Surfing in Uluwatu: A Guide to the Best Waves

Surfing in Uluwatu is an experience like no other. Famous for its reef breaks, consistent swell, and dramatic cliffs, it makes every surf session feel unreal. A beginner testing the waters? Or an experienced surfer hunting for barrels? Uluwatu won’t disappoint, delivering some of the best waves in Indonesia.

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Where to Surf in Uluwatu

The main surf break in Uluwatu sits right in front of the cave, offering multiple take-off spots that cater to different levels. The waves here work best from mid to high tide, but there are sections that turn on at low tide too. Uluwatu is best suited for intermediate and advanced surfers, but if you’re a beginner, don’t feel upset just yet, because there are a few friendlier spots.

Beginner-Friendly Surf Spots

Are you new to surfing in Uluwatu? Dreamland Beach is one of the best places for you. It has a sandy bottom, which means fewer reef cuts if you wipe out. Waves here are softer and more forgiving so it’s a great spot to practice without too much pressure. When the swell is small, Balangan Beach is another solid option. It has a long left-hand break that’s mellow enough for beginners to catch their first green waves.

Padang Padang Right, often called “Baby Padang,” is another good choice. Unlike its bigger and more powerful neighbor, Padang Padang Left, this wave is slower, softer, and great for those who want to build confidence. It’s a reef break, but the takeoff is easy, and the wave holds a fun, predictable shape.

Catch your first wave at the beginner-friendly Baby Padang surf spot, photo courtesy of Canva

Intermediate Surf Spots

The Peak at Uluwatu is where most surfers get their first real taste of surfing in Uluwatu. This spot sits right in front of the famous cave and works best at mid to high tide. It offers short, punchy rides with occasional barrels. If you’re comfortable navigating reef breaks and handling a bit of power, this is a great place to improve.

Racetracks, just down the reef from The Peak, is a fast, long-running left-hander that fires at low tide. The takeoff can be steep, and the wave speeds up as it races down the reef, giving it its name. It’s an exciting spot but requires quick reactions and solid board control.

Conquer the waves at The Peak and Racetracks, two spots made for surfers ready to take it to the next level, photo courtesy of Byron Sullivan

Advanced & Expert Surf Spots

Outside Corner is Uluwatu’s most iconic wave and one of the best big-wave spots in Bali. It only comes to life when the swell is big, but when it does, expect long, open faces perfect for deep carves. This wave is not for the faint-hearted—only strong paddlers should attempt it.

The Bombie is the go-to when Uluwatu is maxing out. Sitting far out the back, it picks up massive swell and delivers some of the biggest waves in Indonesia. Only big-wave surfers with experience in serious conditions should paddle out here.

Temples, found further down the reef, is the least crowded wave in Uluwatu. It’s a long paddle out, but the payoff is clean, open waves with fewer people. On bigger days, it’s a heavy and challenging wave that rewards those who can handle speed and steep drops.

Padang Padang Left, also known as the “Balinese Pipeline,” is one of the heaviest waves in Bali. This barreling left-hander only works on bigger swells, and when it does, it’s a fast, hollow, make-or-break ride. If you’re not 100% confident in your ability to get in and out of a proper barrel, this is not the place to test it.

Challenge yourself with the mighty waves of Outside Corner and The Bombie, the go-to spots for seasoned surfers, photo courtesy of Canva

Tips for Surfing in Uluwatu

Respect the locals – Uluwatu is a world-famous surf spot, and the lineup can get crowded. Be mindful of priority and respect the local surfers.
Check the tides – Many of Uluwatu’s waves work best at specific tide levels. Know the conditions before paddling out.
Watch out for the reef – Most of the breaks here are shallow reef breaks. Wear reef booties if you’re not used to surfing over coral.
Prepare for long paddles – Some of the best waves, like Temples, require a serious paddle to reach. Make sure you’re fit enough to handle it.
Time your paddle-out – The currents around Uluwatu can be strong. Enter through the cave at the right time to avoid unnecessary struggles.
Hydrate and reapply sunscreen – Bali’s sun is relentless. Bring water and use a high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen.

Get On Your Surfboards

Surfing in Uluwatu is a truly unforgettable experience. Surfers from all over the world have been drawn to its waves for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Here to score barrels at Outside Corner? Or maybe you just want to get a feel for reef breaks at Baby Padang? Uluwatu has something for every level of surfer. Get out there, respect the lineup, and enjoy one of the most iconic surf destinations on the planet.