5 Best Surf Beaches in Bali for Beginners
Best Bali Surfing Spots for Novices
Bali has many famous surf spots, but for beginners, they can be either slightly intimidating or just too dominated by the pros. One of the best breaks to find your feet is possibly the most recognizable one, Kuta. Along Bali’s southwestern coast, Kuta’s sister beaches also provide great spots to improve your wave riding. All are easily accessible and near the island’s major surf schools.
As a beginner, leave the serious reef breaks of the southern Bukit peninsula to the experienced. Being constantly wiped out is no fun when you’ve just found your balance. The best waves for most surf beaches are during the dry season (April to August) when you can enjoy gentle easterly winds and less flotsam around.
1. Kuta Beach
Bali’s pioneering surfer beach
Good for: Adventure, Families
The island’s first “surfer’s beach”, Kuta was an empty coast back in 1936, when Robert Koke, an American expat hotelier, set out riding waves here on his homemade Honolulu-style board, soon followed by young locals. Though much has changed, Kuta is still a favorite spot for learners. The long sandy stretch has fun waves for beginners in small swells.
Beware of the currents as they get stronger later in the afternoon. Along the beach, there are peddlers, some selling cold drinks, others renting out used surfboards. Complete novices can book a course at any of the many surf schools lining the beach. Kuta waves offer variety but are consistent, with average waves measuring 1 to 3 feet in height. Read more
Location: Jalan Pantai Kuta, Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Kuta Beach
2. Tuban Beach
Airport Lefts and Rights
Good for: Adventure, Budget
The I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport’s strip juts out to sea around a mile south of the Kuta surf break. The surf spots here by the airport are aptly named “Airport Lefts” and “Airport Rights”.
Larger swells of up to 5 feet are beyond a reef that requires a boat ride out, while beginners can enjoy the considerably gentler waves near the shore. The “Lefts” zone is found north of the airstrip, while “Rights” is accessible from Lefts via a boat ride encircling the runway to its south. Crowds here are unpredictable, but most of the time it’s not as busy as Kuta.
Location: Tuban, Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Tuban Beach
3. Legian Beach
Kuta’s novice-friendly sister beach
Good for: Adventure, Families
Legian Beach borders Kuta to the north and is considered its sister resort. It’s accessible via the same Jalan Pantai street from the south, and many other side streets north of Kuta’s great white beach wall. Similar to Kuta, Legian’s waves come in a variety, usually between 1 and 3 feet high.
Though there aren’t as many board rentals and peddlers as in Kuta, Legian has several notable surf schools such as the famous Australian brand, Rip Curl School of Surf, or the more local, Santai Surf School. Note that wave swells in Legian often grow bigger later in the afternoon. Read more
Location: Jalan Pantai Kuta, Legian, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Legian Beach
4. Seminyak, Petitenget, and Dhyana Pura
Three great surf spots for newbies
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Seminyak is a beautiful white-gray sandy beach just north of Legian. It offers plenty of swells, which can be double the size of those found in Kuta. Most of the beachfront clubs here have views of great rideable waves, such as KU DE TA and La Lucciola.
Around 1 mile north of Seminyak, you’ll find another surf spot called Petitenget Beach. Here, you’ll get lefts and rights, with short lengths suitable for kids and beginners. Another favorite Seminyak coast is Dhyana Pura, on the border of Legian. It has the same quality of waves as Kuta, but is less crowded. There are several surf camps and schools along the coast, where you get to eat, sleep, and hone your skills. Read more
Location: Pantai Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
Seminyak, Petitenget, and Dhyana Pura
5. Echo Beach, Batu Bolong, and Canggu
A hidden beach with freshly grilled seafood
Good for: Adventure, Food, Photo
Echo Beach (nicknamed by expat surfers) is a 30-minute drive from Kuta. This gorgeous beach is called Pantai Batu Bolong by locals after a temple of the same name. The coast features small rocky crags that hide a white-sand beach from the road. A popular site for sunset surfing, you can rent surfboards from stalls near the parking lot or temple.
The waves cater to all types of surfer, from beginners to pros. Stay aware of your limitations as there aren’t any lifeguards here. A consistent break, flat rock bed, and under 6-foot-tall waves make Echo Beach a favorite spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. Around sunset, the beach’s many “warungs” (food stalls) serve grilled seafood and cold beer. Read more
Location: Jalan Munduk Kedungu, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Echo Beach, Batu Bolong, and Canggu
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