Scenic destinations, sacred temples, and historical sites draw thousands of tourists to Bali, Indonesia, every year. Aside from its tropical tourist spots, Indonesia is also home to the best Bali surf camps adored by surfing enthusiasts around the world.
Lined by beaches throwing thick and rolling waves, Bali surf camps accommodate surfers of all ages. Beginners can enjoy several beaches with consistent waves. It has reef breaks for intermediate surfers, and point breaks as extreme playgrounds for the experts.
Where should you head with your surfing skills? Here are a few of the top destinations Bali surf camps have to offer.
Top 6 Bali Surf Camp Destinations
Bali is an enjoyable surfing destination because of its year-round swell, pleasant weather, and warm tropical water. Bali is also a culturally rich destination rooted in reverence for nature. It is an escape for wanderlusts who want to reconnect with nature and find their inner peace.
The enticing beaches never fail to deliver. Surfing enthusiasts worldwide visit Bali for its active surf community and the inviting waves of the Indian Ocean.
1. Brown Sugar Surf Camp – Medewi, Bali
Located on the west coast of Bali, Medewi offers a complete surf experience. With its long waves and rideable swells, there are a lot of surf schools in Medewi one can attend while visiting.
Intermediate and advanced surfers can head to Brown Sugar Surf Camp Bali to experience everything this surf destination offers. The waves entice those looking to advance their surfing skills and techniques. This surf school offers a Green Wave package with daily surf sessions, weekly video coaching, and many more activities.
The cleanest ocean swells happen during the dry season, from May to September. If you are a beginner surfer, you can still book a Bali surf trip from November to March, since for beginners ocean conditions are less important. Those months mark the wet season, and the waves are often smaller and more favorable for beginning learners.
Sea temperatures in Medewi are warm throughout the year. The coldest temperatures hit around August, with temps between 77⁰F and 82⁰F (25⁰C and 28⁰C).
2. Seaside Tribe – Kedungu
Kedungu is a lesser-known beach in Bali but is the best for its idyllic setting and fat waves for surfing.
Seaside Tribe is located in the quiet and laid back Balinese village of Kendungu, more than an hour’s ride from Medewi. The beach has gentle waves kissing the black sand beach, and at times surfers may need to be careful of the sharp reefs.
If you are looking to engage with the locals and learn surfing techniques, Seaside Tribe is a great retreat option. They offer personalized surf lessons that include surf equipment and a rash vest. You will have six semi-private surf lessons and three video analysis sessions at this 8-day surf camp where you can connect, relax, and explore the lesser known west coast of Bali.
Don’t worry, instruction is in English, and the surf instructor and organizers speak German as well as their native dialect.
Seaside Tribe will also treat you to boutique-like accommodations, healthy meals, and home-cooked dinners.
3. Isla Indah Retreat – Nusa Lembongan
If you are visiting Bali, you might want to jet off to the small Island of Nusa Lembongan. The island is located southeast of Bali and is accessible by a local ferry.
Spend your retreat at Isla Indah and enjoy various Bali surf camp activities. You can start with yoga classes, snorkel with manta rays, and immerse yourself in surf lessons. The surf lessons are conducted by experienced instructors, and quality surf equipment is on site.
The northwestern part of the island offers different surf spots for various skill levels. Your surf coach will direct you to where the waves are most favorable for the best experience.
The sea temperature on the island remains hot throughout the year, especially from December to May. At maximum, it stays around 77⁰F (25⁰C) to 87⁰F (30⁰C). The best season for surfing in Bali, in terms of swells, is from April to September. However, that is also when larger crowds flock to the shoreline.
4. Mojosurf Camp – Canggu
Mojosurf is a surf school originally based in Byron Bay, Australia, and it brings the same vibe to the tribe in Canggu. In Mojosurf camp, you will stay in Batu Bolong near the temples and rice paddies, where you can really take in all the sites and enjoy the more tropical side of Indonesia.
The problem with Canggu is that it tends to get overcrowded, especially when the dry season kicks in.
When it comes to surfing popularity, Canggu is a recognizable spot in Bali. The waves are perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers. Some highlights of Mojosurf include a daily surf lesson, one yoga lesson per day, and five nights accommodation.
Booking with Mojosurf Bali Surf Camp gives you the assurance of an incredible trip experience. You will get daily surf lessons from qualified instructors and a yoga lesson to relax afterwards.
Surf gear and rentals are available, and you will be guided to the best surf spots in Bali’s wave beaches. Trust Mojosurf for an immersive surfing culture and the best food and accommodations.
You don’t have to worry about a ruined holiday from bad weather breaks or large crowds that could hamper the day’s surf activities. Mojosurf locals will take you on a road trip so you get the most out of your Bali surf trip.
5. Rapture Surf Camp – Padang Padang
About an hour and a half ride from the buzzing Canggu and Kuta areas lies the famous surf spot of Padang Padang. The beach is surrounded by rock formations, which means more exploring along the Bali cliff when you are not surfing its pristine water.
Padang Padang is one culturally immersive surf location that is enjoyable for surfers of all skill levels.
The dry season from June to September is the best time to visit for the most surfable waves. However, you should also expect an influx of crowds since tourists like to visit the beach where most international surfing is held. This is a popular location for the Rip Curl Cup.
The good thing is the beach is mostly accessed by the avid surf community only, so you will be able to meet a lot of people that share your passion for surfing.
When you head to the Bukit Peninsula in Bali, engage in a fun surf lesson at the Rapture Surf Camp.
Dubbed ‘Heaven on Earth’ in Bali, you will experience Padang Padang in the most rejuvenating way. Rapture Camp offers an 8-day surf camp with three days of surf lessons and an after-surf yoga retreat.
6. Stoked Surf Camp – Kuta
Surfing and partying come together in the long stretch of Kuta Beach in Bali. Unlike other secluded surf spots, Kuta embraces an international vibe. You will meet all sorts of culturally diverse people who share the same heart for surfing.
Stoked Surf Camp in Bali has accommodations located in the quiet area of Kuta. The hostel is just 200 meters from the beach and within walking distance of the mall, bars, and restaurants.
At Stoked Surf Camp you will be treated to 8 days of surf lessons and a two-hour full body massage to relax and recover from all that surfing. Professional surf guides know where the good waves are. If Kuta gets too crowded, there is a secluded refuge a few hundred meters north, where the waves are often slightly bigger.
Kuta is also good for inexperienced surfers for its small waves and soft sand. While you can surf throughout the year, you will find good swells in Kuta Beach around March to November.
