The 12 best places to surf in Bali

Bali has a variety of surf spots catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned surfers. These surf destinations have outstanding accommodation, sublime surf and world-class surf schools. All these facilities make Bali a divine surf destination for little frothers.

In Balinese culture, surfing is not just a sport or a pastime; it’s a way of life. The Balinese people have a deep respect for the ocean and believe it is a sacred place where their gods reside. And with swells that are heaven-sent, the gods themselves are said to be partial to a little surf action. Baruna, the highly revered Balinese Hindu god of the sea, is frequently depicted riding the waves, though admittedly he trades out a longboard for a mythical crocodile. It is common for local surfers to make offerings to Baruna before embarking on a session to seek blessings for a safe and enjoyable surfing experience. But your kids won’t require a mythical croc to tackle the island’s magical waves. Here are Bali’s top surfing spots for groms of all levels.

For absolute beginners

Kuta Beach

One of the best spots for young surfers is Kuta Beach, which offers a long stretch of soft sand and gentle waves, making it ideal for learning to surf. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that offer lessons for both kids and adults, so you can learn to surf together as a family. The instructors are experienced and patient, ensuring that everyone has a great time in the water.

Where to stay in Kuta

Bali Dynasty Resort

Located beachside at South Kuta Beach, Bali Dynasty is a paradise for families. Offering affordable rates with free meals for children under seven at the H2O Restaurant’s themed buffet dinner. It also has a range of fun and exciting age-appropriate activities, including four pools, a dedicated Kids Water Fun Zone with a 56-metre water slide, fantastic complementary kids’ and teens’ clubs with an indoor climbing wall, a playground, toddler room, gamers room, plus daily activities for all ages. The resort also has six restaurants and five bars including twice daily happy hour.

Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali

Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali is situated in the secluded enclave of Tuban with direct beachfront access to Tuban Beach. The resort has the free Rascals Kids’ Club, swimming pools, watersports equipment and three restaurants. Perfect for families, kids udner 12 can stay and eat for free. You can watch your groms catch a wave while watch from a chair in the sand at beachfront restaurant ENVY.

Surfing at Legian Beach

Just along the coast at Legian Beach are waves which, though slightly bigger than at Kuta, are still relatively calm and safe. Plus, there are many surf schools and experienced instructors on hand to help your little ones navigate the waves.

Seminyak’s surf

Blessed with some of the most glorious beaches in Bali, sophisticated Seminyak is a great surf spot for families, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and smaller crowds than Kuta. It’s also a great place for beginners, with gentle waves and plenty of surf schools in the area. The kids can tackle the waves while parents rent a sun lounger, take a dip and, as the sun goes down, pull up a stretch of sand to watch Seminyak’s stunning sunsets. Adding to the area’s enormous appeal is its wealth of beachfront eateries, perfect for fuelling up your groms.

Where to stay in Seminyak

Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort

Enjoy a touch of serenity in the vibrant Seminyak area at Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort. Conveniently located close to both the beach and the area’s boutique hotspots, the resort’s modern rooms feature Balinese touches. There’s also an inviting three-tiered pool, a choice of restaurants, and a top-rated spa to enjoy while the kids participate in creative Balinese activities at the resort’s ever popular kids’ club.

The FlowRider

Or you may want to test your surfing skills on the FlowRider at Kuta’s legendary Waterbom Bali before hitting the ocean. The bonus is you get to tackle thrilling water rides and slides afterwards.

Best surf spots for all-rounders

Canggu

With a huge range of accommodation adjacent to its famed surf breaks, Canggu is becoming increasingly popular for families. Echo Beach is a long-time favourite of surfers because of its powerful barrelling breaks. The area also offers great surf as well as warungs (eateries) lining the beach. There are plenty of surf schools suitable for children and parents alike, with surfboards supplied and classes designed to optimise learning. Berawa Beach’s fast waves are an excellent choice for intermediate surfers. Families can make a day of it with a visit to Splash Water Park at Finns Beach Club. Old Man’s at Batu Bolong Beach in the southern part of Canggu is a popular spot for longboarders and stand-up paddle surfers with long, mellow right-breaking waves that are beginner-friendly.  The surf shacks lining Batu Bolong offer cheap two-hour surf lessons.

Beautiful black-sand Pererenan Beach is another quiet alternative with gentle waves and swimming areas ideal for little ones. Canggu’s unique cafe and beach bar scene only adds to the laid-back holiday vibe. Cool kids will love Deus Ex Machina’s Temple of Enthusiasm. It has everything from tacos to tattoos in between its paint-splattered floors and art-strewn walls, along with a range of custom motorcycles, surfboards and skateboards.

Keep reading:

• 54 things to do in Bali with kids
• The 23 Best Family Resorts in Bali from budget to luxury

Advanced surfing in Bali

Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula

Further south is the Bukit Peninsula, home to gorgeous beaches suited to experienced surfers who want to challenge themselves while enjoying Bali’s mesmerising beauty and culture. At Uluwatu head down the cliff to check out the cave where surfers enter the water. Experienced groms can master awesome waves, while non-surfers watch from the Single Fin café on the clifftop.

Other surf beaches in the area worth checking out are beautiful Belangan. Along with brilliant left-hand reef breaks, you can kick back in a deckchair and enjoy a massage. Padang Padang is better known for long, hollow and steep waves that break over a shallow section of reef. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, try Bingin. This picturesque beach is known for its consistent waves and is fantastic for advanced surfers looking to surf without the crowds. It’s a sharp and shallow left-hander with a mighty swell that requires surfers to take off quickly to ride its clean, perfectly formed barrels. There are a few surf schools nearby, making it a great spot for serious surfers to hone their skills. The most breathtaking surf beach on the Bukit Peninsula is Dreamland. It is a stretch of soft white sand and vibrant turquoise water with fun left and right breaks over a deep mix of submerged reef and sand.

After a day of waves, enjoy a culture fix at Uluwatu’s iconic temple. Perched high on a steep cliff overlooking the ocean, it’s the perfect spot to view a spectacular Bali sunset and watch a traditional kecak dance. Then, join local families on the beach at Jimbaran to dine on the freshly caught and cooked seafood from the various warungs that line the beach.

Take it to the next level

Consider going remote with Atoll Travel. Its surf holiday package to the island of Roti in Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara includes an overnight stay in Bali, flights from Bali to West Timor and seven nights of superb surf at Nemberala Beach Resort.

Read more about family surfing holidays in the Maldives or Indonesia with Atoll Travel

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

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