Canggu vs. Seminyak
How our Kima Surf Camps in Bali differ from each other
You finally decided to surf holidays in Bali?! Good decision! Why? Because Bali is the paradise for everyone, who wants to surf. Whether you are a total beginner or you are looking for some barrels, Bali’s surf spots have it all: Beginners can learn to surf at the spots around Kuta or Seminyak Beach. Intermediates and Longboarders get their money’s worth at spots like Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, Sandbar and Berawa in Canggu. The famous south coast is the region with the best waves on the island with some of the best spots in the world, such as Padang Padang, Bingin and Uluwatu.
So, no doubt, Bali is one of THE places to be, if you wanna surf. Now you just need to decide where to stay. At Kima Surf we’ll take you to the best spots around the island during your surf holiday and put everything to help you learn to surf or improve your surf skills.
In Bali, we have two main surf camps: in Canggu and in Seminyak. And again and again, we got asked: What is the difference between your Surf Camps in Canggu and Seminyak? To answer it very simply: the size. Whereas Canggu can accommodate around 120 guests, the camp in Seminyak is way smaller with a maximum capacity of around 80 guests. But that’s not all. There are some more differences that might be interesting for you to know to find out which camp is the perfect one for you. So, let’s deep dive into our Kima Surf Camps in Bali.
Seminyak: A tropical oasis
Our surf camp in Seminyak is the first camp that Kima opened around 20 years ago. It’s our little tropical oasis with authentic Bali flair wherever you look. It comes with different dormitories that can accommodate between 4 to 8 guests. Some of the dorm rooms are located in traditional Balinese Kubus and Lumbungs - wooden bungalows, where Balinese farmers keep the rice after harvesting habitually. If you are looking for more privacy or just want to share your room with one other person, our camp in Seminyak also provides some twin and double rooms and two suites. Of course, all rooms have been continuously maintained and meet Western standards.
The camp’s centrepiece is a natural stone pool surrounded by palm trees that provide some shade and create tropical vibes. Within these tropical vibes, you’ll find some sun lounges and bean bags, a table soccer and dining tables to hang out, relax and connect to other guests around. A second pool with a pool bar is on the other side of the camp.
Our camp in Seminyak is located within walking distance of many gentle beach breaks and above all to our Surfschool, where our Learn-to-Surf Program (LTS) takes part. The Learn-to-Surf Program is a special 5-day course for everyone who never surfed before. If you want to take part in the LTS we’d recommend you, to stay in our Seminak camp. However, it is also available for stays in Canggu. In this case, you will be driven to Seminyak Beach and back to the Camp in Canggu every day. The walking distance to our Surfschool does not mean that advanced surfers will not get their money's worth in Seminyak. More intermediate surf spots are just a short drive away.
The perfect blend of surfing, fitness, party and other activities in Canggu
As already mentioned, one main difference between our two surf camps in Canggu and Seminyak is the size. Due to their sizes, Seminyak has more of these “typical camp vibes”, whereas Canggu awaits you with some mind-blowing features wherever you look. You could call Canggu more of a surf, yoga and fitness resort. Located right in the heart of some of the hottest places for dinner or a night out in Bali, our doors in Canggu opened around 15 years ago for the first time. After a renovation and extension, Kima Surf Canggu reopened in July 2022 bigger, newer and even more unique. Our Canggu camp comes with high modern standards in a modern island lifestyle design with spacious chillout areas and hammocks.
In Canggu we mainly have private rooms (bookable as shared rooms, too). Clearly, one highlight is our Deluxe 2-Bedroom Villa within the camp. It has a private pool and two large air-conditioned bedrooms, spread over two floors, two bathrooms and a semi-open living and dining area. The villa is huilt for four people, but can accommodate up to six people and is great for a group of friends or families.
In Canggu we mainly have private rooms (bookable as shared rooms, too). Clearly, one highlight is our Deluxe 2-Bedroom Villa within the camp. It has a private pool and two large air-conditioned bedrooms, spread over two floors, two bathrooms and a semi-open living and dining area. The villa is huilt for four people, but can accommodate up to six people and is great for a group of friends or families.
But that is by far not all. Our Kima Surf Camp in Canggu offers many more unique features. There are 3 different pools and one of them is even equipped with a diving tower - ready to jump?! Next to the pool you’ll find another highlight, that is not only unique at Kima but in the whole of Canggu: our 15-m high Climbing Wall. You have the possibility to join our Introduction Course and learn the basics of climbing or the Open Wall Course if you’re already experienced with climbing. If you’re booking your stay in our Deluxe Suite, Superior Suite or in our Villa, one climbing course is included in your stay. Last but definitely not least (Fitness Junkies prick up your ears!) we welcome you with a fully equipped 400 m² gym with ocean view and a surf skate area. at the rooftop of one of our buildings.
We all know, surfing is at the heart of Kima and therefore it does not come too short in the camp in Canggu. Quite the opposite: you reach the world-famous beach breaks and riff breaks of Pererenan and Echo Beach for intermediate and pro surfers after a short walk. Also Beginners will find gentle beach breaks close by and our surf guides will drive you to Seminyak every day, if you want to join the LTS program, or to one of the many other beginner spots.
Kima means: Unforgettable Surf Holidays
The decision between Canggu and Seminyak is not easy. Both camps have their own unique character. But one thing is for sure: you will experience unforgettable surf adventures!
To sum it up:
Kima Surf in Seminyak
smaller Camp with tropical vibes
recommended for LTS participants
walking distance to many beginner surf spots
short drive to intermediate / advanced surf spots and closer to Uluwatu
Kima Surf in Canggu
Surf Resort
Diving Tower, Climbing Wall and fully equipped Rooftop Gym
walking distance to Pererenan and Echo Beach for intermediat surfers
short drive to many amazing beginner spots
Either way, no matter if you decide for Canggu or Seminyak there are so many surf spots all around the island and our well-experienced surf guides in both camps will turn the island upside down to find the best spots for you every day. Regardless of the camp you choose, our Kima package is the same and contains: 2 surf guided sessions per day, 6 days yoga per week, daily video analyses, 3 surf theory classes per week, 3 training and pool sessions per week, daily healthy breakfast and free coffee and tea flow from 6 am to 6 pm - all included in your stay.
Customize your stay according to your wishes with our Add Ons: add your board rental, a board insurance, half board or a Waterfall Daytrip.
So, what are you waiting for? We can’t wait to welcome you in one of our Camps!
