Bali is renowned for its challenging surf breaks that attract advanced surfers from around the globe. Here are some of the island’s premier spots suitable for experienced wave riders:

1. Uluwatu

Located on the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu offers a series of powerful reef breaks, including The Bombie, Temples, Outside Corner, Racetracks, and The Peak. These waves are known for their size and intensity, making Uluwatu a prime destination for advanced surfers.

Best Time to Surf Uluwatu for Advanced Surfers 🌊🏄‍♂️🔥

🌞 Best Season:

✅ Dry Season (May – October) → Prime Time for Advanced Surfers!

• Strong, consistent south & southwest swells from the Indian Ocean.
• Offshore east winds create long, powerful, barreling waves.
• Wave size: 4 – 15+ feet → Perfect for experienced surfers who love hollow, fast waves.

🌧 Wet Season (November – April) → Less Consistent, Choppier Conditions

• Onshore west winds create bumpier, less clean waves.
• Smaller swells = less challenging, but still surfable on the right days.

🕖 Best Time of Day:

☀️ Early Morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM) → Best Conditions!

• Light offshore winds = glassy, hollow waves.
• Less crowded compared to mid-day.

🌅 Late Afternoon (4:30 – 6:30 PM) → Still Good, But More Crowded.

• Beautiful golden-hour barrels, but watch for heavier lineups.

🌊 Best Tide & Swell:

• Tide:Mid to High Tide is best.
  • Low tide = super shallow, fast, and technical barrels.
• Swell Direction: South (S) to Southwest (SW).
• Swell Size:4 – 15+ feet
  • 4-6 feet = Perfect for advanced surfers looking for speed & turns.
  • 7-10 feet = More power, bigger barrels, best for confident chargers.
  • 10-15+ feet = Heavy, expert-only conditions!

🏄 Why Uluwatu for Advanced Surfers?

🔥 Fast, Hollow Waves – long left-hand reef break with multiple sections.
🔥 Big Barrels & Steep Drop-Ins – especially at The Peak, Racetracks, & Outside Corner.
🔥 Works on Huge Swells – still rideable when other spots max out.

For a visual perspective on advanced friendly waves in Bali, you might find this video insightful: Uluwatu Video

2. Padang Padang (Padang Padang Left)

Often referred to as the “Balinese Pipeline,” Padang Padang Left is a fast, long-barreling wave that breaks over a shallow coral reef. This spot is considered one of Bali’s most serious waves, suitable only for expert surfers.

Best Time to Surf Padang Padang Left for Advanced Surfers 🌊🏄‍♂️🔥

🌞 Best Season:

✅ Dry Season (May – October) → Peak Barrel Season!

• Strong, consistent south & southwest swells from the Indian Ocean.
• Offshore east winds create perfect, hollow barrels.
• Wave size: 5 – 12+ feet → Heavy, technical waves for experienced surfers.

🌧 Wet Season (November – April) → Not Ideal

• Onshore west winds ruin the wave shape.
• Smaller, inconsistent swells.

🕖 Best Time of Day:

☀️ Early Morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM) → Best Conditions!

• Light offshore winds = clean, perfect barrels.
• Less crowded compared to later in the day.

🌅 Late Afternoon (4:30 – 6:30 PM) → Still Good, But More Crowded.

• Beautiful golden-hour barrels, but more surfers in the water.

🌊 Best Tide & Swell:

• Tide:Mid to High Tide is best.
  • Low tide = Too shallow, dangerously sharp reef exposed.
• Swell Direction: South (S) to Southwest (SW).
• Swell Size:5 – 12+ feet
  • 5-7 feet = Perfect barrels, technical but manageable.
  • 8-12+ feet = Full-on expert-level, deep, heavy barrels.

🏄 Why Padang Padang Left for Advanced Surfers?

🔥 Hollow, Powerful Left-Hand Barrels – Bali’s “Pipeline.”
🔥 Shallow Reef = No Mistakes Allowed!
🔥 Works Best on Large Swells – one of Bali’s heaviest waves.

⚠️ Warning: Not for intermediates! If you’re not comfortable in heavy barrels and shallow reef, sit this one out.

For a visual perspective on advanced-friendly waves in Bali, you might find this video insightful: Padang Padang (Left) Video

3. Impossibles

Situated between Bingin and Padang Padang, Impossibles features long, fast left-hand waves that can be challenging due to their speed and the reef below. This break is best suited for advanced surfers seeking lengthy rides.

Best Time to Surf Impossibles for Advanced Surfers 🌊🏄‍♂️🔥

🌞 Best Season:

✅ Dry Season (May – October) → Best for Long, Fast Walls!

• Consistent south & southwest swells bring powerful waves.
• Offshore east winds keep waves clean and well-shaped.
• Wave size: 4 – 10+ feet → Fast, rippable walls for advanced surfers.

🌧 Wet Season (November – April) → Less Ideal

• Onshore west winds make conditions bumpier.
• Smaller, less powerful swells.

🕖 Best Time of Day:

☀️ Early Morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM) → Best Conditions!

• Light offshore winds = glassy, fast waves.
• Less crowded than mid-day sessions.

🌅 Late Afternoon (4:30 – 6:30 PM) → Still Good, But More Wind & Crowds.

• Gorgeous sunset surf, but conditions can be tricky.

🌊 Best Tide & Swell:

• Tide:Mid to High Tide is best.
  • Low tide = Too fast, unmakeable closeouts.
• Swell Direction: South (S) to Southwest (SW).
• Swell Size:4 – 10+ feet
  • 4-6 feet = Long, fun walls with makeable sections.
  • 7-10+ feet = Full-speed freight trains, best for experienced surfers.

🏄 Why Impossibles for Advanced Surfers?

🔥 Super Fast Left-Hander – not easy to make sections.
🔥 Multiple Takeoff Zones – spreads out the crowd.
🔥 Works on Big Swells – when other spots max out, Impossibles holds.

⚠️ Challenges:

• Extremely Fast Waves – requires speed & experience.
• Not Always Makeable – some waves race too fast to complete.
• Strong Currents – can make paddling back difficult.

For a visual perspective on advanced-friendly waves in Bali, you might find this video insightful: Impossibles Video

4. Bingin

Bingin is known for its perfect left-hand barrels that break over a shallow reef. The wave is consistent and can be quite technical, requiring a high skill level to navigate successfully.

Best Time to Surf Bingin for Advanced Surfers 🌊🏄‍♂️🔥

🌞 Best Season:

✅ Dry Season (May – October) → Best Barrel Season!

• Consistent south & southwest swells power the reef break.
• Offshore east winds keep waves clean and perfectly shaped.
• Wave size: 4 – 8+ feet → Ideal for advanced surfers looking for hollow, technical barrels.

🌧 Wet Season (November – April) → Less Consistent

• Onshore west winds make conditions choppier.
• Can still work on smaller, glassy days, but not as good as in the dry season.

🕖 Best Time of Day:

☀️ Early Morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM) → Best Conditions!

• Light offshore winds = clean, hollow barrels.
• Less crowded than mid-day.

🌅 Late Afternoon (4:30 – 6:30 PM) → Good, But More Crowded.

• Epic sunset barrels, but with a packed lineup.

🌊 Best Tide & Swell:

• Tide:Mid to High Tide is best.
  • Low tide = Super shallow, making it sketchy over the reef.
• Swell Direction: South (S) to Southwest (SW).
• Swell Size:4 – 8+ feet
  • 4-6 feet = Perfect, makeable barrels.
  • 7-8+ feet = Heavier, deeper barrels, requiring quick reactions.

🏄 Why Bingin for Advanced Surfers?

🔥 Consistent, Perfect Left-Hand Barrels – one of Bali’s most mechanical waves.
🔥 Shallow Reef = Technical & Critical Takeoffs.
🔥 Fast & Hollow Sections – rewards skilled surfers who can handle speed.

⚠️ Challenges:

• Very Shallow Reef – not forgiving on wipeouts.
• Crowded Lineup – short takeoff zone, so competition is tough.
• Fast Drop-Ins – need precise timing and positioning.

For a visual perspective on advanced-friendly waves in Bali, you might find this video insightful: Bingin Video

5. Keramas

Located on Bali’s east coast, Keramas offers powerful right-hand reef breaks that are fast and hollow. This spot has gained popularity for its high-performance waves, attracting advanced surfers looking for challenging conditions.

Best Time to Surf Keramas for Advanced Surfers 🌊🏄‍♂️🔥

🌞 Best Season:

✅ Wet Season (November – April) → Best for Powerful, Hollow Waves!

• Consistent south & southwest swells bring solid waves.
• Offshore west to northwest winds keep waves clean and barreling.
• Wave size: 4 – 10+ feet → Perfect for advanced surfers who love fast, technical waves.

🌤 Dry Season (May – October) → Less Ideal, But Can Still Work

• East trade winds create onshore conditions, making waves choppier.
• Early mornings can still have glassy conditions before the wind picks up.

🕖 Best Time of Day:

☀️ Early Morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM) → Best Conditions!

• Light offshore winds = glassy, perfect barrels.
• Fewer crowds compared to mid-day.

🌅 Late Afternoon (4:30 – 6:30 PM) → Can Be Good, But More Wind & Crowds.

• Sunset surf is possible but often windier.

🌊 Best Tide & Swell:

• Tide:Mid to High Tide is best.
  • Low tide = Shallow, fast barrels, riskier over the reef.
• Swell Direction: South (S) to Southwest (SW).
• Swell Size:4 – 10+ feet
  • 4-6 feet = Fun, powerful barrels and rippable sections.
  • 7-10+ feet = Heavy, deep barrels for advanced surfers only.

🏄 Why Keramas for Advanced Surfers?

🔥 Powerful, Hollow Right-Hander – best for deep barrels and explosive maneuvers.
🔥 Reef & Sand Bottom = Heavy, But Not Too Dangerous.
🔥 Best Performance Wave in Bali – favored by pros for big turns & airs.

⚠️ Challenges:

• Heavy, Fast Barrels – requires quick reflexes and deep positioning.
• Strong Currents on Big Swells – can make positioning tricky.
• Crowded Lineup – a mix of locals, pros, and traveling surfers.

For a visual perspective on advanced-friendly waves in Bali, you might find this video insightful: Keramas Video

6. Green Bowl

A lesser-known spot, Green Bowl provides powerful right-hand waves that break over a shallow reef. The wave is known for its intensity and is suitable for experienced surfers seeking less crowded conditions.

Best Time to Surf Green Bowl for Advanced Surfers 🌊🏄‍♂️🔥

🌞 Best Season:

✅ Dry Season (May – October) → Best Conditions!

• Consistent south & southwest swells bring powerful waves.
• Offshore east winds keep waves clean and hollow.
• Wave size: 4 – 12+ feet → Heavy, technical barrels for advanced surfers.

🌧 Wet Season (November – April) → Less Ideal

• Onshore west winds can make the waves messy.
• Swells are less powerful and less frequent.

🕖 Best Time of Day:

☀️ Early Morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM) → Best Conditions!

• Light offshore winds = clean, powerful barrels.
• Fewer crowds compared to mid-day.

🌅 Late Afternoon (4:30 – 6:30 PM) → Can Be Good, But Risky.

• Sunset surf is possible, but getting back up the steep cliff stairs in the dark is challenging.

🌊 Best Tide & Swell:

• Tide:Mid to High Tide is best.
  • Low tide = Super shallow, fast, and dangerous over the reef.
• Swell Direction: South (S) to Southwest (SW).
• Swell Size:4 – 12+ feet
  • 4-6 feet = Playable, fast barrels.
  • 7-12+ feet = Heavy, deep barrels, requiring expert skills.

🏄 Why Green Bowl for Advanced Surfers?

🔥 Powerful, Hollow Waves – long, barreling rights and lefts.
🔥 Uncrowded Compared to Other Bukit Spots – but still competitive.
🔥 Steep Cliff Access = Hidden Gem Feel – fewer tourists and beginners.

⚠️ Challenges:

• Steep Staircase – getting in & out is a workout.
• Strong Currents & Rip Tides – challenging on big days.
• Shallow Reef on Low Tide – not forgiving on wipeouts.

7. Nusa Dua

On Bali’s east coast, Nusa Dua offers powerful reef breaks that can handle large swells. The waves here are suitable for advanced surfers, especially during the wet season when the east coast receives more consistent swells.

Best Time to Surf Nusa Dua for Advanced Surfers 🌊🏄‍♂️🔥

🌞 Best Season:

✅ Wet Season (November – April) → Best for Heavy, Big Waves!

• Consistent south & southwest swells feed the break.
• Offshore west to northwest winds keep waves clean and well-formed.
• Wave size: 6 – 15+ feet → Ideal for advanced surfers who can handle big, powerful waves.

🌤 Dry Season (May – October) → Less Ideal

• East trade winds create onshore conditions, making the waves choppier.
• Still surfable on glassy early mornings, but better alternatives exist.

🕖 Best Time of Day:

☀️ Early Morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM) → Best Conditions!

• Light offshore winds = clean, powerful waves.
• Fewer crowds compared to mid-day.

🌅 Late Afternoon (4:30 – 6:30 PM) → Can Be Good, But Windier.

• Sunset surf possible, but conditions often bumpier due to winds.

🌊 Best Tide & Swell:

• Tide:Mid to High Tide is best.
  • Low tide = Shallow, gnarly conditions over reef.
• Swell Direction: South (S) to Southwest (SW).
• Swell Size:6 – 15+ feet
  • 6-8 feet = Heavy, powerful waves with steep drops.
  • 9-15+ feet = Big-wave territory, only for highly experienced surfers.

🏄 Why Nusa Dua for Advanced Surfers?

🔥 Big, Heavy Reef Break – best for powerful drops & long rides.
🔥 Handles Massive Swells – when other spots max out, Nusa Dua holds.
🔥 Right-Handers & Lefts – offers variety depending on the swell direction.

⚠️ Challenges:

• Long Paddle Out – one of Bali’s longest paddles, or hire a boat.
• Heavy Takeoffs – requires commitment and precise positioning.
• Strong Currents – especially on big swell days.

When tackling these advanced surf spots, it’s crucial to be mindful of the conditions, including tides, swell size, and wind direction, as they can significantly impact the quality and safety of the waves. Additionally, some breaks may have strong currents and sharp reefs, so proper preparation and local knowledge are essential.