Bali and Lombok are world-class surf destinations with waves for every level. Whether you’ve never stood on a board or you’re chasing barrels, there’s a break for you. Here’s the complete guide.
TL;DR — Spots by Level
| Level | Bali | Lombok |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Kuta Beach, Batu Bolong, Seminyak | Selong Belanak, Kuta Lombok |
| Intermediate | Canggu (Echo Beach), Old Man’s, Berawa | Gerupuk Bay (Inside) |
| Advanced | Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Keramas | Desert Point, Gerupuk (Outside) |
Season Guide
| Season | Best Coast | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Dry season | West coast (Canggu, Uluwatu) | Apr–Oct |
| Wet season | East coast (Keramas, Sanur) | Nov–Mar |
Bali — Beginner Spots
Batu Bolong, Canggu
Gentle rolling waves, sandy bottom, surf schools everywhere. The default beginner spot for Canggu nomads.
- Board rental: Rp 50K–100K/2 hours ($3.10–$6.25)
- Lesson: Rp 350K–500K ($22–$31) for 2 hours with instructor
Kuta Beach
Bali’s original surf beach. Wide, sandy, consistent small waves. Crowded but forgiving.
Seminyak Beach
Similar to Kuta, slightly less crowded. Good for first-timers.
Bali — Intermediate Spots
Echo Beach, Canggu
Bigger, more powerful waves than Batu Bolong. Reef bottom in some sections — booties recommended.
Old Man’s, Canggu
Fun, mellow wave between Batu Bolong and Echo Beach. Good for progressing intermediates.
Berawa, Canggu
Beach break with varying conditions. Can be excellent on the right swell.
Bali — Advanced Spots
Uluwatu
Bali’s most iconic wave. Long, fast left-hander over sharp reef. Paddle out through a cave. Not for beginners.
- Best: Apr–Oct, 4–10 ft swells
- Hazards: Reef, strong currents, crowds
Padang Padang
Fast, hollow left barrel. Made famous by competitions. Very shallow reef — advanced only.
Keramas
East coast right-hander. Night surfing available (stadium lights). Powerful and fast.
Lombok — Surf Spots
Selong Belanak (Beginner)
Perfect beach break for learning. Gentle, consistent, beautiful white sand.
Gerupuk Bay (All Levels)
Multiple breaks accessible by boat. Inside reef for intermediates, outside reef for advanced.
- Boat access: Rp 100K–200K ($6.25–$12.50) return
Desert Point (Expert)
One of the best left-hand barrels in the world. Long, hollow, powerful. Remote location, inconsistent swells.
- Best: May–Sep
- Access: Remote — 2+ hour drive from Kuta Lombok
Kuta Lombok (Beginner–Intermediate)
Beach breaks around Kuta town. Less crowded than Bali equivalent.
Practical Info
Costs
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Surf lesson (2 hr) | Rp 350K–500K ($22–$31) |
| Board rental (day) | Rp 100K–200K ($6.25–$12.50) |
| Board rental (month) | Rp 800K–1.5M ($50–$94) |
| Reef booties | Rp 150K–300K ($9.40–$19) to buy |
Tips
- Use reef booties at any spot with reef bottom (Uluwatu, Echo Beach, Padang Padang)
- Check tide charts. Many spots only work at certain tides
- Respect locals. Wait your turn, don’t drop in, be friendly
- Surf early. Best conditions are 6–8 AM before the wind picks up
- Sunscreen is essential. You’ll be in direct sun for hours
FAQ
Best surf spot for a total beginner? Batu Bolong (Canggu) or Selong Belanak (Lombok). Both have gentle waves and sandy bottoms.
Do I need my own board? No. Rental boards are cheap and available everywhere. Bring your own only if you’re an experienced surfer with specific board preferences.
When is the best time to surf in Bali? Dry season (Apr–Oct) for the west coast (Canggu, Uluwatu). Wet season (Nov–Mar) for the east coast (Keramas).