Bali’s Best Surf Spots: From Gentle Breaks to World-Class Barrels

From Kuta’s soft learner waves to the world-class barrels of Padang Padang and Keramas, each break brings its own rhythm, character and challenge. Whether you’re new to the lineup or carving your hundredth wave, here’s where to find Bali’s best.

Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach remains Bali’s entry point to surf culture. Its broad, sandy bottom and consistent, gentle waves make it ideal for beginners looking to stand up for the first time. While more advanced surfers may find the waves less challenging, Kuta offers abundant surf schools and rentals, making it a practical choice for your first surf sessions.

Keramas

Keramas is among Bali’s high-performance surf spots: a powerful right-hand rivermouth/reef break on the east coast known for hollow barrels suited to advanced surfers. It works best during the wet season (November to March) when the swell and wind align. Due to its difficulty and reef bottom, it is not recommended for true beginners. 

Balangan Beach

Nestled on the Bukit Peninsula, Balangan Beach offers a picturesque left-hand reef break set beneath dramatic limestone cliffs. The waves are long and more forgiving than some of the region’s barrels, making Balangan a solid option for intermediate surfers or beginners on smaller days under supervision.

Padang Padang

Padang Padang is iconic for its fast, hollow reef break and its place in surf contest culture. Access is via a narrow path through cliffs, which adds to the experience. Because of its powerful nature, this spot is better suited to intermediate-to-advanced surfers; care should be taken with the reef and tide.

Dreamland

Dreamland Beach in the Pecatu area combines style and surf potential. The break is more accessible than some of the cliff-lined reefs nearby, making it a good choice for those wanting a stylish surf stay with resort-adjacent convenience.

Bingin Beach

Bingin is appreciated for its picturesque setting and consistent reef break, particularly for left-handers. The reef bottom makes it less suited for beginners, but it is excellent for those with some experience chasing quality waves.

Suluban Beach

Suluban Beach lies beneath the cliffs of the Uluwatu zone and is accessed through a cave pathway. While the exact surf details are less documented in our sources, it remains a distinctive spot for intermediate-to-advanced surfers seeking something a little off the beaten path.

Medewi Beach

Medewi Beach on Bali’s west coast is known among long-boarders and those willing to travel for less-crowded waves. For non-surf days: book a short drive through the countryside, explore local warungs, perhaps join a beginner’s yoga class or simply lay in the shade with a book as the waves roll gently in.

Balian Beach

Balian Beach offers a remote west-coast surf experience that appeals to surfers looking to escape the more populated zones. While it’s known for a consistent left-hand surf break, it also offers an authentic beach-village feel, black-sand shores, and some of the most peaceful sunsets the island can offer. 

Berawa Beach

Berawa Beach, located in the Canggu area, offers flexible surf conditions and a vibrant beach community backdrop. It’s well-suited for intermediate surfers and those wanting to combine surf with café culture and social spaces.

Echo Beach

Echo Beach in Canggu is praised for offering three quality reef breaks suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. Beginners may find conditions challenging due to reef and tide. Its lively surroundings also make it a social surf destination as much as a performance one.

Batu Bolong Beach

Nestled in the heart of the fashionable Canggu area, Batu Bolong Beach is a multi-faceted destination: yes, a surf spot, but also a social and lifestyle hub. The beach itself spans a wide black-sand stretch, supporting surf schools for beginners while board riders catch soft waves. ​​If you want a blend of surf, social, and sunshine, this is your spot.

Whether you’re standing up for the first time at Kuta, chasing barrels at Keramas, or sipping sunset cocktails at Echo Beach, Bali’s surf scene offers something for every wave-seeker. From sand-bottom learner breaks to reef-hugging barrels, each venue brings its own flavour of island surf culture. Choose your level, respect the line-up, and let the sea show you its rhythm.