Uluwatu Surf Guide: 2026
Best Surf Spot for your Level
Uluwatu is the mecca of surfing on the Island of the Gods. It’s on the edge of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula where Uluwatu’s legendary limestone cliffs meet the clear waters below. Uluwatu is a surfing heaven with an epic wave for every level of surfer!
What makes Uluwatu truly special is the diversity and abundance of the waves you will find. Along Uluwatu’s coastline you will find five main peaks, with varying connecting surf spots in between. Uluwatu’s variety means on the same given day beginners can be catching their first white water waves while the pros can be riding some hollow barrels. Uluwatu is the place to be with its consistent surf, warm water and beautiful sunsets. Let’s explore some of Uluwatu’s many surf spots!
Kima’s 6 Star Session Planner
At Kima Surf Camps we have developed our custom 6 star session planner, after 25 years of surf coaching and guiding to ensure we match our surfers to the right wave. Here is short and sweet summary of each level:
1 Star Level: For beginner surfers, just starting out on their surfing journey and focussing on whitewater fundamentals.
2 Star Level: For surfers catching their first unbroken waves, with a push from a surf guide.
3 Star Level: Surfers on shorter boards, catching waves independently.
4 Star Level: Independent intermediates refining turns and flow.
5 Star Level: Advanced surfers chasing power, tubes, and challenge.
6 Star Level: Elite, fully independent surfers in all conditions.
Let’s explore the waves in Uluwatu that will meet the level of each and every star level listed above!
Uluwatu Surf Spots
Uluwatu consists mainly of reef breaks; there are 5 main peaks: Temples, Bombie, The Peak, Outside Corner and Racetracks. These main peaks work on different tides and offer rides that stretch up to 300 meters or more! The 5 peaks are all left hander waves breaking along the reefs, however there are some variations in the spots that emerge from different swell and swell sizes. Let’s explore some of Uluwatu’s best waves.
Thomas Beach
Ideal for: 1-2 Star Surfers.
This is the spot to learn surfing for our complete beginners. Thomas Beach is accessed via the Thomas Beach staircase, it works on mid to high tide and offers soft and forgiving left hander waves, perfect for catching your first few waves.
Baby Padang
Ideal for: 2-3 Star Surfers.
Baby Padang is one of the most approachable waves in the Bukit, it is a left hander reef break, with a slow takeoff and mellow sections. Baby Padang sits inside from Padang Padang and is directly in line with the beach and is therefore easily accessible. It is a great wave on smaller swells and mid tide. This is the spot for beginner surfers transitioning from beach breaks to reef breaks. Baby Padang is great for surfers who need to practice the timing of their take off, trimming and just building confidence in the line up.
Dreamland
Ideal for: 2-4 Star Surfers.
Dreamland is a beach break which makes it a very forgiving surf spot, great for beginners. Dreamland is an A frame wave, you will find both right handers and left handers. However the swell is an important factor to consider when surfing this spot. On small swells the waves are playful with open faces, perfect for progression. On larger swells the waves can become powerful and challenge improving surfers.
Balangan
Ideal for: 3-4 Star Surfers.
Balangan is a long peeling left hand reef break wave. This surf spot is great for consistency and length, expect long rippable walls that seem like they never end. The wave has multiple sections which is great for linking turns and practicing speed control. On smaller to mid-sized swells it’s approachable and playful, while bigger days bring more power and longer rides.
Uluwatu (Peak, Racetrack & Temples)
Ideal for: 4-5 Star Surfers.
Along the base of Uluwatu’s well-known limestone cliffs is the most popular wave of the Bukit region and for good reason as well. This wave is world-class and this stretch of the coastline can hold big swells, perfect for seasoned surfers wanting to push their limits. This spot is for experienced surfers who are confident in their ability and surf etiquette. On big days this can be a barrel zone!
Padang Padang
Ideal for: 5-6 Star Surfers.
This surf spot is located along the outside cliff face in line with the famous Padang Padang beach. This is another world-class wave, ideal for the seasoned pros! The wave breaks over a shallow reef ledge and is known for its thick, hollow barrels. Padang Padang turns on with a solid swell and the right tide and it delivers one of the most perfect and demanding waves in Indonesia. This spot is strictly for advanced surfers with strong paddling ability and precise positioning.
Bingin
Ideal for: 5-6 Star Surfers.
Bingin surf spot is located directly in front of the Bingin cliffside and this magical surf spot can produce some short but hollow barrels, which often break in the same spot with consistency, making it a great wave for the seasoned surfers to master their barrel riding! Bingin is well-known for shallow reef and a compact take off that can require perfect timing and positioning, but a big reward if mastered.
Impossibles
Ideal for: 5-6 Star Surfers.
Between Bingin and Padang Padang you will find Impossibles, which gained its name for how seamlessly and perfectly the sections of this wave connects. The wave breaks over a long reef, producing long rides with fast sections. When conditions are right, it offers some of the longest rides on the Bukit, but it demands confidence and endurance.
Reef Break Safety:
Before paddling out, check the tide; shallow reefs are dangerous for surfing.
When you come off of your surfboard try to land flat, cover your head, and stay away from stepping on the reef.
In order to prevent your board from being forced into the reef or other surfers, control it by holding onto it whenever you can.
If necessary, put on reef booties to shield your feet from jagged rocks and coral.
Steer clear of surfing in damaged or protected reef areas to help maintain delicate coral ecosystems.
With professional surf guiding, our Kima Surf Camps in Canggu and Seminyak give you access to Bali's best waves. We choose the ideal locations every day using the Six-Star Session Planner so you're always surfing waves that fit your goals and skill level.
The Kima Surf Boat offers direct access to important breaks for Uluwatu sessions, avoiding traffic, minimizing cliff access and conserving energy for the waves.
Surfing Uluwatu with Kima Surf Camps can be about chasing world-class barrels or gaining confidence on your first reef break. We have you covered!
