When I first thought about surfing in Bali, I imagined endless waves, sunshine, and that perfect ride you always see in the movies. Reality check—I wiped out more times than I could count, and the ocean definitely humbled me! But that’s the beauty of surfing, right? It’s as much about the falls as it is about riding the waves.

In my early days, I had no idea where to start. I figured Bali was the place for pros, with spots like Uluwatu and Padang Padang making me feel like I’d need a few lifetimes to catch up. But then I learned there are some absolutely amazing spots for beginners and intermediate surfers, and trust me, you don’t need to be a surf god to enjoy Bali’s waves. If you’re just starting out or have a few years under your belt, Bali has plenty of spots to get stoked on. Here’s a rundown of some of the best locations I’ve found, along with a few tips I wish I’d known earlier.

1. Kuta Beach – The Go-To for Beginners
If you’re fresh off the plane and have never stood on a surfboard, Kuta Beach is the place to start. I can’t tell you how many times I wiped out here, but you know what? It’s okay, because Kuta is so forgiving. The waves are mellow, the beach is soft, and there are plenty of surf schools around to guide you.

Kuta Beach has waves that are perfect for beginners because they’re mostly long and slow. Even though it can get a little crowded with tourists, that actually worked in my favor at first—seeing so many people wiping out like me helped take the pressure off! I think the first thing I learned was patience. The ocean teaches you that in a way nothing else can.

Pro Tip: If you’re nervous about renting a board, don’t be. Kuta is packed with rental shops, and you can grab a board for as little as IDR 50,000 (about $3 USD) per hour. Just be sure to check the conditions beforehand. Even at Kuta, the tides can shift quickly, and sometimes it’s better to practice your pop-ups on the sand than brave the water on a rough day.

2. Legian Beach – Just a Step Up
Once you’re comfortable standing up on your board at Kuta, it’s time to graduate to Legian Beach. It’s basically an extension of Kuta, just a bit further up the coast, but the vibe is slightly different. For one, it’s less crowded (which is a huge win), and the waves here are a bit more challenging, though still manageable for beginners and intermediates.

I remember the first time I caught a decent ride at Legian, and the feeling was insane—like I was starting to “get it.” The waves here have a bit more power, which means you’ll wipe out harder than at Kuta, but it also makes catching a proper wave that much more satisfying.

What I Learned Here: Timing is everything. At Legian, the waves can come a bit faster, so being able to read the ocean—when to paddle and when to hold back—was a game-changer for me. Plus, there’s plenty of room to spread out. If you’re like me and get overwhelmed by crowds, Legian gives you more space to mess up without an audience.

3. Seminyak Beach – Intermediate Playground
Now, if you’re starting to feel confident, Seminyak Beach is a great step up. It’s often seen as a more stylish, laid-back version of Kuta. The waves here are more consistent, which means you’ll need to be a bit more on your game to catch them. I’d say Seminyak is best for the “advanced beginner” or intermediate surfer.

Here’s a confession: I totally misjudged Seminyak on my first visit. I thought, "How hard can it be?" after catching a few waves at Kuta. Well, turns out, the waves here can be trickier than they look. But once you figure it out, they’re so much fun! They’re slightly bigger, and you’ll often get longer rides if you’re positioned correctly.

Pro Tip: Try hitting Seminyak early in the morning. Not only do you avoid the crowds, but the conditions are often calmer, making it easier to find your rhythm without getting slammed by every wave.

4. Canggu – The Hipster’s Surf Spot
If you’ve been surfing for a while and want a bit more of a challenge, but still aren’t ready for the gnarly breaks like Uluwatu, Canggu is where you want to be. It’s a cool spot with a laid-back vibe and tons of trendy cafes lining the shore. But don’t let the vibe fool you—Canggu’s waves can be fierce.

The surf here is split between a couple of different beaches, like Batu Bolong and Echo Beach, so you’ve got options depending on your skill level. Batu Bolong is usually where beginners head, but honestly, even some intermediates like to stick around because it’s got this cruisy longboard vibe that’s just fun. I actually started here with a longboard, and let me tell you, it’s a completely different experience compared to shortboarding. You feel like you’re gliding, and those longer, slower waves are perfect for practicing balance and control.

Then, there’s Echo Beach—definitely more for the intermediate crowd. The waves can get big, and if you’re not careful, you’ll get dragged down into the deeper sections. I remember one session where I just got absolutely pummeled. Lesson learned: respect the ocean.

Pro Tip: If you’re headed to Canggu, watch out for the reef! I had a close call the first time because I didn’t realize how shallow it could get, especially at low tide. Wear reef boots or just be mindful when falling.

5. Dreamland Beach – A Gem for Intermediates
Now, Dreamland Beach is one of those places that’s just gorgeous to look at. It’s on the Bukit Peninsula, and while it’s a bit off the beaten path compared to Kuta and Canggu, it’s totally worth the trip. The waves here are stronger and faster, so I’d definitely classify it as more of an intermediate spot. But once you’re there, you’ll see why it’s called “Dreamland”—it’s like surfing in a postcard.

I remember being a bit intimidated by the size of the waves here, but the adrenaline rush after catching one is next level. You get a bit more push from the ocean, and while you’ll probably wipe out a few times (okay, maybe more than a few), the reward of catching a clean wave at Dreamland is amazing.

What I Love Here: The water is so clear! On a good day, you can see the reef below as you ride the waves. It adds this whole new layer of beauty and excitement. But again, keep an eye on that reef.

6. Jimbaran Bay – A Relaxed Spot for Beginners
Jimbaran Bay is often overshadowed by its famous seafood restaurants and sunset views, but it’s also a low-key spot for beginner surfers. When I was starting out, this was one of the first places I felt truly comfortable. The waves here are super gentle compared to spots like Seminyak or Canggu, so it’s a good place if you’re feeling a bit nervous or just want to take things slow.

One of the best things about Jimbaran is how chill it is. You don’t have that same crowded, high-energy vibe that you get in Kuta. I spent many afternoons just paddling around, practicing standing up, and not worrying too much about the pressure of catching “the perfect wave.” The conditions here are really beginner-friendly most of the time, so it’s a great place to practice your pop-ups and work on balancing.

Personal Story: I remember one time when I was just starting out, I got completely tossed around by the waves at Legian. My confidence was shot, and I didn’t even want to get back on the board for a while. But Jimbaran gave me a safe space to get my groove back. I had a mellow session with just a few friends, and the small, rolling waves helped me rebuild my confidence without the stress of bigger breaks. It was a reminder that sometimes, going back to basics is the best way to improve.

Pro Tip: Because Jimbaran Bay is more known for its seafood and sunsets, it’s often less crowded with surfers. If you go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, you might have the whole place to yourself! Perfect for practicing without an audience.

7. Nusa Dua – A Hidden Gem for Intermediate Surfers
If you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, Nusa Dua is where you’ll find some great waves with fewer crowds. I was honestly surprised the first time I surfed here. I’d always thought of Nusa Dua as a resort area for honeymooners and families, but the waves? Legit.

The reef breaks here are pretty strong, so I wouldn’t recommend it for complete beginners. But if you’re feeling confident as an intermediate surfer, Nusa Dua can be a great place to challenge yourself. The waves are faster and more powerful than in Kuta or Legian, and they’ll really push you to improve your paddling and positioning. I found that after a few sessions here, my timing on catching waves got so much better. You have to be quick to catch these waves—they don’t give you much time to think, which is honestly part of the fun.

Pro Tip: Nusa Dua works best during high tide. The reef can be a bit dangerous at low tide, and if you wipe out, you might find yourself a little too close for comfort. I learned that lesson the hard way when I wiped out and felt the scrape of coral on my leg. Not fun, but definitely a wake-up call about respecting the ocean!

8. Bingin Beach – A Beautiful Challenge for Intermediates
Bingin is one of those postcard-perfect beaches that people flock to for the views alone. But once you paddle out, you’ll realize that this place means business. It’s tucked away on the Bukit Peninsula, not far from Uluwatu, and while it’s more well-known among advanced surfers, intermediates can also have a blast here—if you know what you’re doing.

The waves at Bingin break over a shallow reef, and they’re fast, hollow, and punchy. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re an intermediate surfer looking to push your skills, it’s one of the best places to test your limits. I remember my first surf here vividly—it was a mix of excitement and nerves. I’d been surfing at Canggu for a few weeks and thought I was ready for a new challenge. Bingin humbled me. The waves were way faster than anything I’d surfed before, and the shallow reef definitely added a level of intensity that I wasn’t used to.

What I Learned Here: You need to be precise. The waves at Bingin don’t give you much room for error, and if you’re not in the right spot at the right time, you’re going to miss the wave—or worse, get caught on the reef. It’s one of those places where you can’t be half-hearted; you have to commit fully to every wave you take.

Pro Tip: Bingin is tide-dependent. It works best at mid-to-high tide, and if you’re still learning to navigate reefs, definitely avoid it at low tide. You can also get a solid meal after your session at one of the warungs lining the cliff. Nothing tastes better than a cold drink and a nasi goreng after a few hours in the surf.

9. Medewi – The Longboarder’s Dream
If you’re into longboarding or just looking for a mellower, more laid-back vibe, Medewi is the spot for you. Located on Bali’s west coast, about a two-hour drive from Canggu, Medewi is a bit of a trek, but totally worth it. The waves here are long, slow, and perfect for practicing your style and technique.

I’d heard about Medewi for ages before I actually made the trip, and I regret not going sooner. The wave is a long, left-hand point break that just keeps going. Seriously, you can get rides that last for hundreds of meters. It’s not the kind of place where you’ll get massive barrels or heart-stopping drops, but that’s what makes it perfect for intermediates—or anyone who wants a more relaxed session. I brought a longboard, and for the first time, I really felt like I was gliding. It was so different from the shortboard sessions I’d been doing at Canggu and Seminyak.

Pro Tip: Because Medewi is a bit off the beaten path, it’s less crowded than Bali’s more popular surf spots. But that also means fewer amenities. Be prepared to spend a full day there, and pack some snacks and water because you won’t find as many cafes or warungs as in places like Canggu.

10. Padang Padang – When You’re Ready for the Next Level
Okay, so Padang Padang is not for beginners—let’s get that out of the way. It’s one of the most famous surf spots in Bali, and for good reason. The waves here are fast, powerful, and break over a very shallow reef. It’s often referred to as Bali’s “Pipeline,” and it attracts some of the best surfers in the world.

So why am I including it in a guide for beginner and intermediate surfers? Well, because it’s a goal. It’s a place you can work toward as you build your skills and confidence. The first time I saw Padang Padang, I knew it wasn’t a place I was ready for yet. But watching the surfers who were ready, I realized how far I still had to go. And that’s not a bad thing! It’s motivating. It gave me a clear target to work toward.

For intermediates who are starting to feel more advanced, Padang Padang can be surfed during small swells. Just be extremely cautious, and if you’re unsure, sit out and watch the locals first. It’s not the kind of place where you want to test your luck. A car rental with driver in Bali is recommended service for your transportation to visit those beaches.

Wrapping It Up – Finding Your Perfect Spot
Bali is a surfer’s paradise, no matter your level. Whether you’re just starting out at Kuta or looking to push your limits at Canggu or Dreamland, there’s a wave here for everyone. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to explore as many spots as possible. Each beach has its own vibe and its own set of challenges, and surfing different breaks will make you a better, more versatile surfer.

Don’t be afraid to take your time, either. You’re going to wipe out (a lot), but that’s part of the process. Each wipeout brings you closer to your next great ride. And remember, it’s not just about the waves—it’s about the experience. The people you meet, the places you visit, and the stoke you feel after a good session make surfing in Bali a journey you’ll never forget.

So, wax up your board, hit the beach, and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re a beginner just finding your feet or an intermediate surfer looking for your next challenge, Bali’s waves are waiting for you.