lemiExotic, adventurous, and beguiling, Indonesia gives you an infinite chance at new and exciting experiences
Breaking Bali's Barrels
Bali
Beyond Bali’s sandy shores, magnificent waves await the courageous! The island has surf spots for everybody. Find your balance at the beginner ripples of Canggu Beach, challenge the bigger swells (surfable waves) of Medewi Beach, or show off your expert skills at Padang Padang Beach! Slip into your suit, wax your boards, and get ready to hold your breath. It’s time to ride the barrels (the hollow of a wave)!
Beginners should put Kuta Beach on top of their list! It’s Bali’s primary surf zone, so there’s plenty of schools and board rental shops right on the coast. There are even lifeguards on the lookout, in case you’re worried about safety. The mellow waves break on the sand, making it easy for newbies to train on (and off!) their boards. Expect to share the white waters with a lot of enthusiasts; don’t worry, the eight-kilometer stretch of sand has enough space for everyone!
Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Canggu Beach is Bali’s up-and-coming surfing district! The sections of Batu Bolong Beach and Echo Beach provide the perfect rolling waves for novice surfers. Meanwhile, the rest of the shore sees powerful barrels that will give any experienced rider a run for their money. Many bars, cafes, and boutiques have sprung up on the coastline village. Do a bit of on-land exploring after gliding through the breaks!
Canggu, North Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
You’ll need a good paddle to get to where the action is at Serangan Beach. Swift, heavy barrels lure seasoned pros into the middle of the ocean. Swells are big, but it lands on a flat, sandy surface. Join locals on the left side of the waters, where hollow breaks prove to be a greater test of skill. By the right side, you’ll tend to find “a-frame’s” (waves that break in an “A” shape). On milder days, this portion may even be traversed by rookies. Although, you may want to have a more practiced surfer tag along just to be safe!
Jalan Pantai Serangan, Serangan, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Located on the southwestern part of the island, Medewi Beach is a few hours drive away from Bali’s established surf areas. Here, the atmosphere is peaceful, and the population mainly consists of friendly locals. Skilled surfers make the trip out to experience amazing 200-meter, 30-second-long left-handers (waves that break from right to left). Drop by during the dry season, when waves are bigger due to the east-to-west direction of the winds.
Jalan Pantai Medewi, Medewi, Pekutatan, Jembrana, Bali, Indonesia
When you’ve exhausted the tubes of Uluwatu and Kuta, head to the less frequented Balangan Beach! The coast itself is a stunner—white sand and glassy waters complemented by golden cliffs covered in lush greenery. Choose your surfs carefully, as the left-handers usually roll quickly. Hop on your board during mid- or high-tide; low-tide generally brings in nasty barrels. Swells break on sharp coral reefs, so remember to wear your booties!
South Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
In the past, the only way to get to Impossibles was to scale the nearby cliffs—hence its name. Add in its intimidatingly rapid tubes, and you’ve got yourself an expert-only surf! It lies on a wide reef, separated into three take-off zones: one from Padang Padang Beach, and two others from the shore’s midsection. Under the right conditions, curves may last a mile and reach up to five feet. In between swells, admire the beautiful rock formations embracing the island!
Pecatu Village, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Keramas Beach was once a secret hideaway. Nowadays, it’s a haven for intermediate surfers looking for gnarly right-handers (waves that break from left to right). Come before mid-morning to catch its infamous fast rolls. Practice caution because the end section lands on a shallow, uneven lava reef populated by a few sea urchins. When the sun goes down, Hotel Komune Bali Beach Club hosts night surfing. A maximum of six people gets to skim the barrels while being illuminated by giant floodlights!
Jalan Bypass Ida Bagus Mantra, Keramas, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Green Bowl Beach (also known as “Green Balls”) is a surf spot characterized by right-handers intensified by trade winds. Check the forecast before coming to guarantee that the waves are just the right size and not too blown out. Only advanced surfers should attempt to face these waters since there’s a strong sweeping undercurrent. After your session, reward yourself with a secluded patch of white sand paradise back on the shore. You’ll need to recharge to get yourself through the long ascent to the mainland!
Jalan Pura Batu Pageh, Ungasan, Bali, Indonesia
Nicknamed the “Balinese Pipeline,” Padang Padang Beach attracts professionals from all over the globe. Tubes are long, waves reach as high as 12 feet, and swells break on a coral reef—testing even the most experienced surfers. The coast is accessible via a flight of stairs across from a large parking lot. You’ll likely encounter a few mischievous monkeys on your descent, so keep your belongings in check! Time your visit to the annual Rip Curl Cup (usually around July) to watch the world’s best riders drive the waters!
Jalan Labuan Sait, Pecatu Village, Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia
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