Bali advice

[darrenlambert]

Hi Guys

Am am heading to Bali in Feb for a few months of surfing and am after some advice.

I have been surfing for a couple of years, but am not much more than a beginner. I'm fine on my longboard, and have some good days on my mini-mal.

I went to Bali last year and know the island fairly well. I only had time for a couple of surfs at Kuta.

I am after advice for:
1. A good place to go in Bali for a beginner to get better. I need regular internet access, preferable WiFi for my work. I was planning on staying in Seminyak or Legian to escape the crowds. Can you suggest anywhere in Bali that has chilled waves and small crowds?
2. Somewhere cheap to stay (100,000 rupiah per day) around the Seminyak or Legian region. Preferable with WiFi and a pool.
3. Somewhere to buy a used surfboard.

Any tips gratefully received. Thanks.

[Snoodle]

With a bit of shopping around I'm sure you can find a place... if you want a mellower wave (especially one that is super longboard friendly) you should buy a pair of reef booties and head up to Medewi. Take a cab up or rent a bike for a couple weeks and head up the coast. The wave is super mellow, much more chill than much of bali's and a good way to get in shape and get warmed up for the more intense bali waves. Plus it's a rare point break on bali. The only thing I'm not sure about it the internet access there but it is one of the cheapest places I ever stayed in bali and it is smack next to that wave, a great one for learning. Get a fish or a longboard if you go. It is very doubtful that there woudl be wifi there though; although when I was there I honestly didn't look around the village at all, because my room was about 20 metres from the break with the warung on the way, so eating and surfing was about it. Plus the occassional bintang. I can't remember the name of the little place I stayed at, but it was smack in front of the break and was very very cheap (under 30,000 rupiah/day for me sharing a room with a friend). There's also a much much more expensive place out there and some mid-range places as well. I can't help much in regards to the wifi but it is a great wave to get your surf legs (and arms, it's a long paddle) together on. Just watch out for the rocks when the tide gets low. Oh and get a board before you head out there if you go, there is a surf shack but it's not got the selection of Kuta. Naruki on Poppies 2 was the most reputable-seeming surf shop where you might get a deal on a board in Kuta; if your budget eliminates the need for haggling just go to Jungle Surf.
Good luck!

[indahvoo]

Many places have free wifi, may not be at the hotel. But go to M Mart (next to McDonald's in Kuta), if you spend 15,000 rupiah, you can get free wifi. Bali Deli on Seminyak also have free wifi, but food and drinks are a bit costly. I know a little off Poppies 2 there are tiny motels that charges about Rp. 50,000 per day, but can't tell you the name because I was just there once. I'm sure you can find them easily. For transportation, rent motorbike for Rp. 50,000 and this way it's cheaper and easier for you to get around. Good luck mate.

[Snoodle]

Hey here's a bit more on medewi, I didn't read it in depth but maybe it has wifi info:

http://www.baliadvertiser.biz/articles/ ... edewi.html

...the reason I suggest this spot is because the wave is much friendlier than much of the other zones and a better place to work on beginner-intermediate surfing than some of the rest of indo as it is easier to read being a point break and therefore easier to catch longer waves. your shoulders and arms will hate you for the first few days of surfing there though! It's a long paddle sometimes...

[h20equilibrium]

Hi
I'm in a similar way, except I've been out to surf only 5-6 times. In Bali for the whole of Feb to learn how to surf.
I've been out to Kuta, Legian and Nusa Dua in my first few days. Also running behind wifi - a used board - and some beginner waves.

So if you want to catch up and go get some waves together - 082144829622 - thats my local no.
would be nice to have some company
I'm staying in Kuta Poppies II at a dig called Arthawan for 60,000 a night - its very basic but the people and place are nice , oh and breakfasts included, although i ttry getting out by 6-6:30 am so miss it.

cheers
Aj