Bali, the stunning Indonesian island, is one of the world’s very best surfing destinations. With beautiful beaches, tropical island living, endless barrelling waves, and world-class surf breaks to suit all experience levels from complete beginners to pros.
There’s a thriving surf scene on the island with an abundance of surf schools and surf camps in Bali to choose from. If you want to learn how to surf in a fun, sociable, and safe way then I highly recommend joining a surf camp.
The Best Bali Surf Camps
There’s so many surf schools in Bali so to avoid overwhelm in this post I’ll give you some tips on surfing in Bali including the best places to surf and recommend some of the best Bali surf camps to help you plan your surf trip.
Why join a surf camp in Bali?
The pros may look easy but surfing can be really tricky (and kinda dangerous when you inevitably fall out) so if you’re serious about learning to surf, or improving your technique, then I’d really recommend signing yourself up for some surf lessons or even better staying at one of the excellent surf schools or surf camps in Bali.
The first time I tried to surf was in Kuta, Bali a few years ago and I sucked as I didn’t know what I was doing and didn’t feel confident in the water. I just kept falling off. Then, I took a weeks surf and yoga retreat in Taghazout, Morocco which got me standing up on the board and confident in the sea in no time.
When I returned to Bali I felt much more confident and have now been learning how to turn and tackling the green waves. I’m still far from being a pro but trust me – having an experienced surf instructor and spending time immersed in the surf lifestyle really helps and is a lot of fun. The surf camps will also take you to the breaks that best suit the conditions of that day and your ability level.
Many surf schools offer not just surf lessons but also yoga classes – the two really compliment each other. Accommodation and meals are often included too so it’s like a complete package that can be great value for money.
Best places to surf in Bali
Bali first emerged on the global surfing scene in the late 1960s, and since then, it has become one of the most popular surf hangouts and a prime destination for surfers from around the world.
There’s an endless variety of surf breaks in Bali but the best places to surf are mostly found in South Bali and the Bukit Peninsula. Some the best include:
- Kuta Beach: One of Bali’s most popular surf spots ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. The waves are generally gentle and consistent, and the beach is sandy, making it perfect for learning and improving your skills safely. There’s tons of surf schools, camps, hostels, restaurants, shops and bars, mostly at budget friendly prices
- Legian and Seminyak: Just north of Kuta, Legian beach and more upmarket Seminyak beach are also popular areas for beginners and intermediates looking to improve their skills.
- Canggu: This trendy and super popular beach has several beginner-friendly and intermediate surf breaks, like Batu Bolong and Echo Beach, while spots like Old Man’s and Pererenan are better for intermediate to advanced surfers. There’s plenty of yoga classes, gyms and healthy cafes in this fitness loving area too.
- Uluwatu: A world-famous surf spot known for its long, fast, and powerful left-hand reef break. It is best suited for experienced surfers due to the challenging waves and the sharp reef. There’s also a picturesque temple perched on the cliff.
- Padang Padang: One of the most picturesque beaches near Ulu Watu with a reef break that offers beginner friendly, intermediate and challenging waves, depending on the conditions and season. The Rip Curl Cup is held here.
- Impossibles: Located near Padang Padang, Impossibles has long, fast, and challenging left-hand waves for advanced surfers.
- Bingin: A challenging left-hand reef break offering barrels and long rides for experienced surfers.
- Balangan Beach: Overlooked by dramatic cliffs with a reef break suitable for beginners to advanced, depending on the conditions.
- Dreamland: Another fantastic surf spot in Bali for its beautiful sandy beach and great waves. The surf at Dreamland Beach is suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers, depending on the conditions.
- Medewi Beach: A long, mellow, left hand point break located in less crowded West Bali for intermediate surfers and those who want an off the beaten track experience.
- Keramas: A challenging reef break located on Bali’s east coast.
So if you’re coming to Bali to surf, look for schools and plan to stay near these beaches and surf spots.
If you are a beginner surfer or at a novice ability level, it can be a bit daunting trying to research which are the best surf spots and surf camps in Bali for beginners. So to help you save time doing all that research, I’ve put together a list below of the best surf camps in Bali that are suitable for beginners as well as more advanced surfers.
A good place to find surf camps is on www.booksurfcamps.com. Here you can see photos, details of lessons, instructors, accommodation and meals. Most importantly you can read real reviews before booking your place so you know what to expect.
Here’s My Pick of the Best Surf Camps in Bali
Pelan Pelan Surf Camp and Yoga Retreat, near Canggu
If you want to experience surfing in Canggu, stretch it out with yoga lessons and stay in a beautful Balinese resort then Pelan Pelan is a great choice.
Surfers often describe time on the waves as a meditation, and this retreat combines this experience with daily hatha yoga sessions, to enable you to connect deeply with nature and with your true self.
The fun and professional surf instructors will take you to the best waves each day, and ensure personalised tuition to help you meet your goals. All levels are welcome and massages and meditation sessions are also included.
Even though it’s one of the most sought after Bali surf camps and yoga retreats and located in trendy Canggu, the pace of life is slower at Pelan Pelan Bali, and it doesn’t take long for your internal rhythms to follow suit – leaving you rested, rejuvenated, and in touch with your inner peace.
During this amazing 8-day surf and yoga retreat experience, you’ll stay at the resort, with the option of a shared room or private suite. A healthy breakfast and homemade Indonesian lunch are included each day and some of Bali’s best restaurants are located nearby for you to explore for dinner.
Also See: Best Yoga Retreats in Bali
Stoked Surf Camp, Kuta Beach
If you’re looking for the ideal place to learn to surf and catch your first wave head to Stoked Surf Camp at Kuta Beach.
Group sizes are kept small on this 5-day surf camp, so that newbie surfers can get all the customised tuition needed. Surf lessons last 2-5 hours each day, and are designed to get you having fun in the surf as quickly and safely as possible.
The location in popular Kuta means there are also plenty of exhilarating activities and nightlife nearby. The hotel accommodation includes an en-suite bathroom, balcony, and daily breakfast to set you up for the day.
For an escape from the day-to-day – the laid-back sense of fun and adventure at Stoked Surf Camp Bali is the ideal getaway.
Kubu Surf School, Gili Trawangan
If you’ve always wanted to take to the waves but never had the opportunity, the ‘Learn to Surf’ camp from Kubu Surf School is tailored to help you meet your goals.
The 5-day surf camp on the beautiful tiny paradise island of Gili Trawangan, a short boat ride away from Bali, takes you from surf-theory on day one to a photoshoot to capture you conquering the surf on your final day.
You’ll stay in a bamboo bungalows only five minutes walk from the beach surrounded by coconut fields. With weekly live reggae and barbecues on the beach, the surf party atmosphere is alive and well.
Aside from surf time, you can also go snorkelling with the local turtles, relax on the beach and explore the island or even go island hopping to explore the other Gili Islands.
Medewi Surf School, Medewi
Medewi Surf School and Brown Sugar Surf Camp welcomes intermediate surfers to hone their technique at this 8-day green waves surf camp in Medewi in West Bali.
Medewi is home to Bali’s longest wave and a refreshing escape for Bali’s main tourist hotspots. With twice-daily surf sessions, your experienced surf guides will take you to the best waves of the day and provide tuition and tips to take your surf to the next level.
Choose between a traditional Balinese bungalow or deluxe villa for your week’s accommodation – all with tropical gardens and surrounded by lush rice fields.
Further afield, you’ll find volcanoes, temples, and endless beaches awaiting exploration. Aside from upping your surf game, you can join visits to local hot springs, a snorkeling trip, or simply hang ten and enjoy the buzz at one of Bali’s best surf camps.
Read more: Best Yoga Teacher Training in Bali
Zen Resort PADI Retreat, North Bali
Bali is as world renowned for its excellent diving as it is for the amazing surf camps and diving is another incredible way to experience the ocean.
The clear, warm, turquoise waters of Bali are the ultimate place to undertake a diving certification. The vibrant marine life here ranges from coral to octopus – an underwater world awaiting discovery. This 6-day diving course prepares you to give anywhere in the world with the Open Water Diver PADI certification.
You can prepare mind and body with yoga sessions before you take to the depths each day, and enjoy four ayurvedic treatments to complement your personal development. On the final day, a sunrise sail takes you to meet the local dolphins – a truly magical experience.
You’ll stay in luxury villa Balinese style rooms at Zen Resort, in Buleleng, peaceful North Bali, and have a variety of restaurants to choose from where you can enjoy your included meals. Airport transfers are also included. Note, this is not a surf camp, but was such an incredible experience that I couldn’t leave it out!
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