Picking the right spot to surf is a question surfers ask themselves every day. It can be a make or break for your daily session. Here is a break down the Bukit’s best waves based on the difficulty of the wave. Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced, pick the right spot for you and get ready to get the ride of your life. Be aware, certain breaks can be good for beginners and advanced on the same day. The tides play a major effect on the waves around Bali, be sure to check them every day and most of the time a higher tide will be better for beginners and a lower tide will make the waves steeper and better for the advanced surfer.
Photo by Paul Baker
Beginner
Padang Padang Right
Padang Padang Right is also known as Baby Padang. Located to the right of the famous Padang, it is a soft mellow break due to the shape of the reef. Waves break both left and right. Left is a long left and can be ridden almost to Impossibles. Easy paddle out for beginners through the channel. While it can get crowded with surf schools, this is the spot to learn if you are new to surf and have a short time in Bali or if you are transitioning between surfing the whitewash and unbroken waves. With easy green waves, you will be sure to get up your first day. And on days when the swell is big, the outside can be pumping. Great for intermediate surf.
Access: Walk through the gate entrance at the main road to gain beach access down the stairs. Required to pay 10k Rupiah entrance fee.
Bingin (High Tide Only)
Bingin is the most perfect wave in the Bukit. Waves are not as big as Uluwatu’s but share the same reef. This strong left-hander is a wave machine with consistent barrels. With super hollow barrels, this paradise brings out the adrenaline junkies to play. Catching a good wave in time is challenging because of a small takeoff spot which also leads to long lines. Bingin can get more crowded than Uluwatu as the wave is less intimidating. And be warned that locals run the show. Tides play an important role in this wave. While this wave works best at mid-tide, you will find experts and pros daring this wave playing with new twists and turns.
Access: Walkthrough alleyway past Temple Lodge and down the stairs. Required to pay 5k Rupiah to park. Additional access via Bingin Cliff but ask a local how to get there.
Photo by Surf Photo Bali
Balangan
Balangan is last in the line of the major left-handers in the Bukit Peninsula. Still relatively underdeveloped this beautiful white sand beach retains the old charm of Bali. The reef is right in front and only requires a short paddle out but remember to bring your booties! The wave itself is very racey and hollow being best at mid to high tide. This swell magnet is the perfect long lefts running close to 200m. Balangan is a fun wave for beginner and intermediate surfers but can quickly become a crowded teaching break for surf schools. Surfing mid-tide is a sure bet to miss the crowds. Stash a few Rupiah in your pocket for a post-surf Bintang and picturesque view of the sunset at a local beach Warung.
Access: No entrance fee is required.
Intermediate
Impossibles
Impossibles is comprised of 3 separate Peaks on this wide reef. When it lines up, it is arguably one of the most beautiful photogenic waves in the world. When wave height gets above 1.75m and the tide is mid-range, you can expect the longest waves in the Bukit. Good swell and wind conditions, surfers could ride this wave up to 400m all the way to pick up your Bintang on the beach. With high consistency, you can almost always get waves at this break. A perfect playground to practice your turns. However, frequently Impossibles can be deceptive with racey sections. Due to how quickly this wave breaks, it is almost exclusively for advanced surfers. But when the swell is smaller, the intermediate surfers can join the fun.
Access: Paddle out through Padang Padang or Bingin Beach.
Dreamland
Dreamland is a mellow beach break that breaks on all tides in most conditions. Perfect for novice surfers as this is an easier wave, and you don’t have to worry about the reef. The water is quite deep and the bottom is sand but the occasional big rock will welp your toe. Best for intermediate surfers as it works well on different tides and different swells with the right and left outside. Best for beginners on small days with the inside left. On lower tides, there can be a reform on the inside that is fun for shortboards or bodysurfing. And due to the frequent punchy shorebreak, you can find locals showing off their skills. Be cautioned as both the surf and the beach can get crowded with lots of tourists.
Access: No entrance fee is required.
Photo by Ainhoa Garmendia
Green Bowl
Green Bowl is the Bukit’s secret spot. One of the only rights in the Bukit, this hollow and fast wave must be surfed on higher tides and early mornings. This break is exposed to trade winds and can come in strong starting early afternoon. While breaking mostly right into the channel, beware of the strong sweeping current. Green Bowl picks up swell in any direction and best in the wet season. Because of the sharp corral and dicey conditions, this break is only suitable for experienced surfers. But one of our favourites as you might just find the whole break to yourself!
Access: Beach access is tricky. Recommend GPS or ask a local. Once there, walk down a long flight of stairs and save your energy for the post-surf climb! No entrance fee is required.
Advanced
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is front and center of Balinese surfing thanks to its ability to handle any swell size across a wide reef playground. Waves here are very consistent with hollow walls that always produce great waves. When swells are maxed out, the Outside Corner will come to life. The Peak is directly in front of the famous cave on your paddle out but can be a bit shifty. Beware of the strong current or you might end up in Padang Padang. Crowds become a factor when the waves are under 5 feet. But when the swell is good, this is the go-to big wave spot in the Bukit. Remember to bring your reef booties and some cash for a Bintang at the local surfer’s hideaway on the cliff, the Edge Bar.
Access: Walk down the steps under Single Fin. Required to pay 5k Rupiah parking fee.
Photo by Deprli Aceng
Padang Padang
Padang Padang is the most serious wave in Bali, but it only starts to work when there is a big swell. Waves come in quick from deep water and breaks along a shallow reef that creates a very fast long barreling wave to surf. Padang is the biggest and hollowest wave in the Bukit. This famous break is where pros and experts come to sharpen and test their skills. Surfers return year after year to surf the Balinese Pipeline to experience this radical and gnarly wave. Because of the worldwide fame, Padang can get crowded with heated flare-ups due to drop-ins. Best time to catch this wave is early morning if the tide conditions agree. Caution that when Padang is at its best, it is also incredibly dangerous due to the heavy wave, shallow corral, and jagged rocks.
Level: Expert only
Access: Walk through the gate entrance at the main road to gain beach access down the stairs. Required to pay 10k Rupiah entrance fee.
Bingin (Low tide)
Bingin is the most perfect wave in the Bukit. Waves are not as big as Uluwatu’s but share the same reef. This strong left-hander is a wave machine with consistent barrels. With super hollow barrels, this paradise brings out the adrenaline junkies to play. Catching a good wave in time is challenging because of a small takeoff spot which also leads to long lines. Bingin can get more crowded than Uluwatu as the wave is less intimidating. And be warned that locals run the show. Tides play an important role in this wave. While this wave works best at mid-tide, you will find experts and pros daring this wave playing with new twists and turns.
Access: Walkthrough alleyway past Temple Lodge and down the stairs. Required to pay 5k Rupiah to park. Additional access via Bingin Cliff but ask a local how to get there
If you are after more detailed info during your stay, drop into our store in Bingin !