Bali has become one of the most recognisable surf destinations in the world thanks to its consistent waves, warm water, and wide range of breaks suited for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers. Whether you’re planning your first surf holiday or returning to refine your skills, understanding the island’s top surf spots and beaches will help you choose the right location.
This guide covers the most notable surf beaches in Bali, complete with difficulty ratings, nearby areas, and a map-style breakdown to help you navigate the island.
Overview Map of Bali’s Surf Regions
Below is a simple geographical orientation to help you understand where each surf spot sits on the island:
West Coast (Beginner to Advanced)
- Canggu
- Echo Beach
- Batu Bolong
- Berawa
- Kuta Beach
- Seminyak
- Legian
- Medewi
Bukit Peninsula (Intermediate to Advanced)
- Uluwatu
- Padang Padang
- Bingin
- Impossibles
- Balangan
- Dreamland
East Coast (Wet Season, Beginner to Intermediate)
- Keramas
- Nusa Dua
- Sanur Reef
This breakdown will help you decide which area of Bali suits your skill level and travel plans.
Best Surf Beaches in Bali (With Difficulty Ratings)
Below is a list of the top surf beaches across Bali, suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers.
1. Batu Bolong, Canggu
Difficulty: Beginner
Wave Type: Soft, rolling waves
Best For: First-timers, longboarders
Region: West Coast
Batu Bolong is one of Bali’s most iconic beginner surf beaches. Known for its gentle, longboard-friendly waves and accessible conditions, it’s ideal for learners. The beach is also home to a lively surf culture with cafés and community spaces.
For those looking to ride their first waves, Mondo Surf Village’s Beginner Surf & Yoga Package offers guided lessons and accommodation, providing a complete surf retreat experience.
2. Echo Beach, Canggu
Difficulty: Intermediate
Wave Type: Fast, powerful reef break
Best For: Intermediates looking to progress to steeper waves
Region: West Coast
Echo Beach offers more powerful conditions and is often the next step after mastering Batu Bolong. It’s a consistent break with several peaks and works well during mid- to high-tide.
3. Berawa Beach, Canggu
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Wave Type: Beach break with multiple peaks
Best For: Progressing beginners
Region: West Coast
Berawa is a more open break than Batu Bolong, offering slightly stronger waves. This makes it suitable for surfers who want a challenge but are not ready for reef breaks.
4. Kuta Beach
Difficulty: Beginner
Wave Type: Soft beach break
Best For: Complete beginners
Region: West Coast
Kuta Beach is one of the most famous beginner surf beaches in Bali. Its long sandy bottom, forgiving waves, and consistent conditions make it perfect for first surf lessons.
5. Seminyak Beach
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Wave Type: Beach break
Best For: Mixed groups and returning surfers
Region: West Coast
Seminyak offers slightly less crowded conditions compared to Kuta, with similar waves. It’s ideal for surfers who want easy access to consistent waves while enjoying a relaxed beach vibe, cafés, and nearby amenities.
6. Legian Beach
Difficulty: Beginner
Wave Type: Soft beach break
Region: West Coast
Located between Kuta and Seminyak, Legian provides similar forgiving waves and is another strong area for beginners.
7. Medewi
Difficulty: Intermediate
Wave Type: Long left-hand point break
Best For: Long rides and style improvement
Region: West Coast (farther north)
Medewi is famous for having the longest left-hand wave in Bali, often allowing rides of up to one minute. The wave is mellow, making it a great training ground for intermediates seeking flow and control.
8. Padang Padang (Baby Padang)
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Wave Type: Small reef break
Region: Bukit Peninsula
Baby Padang is distinct from the world-famous Padang Padang Left, which is an advanced barrel. Baby Padang offers small, playful waves suitable for those beginning to surf reefs.
9. Uluwatu
Difficulty: Advanced
Wave Type: Fast, powerful reef break
Region: Bukit Peninsula
Uluwatu is Bali’s iconic advanced surf destination, known for long rides, dramatic cliffs, and consistent swell. This spot is not suitable for beginners.
10. Balangan
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Wave Type: Long left-hand reef break
Region: Bukit Peninsula
Balangan is a favourite for intermediates preparing for more advanced spots. It offers long left-hand rides on bigger swells.
11. Keramas
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Wave Type: Fast, hollow right-hand wave
Region: East Coast
Keramas works best during the wet season and is ideal for surfers looking to challenge themselves on bigger waves.
12. Nusa Dua
Difficulty: Intermediate
Wave Type: Multiple reef peaks
Region: East Coast
Nusa Dua offers long, consistent waves suitable for intermediates. During the wet season, this area becomes one of the best alternatives to the West Coast.
Choosing the Right Surf Spot by Skill Level
Best for Beginners
- Batu Bolong
- Kuta
- Legian
- Baby Padang
- Seminyak
Best for Intermediates
- Echo Beach
- Berawa
- Medewi
- Balangan (on small days)
- Nusa Dua
Best for Advanced Surfers
- Uluwatu
- Padang Padang Left
- Keramas
If you are planning a surf-focused stay near Canggu, Mondo Surf Village offers accommodations like the Rinjani Bungalow as part of its surf camp packages, providing easy access to several nearby breaks.
When to Surf Each Coast
Dry Season (May to September)
West coast spots such as Canggu, Berawa, Kuta, and Uluwatu perform best.
Wet Season (November to March)
East coast spots such as Keramas and Nusa Dua become ideal.
For a deeper seasonal breakdown, you may refer to the Mondo blog’s Best Time to Visit Bali for Surfing guide.
Final Thoughts
Bali offers a diverse range of surf beaches, each with its own wave characteristics and difficulty level. Whether you’re learning the basics at Batu Bolong, improving technique at Echo Beach, or challenging yourself at Uluwatu, the island provides excellent opportunities for progression.If you want a supportive environment with structured coaching near several of these surf spots, Mondo Surf Village’s curated Surf & Yoga Packages cater to different skill levels and interests, providing a well-rounded base for learning and improvement.