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Bali is well renowned for being the premier surf location in Indonesia. It has some of the most iconic beaches for surfing, snorkelling and lounging about on bean bags under brightly coloured umbrellas.
Most of the beaches are very easily accessible. If you’re confident on a scooter it is easy to get there and most beaches have lots of parking. If taking a scooter to the beach isn’t for you then you can hire a driver for the day and request the beaches that you want to go to.
If you’re looking for more information on where to stay in Bali check out our Canggu or Uluwatu Guides!
Central Bali
Canggu
Best for: intermediate surfers & beautiful sunsets
Canggu is a very prominent surf location on Bali’s South West coast and one of the top breaks on the beach. The Sandbar located in front of La Brisa provides one of Bali’s most popular waves. Best surfed on a rising tide, it can get quite crowded with locals and visitors alike trying to make the most of this break. When conditions are not as favourable, this is a great spot for intermediate surfers.
The surrounding areas of Canggu have exploded in popularity with expats and tourists recently. This has resulted in many new bars, restaurants and clothing shops opening up making Canggu a premier destination for your trip.
Where to stay?
Ecozy Dijiwa
Batu Bolong
Best for: beginner surfers & longer boarders
Batu Bolong is the ideal beach break for beginner and intermediate surfers, along with long boarders. The soft sand break makes for low rolling waves that are very forgiving.
As a result of this, this beach can become very busy so would recommend visiting the beach first thing in the morning. You will find plenty of places to hire a surfboard from along the beach, along with local instructors to show you the ropes. If you are new to surfing and want somewhere that is not too intimidating to give it a try, Batu Bolong is the place to visit.
Where to stay?
ZIN Canggu Resort & Villas
South Bali
Uluwatu / Suluban Beach
Best for: intermediate surfers & sunset lovers
Uluwatu is the ultimate spot in Bali for surfers or though that enjoy watching surfers in action. Located on the southern tip of the Bukit Penisula, the wave here is world class and not suited for beginner surfers.
The paddle out to the break is through a small cave that is very difficult on a high tide with fast moving water outside the cave mouth. Getting in can be just as difficult and if you miss the cave mouth, it is a long paddle around to try again. At low tide, it is possible to walk down to the cave entrance and even swim amongst the shallow reef that pokes through the water. Depending on your preference, you can time your visit to Uluwatu accordingly.
During low tide you’re able to access the beach in front of the surf break called Suluban Beach. Once you have climbed down the steps towards the beach you enter the beach through the caves to the left. Make sure to check the tide times as you will not be able to get back if the tide starts coming in.
If you enjoy just watching, there are plenty of restaurants and bars on the cliff edge where you can grab a Bing Tang and catch the action. The sunset from Single Fin was one of our favourites.
Where to stay?
Ulu Cliffhouse
Thomas Beach
Best for: long lazy beach days
This is one of the quieter beaches along the coastline in Uluwatu, which is rare specially during peak times. The road down to Thomas beach can be slightly daunting for those that arent confident riding a scooter, you can park across from the entrance if you’re worried about driving down.
Along the beach there are several different places you are able to hire a sun lounger and umbrella from, it will set you back around 50k IDR per person. They also offer surf board hire on the beach too.
Where to stay?
Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa
Padang Padang
Best for: all types of surfers & swimming
Padang Padang and Baby Padang is located not far from Uluwatu and is another popular beach location. This is one of the only beaches that has an entrance fee on top of a parking fee but can be worth it.
Baby Padang is a left breaking wave over a reef and I found it to be quite a mellow wave. This break is great if you are a beginner or intermediate surfer. There are plenty of surf instructors on the beach that can take you out for a lesson on this forgiving wave. Be mindful that it is best surfed on a high tide, with the reef peeking through when the tide is low and the wave becomes unsurfable.
When the swell picks up, Padang Padang (which is located around the left corner from the beach) is a barrelling left hand wave suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.
The beach itself is only small so make sure to get there early to avoid the crowds. It is a great little protected cove for those wanting to go for a swim however at peak times you’ll have to watch out for the surf lessons heading out and in.
Where to stay?
Pink Coco Uluwatu [Adults Only]
Bingin
Best for: advanced surfers & beach cafes
Bingin is a small town that is located on the cliff side north of Padang Padang. Access from the parking is via a short walk down to the waterside. Bingin is a fast reef break that needs a decent pulse in swell to activate. We would recommend this break for intermediate to advanced surfers and best surfed on a high tide.
On the way down you will see lots of signs to different beach cafes that are located on the cliffside. If you aren’t there to surf then this is the perfect spot to sit and while away the hours, our favourite along there is Kelly’s Warung.
Where to stay?
BoHo Bingin Beach
Nyang Nyang
Best for: long beach walks
This long beach at the southern most point of Bali is broken up into different sections depending on where you want to park and spend the day. At low tide all of these beaches are connected. They have now renamed the beaches to avoid confusion so you have Nyang Nyang and Nunggalan Beach (where the iconic shipwreck on the beach is).
Access into Nyang Nyang is very steep and if you arent confident with the condition of your bike and also your ride skills we wouldn’t recommend it.
However due to the location of the beach it is very quiet and relaxing, so if you’re looking for somewhere out of the way of people this could be the beach for you. As this isn’t a protected area make sure to keep and eye on the weather conditions as the current can be very strong here.
Where to stay?
Bubble Hotel Nyang Nyang
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