Surfing Bali~ Tips and Tricks to stay safe and get the most out of your Bali Surf Trip
It’s certainly not new news that Bali is a surfer’s paradise. To surf Bali is to surf some of the best waves in the world. What is new and helpful are the “How’s” “Where’s” and “When’s”. I learned the hard way. I scoured the Internet, read books, talked to other surfers, but never found all the really crucial information I needed to make the most out of my surf trips. Certainly there are some good websites that provide surf reports, tide charts, forecasts and other information on how to surf Bali, but what about the insider’s tips, how to find the entry point, what to do when you get there, etc.? That’s why I wanted to provide these Surf Bali blog posts.
A surfers takes time to contemplate his mission- To surf Uluwatu, one of the most legendary waves on the planet. It can be tricky, but using this helpful guide, you will know how to navigate this killer surf break.
This is certainly one of the most breathtaking initial paddles in all of surfing. Surfers must paddle through this cave while battling strong currents and reef. Bring your booties and a strong leash.
Bali’s Surfing Secrets
There’s a fine balance between providing a helpful service to fellow surfer’s and revealing the closely guarded secrets of Bali’s local surfers. Being a local myself and understanding the importance of retaining the few secret surf spots left in Bali, I will not disclose certain information and I won’t even mention some of our lesser known locations. That’s why I am covering Uluwatuin this blog post.
One of our Bali Surf Retreat participants gets barreled at Racetrack Peak in Uluwatu
Even non-surfers know of this iconic surf break and the crowds have no problem finding it, but the first timer can benefit from some tips. Participants of Floating Leaf’s Surf Retreats get even more insider information so check here for surf retreat info.
Surfing Uluwatu ~ Bali’s most consistent wave
Heading south in Bali’s Bukit you will cross Padang-Padang Bridge and see Padang-Padang Surf Break off to your right. This is another great surf spot in Bali’s Bukit with a beautiful white sand beach.
Uluwatu is more than one of the world’s best surf breaks. It is also one of Bali’s most magnificent temples, Pura Uluwatu Temple. It’s important to understand the location of the surf spot, and the Temple, are two different places. Both are on the same offshoot from the main road, Jalan Labuan Sait after you cross the Padang Padang Bridge. The surf break is straight down the road (It’s currently a dirt road but its becoming paved in more and more spots all the time). To get to Uluwatu Temple you will take a left on this road (at the sign) and the surf spot is found if you continue straight.
Entering the surfing area of Uluwatu from the parking lot, you will be on the cliff looking out onto this stunning vista. The cave (pictured above) is below and to the left. Make your way down the path to the left, past the shops, surfboard repair places and cafes and the path will switchback to the right and you will see some steep stairs eventually leading to the cave.
The Best Surfing in Bali
Much of the best surfing in Bali, Ulu included, happens on “The Bukit”. Bali’s Bukit is a limestone peninsula in the southernmost tip of Bali. It consists of dramatic steep cliffs, impressive temples and white sand beaches that offer some of the best surf anywhere. There is but one road that leads into The Bukit. It travels through Jimbaron and is named Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua. Driving south on the Bypass you will encounter many famous surf breaks. From north to south the surf spots are Balangan, Dreamland, Bingin, Impossibles, Padang-Padang, Suluban and then Uluwatu.
The view from the top of the final decent into Uluwatu’s cave. the bridge you see below leads to a couple restaurants on the cliffs that provide an excellent vantage point to watch the surf.
The Surf breaks of Uluwatu ~ Epic Bali Surfing
Uluwatu is a wide reef and actually consists of five main surf peaks. All surfing at Uluwatu is for advanced or expert surfers. Again from north to south (technically east to west) the breaks are:
The Peak: Directly out from the cave. One of the most consistent waves in the world and works at all tide levels.
Racetrack: A fast and slick wave. Best at a low tide.
Outside Corner: Perhaps the most iconic peak of Uluwatu. Works on a big swell at low tide.
Temples: The least crowded section of Uluwatu as it requires a farther paddle, but surfers are rewarded with a great wave and the least crowds. (Note: a ‘small crowd’ at Uluwatu might be considered a ‘considerable crowd’ at many other surf locations)
The Bombie: A monster wave that only works on very large swells.
After paddling through the cave, you will pass between this channel and out to the first break at Uluwatu called The Peak. Racetrack, Outside Corner, Temples and The Bombie will be off to the surfer’s left on the paddle out to the waves. Remember the look of these cliffs as you paddle out as if you don’t return to this spot, you are in for a long paddle to the next surf location. Mind the tides and the current as re-entry can be tricky and it’s not uncommon to see surfers getting tossed into the rocks or dragged on the reef.
Out of respect for the Balinese and local surfers, I will not reveal more ‘protected information’. But I can provide these additional tips, safety information and photos of Uluwatu. Just check Another amazing day of Bali surf at Uluwatu
Please be smart, be cautious and be considerate.
When descending into the cave at Uluwatu, continue across the two bridges (pictured above) and back up some stairs and you will arrive at a couple Warungs where you can sit and enjoy a cold Bintang and warm nasi goreng while watching, or photographing, the epic surf of Uluwatu. Uluwatu provides one of the best places for surf photography as you can sit, eat, drink, relax, all while geting some amazing photos.
Click on these links for more on Surf Retreats and Surf Vacations
23 Comments. Leave new
Really great post Mike. Uluwatu is certainly a treasure. Beginning surfers can go to either Kuta Beach or Padang Padang Rights (not to be confused with the hairy Padang Padang Left). and get plenty of fun waves. You’re right, though, for experienced surfers uluwatu is amazing and sooo consistent. Thanks for the great post!
Thanks.
Yes, I want to stress that surfing Uluwatu is for advanced and experts only. There are many great surf breaks in Bali for beginners as well like you point out. For me, I love surfing Keramas and its right by Floating Leaf villas which makes it so convenient.
Lets get back out into the lin up soon my friend!
Thanks so much and I am so glad you liked the blog post enough to share it as you did. Are you a surfer?
Warm regards,
Michael
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Hey enjoyed the post. I’m going to Bali with a friend in January. I’m wondering: the western breaks in Bali are supposedly the dry season breaks and the east the wet season. How true is this and will the western breaks still be working (although not quite as epic) in January? We are both intermediate surfers (at home in 3-4 ft florida waves) and want to stay as close as possible to a wave that will be good for our ability level (while exploring the more challenging waves, too). It seems that Kuta or Canguu might be perfect for us from what I’ve read, but not sure if they won’t be working in January. OR, what about Sri Lanka? is this a good bet in the wet season for intermediate surfers?
Thanks a lot man. Couldn’t be more excited for my Balinese adventure.
-Sam
Hi Sam and Thank you for reading.
It used to be more applicable but its still a good guideline. We are stoked now that our East coast season is getting in full swing but its surfable all year. Just depends on what you want. You will be able to find good surf all over but if you want the best of the best, get a guide or study the wave models. I think you will be much better off on the east coast during that time for a few reasons. We have some great little known spots near us that will be working and not crowded. Let us know if you want to come stay with us or use our guides.
Like I said, you’ll find fun waves all over but Its “off season: in Canggu at that time
Warmest regards,
Mikaku
I am in Jakarta for two weeks, looking for a quick surf getaway for this weekend. Could you provide advice on how to arrange transportation from the airport to Uluwatu and back, and what you recommend for inexpensive lodging?
Sure. Your hotel should be able to help with that. We provide full service surf adventures so let us know if you would like to stay with us. We get you to the best waves for the conditions and your skill level, not just in Uluwatu but anywhere where the conditions are best. I don’t know much about inexpensive lodging in Ulu as its mostly expensive hotels and villas but you might be able to find something on AirBnB or a site like that. The season is now on the East coast so its perfect by us. Check it out and have a great trip!
Warmest regards,
Mikaku
We are coming over March 1st which is their wet season? I am an experienced 20 year surfer and am looking for all around surf and cultural recommendations you have? We haven’t booked places to stay yet. Your blog and article are very helpful and appreciated! Thanks
Ted
Hello Ted,
Wonderful and you will have a great time. March is not the wet season and the East coast will be your best bet at that time. If you would like to come stay with us, we can design a custom package with exclusive experiences for you. Please email us if you are interested in exploring this option.
Warmest regards,
Mikaku
Hi! Great info, thanks! We will be staying in July with a 14 year old surfer adept. Great fun or too big deal? He’s surfing 3-4 times/week in 1,5-2m waves.
Thank you for stopping by. Hard to say but our surf guides can certainly get him to the perfect breaks for his skill level. Let us know if you want to try. Contact via email please. Have a great trip!
Good article. It is true that Bali is one of the best surfing spots in the world. No wonder many foreigners who visit the beaches in Bali. Still in Bali we open a surf course for those of you who want to enjoy your holiday more fun and challenging with us
Hello!
I’m looking for some advise. I’ll be in Bali next week, I’ll get there on Wednesday. I’ll be there for two weeks. I haven’t booked a place to stay yet. It looks like there will be some SW swell. Where would you recommend staying. I was thinking the Uluwatu area but it might be too crowded for me? Are there uncrossed waves in that area? I’m looking for lefts if possible.
Hello David
I sent you an email with more information but its a great time to be in Bali. Ulu is not that crowded now.And there is good surf coming almost everywhere. It just depends what you want. You can find great waves with medium crowds and really good waves with little crowds. You cant lose. Enjoy and if you need a guide or instructor, we can hook you up.
Two Intermidiate surfers coming from Trestles surf spots. Looking at visiting uluwatu around Nov. looking at a 7-10 day trip. Both goofy. Recommendations or suggestions for that timeframe. Thanks
Fantastic.
We love and miss Trestles. You will love Ulu and there are some great other spots to check if its too crowded as well. Ill send you an email with some more info.
Have a great trip!
Hey man – after YEARS of dreaming, I’m heading to Bali 4/30/18 – 5/8/18!! Wondering if you can email some info about surf spots. I’ll be traveling with a less experienced couple and Ulu looks to be pretty serious while we’re there. I’ll paddle out and give it a go, but it would be great to know of a couple less intimidating spots. Maybe even a mellow spot with a beach so my wife can lay on the sand?? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much and I’ll send you an email with some information
Congrats and haver a great trip
Hey! Thank you so much for the info! I am heading to Bali tomorrow and there is gonna be a solid swell comming from Sunday on. What area would you recommend for the next two weeks? I am looking for good waves that are not too bad ass, maybe a bit mellower and preferably with little crowds 🙂 Uluwatu seems a bit too heavy for me. Would you send me an email with a bit more info where to go during the next two weeks? That would be so awesome! Thanks a lot!!
Wonderful and have a great trip.
I will send an email with some information for you
Thanks for reading and catch some good ones!
More @ balifloatingleaf.com
Wonderful article! I’ve been wanting to travel to Bali someday. If you are planning to visit this surfing paradise soon