Where to Catch the Best Waves in Bali

Bali is a surfer's paradise, offering consistent waves, rich culture, and stunning landscapes that make it an ideal destination. From beginner surf spots to advanced breaks, exploration of local traditions, and recommendations for a fulfilling trip, this episode inspires listeners to embrace the thrilling adventure that Bali represents.

• Overview of Bali as a surfing destination
• Personal story of learning to surf 
• Top surf spots: Uluwatu, Padang, Canggu, Kuta Beach, Madui 
• Cultural and spiritual experiences in Bali 
• Advantages of learning to surf in Bali 
• Challenges: crowds and traffic 
• Recommendations for alternatives and off-the-beaten-path surfing locations

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Transcript

Alexandra 0:00

Hello , my intrepid adventurers , and welcome back to Ticket Before you Kick it , the podcast that gets you one step closer to checking off those epic bucket list adventures . I'm Alexandra , your go-to guide for all things travel and thrill-seeking , and I also run a blog called the Bucket List Mermaid , and today we are going to take a deep dive pun absolutely intended into one of the most conic surf destinations in the world Bali . Now , bali is a name that rings the ears of surfers and adventurers seekers alike , and there's a good reason for that . This Indonesian paradise is more than just a pretty face . With its lush landscapes , vibrant culture and mind-blowing sunsets , it's actually a global surfing mecca . So , whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner like me , looking to catch your first wave , bali is your place to be , and this is actually where I learned or more like , first wiped out surfing . This is 100% a bucket list thing to do .

Alexandra 0:58

So let's start with the obvious question why Bali ? Well , bali isn't just famous for surfing , it's legendary . It's pretty much got the perfect cocktail of all the conditions that just make a surfer's dream come true . Now I'm going to be completely honest . I am not a pro surfer . However , according to the experts , this is because they have warm waters , consistent swells and a huge variety of surf breaks . Surfers can enjoy those long healing waves or the challenging of barreling reef breaks . Bali's just got it all . Plus , the waves here are pretty much as consistent as your morning coffee run . They also have a year-round surf season , so it's always a good time to hit the water . And let's also not forget about the culture . Bali is deeply rooted in spirituality and tradition , and there's something about the Balinese way of life that just clicks with surf culture . You know it's like that hang tight , I'm zen kind of thing . It just works . The island's laid-back vibe , combined with the locals' warmth and hospitality , just makes it a home away from home for surfers around every corner of the globe . So me personally surfing in Bali I ended up going to Bali on my big , huge backpacking trip after college and if you haven't heard my ear horror story , I would recommend going and listening to it .

Alexandra 2:20

And warning , it's not for the faint of heart , but basically I had to have an earring surgically removed in Vietnam , so I was still recovering from that because the doctor said that I had to not get it wet for three months . However , I really wanted to check this off of my bucket list . So I'm going to be honest , I chickened out the first time . However , when I came back to this location , I ended up making a makeshift ear pocket gauze bandage thing around my entire head . It was so attractive and I got so many looks . However , I was so determined to check this off of my bucket list and to try surfing in Bali that I just made it work . But basically , I taped a bunch of gauze and band-aids to my ear to make a little seal around my ear . Now , warning , this did not work at all . However , I would like to think that it kept some water from going into my ear .

Alexandra 3:20

However , I wiped out a lot , so I'm not sure that that's actually the case , but oh well . So I ended up taking a class in Bali , a surfing beginner class , and it was really , really nice because we started off on the shore . They explained , you know , how to get up , how to place our weight and just all of the basics for learning how to surf , and this was really nice to actually get to do this in a setting where I wasn't in the water first . However , once I got into the water , it was a whole different beast . It was a mixture of feeling cool on the surfboard and just completely wiping out in the water and not looking cool anymore . I wiped out a lot , I laughed a lot and , as I said , I'm not a avid surfer . However , I would go on from here and become an avid snowboarder . So I'm really wondering , if I did go surfing in Bali again , how different it would be now that I've snowboarded for a while . I did end up also surfing in Fiji . However , I think that , although Fiji was stunning , I think that this had better waves . So , again , bali is just superior as far as surfing , but that is what I have to compare it to . If you are an avid surfer and you have surfed in Bali and all these other locations , I would love to hear from you so that you could just tell me how this actually does compare to other surfing capitals of the world . However , from this beginner , wiping out on these waves in Bali was pretty darn fun .

Alexandra 4:50

Now let's get to the good stuff . Where should you actually go when you're ready to ride those famous Balinese waves ? Here are some of the best spots on the island . Now number one Uluwatu . This is the granddaddy of Bali surf spots . Uluwatu is not just a wave , it's a rite of passage . The surf breaks here are over a sharp reef and when it's on , it's on . Advanced surfers flock to Uluwatu for its powerful , fast and sometimes heavy waves . But don't worry . Even if you're not ready to tackle Uluwatu's legendary break , the cliffside views are worth the trip alone and they are worth the traffic . I ended up going to the temple at Uluwatu and watching some of the surf spots . I personally wasn't quite ready for that level . If you are an advanced surfer and you really want to check this off your bucket list , uluwatu is the place to go Now .

Alexandra 5:41

Next , padang . Padang , which is known as the Balinese Pipeline . This place is famous for its hollow , barreling left hand wave . Let me be honest , I have no clue what that means , but that's what they told me . It kind of looked like a wave that just came straight out of a surf movie and I can imagine that riding it feels like you're starring in one . And again , just remember , this spot is best suited for experienced surfers .

Alexandra 6:06

Now , chengu . Now , this is where I learned to surf personally . Now , this is more of a relaxed vibe , which , again , I vibed with best because it was my first time . It is perfect for all levels , with multiple breaks along the coast . It's also a great place to chill out after your session , because they had some amazing beachside cafes , some lively nightlife and also some hipster meets surfer atmosphere . That's just hard to beat , which is kind of what I am Again , I'm a yoga hippie so this place and I vibed quite hard . I would also 10 out of 10 recommend their sunsets oh my goodness , absolutely stunning , especially after a long , hard day of surfing and wiping out in those waves .

Alexandra 6:51

Now , when finding a place that I was learning to surf , I actually went between two , and that was Canggu and Kuta Beach . So Kuta Beach is pretty much the place to go if you are a beginner . The waves here are mellow and forgiving , which does make it an ideal spot for beginners . Plus , you'll find plenty of surf schools here just ready to help you catch your very first wave or , in my case , my very first wipeout . However , it might be busy , but there is a reason that it's such a popular spot . It's just a fun , accessible introduction to Bali's surf scene , and although I didn't specifically surf here , I did stay in Kuta for a few days and it's a really , really cool area and pretty accessible from the airport as well .

Alexandra 7:35

So if you're looking to escape the crowds , I would go for Madui . I'm gonna go with Madui Again . I'm sorry if I mispronounced that , but this is basically on the western coast and the waves here are long and gentle . This is perfect for longboarders who love a more laid-back surf experience , and it's also an incredible spot to soak in the raw natural beauty of Bali , maybe a little bit farther away from the hustle and bustle . So hopefully , out of those five places that I just gave you , you have a better idea of where you want to go surfing in Bali .

Alexandra 8:10

But why should surfing in Bali be on your bucket list anyway , and why is it non-negotiable ? Well , let me count the ways . First off , it's a surfer's paradise . It has waves for every skill level , from absolute newbies to seasoned pros , and also I have to say that there's a lot of resources for learning . As I said , I surfed in Fiji as well , and there wasn't a ton . However , bali has surfing lessons and surf schools everywhere . There's a reason that it is so popular , and because it is so popular , you will have no trouble finding resources , people to help you .

Alexandra 8:46

So this is truly a perfect place to learn how to surf , and it's more than just a surf destination . It's a full-on cultural and spiritual experience . I mean , seriously , it was like something out of a movie . I got up , I did some sunrise yoga , I hit the waves , aka crashed a bunch , and then I ended the day looking at this beautiful sunrise . And then they had this beach bonfire with a sky full of stars . I could not believe that it was real . And then in the other days , the island is bursting with things to do . It has rice terraces to waterfalls , to volcanoes , and the food oh my gosh . Balinese cuisine is an adventure in itself , just packed with flavors that will blow your mind .

Alexandra 9:33

Bali is such a cool destination and it really is one of my favorite places that I have been , just because it offers such a unique mix of adventure and relaxation . So , after a day of surfing , you can explore the ancient temples , hike to hidden waterfalls , kick back with a fresh coconut on the beach . It really is adventurer's choice . It's the kind of place that just recharges your soul , fills your camera roll and leaves you with stories that you will be telling for years . With that being said , I do have a full Bali bucket list on thebucketlistmermaidcom . I will link it in the show notes , because surfing should not be your only thing on your bucket list for Bali . Bali in itself is so incredible and , honestly , it's very aesthetic . It's like a photographer's dream , and there's so much to do here . So if you are going to Bali , I would highly recommend checking that out in addition to surfing in Bali .

Alexandra 10:30

Now , what are the cons to surfing in Bali ? The only thing that I could say is that it is crowded . It is popular for a reason , so there is a lot of people , especially in the more beginner places like Kuta Beach and Canggu . There is a lot of people who are checking this off of their bucket list , so you might find a lot of crowds here which , when you are surfing , can be a little bit annoying . A lot of crowds here which , when you are surfing , can be a little bit annoying . Luckily , I did not hit anybody , so I will take that as a win .

Alexandra 10:59

Another thing my biggest complaint about Bali is the traffic is so bad . I don't know why , but we would just sit for hours in traffic , like when I said that I went to that Uluwatu temple . It took so long literally just to get from one side of town to the other , so make sure to plan ahead for that if you are traveling from one destination in Bali to the other to carve out a chunk of time just to sit in traffic . As I said , it is a tourist destination and there's a reason that it's a tourist destination because it's beautiful and it's just so much to do here for tourists , so it is a little bit touristy .

Alexandra 11:37

Speaking of that , if you do want to go to a place in Indonesia that is not as touristy , I actually went from Bali to Lombok and the Komodo Islands and when I was in that Komodo Islands I saw zero people . I lived on a liveaboard . I went around , saw some Komodo dragons . That was not touristy at all . So if you are looking for something that is a little non-touristy I'm not sure about the surfing I do know that there is a surf school and camp in the Komodo , I believe it's called Nayaka . So if you are looking for a non-touristy surfing destination in Indonesia , I would probably steer clear of Bali and go there instead , or just do both . Then you get the best of both worlds . So there you have it , bali in all of its surf-stoked glory .

Alexandra 12:22

Whether you're dreaming of riding those epic waves , soaking up the culture or just living the blissful island life , bali is a must-visit destination for any adventurer's bucket list and , trust me , once you go , you'll be counting down the days till you can return I surely am . As I said , I want to try it now that I've snowboarded . I'll probably still wipe out , and that's okay . However , this time I will not have a giant plastic bag on my head , so that's a win . A win is a win , people , a win is a win . Thanks for tuning into this episode of Take it Before you Kick it . If you've got Bali on your bucket list or you've already been and already have some wild surf stories to share , I would love to hear from you . Drop a comment , send me a message and tag us in your epic Bali surf shots on social media at the Bucket List . Mermaid , if you did like this episode , I would just love it if you would subscribe , leave a comment and share it with any of your fellow adventurers . Until next time , keep chasing .