SURFING PADANG PADANG
A surfing guide to surfing one of Bali’s best waves: Padang Padang
People have been coming to Bali for decades to surf Bali’s best waves. The surf scene started at Kuta beach and Kuta Reef, but surfing in Bali really took off with the discovery of Uluwatu in the 70’s.
Uluwatu is widely considered the most consistent & best surf spot in Bali if you are after a long & powerful left-hander. But the great thing about the Bukit peninsula is that are are a dozen or so good waves in a tiny area. So crowds spread out, and different surf spots offer a different kind of wave for different levels of surfers.
Padang Padang, a wave so good they named it twice.
The Location of Padang Padang
The island is a hotbed for cultural tourism. Indonesia is a diverse nation made up of many different religions. While most of Indonesia is Muslim, Bali is a Hindu island. The island is full of historic monuments, shrines, and temples. Travellers can even view religious ceremonies and dances.
To a travelling surfer, Bali is paradise. There are more world-class waves close to one another than practically anywhere else in the world. Beginner surfers will fall in love with the playful waves in Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu. While intermediate and expert surfers will relish their time in the Bukit Peninsula.
The Bukit Peninsula is the southernmost tip of Bali, Indonesia. The peninsula would be a sperate island, and perhaps one day will be if it wasn’t for a tiny sliver of land just south of the airport that connects the Bukit Peninsula to the rest of the island.
The Bukit, as it is often referred to, is home to Bali’s most notable sites, such as the Uluwatu Temple and the cliffs of Padang Padang. To surfers, nothing beats the Bukit. Starting at the south end of the peninsula sits the gem of the island, Uluwatu. Further north there is Padang Padang, Impossibles, Bingin, and finally Dreamland.
The official name of Padang Padang is Labuan Sait.
The beach can be seen from the bridge. Although some sign point to the next beach south which is Thomas Beach
Surfing Padang Padang
Padang Padang consists of 2 distinct surf spots: The main peak and the inside break at padang Padang called Baby Padang or Padang rights. The 2 waves couldn’t be more different: 1 is a hard core world class left hand barreling wave, and Baby padang is a mellow left and right & ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers
Access to Impossibles is:
Easy access via the beach at padang (entrance fee 15000 IDR), and then paddle via the channel past baby padang to the padang peak
The Wave at Main Padang Padang
Padang needs a solid swell to start break and better on the lower tides.
The wave is a perfect left-hand barrel with 2 distinct barrel sections and then ends in the deepwater channel.
Best Swell Direction: South – South West
Best Swell size: 6′ – 15′
Wind directions: Easterly tradewinds
Best time of the year to surf impossibles: Between April and November.
Ideal Board: Minigun
Wave direction: Left
Bottom: Sharp live reef
Hazards:
- Hitting the reef or walking over the reef at low tides.
- Drop ins
- Crowds
- Navigating the many water photographers
The take off spot at Padang is not very big and very defined, so getting waves is going to be tricky
Practical stuff:
Where to Park?
Padang Padang car park for 5000 IDR.
Where to leave your stuff?
Local warungs are more than happy to look after your belongings when you go for a surf, just make sure to order food or drinks from them afterward.
Where to eat?
A couple of good restaurants are close to Labuan Sait
Board repair?
Padang has 2 board repair shops
Where to stay?
Local warungs nearby offer basic and cheap accommodation or stay in Bingin at Swell and hope on a 5 minute scooter ride to surf at padang
Padang Padang Surfing Video
Q: Tell me more about Swell bali
A: Swell is a purpose-built Surf camp Bali in the center of Bingin, for surfers, by surfers
