Uluwatu · Indonesia

Surfing Padang Padang

A left reef in Uluwatu, Indonesia, for advanced and pro surfers.

Left Reef · Best Jun-Aug · Advanced / Pro · 4-12 ft

Padang Padang needs a solid SW swell of 6ft or more before it breaks properly, which in most seasons means a dozen days or so. When it does, it is a thick left barrel over a shallow lava reef, and the reason the Rip Curl Cup is held here.

Rides are short. You take a steep drop, pull in almost straight away and come out in front of the cliff, where a crowd usually gathers to watch. If you blow the takeoff the reef is very close.

It is for experienced tube riders only. On the days the main wave isn't breaking, Baby Padang on the inside is a softer left over deeper reef. Mid tide on the push is best. Take your barrel board, maybe a little bigger than normal.

TypeLeft Reef

LevelAdvanced / Pro

Size4-12 ft

Best monthsJun-Aug

Crowd5/5

ConditionsBig SW swell (+6ft), SE wind, mid tide, rising

When to surf
Padang Padang

Padang Padang is at its best from June to August. Conditions it likes: Big SW swell (+6ft), SE wind, mid tide, rising.

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PrimeGoodQuiet

Where to stay near Padang Padang

CARI Surf Camp

Pecatu, Uluwatu · close to Bingin, Padang Padang and Impossibles

from IDR 895,000per night, with room, breakfast and surf guiding

All levels, grouped by level
Max 3 surfers per coach
ISA certified coaches
Video analysis
Pool & yoga deck

At CARI Surf Camp, strangers share early coffees before dawn. They cheer for each other's first green wave. They talk about wipeouts like small victories. Some arrive having never stood on a board, ready to learn to surf in Bali. Others are working on turns and timing.

Surf week	For	Per person, 7 nights
Guiding Pack Room, breakfast, 2 guided surfs a day, surf photos, yoga, BBQs, airport transfer	Intermediate – advanced	IDR 6,265,000
Lesson Pack Guiding Pack + 2 lessons a day, board, video analysis, 3 surfers per coach	Beginner – intermediate	IDR 8,155,000
Beginner Pack Lesson Pack + beginner lessons, safety training, max 3 per group	Never surfed	IDR 950,000
Intensive Progression Daily intensive lesson, video & photo analysis, gym, strength sessions, massage	Intermediate – advanced	IDR 14,790,000

Prices in Indonesian rupiah, as listed by the camp, and include your room. Check the camp's website for availability and the latest prices.

Visit CARI's website @carisurfcamp

Waves near Padang Padang

Impossibles

under 1 km

Uluwatu · Left Reef · Advanced / Pro

Padang Galak

under 1 km

East Bali · Beach Break · Intermediate / Advanced

Bingin

2 km

Uluwatu · Left Reef · Intermediate / Advanced

Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.

Getting there

Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Uluwatu guide.

Uluwatu surf guide

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