East Bali · Indonesia
Surfing Padang Galak
A beach break in East Bali, Indonesia, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Padang Galak is a black-sand beach break just north of Sanur, with shifting peaks and more power than you'd expect from a beach break: fast walls, some barrels and strong rips.
Its season is November to March, when the west wind is offshore on this coast and the tourist spots on the other side are blown out. On a good day the waves are very good and the crowd is mostly local and strong, so be patient and follow the lineup's rules.
Mount Agung is on the horizon, and you'll often see kite festivals or ceremonies on the beach. Mid tide is best; at high tide the shore break snaps boards. There are only a couple of warungs.
When to surf
Padang Galak
Padang Galak is at its best from November to March. Conditions it likes: S swell, W wind (wet season).
May to June: Prime
Pumping SW swell, offshore trades, crowds still civilised
July to August: Prime
Peak everything: waves, crowds and prices. Book ahead
September to October: Good
Still good waves, fewer people in the water
November to March: Shoulder
Wet season: the east coast (Serangan, Keramas, Nusa Dua) takes over
The year across Bali
Waves near Padang Galak
Padang Padang
under 1 kmUluwatu · Left Reef · Advanced / Pro
Impossibles
1 kmUluwatu · Left Reef · Advanced / Pro
Bingin
2 kmUluwatu · Left Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Sanur is the practical base, restaurants, ATMs, the fast-boat port and an easy dawn drive to Keramas and Serangan. Staying at Keramas itself puts the wave on your doorstep but nights are very quiet.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the East Bali guide.
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