, along with a decrease in rainfall, helps to keep runoff pollutants and the notorious Bali belly at bay.

• Wet season (November-April)

The wet season does not signal the end of the surf in Bali. The reality is that this island receives excellent swell all year. It'll simply be a little less dependable down on Bukit and up the coast from Kuta. It doesn't really matter for beginners. In fact, the reduction in size aids surf schools in getting into the water along the major length of beaches. On the other hand, the island's east shore begins to deteriorate. This delivers swell to complex breakers like Keramas as well as novice places like Nusa Lembongan's Playgrounds.

Top surf spots in Bali

You won't have to travel far to get some truly incredible Bali surf. In fact, there's a little reef break directly in front of the airport, so you can see people ripping before you even land. To put it another way, even if we wanted to, it would be impossible to enumerate ALL of the breaks on this island. However, certain locations stick out from the throng since they are renowned as the most famous breaks on the globe.

#1 Kuta

Many surfers have fond memories of Kuta. Thousands, literally thousands, of people gathered here to catch their first wave. The practice is still going on today, with several rental shops and surf schools covering the whole beachfront. The wave is often an easy-going beach break that has been mellowed down by the sandbanks. Holds up nicely to 6ft and frequently makes excellent left and right-handers across a lengthy bay. When the swell gets a rush of adrenaline, there might be towering walls, even A-frames with plenty of punch, and even barrels, so always check the Bali surf prediction before heading out for your learning session.

• Kuta Beach. Kuta's biggest surf area and a beginner's paradise. Come here if you want to start your surfing adventure on gentle, easy-going waves. You won't run across any rocks because the entire thing is on sand-bottomed coastlines. In reality, the major danger will undoubtedly be other surfers - the spot is constantly crowded.
  
  Great glassy peaks run both left and right, and a second wave with a tidy whitewash for total beginners. The swells have considerable force, which makes it an excellent learning area - you can easily progress from foam to green waves in a single session.
   
• Padma. Padma may be found by strolling up Kuta's main beach. It stands out from the rest of the peaks due to its extremely constant right breaks. They wall up beautifully and tube even on busy peak-season days (April-September). There are a couple of lefts off the wedge as well, but they're quicker and less rippable. Padma is among the few intermediate-level breaks on this stretch of Bali's coastline.
   
• Legian Beach. Legian Beach is the next major beach break available from Kuta. It is technically not a different beach, but you will notice a difference in the number of five-star hotels and elegant beach bars that dot the shore here. It is walking from Kuta, but we recommend using a cab. There are several rental options on the beach itself.
  
  The wave's personality is remarkably similar to Kuta itself. However, the general rule of thumb is that objects grow bigger and more exposed as you move northwest. That means Legian typically packs a punch, is fantastic for taking a step toward changing green waves, and is an all-around perfect place for early intermediates on the charge to Bukit.
   
• Airports. This cluster of peaks is so named because it stands directly in front of Denpasar Airport's runways. This places them south of Kuta Beach, on top of one of the earliest ocean reefs to cling to the edge of the Bukit. It takes a boat taxi ride to get there, but the payoff is some fast and entertaining barrels. There are both lefts and rights available. Please only intermediates and above.
   
• The Bukit Peninsula. The Bukit is a must-see if you want to experience some of the most incredible surfing in Bali. It protrudes from the island's south side and is home to some of the most well-known breaks in the area, including Ulus, Bingin Beach, and Impossibles. It always has something, although the dry months of May to September are prime. Expect massive barrels, incredible reefs, and much power coming out of the Indian Ocean.

Hotels when surfing in Kuta

It's a love-it-or-hate-it part of the Isle of the Gods, being loud, rowdy, and rude. There are always parties going on. There are several markets, restaurants, and pubs. You will not become bored. Oh, and several of the nearby hotels are crumbling.

• Lokal Bali Hostel. It is between Kuta Beach (where you will surf every day) and Denpasar Airport. It is easily accessible while yet being in a reasonably priced neighborhood. Oh, and it's pretty amazing. A shared pool, classic Balinese house style, and air-conditioned dormitories allow you to socialize with other surfers and guests.

• Adi Dharma Hotel. The Adi Dharma Hotel is an excellent middle alternative. The bungalows here are only 500 meters from Kuta Beach and allow you to get out early and join the lineup before the surf schools come. They may also enjoy magnificent tropical gardens and a private pool.

• Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. The Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is a massive luxury hotel. It has a beautiful location directly on the Kuta beachfront. You'll be among the surf in just one hop over the road. It's also five-star, so you'll receive the best service, beautiful swimming pools, an on-site spa, and more.

#2 Seminyak

Seminyak is, for all means and purposes, an offshoot of Kuta. After all, the sands are just a few miles away along the same stretch of coastline. The wave quality and form are roughly the same as at Bali's primary beginning site, with a bit more height. The crowds do lessen as you get further out from Kuta. On huge days, that's also where the surf prefers to come in unfettered, so expect a few closeouts. Water contamination from large resorts (keep your lips covered!) and rips are among the dangers.

• Double Six Beach. Double Six is Seminyak's southernmost point. It's a nice place to hang out and visit various cocktail bars. It also has fairly consistent surf. The tidal difference is greater here than at Kuta, resulting in peely waves with a shallow base. As a result, they may be rather sucky at low tide and tend to close at high tide. Therefore the push is the best option. Where the creeks reach the ocean, keep an eye out for rips and pollutants.
   
• Seminyak Beach. Seminyak Beach is the primary surf run in this area. It's similar to Kuta, except the sands flatten out and become broader, resulting in a larger transition from high to low tide. The wave is entirely beach break and sandbank, with excellent, wally shoulders that are best at chest height. When it's bigger, certain peaks can grow lippy, and others will barrel, but they'll be the most popular. The crowds are alright, but just on the better waves. If you're not picky, there's plenty of room to move up and down the beach and locate a spot to yourself. This is beginner-intermediate level material that is more difficult than Kuta.
   
• Canggu. Canggu has positioned itself as Bali's digital nomad destination. That means the surf is enormous here, yet the reefs are not like as good as they are in Bukit. Even said, there are some terrific wedgy lefts and rights that are far more enjoyable for experienced surfers.

Hotels when surfing in Seminyak 

Seminyak has more hotels than you can shake a Buddha bowl at. This is one of the most fashionable parts of Bali's southwest coast. It has the most luxury hotels of any resort in the area, so expect to be treated when you surf here.

• The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa. Those with a bit more cash can consider the Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa. It's breathtaking and perfectly captures the five-star aspect of Seminyak surf excursions. Check out the infinity pool near the beach, where you may swim and watch the waves. Then retreat to the suites, which are sumptuous Balinese villas with sliding doors that open onto the sun-drenched patios.

• Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak. The Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak is a budget-friendly alternative that puts you right on the slopes of Double Six. There's a smoothie bar on-site, live music a couple of evenings a week, and a pool.

• The Wolas Villas. The Wolas Villas are a collection of spacious Balinese-style cottages set in a secluded tropical garden, providing yet another opportunity to be pampered from check-in to check-out. They're approximately a 10-minute walk from the beach, but a free shuttle service is available (and it goes to Kuta if you want to surf there too). You will also be near the nightlife in Seminyak and Legian.

#3 Canggu

Canggu has quickly evolved from a rural rice paddy to a digital nomad haven. There isn't a field in sight these days. Flat whites and healthy poke bowls are the only options. The waves are one of the things that keep the cool crowd coming to town. They are recognized for having gentle peaks and reefs without the throng of Kuta. Early mornings are usually the best.

• Echo Beach Left. The most difficult wave at Canggu is also the furthest away from the town of Kuta. This left-hander with lots of kick rolls into shallow reef portions at mid and low tides. When it's overhead, expect brief but quick rides through small barrel portions. Wax down the 6′′ on more relaxed swells to avoid rippable walls. Underfoot rocks and rips are hazards. Some regionalism. This is NOT a beginner's game. Other peaks also extend up the beach but alter with the sandbanks. Know what you're doing since they might be fickle.
   
• Batu Bolong. Batu Bolong is Canggu's most famous wave, whether you hate it or love it. Some days, the sheer number of people in line makes us groan. It's just not cool. The diet will consist of flying foamies and drop-ins. Rise early for a morning patrol, and you could be rewarded with more area to maneuver. The walling rights provide quite lengthy rides, but there are also numerous summits with immediate lefts. On lazy days, this is ideal for the longboard. Excellent for tearing or sitting in the pocket. There is pebble and sand underfoot, as well as some stone. The surf schools - and the masses - will arrive in the middle of the morning. There's also a fantastic novice break directly in front of Old Man's Beach Club.
   
• Berawa (Pantai Berawa). Berawa is a surf location that folds off an open river mouth and a succession of underwater reefs down towards Canggu's southwest end. Because it's challenging to get there, the crowds will dwindle away. However, avoid arriving only for the sake of coming. The peeling of the wave is surprisingly sluggish. In reality, the shoulder washes quickly, and you'll need to be able to manage hollow areas to avoid becoming trapped. Berawa is one of the surf places in Canggu that can handle larger swells because of its greater hold. The negative aspects include rips and pollutants. Beware of high tide - it just won't happen.
   
• Batu Belig. There aren't many surfers here, but it's hardly a hidden place. It is more likely that Batu Belig will take longer to become operational and surfable. Look for S-SW swells and nothing larger than a meter, and you could find some tidy walls with tough drop-ins over a sand bottom. There will never be a long ride here. Furthermore, closeouts are the norm if you leave the swell pick up too much.

Hotels when surfing in Canggu

One of the benefits of Canggu's seemingly endless expansion is that there are now many fantastic hotels to choose from. We've selected a few of our favorites. They're great stays with a touch of Bali grandeur. But, more importantly, they are close to the most excellent surf breakers all along Canggu Beach.

• COMO Uma Canggu. COMO Uma Canggu is the type of high-end establishment that Canggu is known for these days. With a glistening swimming pool and bamboo-shaded sun terraces, it opens onto Echo Beach's surf breakers. It is stylishly constructed with a blend of modern and traditional Balinese characteristics. The rooms are Scandi chic, with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs. Some even have private decks directly by the pool, ideal for early morning swims!

• Aston Canggu Beach Resort. This four-star hotel, located directly by Batu Bolong's main gate, provides doorstep access to some of Canggu's best surf areas. Think rooftop infinity pool and elegant contemporary décor throughout this iconic Bali beach resort. Cocktails on the top deck at sunset are also rather fabulous.

• Kos One Hostel. Who said hostels have to resemble hostels? Chic, cool, and downright opulent Kos One combines elements of its namesake Greek island with Balinese beauty. The dorm rooms are lovely, with pod-style beds, but the curved pool situated among the emerald rice paddies outside takes the cake. It's also a fantastic spot to connect and socialize with other surfers.

#4 Balian Beach

Balian is a relatively new Bali surf location. It's positioned far west along the coast of Kuta. Thus there are no swarms of young people to be found. Behind the black sand, a little surf village has set up shop, offering rentals and instruction. The wave itself has a high, peaky run that is ideal for 9-inch surfers on smaller days and suitable for higher intermediates when there is extra power. It's perfect if you want to escape the noise and bustle of Kuta.

• Medewi. Medewi is a half-hour drive along the south coast road from Balian Beach. It's another of the emerging surf villages that everyone is predicting will be the next Kuta. People genuinely like it, and not only because they're goofballs who need long lefts (here is the home of Bali's longest left!). People like it because it has inside breakers for novices and outer parts that are great for all abilities, as well as some of the best surf lodges around.
   
• Ketut (the Balian right). Ketuts, sometimes known as Ketut, is a break in the S channel that operates best on bigger swells during the dry season. It's an oddly hefty right that barrels occasionally, but it is primarily a technical wave. The end zone is the shallowest portion of the reef and rock in Balian; thus, only higher intermediates and professionals should attempt it.
   
• Main Peak, Balian. The Balian Main Peak is impossible to overlook since it is nearly constantly operational. The deep tube formed out beneath the water by the river's never-ending flow sucks and hoovers up nearly any swell containing any element of S. Simply gaze straight out from where the river meets the ocean to observe an A-frame cresting, which is usually no more than 230 meters away.
  
  Although the absence of crowds might be deceiving, what you're looking at is one of the most consistent waves on Bali's south coast. The left customer is a cruisier one that peels more crumbly and twists over approximately 150 meters right towards the bay's center. Above 5 feet, it steepens into a paradise for goofy rippers on shortboards looking to practice turns on both the top and bottom. The right is quicker and hollower, but it will never keg. It's an excellent take-off that allows you to enter the shoulder straight off with the possibility of striking the lip. Still, there's no paddle-back channel, so you'll need some muscle to get back out and over.
  
  The Main Peak at Balian enjoys an NW offshore, although these are uncommon. The wind is at its weakest in the early mornings and late evenings. We like the location on a somewhat higher tide when the left fattens out magnificently.
   
• The Balian left. When the Main Peak is 8 feet or more, you might be better off staying inside where the wave recovers. It's a terrific, cruisy left-hander with plenty of force. It's a popular spot for novices and surf schools because of the river's entrance point and the beautiful vibes in the lineup.
   
• Soka Beach. Track down the coast a little, and you'll discover an outer reef break on the eastern end of Soka Beach that we're confident will be completely vacant. It's rarely surfed, most likely because it's as shallow as shallow gets. In any case, it's there, providing a curving right-hander off the point. In all honesty, it's probably not worth it because there are many better waves on this stretch of coast, not to mention Balian itself.
   
• Pantai Yeh Gangga. We're moving away from Balian now, but Pantai Yeh Gangga is a good alternative if you really need to get away from the throng. If you ask us, it's more reminiscent of the Seminyak coastline. AKA, it enjoys turning dumpy during high tides. However, there will surely be a peak to appreciate on your own here.

Hotels when surfing in Balian 

Balian is still a long way from Bingin or Kuta. There aren't 10,000 lodging alternatives lining the beach. We don't know how long that will endure, but we hope it will. For the time being, there are one or two FANTASTIC choices available, particularly those relaxed private surf cottages.

• Balian Surf Villas. The Balian Surf Villas were explicitly designed to get you near the Main Peak. They are a collection of seven distinct pads of varying sizes, including a few units that share a swimming pool. The interior style is Scandi-chic with a hint of the ski lodge.

• Beach Villa Balian. The Beach Villa Balian has a direct view of the Main Peak. You'll spend the entire day surfing right at the pad. So why not just remain there? It's a really great alternative, with a lovely pool and a rental property with a direct view of the surf.

• Gubug Balian Beach Bungalow. Gubug Balian Beach Bungalow is a traditional Southeast Asian hotel with modest but pleasant rooms and extremely appealing price tags, just across the road but within easy walking distance of the primary wave. There's also a new pool with a view of the Main Peak.

#5 Bingin Beach

Beautiful Bingin Beach is nestled among the cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula on Bali's southernmost tip - the place with the finest surf from June to August. It's a wave heaven with two breakers up its sleeve. The first is reefy with the primary swell that rolls precisely right-left over the rocks. It's a tough, nifty launch into a short ride of little more than 60m. There is frequently a second-swell wave for surfers who wish to practice pop-ups over the reef.

• Balangan. Balangan is the first stop on the Bukit Peninsula for adventurous riders eager to experience everything southwest Bali has to offer. The discussion continues: is it good or simply a pale imitation of the other breakers on the headland? It's a combination since strong SW waves with an offshore easterly on low tide may provide some exciting lines at Balangan. On other days, it is far too straight and heavy, resulting in heaps of whitewash and maybe shattered boards. It's an uncommon intermediate break on the reefs here, and it's a lot of fun if you can handle a more sectional wave.
   
• Dreamland. 
  
  - The outside right. On bigger days, a great A-frame that peels into the bay with the possibility of a few rips up and down the face of the wave before the submerged reef destroys whatever momentum the wave had.
  - The outside left. On a good day, this jiggly peak comes in smack in the center of the beach out the back and may give the longest rides in Dreamland. It requires size and, ideally, nothing outside of the S-SW channel to function. Excellent for both short and longboards.
  - Inside left. Fast, shallow waves that can become hollow at times. Keep an eye out for the finish here because the rocks are near.
   
• Bingin Beach. On Bingin Beach, there are two waves to choose from, although one is really simply the dregs of the first. Let's concentrate on the location that put the beach on the map. It's more like a wave pool than a Balinese reef, with a nearly perfect left-hander that forms precisely into a mid-steep drop-in and then barrels like clockwork. That's how fantastic it is. The main drawback is that the ride is brief, and the wave never reaches the magnitude of Ulus along the coast.
  
  Because the paddle is just around 100 meters from the shore, someone is virtually always sitting and waiting at Bingin (like 4-5am waiting!). The head height or somewhat lower on an E-NE wind and low tide is an ideal condition for Bingin. When Ulu is too great, the crowd will typically seek north and south, and this one is recognized as a more sheltered choice.
   
• Impossibles. You can see it from Bingin, and Bingin Beach is the greatest site to paddle out from since the cliff stairs are incredible! Then there are the waves. These guys grow on some of the island's largest volcanic reef shelves. Because the water is shallow, the wave sucks and breaks like a bullet in a gun. Sometimes the period lengthens enough for the break to soften up enough for you to surf all the way from the outer drop into the far inside portion closer to Bingin, but you'll almost likely have to pump extremely hard to make it. The major danger is the shallow rock and the urchins that live there.
   
• Padang Padang. If you are not confident, stay close to the beach to mind surf Padang Padang. This is Bali's best wave. The remaining surf pushed north by the Ulu cliffs is picked up by a mega-shallow reef, and the entire thing lips up before turning into a beautiful left that can take a big size. There are days when it seems rippable but is actually impossible because the tides threaten to dump you right on the reef at the finish. You must know when to come out here, but if you can handle it, this may be the ride of your life.
   
• Uluwatu. Uluwatu is the Bukit Peninsula's other crown gem. It's a sequence of big lefts that rip off the reefs in different drop-in zones to accommodate a wide range of surfers. It's difficult but also unique dry season terrain.

Hotels when surfing in Bingin 

One of our favorite aspects about Binging Beach is the town of Bingin itself. It grew in a chaotic fashion, pouring over the cliffs in a succession of bamboo-thatch guesthouses and warung. It's lately gone and gotten some real flair - just look at the uber-cool hotels below.

• Pondok Indah Bungalow Bingin. Bungalow Pondok Indah Bingin is located on the top of the Bingin cliffs, a beautiful 5-minute stroll down the zigzagging trail from the surf each morning. We like them since they are less ostentatious than other alternatives in town, incorporating some of the local Hindu architecture while yet providing an inviting swimming pool. Mid-range bliss! And happy memories!

• MODJO Villas Bingin. If you're looking for an actual boho-cool Bali vacation for parties of 6-8, MODJO Villas Bingin has you covered. They're not cheap, but they're gorgeous, with beautiful alfresco spaces and tropical gardens that grasp the art of indoor-outdoor living.

• Bale Bingin Beachfront Stay. The Bale Bingin Beachfront Stay puts you closer to both Impossibles and Bingin's excellent left than almost anyplace else. It's a popular choice with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and a trendy, almost Greek-style architectural trend.

#6 Uluwatu

Uluwatu has the kind of waves that placed Bali on the map. It's not just one wave but a series of five that may be surfed at various spots across the bay. It all starts with Temples, the largest of the lot, which requires a large paddle. Then there's the nasty Bombie, a massive slab of water that's one of the island's tallest breakers. The Peak follows, a famous ripping point for quick drop-ins. Then there's the incredible Outside Corner, which works perfectly when there's a heavy surge to provide some functional walls for the greatest surfers out there. Not a professional? Just come to witness some of Bali's master surfers in this renowned area!

• The Bombie. The Bombie is the least popular of Uluwatu's surf breakers. It's the only XXL wave in town that can reach tow-in heights. It's essentially an out-of-the-way break that wedges up well beyond the reefs, only for professionals but seldom large enough to get pounded.
   
• Temples. Temples is named from the fact that it is the nearest break to the Uluwatu Temple. Isn't it obvious? That implies it's a little out of the way, so expect a long paddle from the Cave on Blue Point Beach. In fact, a nicer cove to paddle out of is close to the south. Temples is a bit of a swell magnet without the safety of the Uluwatu cliffs (which is saying a lot out here). It may be effective when other portions of the Uluwatu surf are not. The wave is a punchy left-hand reef that can hollow down but is mostly sectional. Keep an eye out for the reef landing zone. The crowds are rather excellent.
   
• Outside Corner. Outside Corner, all hail. This is, without a doubt, Uluwatu's most well-known surf break. Wait, actually, it's one of Bali's most famous surf breakers.
  
  It's the third outer break, coming left off the cliffs to the south of Blue Point Beach, and is easily visible from the clifftop bars. Outside will begin when the swell reaches at least six feet. Fortunately, this is Bali and the Indian Ocean, so it's usually there or close. The wave is at its finest when it peaks at 12-15 feet, bringing in classic Outside Corner walls with a crumbly peel that never interferes with one of the world's purest straight wave faces. It's rippable in ways you've never seen before.
   
• The Peak. The second-to-last break on Ulu's magnificent lineup is known for its consistency. It's traditional shortboard material, with a peak that shifts from right to left depending on the swell angle. So the first problem is placement (don't expect lazy sitting in the line up here). Then there's the pit, which is narrower and tighter than the others here. It's a real duck job. The Peak will continue into some sectiony portions where you may let off and cruise a little, but be careful since there are rocks at the finish.
   
• Racetracks. This one is called for its speed. Like, very fast. It's arguably the fastest portion in Ulu's, so you'll have to be quick with the readjustment into the pocket if you want to catch it. The drop-in is the closest to the cliffs, with barely any front clearance. On punchier days, it's simply pop and grab the rail jobby, followed by a rear foot push to enter the little barrels. A few turning portions do open up, but you must be daring to take them. Racetracks may be steep and roll directly into the shallow reef shelf, where sharp rocks await!

Hotels when surfing in Uluwatu

There are several hotels and surf camp lodgings in the Uluwatu area. Some places put you right next to the surf. Others are at adjacent beaches, such as Bingin, or further south, where it is a little calmer.

• The Korowai. The Korowai is breathtaking! It's a boutique seaside hotel with a lot of charm, perched on the cliffs overlooking beautiful Bingin Beach. You'll be a short drive from the paddle out to Ulu's, as well as Padang Padang and Impossibles. Did we mention it's extremely stunning?

• Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu. Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu is the closest surf camp near the Uluwatu waves in these regions. It's practically within walking distance of The Cave's paddle-out, so you'll be perfectly situated to beat the throng to Outside Corner on days when it's at its best. The camp is simple yet enjoyable, with a common lounge and a gorgeous tropical garden.

• Ocho Bali Surf Camp. Ocho Bali Surf Camp is located on the south side of the Bukit Peninsular, near Pandawa Beach. That means it's ideal for getting to eastern breaks like Green Balls and Ulu's own spectacular locations. It's a great place to stay away from the throng in Bingin and Padang Padang, with rustic bamboo bungalows fronted by a glistening Balinese pool.

#7 Keramas

Keramas is a wet-season treat that has to rank among Bali's best-quality getaways. Swells from Nusa Penida and Lombok pump into action here, hitting a river mouth reef and balling right into a fantastic barrel before opening into a gorgeous shoulder. There will always be a throng, but it is a rare high-performance right on the Isle of the Gods, so there you have it.

• Lebih Beach. Lebih Beach, also known as Black Magic Point, is a very seldom surfed beach, owing to how unpredictable and tidal-dependent it is. On the heaviest swells, a very shallow ledge of buried lava reef at its southwest end may become a barrel factory. It's a risk, though, because there's no deeper channel to guide you back to the take-off. Avoid high tide at all costs since it's a head-smushing closeout.
   
• Cucukan Beach. A miniature replica of the famed wave may be found on the southern end of Cucukan Beach, just north of Keramas. This one is becoming increasingly popular and absorbs most of the crowd overflow from Keramas. However, it is never as hectic or competitive as its neighbor. Another uncommon right-hander point, it performs best on rainy season waves from the south or southeast when it rips out a small barrel and steep turn section. Wait for a higher tide to surf since the sand-rock bottom requires depth.
   
• Keramas. Keramas is a river mouth wave that occurs on a spit of the east Bali shoreline. A bulge on the volcanic shoreline is coated with silt and black stones, resulting from many decades of stream deposits. That's the engine room of the breakers, where any SE or S wave settles into those fat shoulders you've seen in surf magazines.
  
  Keramas is a river mouth wave that occurs on a spit of the east Bali shoreline. A bulge on the volcanic shoreline is coated with silt and black stones, resulting from many decades of stream deposits. That's the engine room of the breakers, where any SE or S wave settles into those fat shoulders you've seen in surf magazines.
  
  There are various portions when it is firing at its best (low breezes, 8 feet or more, and extended periods). The first is a steep takeoff into a near-vertical bowl that immediately hollows down to provide brief and often backdoor barrel portions. After that, you're spat out onto what we call the prize area, which consists of a long, big shoulder that can be chopped up whatever you like. As it thins down, the coral beneath the water becomes uneven, resulting in some surprising bowls to end with. They're frequently a ticket to some of Bali's greatest airs and performance maneuvers.
  
  Most people will tell you that Keramas burns at all tides, but it's not quite that easy. We'd recommend waiting at least an hour after low tide to obtain enough depth in the water to keep the jagged reef at bay. After that, allowing it to rise a bit more causes the barrel section to slow by an inch, making the whole thing more tolerable.
  
  Keramas is NOT a wave to be taken lightly. If you know what we mean, this bad guy destroys bones and consumes many of the iodine solutions at Balinese surf clinics. Still, the ripping team that patrols it from morning to night is the most dangerous menace. They are not a pleasant group. What became of Bali, eh?
   
• Pantai Saba. A small amount of reef can produce waves when the swell (mostly S) is more than typical during the rainy season. Expect a few mushy left-righters that are really vulnerable to the wind. However, there are a few decent hotels in the area, all within walking distance of Keramas.

Hotels when surfing in Keramas

One of the advantages of visiting Keramas for your Balinese surf holiday is that you can get closer to the waves than anyplace else on the island. Only Bingin Beach can equal the close proximity of high-end hotels to the location itself.

• Keramas Surf Camp. If you want to surf at Keramas, you should stay at the Keramas Surf Camp. That's all there is to it. This is a genuine surf lodge with excellent rental options (a quiver suited to the right-hand barrel). The resort is just down the road, and the accommodations are just gorgeous - image classic Balinese cabanas set among rice paddy.

• Hotel Komune and Beach Club Bali. The Hotel Komune and Beach Club Bali boast first-class views of Keramas. In addition, there is an unofficial gathering place for the crew that surfs it daily. It's also unrivaled in terms of location since you'll be staying only feet from the paddle out, which is ideal for avoiding crowds. The hotel itself is also quite beautiful, with an oceanfront pool and a yoga platform.

#8 Sanur

Sanur, like Keramas before it, is an east coast wet-season wave. Only this one is a finicky beast requiring many swells and the perfect angle. When it fires, it truly fires - some claim it's the greatest right now in Indo. Crowds will gather when the show is on. However, there are one or two more holidays here for intermediates and up who work from December to March, and many family hotels nearby.

• Sanur (or the Sanur Reef). When Sanur is on, it may outperform any wave in Bali, including Ulus and Padang Padang. In the rainy season, the key ingredient is medium to enormous S-SE waves with little to mild offshores from the west. Rarely everything comes together, but when it does, this is a legendary Isle of the Gods right-hander that will delight every regular foot ripper out there, with barrel sections, backdoors, and cuttable shoulders that roll on for a long way.
  
  It's critical that you catch the wave precisely right. The reef becomes fat when the water level is too high and loses its hollowness. Too shallow, and it's deadly, especially if you're lipping out onto coral in little more than paddle water. Be VERY cautious of it - it's one of the most dangerous locations on the Island.
  
  Localism is prevalent here. People will wait for this vacation as if it were Christmas. Maverick paddle outs are frowned upon. It is not suitable for novices.
   
• Tanjung Sari. Tanjung Sari, located at the southern end of Sanur Beach, is a sucky barrel that fizzes over extremely shallow coral. Wait for the water to push on some. The whole thing softens just a tad to offer something more manageable for most people, with some split sections and good power on SE-S swells that make it a great practice spot for intermediate improvers normalizing the coral rides of the tropics. The paddle from the shore might be challenging, so hire a boat to give you life out back.
   
• Serangan. The Serangan may be seen from the south end of Sanur beach. However, because it is a different island, you must drive around and over a bridge to reach there, which takes around 15-20 minutes in typical traffic. Because of its sea turtle abundance, the region is now largely protected. It also boasts one well-exposed southeast-facing break that is a wet-season must-see. It's a multi-peak area that stretches across the reefs in front of Pantai Serangan, the major beach. All skill levels are provided except for a few hollow shoulders for more experienced riders. Furthermore, the water is frequently pure and transparent, which is a blessing in Bali, where pollution is currently rampant.

Hotels when surfing in Sanur

Sanur has been attracting large-chain hotels for over 20 years. We don't really like them all, but it does imply that the region is ideal for family surfers (or families with one surfer) looking for R&R or a resort, as well as some surf on the beach in front. Anyway, these are some of our favorite spots in Sanur.

• Anindya Homestay. The Anindya Homestay, a super-highly-rated and truly stunning hotel situated on Sanur Beach, manages not to be a gi
  ant chain hotel with no character, which is something unusual in Sanur. The rooms are spotless, the staff is kind, and the pool is just ideal.

• ARTOTEL Sanur Bali. The ARTOTEL Sanur Bali is located at the southern end of the bay, although it is still within walking distance of the Tanjung Sari reef break. We highlight it since it's an excellent place for couples and has a really stunning infinity pool.

• Athena Villas Sanur. Couples seeking a romantic and quiet hideaway can consider the Athena Villas Sanur. These self-contained villas are authentically Bali, with polished concrete and their own splash pools. They are a short walk from the main surf breakers and near several restaurants and stores on the main road.

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