Saturday, October 30, 2010

Bali Surfing Holidays (Indonesia)


guest post by Paige Green

Surfers swarm to Bali year round in search of the perfect wave. With its warm waters and consistent breaks, Bali remains a top Indonesian and world surfing destination. Whether you stay in Bali or use it as a starting point for a wider Indonesian surf tour, Bali has over 20 top quality breaks, mainly on the southwest and southeast coasts of the island and the Bukit Peninsula. The beauty of surfing in Bali is that there is a wave to suit everyone, from beginners to experienced big wave riders. Bali is also not solely a surf destination. If the ocean’s flat, there are plenty of other attractions to keep you occupied!

If you’re interested in a Bali surf holiday, here’s a rundown of where you’ll find different levels of waves.

Experienced

The breaks of Uluwatu (top photo) and Padang Padang are the most notoriously difficult and dangerous Bali waves, and located on the Bukit Peninsula. Uluwatu offers surfers a fast, long and hollow break that falls over a very shallow reef. Getting to the Uluwatu wave is an adventure in itself - surfers must get down the cliffs and emerge through the spectacular caves (photo right). In the monsoon season, the Uluwatu wave can reach 15 feet. Combined with its sharp drop, it should only be attempted by those aware of the dangerous conditions. Referred to as ‘Bali’s Pipeline’, Padang Padang has surprising ferocity and huge barrels. The sharp, shallow reef means that a wipeout can have serious implications. Padang Padang should not be attempted at low tide, and only surfed by cautious and experienced surfers.

Intermediate

One of the best places in Bali for surfing intermediate and friendly waves is Belian Beach. Located on the west coast of Bali, Belian Beach offers friendly left and right breaks that are more forgiving than other Bali surf spots. Nusa Dua (photo), a stretch of the Eastern Coastline, also offers intermediate level left and right waves. Nusa Dua is also home to some of Bali’s most expensive resorts, so you can treat yourself to some pampering and air conditioned luxury after a hard day of surfing!

Beginner

Kuta (photo) and Legian Beach breaks are Bali’s best waves for beginners. At Kuta, surfing beginners can take advantage of the many surfing schools, stores, and rentals in the area. Kuta’s waves are friendly and consistent, making it the perfect place to learn to surf. Legian Beach, on Bali’s southwest coast, also offers good beginner surfing conditions. At Kuta and Legian Beach, surfing is not the only attraction. If you decide it’s not for you, then there are plenty of shops, bars and vendors to keep you busy!

Bali can be surfed year-round, making it the ideal surf destination. Add to this the affordability of travelling to and within Bali, the warm weather and the number of other entertainment and cultural attractions, and it’s easy to see why Bali remains a top surf and holiday destination. If you’re a student, travel to Bali is within your means. Cheap flights to Bali depart from a number of Australian cities. If you’re chasing that perfect wave, then Bali holidays could be the answer!

Photo Credits: Utuwalu Cave, Nusa Dua

16 comments:

the destination india said...

great write up.

Eigentumswohnung Wiesbaden said...

Bali is just amazing for surfing.

Heather Dugan (Footsteps) said...

I'd be hitting one of the beginner beaches, but what a magical place to learn surfing!

Sherry Ott said...

Looks like I'll be heading for the beginner beach!!

Alice said...

Beautiful pictures of Bali and nice post. Keep it up.

Mark H said...

@destination india: Thank you on behalf of the guest author.

@Eigentumswohnung Wiesbaden: Fantastic location(s).

@heather: Never too late to learn!!

Mark H said...

@sherry: everyone started by learning...

@alice: Thank you.

playa del carmen said...

Surfing holidays to Bali - Wonderful place to trip!

Online Hotels Booking said...

Bali is one of the most beautiful destinations around the world. Beautiful pictures and good post.

Mark H said...

@playa de carmen: A great spot

@online hotel: A very beautiful place indeed.

Jeanna said...

I never really surf but I love watching those who does... I didn't know that Bali is also a good place for surfing. I'd been there before but I never had the chance to explore a lot.

Mark H said...

@jeanna: Bali is a super popular surfing destination.

Jim Corbett National Park said...

You shared some interesting information in the blog and it was great visiting your post.
Bali is really a great tourist spot ad is known for the attractive beaches located there. Never got a chance to go for surfing and would like to start the experience from this place, as considering to visit it in this vacation.

Bali Villas said...

It is one of the most beautiful place in the world... i love that place so much..
Thanks for the post....

Mark H said...

@jim corbett: Never to late to start surfing!!

@bali villas: A beautiful place indeed.

Cruise said...

Why not cruise to Bali and surf!!

 
Related Posts with Thumbnails