If you're looking for in-depth information on Uluwatu's surf spots, you've come to the right place. This article is for anyone and everyone who wants to surf the Bukit, regardless of skill level.
Experienced surfers will love getting barrelled. Intermediates will enjoy the cruisy lefts and rights. Even first time travellers to Bali can splash around in the whitewater or take a lesson at one of the many surf schools in the area.
Clearly, Uluwatu is the place to be when it comes to surfing Bali.
Below, we'll cover everything you need to know about its surf spots, conditions, surfboard types needed and more. Let's get stuck in!
Uluwatu refers to the southernmost tip of Bali, Indonesia.
It’s located in the Bukit Peninsula and is known for its stunning beaches, world-class surf spots and dramatic cliffs.
The area is accessible by motorbike or car from other popular tourist destinations such as Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu. There are also plenty of surf accommodation options – avoid these common traps to ensure you choose the perfect place!
You can surf the Bukit all-year-round, but if you want to maximise your chances of scoring fun waves, the dry season (April-October) is the best time to visit.
During this season, the swell consistency is higher and winds are generally better to surf Bali’s Uluwatu. In terms of conditions, favourable wind and swell directions will depend on the Uluwatu surf spots you're checking out.
Uluwatu, for example, prefers a southwest swell and offshore winds from the southeast. Keep an eye on surf forecasts and read local surf guides to get a better idea of the conditions before heading out.
Side note: Wet season surfing in Uluwatu and Bali can be done, but it’s more focused on the east coast. Learn more about rainy season surfing.
The easiest way to access Uluwatu and the adjoining surf spots is by staying in the area.
We offer accommodation packages that you can view online. You could also stay at a premium surf camp and enjoy the best surf spots in the Bukit Peninsula.
For anyone staying outside of the Uluwatu surf area, access to this zone can be a bit trickier. Riding a scooter or motorbike isn't recommended. You're better off hiring a private driver or joining a surf tour that includes transportation to and from the surf spots.
The type of surfboard you'll need for Uluwatu/Bali surfing and surrounds depends largely on your skill level and the specific surf spot.
For beginners, foam boards or soft top boards are recommended as they provide more stability and forgiveness when catching waves. Intermediates can opt for a user-friendly shortboard model or a funboard, while experienced surfers may prefer a more responsive and agile shortboard.
Ultimately, it's what you feel comfortable with.
Thinking about surfing Uluwatu for the first time? It can be tricky figuring out which surf spots are best. Below are our picks for the best waves in Uluwatu and surrounds.
An iconic wave that's steeped in history, Uluwatu is a world-class reefbreak that offers some of the best rides not just in Bali, but in the world. While it does tube, it's more well-known for its perfect walls and long rides. So long, in fact, that it's actually broken up into several different sections. These are:
Each section offers a different type of ride. Temples is all about stylish cutbacks while Racetrack is a hollow tube over sharp coral. One of our favourite things about Uluwatu is that because it sticks out so far, it almost always has swell.
Remember, approach with caution when the swell is big and show respect in the lineup – Uluwatu will reward your patience and grace with a synapse-firing ride.
Padang Padang is like truffles for tube pigs. Known as "Balinese Pipeline", referring to the famously heavy Hawaiian wave, Padang Padang is one of the best tubes on the planet when it's on.
There's a red hot crew of surfers who prefer Padang Padang over Uluwatu purely because of its barrel, but even more moderate surfers will love the long, peeling lefts that this reefbreak offers. If you plan on surfing Uluwatu, plan on surfing Padang Padang too.
If, however, it doesn't look like your cup of tea from the clifftop, fear not. There's always the next Uluwatu surf spot.
This is the easiest place to learn to surf in the immediate Uluwatu surf zone. Dramatically less hectic than Padang Padang, this righthander is a great place to learn the basics at beginner or intermediate levels.
It works best on a small-to-medium swell with a mid-tide. You'll often find a wave here when other places aren’t working, which makes it a reliable spot if you don't want to roll the dice on another location. Another feature of Baby Padang is that the waves are predictable. This means you can work on your timing and skills without too many surprises.
Just keep in mind the current in the channel. It can be strong, which might panic the novice surfer. Keep your cool and be mindful of your position in the lineup… you'll be fine.
Bingin is quite possibly the easiest spot in Bali to get barrelled... so long as you have a decent surf level. If surfing in Uluwatu is all about linking the different sections for one long ride, Bingin is all about lining up for the tube.
Short but intense, it offers a cruisy roll-in takeoff before hitting the ledge and turning into a perfect orb. Pretty much 99% of the tubes here have an exit too, so you needn't worry about being clipped by a rogue closeout.
One downside here is that because the takeoff zone is more condensed than other Uluwatu surf spots, it can feel quite crazy with crowds. Oh... and remember not to ride the wave for too long. Otherwise, you might end up on the surgeon's table known as "Greedies".
Apt name, if you ask us.
The only beachbreak in the Uluwatu surf zone, Dreamland is one of the best intermediate and beginner surf breaks in Bali. It has a sandy bottom and offers punchy, soft waves that are perfect for practising turns or catching your first green wave.
It's also worth noting that Dreamland will keep you busy when other Uluwatu surf spots are flat. You can rent boards at the beach and grab a bite to eat at one of the local warungs (small restaurants) overlooking the ocean.
Just be careful of rips and currents, especially on bigger swell days. And as with everywhere else in Bali, respect the locals and other surfers in the lineup.
Keep an eye on that infamous Dreamland shorebreak too. It's responsible for about 50% of the content on Kookslams.
When it comes to Uluwatu surf, travelling wave riders of all abilities are spoiled for choice.
The surf in Uluwatu and surrounds is some of the best in the world, and so long as you know where and when to go, you'll be able to sample its sweet fruits.
Want to surf Uluwatu but feel slightly lazy?
Get in touch with our team for transport to and from the lineup via the Saltwater Cowboys jetskis. Less paddling for position means more paddling for waves!