Bali: A Surfer’s Haven

I posted pictures of the surf in Bali last time. Now a little for what the place is like.  If you’ve never been in a third world country before, Bali is a great place to start.  If you’re fond of Asian countries and people, Bali’s also a great place to go.

Here’s a little map of the best surfing areas there (Used with permission):

Bali is a fun place to go for both beginners and pro surfers.  There are breaks for everyone.

I made some good friends with people from the Padang Padang Surf Camp, and while they aren’t right by the ocean, it’s near enough and the walk is an enjoyable one.  Of course there are other resorts right by the beach too if that’s what you want.

Here’s a little more about Bali’s surfing spots:

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is the indicator break for the west side of the bukit and is very consistent. The wide reef offers many different peaks which all turn on at different tide stages. The Peak is immediately in front of you as you paddle out of the cave and is a consistent wave that works at all tide stages. Outside corners only breaks at low tide on the biggest swells and is a classic wave. Racetrack is a fast racy wave that works best at low tide. Temples is a bit of a paddle from the main peak so tends to be less busy. The bombie will break on the biggest swells and is rideable at up to 20′ or even bigger!

Padang Padang

Padang Padang is known as the balinese pipeline. It is a very fast long barrelling wave that lives up to it’s reputation as the most serious wave in bali. Similar to Hawaii’s very own pipeline, the bali pipeline also breaks over a shallow coral reef and is only for expert surfers.

Lesser known is Padang Padang rights which breaks in front of a beautiful white sandy beach. This is a very easy wave and is suitable for beginners, longboarders and intermediate surfers. This is a perfect surf spot for learner surfers to progress from riding whitewater to unbroken waves. The conditions at high tide are very forgiving – a long slow unbroken wave which can reform from whitewater to swell. It is also a beautiful location for sunbathing and watching the sunset

Impossibles

Impossibles is a fast racy wave that is very picturesque. There are 3 seperate peaks on this wide reef which breaks up the crowds. On the right conditions with a good size swell and offshore wind it is possible for the sections to link up and to get a ride of a mile or more to the warungs at bingin. (I loved this place)

Bingin

Bingin is a perfect machine wave that works best around mid tide. It is a very consistent wave and throws out many perfect barrels. If you want to practice barrel riding lefts – bingin could be the perfect location. At low tide it can be very shallow and for expert surfers only. At high tide the wave can break very soft and is where the bali children learn to surf. High tide can be perfect for long boarders or intermediate surfers.

Dreamland

Dreamland is a beautiful white sand beach a short walk from Impossibles & Bingin. There are many different breaks that work at different satges of the tide and is suitable for novice surfers as it breaks over sand. The best wave is an A frame peak that works best at low tide on a big swell. There is also a punchy shorebreak wave where you will see balinese and visitng surfers exhibiting their skills at the water’s edge. Dreamland is a perfect location to spend the day surfing, sunbathing and handing out in the local warungs. (Great place to meet people too)

Balangan

Balangan is the next break on the bukit and is waking distance from dreamland. It is a reef break but has a beautiful white sand beach which is very quiet and beautiful. Balangan is a fun left hander that is not so fast as the other reef breaks on the bukit and is suitable for intermediate surfers.

 

Medewi – Bali’s wild west coast

Bingin – bukit perfection balisurf

It’s a sad day at work here for me. The surf is pumping and there’s lots of work to do.  Anyhow, I’ll try to catch some waves at the end of the day.

Good day.

Subhadra Bellord