Bali, Indonesia is filled with a diversity of must-see wonders, but it has always been recognized as one of the most popular destinations for surfing enthusiasts. The southern coasts of the island face the Indian Ocean, hosting a rich selection of ideal surfing spots for most of the year. Bali is a great place for both new and experienced surfers. There are various spots to choose from when you visit this region. Here is a list of the top 10 best.
1. Nusa Lembongan
This is a small island located southeast of the mainland. Nusa Lembongan has many popular breaks. It is suitable for experienced surfers. Beginners may find it difficult to surf on this island because the waves tend to break on the reef.
2. Canggu
This surfing spot is located a short distance from Kuta. Canggu offers everything a surfer needs. For beginners, you will enjoy soft rolling waves while experts explore the big barrels. However, you need to be on the lookout because the reef bottom is quite jagged. The best time to visit this location is from May to September. The waves range from between 2 and 8 feet.
3. Medewi Beach
This is a great spot for less experienced surfers. On a good day, it is possible to catch an 8-foot wave. The best season to visit this beach is between April and October. There are several hotels and restaurants along the beach.
4. Kuta
This is one of the first places to introduce surfing in Bali. Kuta is home to several surfing stores, rentals, and schools. This makes it an ideal choice if you are a beginner. The waves are also friendly. You get to enjoy forgiving and very consistent beach breaks in this spot. Expert surfers can take advantage of the long stretch of beach that makes it easy to try a variety of maneuvers. The waves range from 2 to 6 feet. Kuta offers a great surfing environment between May and September.
5. Bingin
This area has a hollow surfing spot that is popular among experienced surfers. If you are an expert surfer looking for a challenge, Bingin is ideal. Its waves swell between 3 and 6 feet. The best waves can be found from May to September.
6. Uluwatu
This spot has attracted surfers from the 1970s. Uluwatu offers five breaks and reliable swells, allowing surfers to showcase their skills. It is a popular spot and you will find it crowded with surfers most of the time.
If you are looking for a challenge, the best time to visit Uluwatu is in the Monsoon season. This is when large swells hit the area. It is possible to get waves that are as high as 15 feet during this season. You will need a large board and strong leash to ride these waves. The waves are at their best from May to September.
7. Dreamland
This is considered one of the tamer surfing spots in Bali. Dreamland is a popular destination for surfers who want to stay away from the sharp rocks and heavy waves that are found at Uluwatu and Bingin. It offers amazing scenery and smooth breaks. The mid-tide is the best option for beginners because there are fewer wipeouts. Dreamland’s outer reefs tend to be more challenging and if you visit at the right time, you will enjoy big swells with some amazing barrels. The waves can swell up to between 3 and 12 feet. The best waves can be found between May and September.
8. Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is suitable for expert surfers. Its sharp, shallow reef bottom and huge, strong right hand waves can be dangerous for beginners. On a good day, the waves can go as high as fifteen feet. The best time to visit this destination is during the rainy season from October to April.
9. Padang Padang
For professional surfers who want to remain on their toes, Padang padang is a great destination. It offers huge barrels and large swells that make it fun to surf. The drawback is that the wipeouts tend to be more painful because of the reef bottom is strong and sharp. Beginners should stay away from this destination while professionals should take precaution. The best time to visit is from May to September.
10. Balangan
This location offers a great high tide ideal for a beginner. On a good day, Balangan offers big waves that create an enticing challenge for skilled surfers. There are smaller crowds at this location compared and the best time to visit is between May and September.
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