Surfing Bali in January?

[camm]

I'm thinking of going to Bali in January to try to do some beginner surfing. I know this is in the middle of rainy season, but I have heard that it is still nice and that the waves are sometimes softer and better for beginners to learn on. Is this true? If January is no good, then is October an okay time?

Thanks!

[indahvoo]

Hey Camm,

I think anytime of the year is fine to surf in Bali. There are so many beaches you can pick and find the swell size you want. Once you get there, ask around. There are many surfers there who are more familiar with the wave at that time. I can't really give you advice on where to go at which time because depending on the wind, sometimes even the best beach can have no swell. Good luck!

[pjkl]

In January you need to go to the other side of the island (Nusa Dua), you can have good waves and good weather but as there are less spots, the peak is quite overcrowded sometimes.
Famous spots (Bingin, Uluwatu...) are on shore at this time of year.

[jeffdauga]

Hello
Bali is a nice destination for a surf holiday,
Bali get consistent waves year round,suitable for all level surfer.
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have a nice trip

[Furan]

i"m going to...from december till 6 january.
I think it will be nice surf trip.)

[SheaWA]

I learnt to surf here it's an awesome spot for a holiday and to learn to surf, get one of the locals to give you lesson as they will take you to a good beach and are very patient!

[rick_rodrigues]

let me ask something to u guys. The cost of things and the places to stay in bali are as cheap as people always says?

For me the plane ticket is really expensive, about $1,500 dollars, what is about R$2,800 reais, so i can't expende too much money there cause' it would be better go to another places cheaper than there and stay for much longer.

for a month stay what should i expect to expend in there?

[pjkl]

What is your budget ? That would help to give you advices.
In same price range or below you also have Srilanka which is quite good.

[jamiepac70]

Bali , west coast works in January but a bit big for a beginner and the water on the east coast is like trying to surf a rubbish tip, plastic bottles and all sorts of xxxxx everywhere. try somewhere else!

[jaffa1949]

January is right hander season in Bali but all the streams are flowing into the ocean so in you travel care make sure you drink only bottled water that includes brushing your teeth, or the only bowls you will surfing will be porcelain.
A little care and it will be all good and less people there to share

[Walls]

Hey guys! I will probably visit Bali between December-January. I am a begginer surfer because there are no waves here (Barcelona), therefore I use to kite and wakeboard more than surfing...

It would be great if we can meet there and surf together!!!

Peace!

[betinho1974]

Even better january, less people around, you can surf both sides of the island, early in the morning normally there is no wind so you`ll have plenty of options, if the wind comes you can go to Tanjung Benoa or Serangan(if it`s not big) both places are ok for beginners, take a look in this website it might help you out http://www.indosurflife.com

Good Luck

[jon.biarritz]

Bali isn't really a beginner destination and it gets very crowded in the lineup when the waves are there. Yes, the waves are smaller during the wet season and that time of year the eastern spots are usually the better choices. Here is a paragraph about Bali I just posted elsewhere:

I would recommend bringing your own board or two with you and reef boots to protect your feet from the reef and from urchin spines. And very little else, just a few things in a small rucksack including anti-diarrhea powder and intestinal medecine. Surf gear in Bali is dear, more than at home, but everything else you'll need can be found cheaply once there, including good local food, inexpensive lodging everywhere as you go, clothes if needed and good cheap mosquito repellant. You can live fine in Bali on $20-25/day/person. Watch out for scams. On arrival, rent a scooter for 50 dollars total for the 3 1/2 weeks, with a surfboard side-rack. Filling the tank with gas costs about $1.50 per fillup. You can get all over Bali with that and you'll be more like a local than with driver + car. If you are a beginner avoid the crowded reef breaks where the pros go, you'll get cut on the reef mercilessly, esp. in April because the surf usually is getting bigger during the dry season as well and lots of top surfers will be in the water... and they are not beginner spots, you'll want to have a few hundred sessions under your belt before paddling out into that crowd. On the internet you can find all the recommended spots for your level (maybe just the Kuta Beach for beginners), and just go there with your scooter and board. That's what I did for a month on my first trip to Bali and it was great (it was in December, so I mostly went to Keramas and a couple others like Serangan, Nusa Dua and Canggu). Take Singapore Airlines if possible, great service and the surfboards as baggage are no extra charge. Malaysian Airlines are good too. Cheers.

[Rosa]

Hey, I'm from Spain. I'm now in Bali by my own. The waves are great in the East Coast and somedays are very good also in the West. I'll recommend you Kima Surfcamp, they will provide you with all what u need, surfboards, 2 surf session per day, an awesome breakfast, and many things. They will drive you to the best waves everyday. If you have never been to Bali before this is the best option.

[pjkl]

Bali not that bad in January, especially for beginners.
Pic taken yesterday in Kuta.

[surf patrol]

Hey....I love the pics and I really want to visit bali very soon..I just want to know the weather of bali? and can I visit with my family??

[pjkl]

Yes, good place for all the family, but rather have they swim in the pool than in the ocean, that can be a bit dangerous for non good swimmers. But they will have good time on the beach for sure.
February is still a bit uncertain about weater, rain and wind still very present, in March gets much better and from APril onwards it's the dry season, so hot and dry. This being said I was there for the worst period of the year (January) but still have really good weather between 2 heavy rains.