For decades, Bali has been the unofficial second home for Australian surfers. Just a short flight from Sydney, Perth, or Melbourne, Bali offers not only perfect barrels and consistent waves but also warm hospitality, rich culture, and affordable accommodation. From world-famous reef breaks to mellow beach waves, Bali has a surf spot for everyone, and Australians have been returning to the waves since the 1970s.

A Spiritual Ocean

Bali is known as the "Island of the Gods," and its surfers feel that spirit deeply. The ocean isn't just a playground"it's considered alive, sacred, and worthy of respect. Local surf schools often emphasize the spiritual resonance of surfing here, treating each wave as an invitation to connect rather than conquer, blending adventure with mindfulness. 

At Uluwatu, a majestic sea temple (pura segara) stands perched on cliffs overlooking one of Bali's most consistent and revered breaks. The temple's spiritual guardianship over the sea reflects the balance between natural forces and devout practice, with a stunning backdrop for surfers seeking more than just adrenaline. Check out Mondo Surf Lessons at Mondo Village.

Tradition, Community & Culture

Surfing arrived in Bali during the 1960s and '70s, when Indonesian waves beckoned visiting surfers, many from Australia. Over time, local communities embraced the sport, integrating it into daily life and fostering a surf culture grounded in harmony with nature rather than just thrill-seeking. 

Bali's surf scene isn't isolated; it's a communal experience. The island thrives on connection: surfers, locals, guides, and instructors form a tight-knit, diverse community united by wave and respect. These relationships extend beyond the water, rooted in shared stories, mutual support, and cultural exchange. 

Uluwatu – The Crown Jewel

No surf conversation about Bali is complete without Uluwatu. Tucked beneath dramatic limestone cliffs and overlooked by the sacred Uluwatu Temple, this reef break offers some of the most consistent waves on the island. 

With multiple peaks and a long left-hander, it suits advanced surfers chasing long rides and barrel sections. Aussies love Uluwatu not just for its waves, but also for its atmosphere, where surfers paddle out under caves, return for sunset beers at cliff-top bars like Single Fin, and feel part of a global surfing village.

Padang Padang – The Balinese Pipeline

Known as the Balinese Pipeline, Padang Padang delivers hollow, powerful barrels that attract experienced surfers from across the world. Australians with years of surf under their belt often travel here to test themselves against one of Bali's most revered waves. For beginners, the smaller Padang Padang Right provides a friendlier introduction. What makes it special for Aussies is the combination of raw challenge and cultural magic, with the beach itself being small and spiritually iconic. 

Canggu – Where Surf Meets Lifestyle

While Uluwatu and Padang Padang suit the seasoned surfer, Canggu is where many Australians base themselves for a more relaxed surf-lifestyle. With a variety of breaks like Echo Beach and Batu Bolong, it's a hotspot for beginners and intermediates. Surf schools line the beach, and the village atmosphere blends yoga studios, cafés, and digital nomad hubs. For many Aussies, Canggu feels like home with its laid-back, creative, and surf-soaked vibes.

Kuta and Legian – The Gateway Waves

For newcomers, Kuta and Legian are the new surf training grounds. Long sandy beaches with rolling waves make it ideal for testing your surf skills, and Australian families and backpackers alike flock here for that very reason. Surfboards are cheap to rent, lessons are plentiful, and after sunset, the nightlife comes alive. Aussies often reminisce about learning to surf here in their teens, creating nostalgic bonds to Bali that last a lifetime.

Bingin and Dreamland – Hidden Treasures

For those willing to explore a little further, Bingin and Dreamland provide stunning settings and more challenging breaks. Bingin, in particular, is a left-hand barrel that works best at mid-tide and has a tight take-off zone, a rewarding experience for the skilled surfer. Australians love the raw charm of Bingin's warungs (local eateries) and the sense of old-style Bali that happily lingers here.

Why Do Australians Keep Coming Back?

Beyond the quality of the waves, Aussies love Bali's surf culture because it blends accessibility, spirituality, and community. Flights are quick, costs are lower than many other surf destinations such as Hawaii, and the warmth of Balinese hospitality makes every trip feel welcoming. Add in cold Bintangs after a session, sunset rituals, and the spiritual connection Balinese people hold with the sea, and it's clear why Australians have a lifelong love affair with Bali's surf.

More than just sport, surfing in Bali invites sustainability, mindfulness, and care for community and nature. At its heart, surfing in Bali is sacred, with each wave representing a connection with land, sea, and shared humanity. So, whether you're a seasoned surfer or curious traveler, the Bali ocean is the teacher, the community is your wave, and the ride is a wonderful ritual.