Travel Tips
Surf Trip to Bali or Sri Lanka
Are you excited to go surfing in the tropics this 2026? Warm water, consistent waves, and a full cultural experience? A little planning can go a long way, if you're planning a surf trip to Sri Lanka or Bali. Both locations offer quality waves for all levels of surfers, a unique local culture, and simple travel! Here are some tips to make your trip easy, safe, and stress free.
Kima Surf Camps has been welcoming surfers to Bali and Sri Lanka for over 25 years. We provide everything you need once you get there, from daily surf guiding to airport pickups and more.
SIM Cards
When travelling it is important to stay connected, to update friends and family from home and to share your epic trip on your socials! The best way to do this is by getting a local sim card, here are some tips:
Bali
SIM cards are cheap, readily available, and necessary for using google maps, transport companies, and food delivery in Bali. In Bali the best sim cards are purchased from XL and Telkomsel. Bring your passport when registering your sim card at the airport or at nearby phone stores. Kima Surf Camps provide reliable Wi-Fi.
Sri Lanka
The best carriers in Sri Lanka are Dialog and Mobitel. Sri Lanka has great mobile coverage so when you arrive at the airport get yourself a sim card. It's simple to keep connected even when traveling throughout the island thanks to cheap data.
Cash vs Card
Knowing when to use cash or card can save you a lot of time on these islands. Carrying some cash is always a good idea.
Bali
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is used in Bali. Cash is necessary when eating at local warungs and buying goodies at small local shops and marketplaces. ATMs are commonly accessible as well as money exchangers, when exchanging money, always use authorized money changers. Card machines are often available in tourist areas, at almost all restaurants and hotels!
Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is used in Sri Lanka. Hotels and larger restaurants in the touristy areas do take cards, however cash is still necessary outside of major towns. Although most cities and tourist destinations have ATMs, it's a good idea to have small notes on hand for everyday expenses.
Both islands have ATMs that accept visa and mastercard so you can easily draw cash and there are also many money changers, always make sure you visit one that is authorized.
Travel Adapters
Bali
In Bali the most commonly used adaptors are the 230V European-style Type C and F connectors. This is the same as the European adapters, so guests coming from Europe will be sorted, but those from the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand will need to organise the correct adapter before the trip.
Sri Lanka
Type G and Type D plugs are the most commonly used adapters in Sri Lanka. If you are traveling to both destinations at the same time, the simplest solution is a universal adaptor.
Visa Information
Before departing on your surf trip it is important to check the visa requirements of the country you are travelling to. Both Bali and Sri Lanka have visitor visas which are obtained easily before arrival and can be done online, which makes your surf trip a breeze!
Bali
When planning to come to Bali for your surf trip you will need to obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which is eligible for tourist stays up to 30 days and can be extended once, and can be easily obtained by most nationalities. Before arriving or upon landing, you can apply online. It is necessary to have a return ticket and a passport that is at least six months old to obtain this visa.
Sri Lanka
Visitors going to Sri Lanka can use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to obtain a visitor visa. This visa is valid for 30 days, and can be extended. Make sure to check all requirements before you fly.
As visa rules and entry requirements can change, always verify the latest information with official government sources before travelling.
Scooters vs Drivers
In Bali and Sri Lanka the main forms of transport are scooters, tuk-tuks and cars but it is very important to understand the safest transport options. At Kima Surf Camps in Bali and Sri Lanka we have your transport covered with airport pick-ups and drop-offs, and with our daily van transport to surf spots, accompanied by our experienced surf guides.
Bali
Scooters are the most common mode of transport in Bali, but traffic can be intense and for this reason we do not recommend the use of scooters to those who have never driven. We recommend using Bali's ride-hailing apps, like Gojek or Grab. If you want to go in a car, our front office will help organise a driver for you and you can use our vans if they are not in use.
Sri Lanka
Most travellers in Sri Lanka use tuk-tuks, taxis, or private drivers. Sri Lanka also has transport apps similar to Grab and Gojek, known as PickMe, which operates similarly to Uber. A trustworthy taxi service in Sri Lanka is Kangaroo Cabs. Hiring a driver is affordable and a great way to explore longer distances comfortably. Scooter rentals are available but are less common for tourists compared to Bali.
Health and Safety
Bali and Sri Lanka are safe destinations even for solo female travellers, however there are some precautions one can take before visiting to ensure your surf trip is fun and hassle free!
Bali
It is advised that before visiting Bali, one's vaccines against hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and other diseases are all up to date. Also when visiting Bali it is important to have travel insurance. Surfing, riding scooters and exploring these islands pose some risks.
Do not drink out of the tap while in Bali, drink bottled or filtered water only. At Kima Surf Camps in Bali we have water dispensers throughout the camp. In Bali there is dengue fever, so it is important to protect yourself from mosquitoes all year round. Use repellent daily.
When surfing remember to use reef friendly sunscreen and have good knowledge of reef etiquette to help prevent cuts and infections when surfing reef breaks around Bali.
Every traveller has heard about "Bali Belly," which is a typical type of traveler's diarrhea. To avoid Bali belly, do not drink tap water, wash your hands regularly, do not consume ice, and eat at well established restaurants to lower the risk.
Sri Lanka
It is advised before visiting Sri Lanka to ensure your Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and rabies vaccinations are up to date, however they are not required for entry into Sri Lanka.
When you are in Sri Lanka drink bottled or filtered water since tap water is unsafe to drink, our Kima Surf Camps in Sri Lanka have water dispensers around the camp. It is crucial to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen with a high SPF as the sun exposure is alot. Similar to Bali, travelers can experience the traveler's stomach. Simple safety measures like washing your hands, avoiding tap water, and eating freshly prepared meals can make a big difference.
Dengue is present in Sri Lanka, particularly during wetter months, so using repellent and light protective clothing is recommended.
Health advice and vaccination recommendations can change, so always confirm current guidance with a qualified medical professional or official health authority before travelling.
Travelling to Bali or Sri Lanka with Kima Surf Camps is the best move. Everything is taken care of, from accommodation and airport transfers to daily surf guiding tailored to your skill level and more.
Our Surf camps in Canggu, Seminyak, Weligama, and Hiriketiya allow you to concentrate on the things that are most important: surfing, unwinding, and having fun.
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