This is where it began and where surfing was popularised in Indonesia in the 1960s. Kuta usually has plenty of novices trying to stay upright thanks to gentle beach breaks, abundant surf schools or freelance instructors and board hire by the hour. For more easy surfing and a more sophisticated crowd head a little further north to Seminyak Beach.

Canggu retains a village feel but has developed into quite the scene of surfers, expats, and digital nomads in the past decade. The main surf beach here is Batu Bolong – you can take lessons at places like Magic Surf School. Further north again, Echo Beach features big waves that draw crowds.

Uluwatu is Bali's most legendary wave — a long, barreling left-hander breaking over a shallow coral reef on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula. It's actually a series of breaks (The Peak, Racetrack, Temples, and Outside Corner), so there's almost always something rideable regardless of tide or swell. June to August is peak season, when powerful swells and offshore trade winds groom the wave into world-class condition. Access is through a cave in the cliff, the reef is sharp, and the currents are strong. This one is for experienced surfers only. Few waves in Indonesia match Uluwatu for consistency, spectacle, or sheer thrill.

Just down the coast from Uluwatu, Padang Padang is Bali's most revered and most unforgiving wave. A short, extremely powerful left-hander that detonates over a shallow reef, it's the kind of wave that demands perfection. When the conditions align with long-period southwest swell, light offshores, and the right tide, it delivers some of the heaviest barrels in Indonesia. It doesn't break as consistently as Uluwatu, but when it's on, it's on. Experienced surfers only; wipeouts here come at a cost.

Tucked below the cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula, Bingin is a short, punchy left-hander that breaks over a shallow reef at low tide. Less intimidating than Uluwatu or Padang Padang, it attracts a mix of intermediate and experienced surfers chasing its signature steep drops and quick barrel sections. The vibe here is relaxed and the setting is stunning, with a cluster of laid-back warungs and guesthouses spilling down the cliff above the break. Best in the dry season with a solid southwest swell, Bingin rewards surfers who know how to read a fast, shallow reef wave.

Dreamland is one of the more accessible surf spots on the Bukit Peninsula, making it a popular choice for intermediate surfers looking to step up from the beginner beaches of Kuta. A beach break with both left and right peaks, it handles a range of swell sizes and is more forgiving than the reef breaks further along the coast. It can get crowded on weekends when locals and tourists descend in numbers, but a solid southwest swell will spread the lineup out and deliver punchy, rippable waves. Not the most challenging wave in Bali, but a fun and scenic option with a good energy in the water.

The most northerly of the surf beaches on this part of the Bukit Peninsula, Balangan is a place where surf shacks and backpacker bars pepper the beach and guests gather for sunset views. The surf is a fast-breaking left best suited to intermediates or experts.

Balian is a rivermouth break on Bali's remote southwest coast, and one of the island's best escapes from the crowds. A shifty left-hander that peels off the rivermouth sandbar, it works best on small to moderate swells with light winds and rewards surfers who can read its unpredictable peaks. The surrounding village has a laid-back, almost forgotten feel, with a handful of surf camps and warungs catering to those who make the trek out here. Intermediate surfers will get the most out of Balian, though beginners can find gentler sections on smaller days. If you're after a quieter, more authentic slice of Bali surf culture, this is it.

During the rainy season months of November to March, persistent surfers head over to the family-friendly resort beach at Nusa Dua on the east coast. Surf can be patchy, but the Nusa Dua reef offers a decent right-hand reef break. Other breaks include Temple Lefts and Chickens. Keramas, about 20km northeast of Denpasar, is another off-season option with a right-hand break. It’s not for beginners though. Expect long barrel sections and plenty of pros making the trip here.