Travel Tips

Discover the 5 best surf spots in Bali, vetted by local surfers

Mika chats with Saffron, a seasoned surfer who’s spent years mastering Bali’s waves, to uncover the island’s most iconic surf spots.

Like many first-time travellers to Bali, my first surfing adventure took place on the crowded beaches of Seminyak.

It was an awesome experience, but I soon realised there are many quieter and less touristy spots to catch a wave in Bali. Since then, I’ve had some truly unforgettable, authentic Bali escapades.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or your 10th, here are the five best surf spots in Bali where you can catch a swell alongside locals. I’ll break down what makes each place so special and how to find the best one based on your level.

In this article

Why Bali is every surfer’s dream

Bali isn’t just a world-famous surfer’s paradise because of its warm turquoise waters and laidback island vibe. Perfectly positioned in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is exposed to consistent Indian Ocean swells that roll in all year round.

Plus, with such an abundance of surf spots in Bali, there’s a break for everyone.

Some places, like Sanur, Canggu (particularly Batu Bolong Beach) and Nusa Lembongan, have gentle beach breaks for beginners.
Other spots, such as Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula, feature epic reef breaks that offer the perfect challenge for pros.

What makes surfing in Bali extra special, though, is its surf community. It’s as friendly and easygoing as Bondi’s, but with that unmistakable Balinese warmth and soul woven in.

The best surf spots in Bali according to locals

While Bali may be a surfer’s dream, I’ve learned from the locals that not all beaches are created equal; at least not when it comes to surfing. So let’s dive into the five best surf spots in Bali, with a breakdown on the swells, who they’re best for, and the general vibe.

Canggu (southwest)

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Best for: Beginner and intermediate surfers

Canggu on the southwest coast is Bali’s go-to spot for intermediate surfers looking for fun, manageable waves in one of the trendiest parts of the island.

With consistent beach breaks, it’s an ideal place to build your confidence in the water. Plus, several surf schools in the area offer lessons for beginners. If you’re new to surfing, an instructor will take you out into the water and help you catch your first wave, so you don’t have to worry about being in the ocean alone.

Another reason why Canggu is one of the best surf spots in Bali is its vibrant surf lifestyle. After a morning session, you can grab a smoothie bowl at a trendy café, and post-sunset, unwind with drinks at one of the area’s cute bars. It’s the perfect mix of surf and social vibes!

Local tip: With over a dozen surf schools on this stretch of coastline, Canggu’s waters can get busy. So I recommended arriving early to avoid the crowds.

Sanur (Southeast)

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Best for: Beginners

Sanur, located about 12km from Kuta, offers a quieter, calmer surf experience for anyone looking to try the watersport for the first time.

Protected by an offshore reef, the waves here break gently before reaching the shore, creating mellow, manageable swells. It’s a great choice if you want to gain confidence in smaller waves without the pressure of more advanced surf spots.

Plus, there are several local surf schools right along Sanur Beach, so it’s easy to find a private or group beginner-friendly surf class.

Local tip: The best waves roll in at mid to high tide when the reef break is at its smoothest. Check online or speak with your surf school to organize your session for this time.

Medewi (west coast)

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Best for: Longboarders / Intermediate surfers

Medewi is Bali’s most peaceful surf spot, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds during high season. Its long, mellow left-hand waves make it a dream for longboarders, offering rides that can stretch for hundreds of meters.

Unlike the busy breaks in the south, Medewi on the west coast has a quiet, rural vibe, with rice fields and local villages lining the coastline. So surfing in Medewi offers both an epic surf and an authentic Balinese experience.

Local tip: Surf early in the morning to catch the cleanest, glassiest conditions before the afternoon winds pick up.

Nusa Lembongan (just off the southeast coast)

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Best for: Beginners

If you’re new to surfing but prefer to get off the beaten track rather than surf with all the other beginners in Kuta, take a short boat ride over to Nusa Lembongan island. Here you’ll spot more locals surfing than tourists.

This hidden gem just off Bali’s southeast coast offers clear, turquoise waters and mellow reef breaks ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. You’ll find plenty of friendly, locally owned surf schools ready to give you an authentic Bali surfing experience.

Local tip: Take a fast boat from Sanur Beach (south of Denpasar) and arrive on Nusa Lembongan in just 30 to 45 minutes. There are multiple departures in both the morning and afternoon.

Uluwatu, Bukit Peninsula (south)

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Best for: Advanced surfers

Uluwatu is best known for its breathtaking cliffside temple (a must-see Bali Instagrammable spot), yet it’s also the crown jewel of Bali’s surf scene for advanced-level surfers. With powerful, consistent left-hand barrels that peel perfectly along the limestone cliffs, there are five reef breaks at Uluwatu with deep, fast tubes.

However, while the stunning scenery is inviting, the waves demand confidence and experience, and the currents are too strong for beginners to navigate.

Local tip: Paddle out at low tide for the best barrels, and if you get a chance, try a sunset session; they’re pure magic.

When and where to surf in Bali for the best waves

Thanks to Bali’s idyllic geographic location, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a reliable surf almost every day. However, the time of year you visit will determine where on the island you’ll find the best breaks.

For example:

If you’re visiting Bali during the dry season (May – October), head to the west coast of the island. Spots like Uluwatu and Canggu offer consistent, large swells at this time of year.
If you’re in Bali during the wet season (November – March), the east coast is where you’ll want to be. Serangan, Keramas and Nusa Dua all offer some world-class waves, especially in the mornings. My personal favourite is Nusa Dua, as it is home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Bali, so the beaches and waters are usually pristine here.

Local Tip:

Bali has two high seasons: July to August and late December to early January. During these times, the island becomes crowded, with more people in the water. For fewer crowds and cleaner waves, head out early in the morning (right after sunrise) or just before sunset.

Stay connected at the best surf spots in Bali with Holafly

While you won’t be taking your phone out into the waves, you’ll still need data to find the best surf schools, check tide reports, or grab the photos the school’s photographer snaps of you shredding an epic wave.

That’s where Holafly eSIMs come in. With unlimited data and flexible plans, you can stay connected across Bali’s top surf spots without worrying about switching SIMs or high roaming fees.

Check out Holafly’s Bali eSIM here!

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