8 Reasons Why Bali is the World’s Most Beautiful Surfing Destination

If you’re looking for dynamic surfing spots with a large variety of breaks to suit any level of surfer and plenty of other activities to enjoy for any budget, Bali offers everything from luxurious health spas to buzzing nightlife and family-friendly beaches.

Here are 8 reasons why Bali is one of the world’s best-surfing destination:

1. It is rich in natural beauty, culture and history

Relax on stunning white-sand beaches, wander through lush jungle and gaze over it all from atop soaring cliffs. For a surf holiday that incorporates beautiful natural and cultural sites, Bali can’t be beaten. In fact, some of the most sought-after surf breaks feature breath-taking scenery, such as ornate temples, picturesque country villages, and calming rice fields. Examples include Uluwatu, with its incredible beach caves below and an ornate 11^th century Hindu temple above; and Green Bowl, an isolated spot, which during low tide, reveals a bowl-shaped ocean floor that causes the water to reflect the greenery of the surrounding hills.

2. It suits any budget

From backpackers to luxury resort patrons, Bali has something for everyone. Surfers traveling on a shoestring will most likely spend most of their budget on just getting there while taking advantage of cheap, but comfortable accommodation that is still close to the beach.

On the other end of the spectrum, Bali has an impressive selection of luxurious hotels, resorts, and spas for surfers who like a bit of opulence to go with their waves. So if you’re after a lavish getaway, a budget backpacker experience, or anything in between, Bali is sure to have something to suit your tastes as well as your bank account.

3. There’s so much to do besides surf

Even if you’re on a die-hard surf holiday in Bali, you might not want to surf 100% of the time. You’ll at least enjoy a little time away from the waves to see the sites, enjoy the nature (on land and in the sea, but off the surfboard) and maybe check out a nice restaurant or bar. Luckily, you’ve come to a place that has all of the above in spades — and so much more…

From other water sports like swimming, snorkeling, scuba, rafting, and fishing to exploring the interior of the island, nightclubbing, fine dining, and visiting ancient temples, Bali is a tourist’s dream. Maybe you just want to kick back and relax in your comfortable accommodation, do some yoga, or spoil yourself with a spa treatment. The island is your oyster!

4. It can be surfed all year round

Perhaps one of Bali’s best-kept secrets is that it can be surfed practically all year round. The dry months of June to September are the busiest for surfers and tourists alike, but the Bali rainy season provides a great opportunity for surfers to take advantage of smaller crowds at breaks and cheaper rates for hotels, resorts, and surf schools. Don’t confuse Bali’s wet months with the stormy monsoon season that hits much of Southeast Asia each year. Things are considerably tamer on the Island of the Gods. Added bonuses include the fact that temperatures become noticeably cooler and the vegetation becomes more lush and beautiful.

During Bali’s rainy season, the winds change and open up surf spots on the island’s east coast. If you’re into whitewater rafting, it’s also a great time to visit Bali and take advantage of the swelling waters of the Ayung and other rivers. Good Bali wet season surf breaks include Keramas, Nusa Dua, Green Bowl, Serangan, Sanur, and Sri Lanka.

5. It has an established and thriving surf culture

Everyone on Bali knows about surfing and that surfers come from all over the world just to enjoy these amazing waves. Since the 1970s, when trailblazing surfers discovered the island’s world-class breaks and peaceful atmosphere, surfing has grown into an institution on Bali. This makes it a great place to meet other surfers, learn how to surf from qualified instructors and take advantage of the 60-some established surf spots already discovered and made accessible by Bali’s surfing pioneers.

6. It is the ideal place to learn how to surf

Don’t be intimidated by stories of massive tubes and places only experts, pros and kamikazes dare to surf. These do exist. However, there are also plenty of mellow breaks and beach waves that are great for learners, intermediates, and longboarders. With so many surf spots, a well-established international surfing community, and schools staffed by qualified, knowledgeable instructors, the island of Bali is without a doubt one of the best places to learn how to surf.

Suitable beginner and/or learner waves in this capital of Asian surfing include Padang Padang Right, Balangan, and Dreamland. Locals and instructors will also know when some of the more advanced breaks have mellower conditions that are fine for novice surfers.

7. It offers a large variety of breaks to suit any level of surfer

Bukit’s natural beauty was showcased in the Julia Roberts film “Eat, Pray, Love”. It’s easy to see why this place was chosen as a setting for the Hollywood blockbuster. But besides gorgeous beaches, the peninsula is also home to an incredible cluster of world-class surf breaks. Though known for its pro-level waves like Uluwatu and Padang Padang Left. There are also great beginner waves like Padang Padang Right’s mellow beach break.

When your not surfing, make sure not to miss some of the Bukit Peninsula’s other attractions. For example, the temple at Uluwatu, a spectacular cliff-top Hindu shrine dating from at least as far back as the 11^th century. Be careful of the temple monkeys, however. They are known for stealing tourists’ belongings!

8. It has tons of incredible surf spots

Bali is home to at least 60 surf breaks, providing plenty of choice for everyone from beginners to experts.

Since conditions are known for being consistent, there’s got to be at least a few with great swell on any given day. From the Pipeline-esque tubes of Padang Padang and Uluwatu’s legendary reliability for providing excellent swell to east coast favorite Keramas and the amazing stretch that is Balangan — Bali ticks all the boxes.