Uluwatu is the most consistent surf location in the world. It’s home to a variety of different surf spots to suit all levels, all nearby and easily accessible for the full range of surfing abilities from beginner, intermediate and advanced to expert big wave surfers and barrel riders. Unlike most other surf locations, Uluwatu has spots that are close by which offer different sized waves of varying ability and work on different winds so there is nearly always a spot working for you on most days, whatever your ability and preferences.

Whether you’re a beginner seeking to catch your first wave, an intermediate eager to progress, or an advanced surfer looking for a new challenge, you’ll find it all in Uluwatu.

In total, there are 10 surf spots in the Uluwatu area. Padang left and Baby Padang are separated by a channel and have different characteristics so we have decided to list these separately. Bingin right and Bingin also have a deep water channel to separate them and break differently so again we have listed these separately. Read on to find out useful information about all the spots in the world’s best surfing destination.

Uluwatu area surf spot information

1. Uluwatu

Suluban Beach is commonly referred to as Uluwatu.

Uluwatu is the most famous surf spot in Bali and is known for its consistent and high-performance waves. It’s also the first reef break to be discovered in Bali.

The area has five main peaks for surfing:

1. Temples
2. The Bombie
3. Outside Corner
4. The Peak
5. Racetrack

Each peak offers different surfing conditions depending on the tides and swell sizes.

Uluwatu attracts top local and travelling surfers. So the crowds and competition can get fierce, particularly when the surf is small.

Uluwatu picks up a lot of swell and it’s never flat because it’s more exposed to the swell than the other breaks further north.

So the waves here are often big and powerful, and we recommend Uluwatu as a surf spot for advanced surfers on a medium to large swell.

Surfing Uluwatu requires caution due to hazards like strong currents, heavy waves, and sharp reefs. And entering and exiting the water at Uluwatu can be difficult, especially on a big day and during high tide.

So make sure you check out our ultimate guide to surfing Uluwatu to learn everything you need to know to master this break.

2. Padang Padang Lefts

Padang Padang Lefts is known as the Balinese Pipeline. It’s one of the most famous and challenging waves on the planet.

The wave here breaks only to the left and needs a big swell to work well. When Padang Padang Lefts is working well, it can throw huge barrels and offers the ride of a lifetime.

The surf at Padang Padang Lefts is always around 2 feet smaller than at Uluwatu.

You’ll want to surf Padang Padang Lefts when the size is at least a head and a half high, and ideally double overhead and beyond. Any smaller than a head and a half high and the ride is short and the wave quality is poor.

In August, Padang Padang Lefts is home to the Rip Curl Cup, a surfing competition held in August. This competition has featured some of the biggest names in surfing, such as Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning.

There are roughly 25 days a year when the surf is big enough for Padang Padang Lefts to be breaking optimally. When it’s on at Padang Padang Lefts, it’s really on. 

Padang Padang Lefts is not a wave for beginner or intermediate surfers.

Are you ready to take on the Balinese pipeline? Read our ultimate guide to surfing Padang Padang Lefts now.

3. Baby Padang

Baby Padang is the lesser-known smaller sibling to Padang Padang Lefts.

Padang Padang Lefts needs a big swell to work. But Baby Padang works well with a much smaller swell.

The wave at Baby Padang breaks both left and right and works best on a small to medium sized swell.

You’ll want to surf Baby Padang on a day when the swell is not much more than head high. When there is a big swell, then the wave breaks too fast and the current becomes very strong.

Baby Padang is one of the best beginner surf spots in Bali and it’s the easiest place to learn to surf in the Uluwatu area.

The waves here are consistent and predictable. You’ll almost always find a wave breaking at Baby Padang.

Baby Padang offers long rides if you’re going left. The rights are shorter, but go directly to the channel and provide an easy paddle back to the line-up.

There are a few dangers to be aware of when surfing Baby Padang. The current in the channel can be strong, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and not panic.

Read our ultimate guide to surfing Baby Padang.

4. Impossibles

Impossibles gets its name because the sections break very fast, and most waves are impossible to make.

Wave selection is the key aspect at Impossibles. 

If the line is very long you can forget it. But if the wave is tapering and looks like it will be a short ride, then it could be the longest ride of your life.

Only about 1 in 10 of the waves at impossibles break slow enough to offer a long ride. You only need 2 long rides at Impossibles to make a great session.

Impossibles is a popular destination for advanced surfers, particularly on a big swell.

Unlike other surf spots in Bali, there is no current out the back of Impossibles. You need to be patient and wait for the right wave, and you can do so without the stress of paddling against a current.

There are 3 separate peaks at Impossibles, and on the right day the sections can link up and you can get a ride all the way to Bingin.

On very big days it can be difficult to paddle out at Impossibles.

On the biggest days, the easiest entry is from the deep water channel at Padang Padang, and it’s only 100 meters from Baby Padang to the first peak of Impossibles.

Many people paddle out from Bingin. But it’s not the most efficient way, as the current on the inside is pushing you the wrong way.

Here’s our full guide to surfing Impossibles.

5. Bingin

Bingin is a short but intense left-hand breaking wave. It’s the easiest surf spot in Bali to get barrelled due to the consistency and predictability of the wave.

Take off, slow down, pull in, and get barrelled. Easy except you got to deal with the crowds of hot locals and travelling surfers who are also seeking that barrel.

Bingin never closes out, and there is always an exit from the barrel.

Do you want to get the barrel of your life at Bingin? Get barrel riding coaching from expert instructors in Bali.

When the conditions are right, Bingin is the most perfect machine-type wave in Bali. Its only fault is the shortness of the ride, but the power more than makes up for that.

It can get crowded at Bingin and the local surfers here have mastered this spot.

Many local surfers will only surf at Bingin because it’s so perfect, and not worth the short ride up to Uluwatu or any other nearby spot in the region.

So if you decide to surf Bingin, then it’s important to be respectful and patient. Eventually, you’ll get a turn to ride this perfect wave.

Be careful not to ride the wave at Bingin too long or you’ll end up in “Greedies”.Greedies is a section of the wave that breaks over very shallow water and can result in an unpleasant experience. Visiting pros who pull floaters here soon regret it as the wave breaks on dry reef.

Read our ultimate guide to surfing Bingin

6. Bingin rights

Bingin rights only breaks at low tide when there is a big swell running. It is located in-between Bingin and Dreamland and is always smaller than both of these 2 more famous surf spots. beach offers a variety of waves that can cater to surfers at different levels, depending on the conditions.

There is a gang (1 metre wide paved lane) that brings you to steps directly overlooking the break. Access to the break and the paddle out is easy but be careful rocks on the inside when coming into shore at end of the session.

7. Dreamland

Dreamland Beach offers a variety of waves that can cater to surfers at different levels, depending on the conditions.

Dreamland is the only beach break with a sandy bottom in the Uluwatu region. This can be appealing to beginners who are weary of surfing at breaks with reefs beneath the waves. But beware, there are hazards such as rocks on the inside of Dreamland.

There are a few different sections of Dreamland.

An A-frame wave with a short right-hander and a fast left-hander that can produce barrels. The wave breaks over flat rock at low tide. This is a premium-quality wave.

When there’s a medium size swell at Dreamland A-frame, then you get softer waves. It doesn’t really break on a small swell because the water is too deep.

As the swell gets bigger, Dreamland can start barrelling at a size of roughly double overhead. Triple overhead is the real deal board snapping Hawaiian-sized barrels and hold downs

South of the A-frame is a left-hand breaking wave that works best on a higher tide and is ideal for intermediate surfers.

Beware of the reform shore break wave on the inside. This spot is popular with locals. But it packs a punch and can easily knock an unassuming surfer off their feet. The local groms love it here as they can pull aerials and get barrelled.

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Surfing Dreamland!

8. Balangan

Balangan is a long reef break with many sections, which can help to break up the crowds.

You can get the ride of your life at Balangan all the way from the headland to the end of the warungs.

You can surf Balangan on all tides. But beginner surfers are advised to only surf here when the swell is small and at high tide.

Balangan is a consistent wave that breaks fast and can be challenging for novice surfers.

The optimal conditions for Balangan are on a bigger swell at high tide.

But it’s also suitable for intermediates on medium days, and beginners when it’s very small.

Discover everything you need to know about surfing Balangan here.

9. Nyang Nyang

Nyang Nyang is a beautiful and secluded beach with great waves. It’s a good spot for intermediate and advanced surfers.

The waves at Nyang Nyang break predominantly to the right, which makes it unique from the usual left-handers in the Uluwatu region.

So Nyang Nyang can be a welcome spot for regular-footed surfers that stand with their left foot forward looking to finally surf front hand.

Goofy-footed surfers that ride with their right foot forward can practice their backhand surfing skills.

Nyang Nyang is south facing and picks up the most swell in the Uluwatu region.

On most days, it’s too big to surf Nyang Nyang.

10. Thomas Beach

The final surf spot in the Uluwatu region that we’ll cover is Thomas Beach, named after a homestay located above the middle of the beach.

Thomas Beach is beautiful and access has been improved recently.

It’s a beautiful beach and access has been much improved recently.

If you want to surf uncrowded waves in the Uluwatu area, then Thomas Beach is the place to go. Thomas Beach has a left-hander that breaks at mid-high tide which is average quality, but a very strong current that deters the crowds.

The only time you will see many surfers at Thomas Beach is at high tide when Uluwatu is massive.

Surfers unable to exit Uluwatu via the cave due to the strong current will come down to Thomas Beach for an easy exit, and then do the walk of shame back to Uluwatu to collect their motorbike.

Can beginners surf Uluwatu?

Suluban beach (commonly referred to as Uluwatu) is normally too big for beginners and the current is too strong. However, nearby Baby Padang is a great beginner spot. On a small swell Dreamland and Balangan are also suitable for beginners.

Can intermediates surf Uluwatu?

Suluban beach is suitable for intermediate surfers when the swell is head high. If Uluwatu is too big then good intermediate options are Baby Padang, Dreamland and Bingin rights.

When is the best time to surf in Uluwatu?

The best time to surf the west coast of the Uluwatu region is during the dry season (April to October). During the dry season, there are consitent back to back swells, the winds are offshore every day, and this creates optimal surfing conditions. Offshore winds groom the waves by cancelling out any imperfections on the water surface, and also hold up the wave to make it easier to make the fast sections. Waves are also much more likely to offer the ultimate surfing experience: as the wave breaks in shallower water it is much more likely to barrel (tube).

Nyang Nyang is the exception for winds and is a primarily a wet season wave. In the dry season the swell is too big for Nynang Nyang most days – it is at it’s best on small swells when the wind is light.

You could still visit Uluwatu during the wet season. The surf spots in Uluwatu can still be very good in the wet season, and will always have a lighter crowd, but is less consistent. Padang Padang and Balangan both have a headland that offers some protection from Southerly and South-Westerly winds.

If it’s an El Nino year, then the wet season tends to be quite dry. But La Nina is much wetter.

In an El Nino year, there is not much difference between the wet season and the dry season, except the swells are predominantly smaller and the crowds are much lighter.

The swells in the wet season are generally smaller compared to the dry season, so this is a good time for beginner and intermediate surfers looking for smaller waves.

Where to stay in Uluwatu Area

Padang Padang Surf Camp is located within easy distance of all the surf breaks in Uluwatu area and the whole Bukit. Padang Padang, Impossibles and Bingin are all walking distance. Uluwatu, Thomas Beach and Dreamland are 5 minutes drive, while Nyang Nyang and Balangan are about 15 minutes away.

There is a diverse range of accommodation for all budgets ranging from US$10,000 a night at the Bulgari to just US$10 a night at a home stay.

Where to eat in Uluwatu Area

Uluwatu is now a great dining destination with new restaurants popping up almost daily. We regularly update our blogs for the best international restaurants and best food where the local surfers eat.

What to do for non-surfers in Uluwatu area

Uluwatu means lands end, and you’ll find more to do here than just surf. Here you’ll find the most spectacular temples, culture, beautiful beaches and plenty of places to explore. Uluwatu temple is known as the Mother temple – it is the second most important temple in Bali. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the six key directional temples of Bali. It is dedicated to the spirits of the sea and protects the island from evil sea spirits. The temple has breathtaking views, and is famous for its Kecak dance performances that take place in the nearby amphitheater. If you are inclined to visit a temple this is the one to see. The Kecak dance is not to be missed.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a located in Uluwatu. It is a cultural and recreational park. The centerpiece of the park is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, which depicts the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. There are regular cultural performances, including traditional dances, music, and theatrical shows. Occasionally this is also the location of concerts by international rock bands and world famous DJ’s.

We regularly update our blog on best sunset spots overlooking the surf, and best nightlife. While the sunsets don’t change, there are new great places popping up all the time.

Conclusion

Uluwatu is a world famous surf spot and is arguably the most consistent best quality wave in the world. The surrounding area of around 5 miles, from Nyang Nyang to Balangan is referred to as Uluwatu area, and is the home to 9 high quality surf breaks that all work on different tides and are of varying ability level. No other surf spot in the world packs in such a variety of waves in such a small area because they don’t have a curving coastline or such consistent surf and winds.

This small area on the southwestern tip of the Bukut peninsula is the world’s premier surfing location due to its consistency, quality, and variety.

From the pumping barrels of Padang Padang to the beginner-friendly Baby Padang, the Uluwatu region presents something for all surfers in close proximity to each other.

So whether you’re seeking the thrill of a big barrel or looking to learn at a more mellow break, you’ll find it all at Uluwatu.

Are you ready to fully embrace Uluwatu’s surf scene? We invite you to stay at Bali’s premier surf camp.

Our expert team of surf instructors and guides will take you to the best surf spot each day, according to the conditions and your individual skill level. You’ll find the support and guidance you need to ensure your perfect surfing holiday.

To start your surfing adventure, book your stay with our surf camp and surf school today and get ready to experience the joy that Uluwatu has to offer.

See you in the lineup.