10 Top Surf Spots Near Canggu, Bali: Your Complete Guide to Riding Bali's Best Waves

Canggu has become Bali's ultimate surf destination, drawing wave riders from around the world to its black sand beaches and consistent swells. Whether you're a complete beginner taking your first surf lesson or an experienced surfer chasing barrels, the Canggu area offers something for everyone. This guide explores the 10 best surf spots near Canggu, complete with insider tips, exact locations, and everything you need to plan your perfect surf trip.​

Why Canggu is Perfect for Surfers

The Canggu coastline stretches about five kilometers and features multiple surf breaks suitable for all skill levels. The area enjoys year-round surf, though the dry season from April to October brings the best conditions with offshore winds and larger swells. Most mornings feature glassy conditions with light offshore breezes, making dawn patrol sessions incredibly rewarding.​

1. Batu Bolong Beach: The Heart of Canggu Surfing

• Address: Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali 80351​

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• Rating: 4.0/5​

Batu Bolong sits right in the center of Canggu's busiest area and has become the most popular surf spot in the region. Named after the limestone cave that pierces through the cliff behind the beach, this spot offers soft, rolling waves that can peel for more than 100 meters.​

The waves break both left and right over a gentle reef bottom, making it ideal for beginners and longboarders. Despite being crowded, especially during peak season, the friendly atmosphere and consistent waves make it worth the paddle out. The beach sits directly in front of famous venues like The Lawn and Old Man's Bar, so you can easily grab food or drinks between sessions.​

• Best Time to Surf: Low tide on smaller swells, suitable for all tides when conditions are right​

• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

2. Echo Beach: Challenging Waves for Advanced Surfers

• Address: Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, Canggu, Badung, Bali 80361​

• Rating: 3.9/5​

Echo Beach, also known as Pantai Batu Mejan, features some of the most challenging waves in the Canggu area. The black sand beach hosts three main surf breaks: Echo Beach Left, The Sandbar, and the famous Rivermouth.​

Echo Beach Left breaks over a shallow reef and can produce fast, barreling sections suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. The Sandbar offers ultra-consistent waves that break on a sandy bottom, making it slightly safer than the reef breaks. The Rivermouth provides a hollow right-hand wave that can connect for long rides when conditions align.​

The beach features numerous restaurants and cafes where you can watch the action while enjoying fresh seafood. The waves here are usually larger than at Batu Bolong, particularly in the mornings.​

• Best Time to Surf: Mid tide for most breaks​

• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

3. Old Man's Beach: Perfect for Longboard Sessions

• Address: Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong No.117X, Canggu, Badung, Bali 80351​

• Rating: 4.0/5​

Old Man's takes its name from the famous beach bar that sits right on the sand. The surf break offers mellow, soft waves that roll in consistently, making it a favorite among longboarders and beginners with some experience.​

The wave breaks both left and right over a forgiving reef, allowing riders to practice their style without worrying about heavy drops. Located just south of Batu Bolong, Old Man's provides a slightly less crowded alternative while still maintaining easy access to Canggu's cafe culture.​

The beach bar offers live music, beachfront dining, and stunning sunset views, making it the perfect spot to unwind after your session.​

• Best Time to Surf: Mid tide for optimal conditions​

• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

4. Berawa Beach: Hidden Gem for Progressive Learners

• Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Badung, Bali 80361​

• Rating: 3.9/5​

Berawa Beach sits just south of the main Canggu area and offers a more relaxed surfing experience. This beach break features consistent waves that roll in over a sandy bottom, making it ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers looking to progress their skills.​

The beach stretches approximately 1.5 kilometers and provides ample space for surfers to spread out. Unlike the busier spots at Batu Bolong and Echo Beach, Berawa maintains a quieter atmosphere while still offering quality waves. The famous FINNS Beach Club sits right on the sand, providing luxury amenities if you want to relax in style between sessions.​

• Best Time to Surf: Mid to high tide for best wave shape​

• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

5. Pererenan Beach: World-Class Right-Hander

• Address: Pererenan, Mengwi, Badung, Bali​

• Rating: 4.1/5​

Pererenan sits north of Echo Beach and hosts one of the most famous waves in the Canggu area. The Pererenan right-hander offers a barreling reef break with performance walls that attract professional and advanced surfers.​

The wave breaks along the river mouth, providing a clear channel for paddling out. Due to its length and diversity of sections, Pererenan can deliver rides of considerable distance when conditions align. The spot works best at mid to high tide and handles swells from three to ten feet.​

While the crowd can be competitive, surfers generally respect lineup etiquette. The less touristy atmosphere compared to central Canggu makes it feel more authentic and less commercialized.​

• Best Time to Surf: Mid to high tide with southwest swell​

• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

6. Nelayan Beach: Peaceful Alternative to Crowded Spots

• Address: Between Berawa and Batu Bolong, Canggu, Badung, Bali​

• Rating: 4.3/5​

Nelayan Beach sits between Berawa and Batu Bolong, offering a quieter retreat for those wanting to escape the crowds. The beach features decent surf conditions, though the waves can become choppy when afternoon winds pick up.​

This spot works well for beginner and intermediate surfers under the right conditions. The beach can be variable, with some days offering better conditions for intermediate rather than beginner surfers. When winds strengthen, the beach becomes popular for kite surfing.​

The peaceful atmosphere and fewer surfers in the water make Nelayan an attractive option for those who value space over perfect waves.​

• Best Time to Surf: Early morning during dry season (April-October)​

• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

7. Seminyak Beach (Double Six): Gentle Beach Break Paradise

• Address: Jalan Double Six, Seminyak, Badung, Bali 80361​

• Rating: 3.8/5​

Double Six Beach marks the southern stretch of Seminyak and offers gentle beach break waves perfect for learning. The sandy bottom and mellow waves make it one of the safest spots for beginners to practice their skills.​

The beach features consistent waves that work on all tides, though mid to high tide typically provides the best conditions. The wider, flatter sand creates bigger tidal changes than in Kuta, resulting in peely waves on shallow bases that can be sucky at low tide.​

The beachfront buzzes with trendy bars and restaurants, including the famous Ku De Ta. Colorful beach bags and parasols from venues like La Plancha spread across the sand, creating a vibrant atmosphere.​

• Best Time to Surf: Mid tide for optimal wave quality​

• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

8. Padang Padang Beach: World-Class Barrels

• Address: Jalan Labuan Sait, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361​

• Rating: 4.5/5​

Padang Padang ranks among the best left-hand waves on the planet. Made famous by the movie Eat Pray Love, this spot delivers walled-up, barreling perfection when conditions align. The wave breaks over a shallow reef, creating intense sections that demand respect and skill.​

Professional surfers flock here when forecasts show ideal conditions, so expect a highly competitive lineup on good days. The beach requires descending stone steps through a cliffside opening, adding to its dramatic appeal.​

Baby Padang (Padang Padang Right) offers a more beginner-friendly option on the same beach, breaking right instead of left. This wave provides consistent rides suitable for those still developing their reef break skills.​

• Best Time to Surf: Mid to high tide, May through September for best conditions​

• Skill Level: Advanced (Padang Left), Beginner (Baby Padang Right)

9. Uluwatu Beach: Five Peaks of Pure Perfection

• Address: Jalan Labuansait/Jalan Mamo, Pecatu, Badung, Bali​

• Rating: 4.7/5​

Uluwatu represents the pinnacle of Balinese surfing. The wide reef below the stunning cliff face offers five different peaks: Temples, The Bombie, The Peak, Outside Corner, and Racetracks. All waves break left down the reef with variations in sections that change with swell size.​

The spot handles all sizes of swell, from waist-high to double overhead and beyond. Each peak works best at different tides, giving surfers options throughout the day. The famous cave entrance and cliff-side warungs create an iconic surf scene that every wave rider should experience.​

Access requires navigating stairs down the cliff and paddling out through the cave. The spectacular setting and world-class waves make Uluwatu one of Bali's must-surf destinations.​

• Best Time to Surf: Year-round, though dry season brings the best conditions​

• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

10. Balangan Beach: Fast and Furious Left-Hand Walls

• Address: Jalan Pantai Balangan, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung, Bali​

• Rating: 4.2/5​

Balangan features a fast, long left-hand reef break that can peel for over 300 meters when conditions align perfectly. The wave breaks very fast along a relatively straight piece of reef, requiring surfers to maintain high speeds and strong positioning.​

The reef's flat nature means waves typically do not barrel heavily except on powerful swells. Instead, the wave offers racing walls perfect for practicing maneuvers and high-line surfing. The beautiful white sand beach and cliff backdrop create a stunning setting for your session.​

Balangan works on all tides but performs best at dead low tide or high tide with a solid swell. When small and high tide, it becomes suitable for progressing beginners and intermediates.​

• Best Time to Surf: Dry season (April-October) with southeast trade winds​

• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Getting Around: Rent Your Scooter with Cinchy

Exploring these surf spots requires reliable transportation. Cinchy offers the perfect solution with convenient scooter rentals throughout Bali. All motorbikes come regularly inspected for safety, include insurance, and feature useful extras like phone holders, clean SNI-certified helmets, and USB ports.​

Cinchy provides free delivery to major areas including Ngurah Rai Airport, Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu. Daily rentals start at 120,000 IDR, making it affordable to chase waves across multiple spots. Book your scooter at Cinchy here and enjoy 24-hour free cancellation.​

Best Season for Surfing Near Canggu

The dry season from April to October brings the most consistent surf conditions. During these months, southeast trade winds blow offshore, grooming the waves into clean, glassy perfection. Long-period swells from the Indian Ocean deliver powerful, well-formed waves to all the major breaks.​

The wet season from November to March still offers surf, but onshore winds and increased rainfall can degrade wave quality. Water quality also decreases during this period due to runoff from rivers.​

Essential Tips for Surfing in Canggu

• Timing Your Sessions: Early morning sessions from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM typically offer the best conditions with light winds and smaller crowds. Trade winds usually pick up around 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, degrading wave quality.​

• Respect the Locals: Popular spots like Batu Bolong and Echo Beach attract large crowds. Show respect by not dropping in on other surfers and waiting your turn in the lineup.​

• Safety First: Many spots break over shallow reefs. Wear reef booties if you are concerned about cuts, and always check conditions before paddling out.​

• Surf Lessons: If you are new to surfing, consider booking lessons at beginner-friendly spots like Batu Bolong or Berawa. Professional instructors can help you progress safely while teaching proper etiquette.​

Planning Your Surf Trip

Most surf spots sit within a 20 to 30-minute ride from central Canggu. Renting a scooter gives you the flexibility to check multiple spots and find the best conditions each day. Start at Cinchy here to secure your rental before you arrive.​

Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a good rashguard, and plenty of water. Consider bringing your own board if possible, though rental shops are abundant throughout Canggu. Board rentals typically cost around 60,000 IDR for two hours.​

Beyond the Waves

Between surf sessions, explore Canggu's thriving cafe culture, yoga studios, and beach clubs. The area has evolved into a hub for digital nomads and travelers, offering excellent food, vibrant nightlife, and a strong sense of community.​

The combination of consistent waves, diverse surf spots, and laid-back lifestyle makes the Canggu area Bali's ultimate surf destination. Whether you catch your first wave at Batu Bolong or score barrels at Padang Padang, these ten spots offer unforgettable experiences for surfers of all levels.