A beginner's guide - Bali
Batu Bolong surf spot guide
for beginners
Brief spot overview: Batu Bolong Beach, located in Canggu, Bali, is one of the most popular surf spots for beginners on the island. With its long, quite gentle waves and a friendly surfing community, it’s an ideal location to catch your first wave as long as the conditions are not too big and you’re comfortable surfing a reef break.
What you’ll learn in this guide: This guide covers general spot info, wave characteristics, and the best surf conditions to help you plan your sessions perfectly.
The area
Location information
Surf spot name: Batu Bolong Beach
Geographical location: Batu Bolong is situated in the trendy and bustling area of Canggu, on Bali’s southwest coast. On the beachfront you’ll find the iconic Old Man’s Bar, and right next to the Batu Bolong surf spot sits the Old Man’s surf spot which you can progress to when you get comfortable surfing the Batu Bolong surf break.
What you need to know
General spot information
Ability level
Batu Bolong surf spot is good for beginners and intermediates that are comfortable surfing a reef break. As a beginner you can start by staying in the front. While it's possible to surf here as a complete beginner, I instead recommend nearby Seminyak Beach, Legian Beach, or Kuta Beach if it's your first time surfing.
Crowd factor
Batu Bolong surf spot is a popular surf spot located in one of the most popular tourist areas in Bali, so it can get rather crowded. Nearby Berawa Beach is usually less crowded.
Water temperature
Ranges from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) – a wetsuit is not needed but I personally prefer wearing a spring suit.
what the waves are like
Wave characteristics
Wave type: Reef break
Wave direction: Both left and right
Surf height: Around 1 to 10 feet (0,3-3 meters)
When to surf
The best surf conditions
The best swell direction
The best wind direction
The best surf height
The best tide condition
Everything you need
Amenities and facilities
Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu is a top choice for beginner surfers, with easy access to surfboard rentals and lessons. The area is lively, with plenty of beachfront cafés, bars, and shops nearby, making it a popular place to stay, especially for the younger crowds. Convenient paid parking is also available for motorbikes and cars.
Other activities
What to do near Batu Bolong Beach besides surfing
1. Café hopping: Enjoy coffee and healthy meals at popular spots like Crate Café and The Shady Shack.
2. Shopping: Explore unique fashion, art, and souvenirs in local shops and markets. Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, which is the long street that leads down to Batu Bolong Beach, has some of the best shopping in Bali.
3. Spa & wellness: Indulge in massages and wellness treatments at local spas.
4. Fitness: Canggu has some really nice gyms that not only have gym areas, but also padel courts, yoga classes, pools and saunas.
5. Nightlife: Visit beachfront bars like Old Man’s, Mexicola, and Sand Bar for dancing and drinks. Don’t miss to singn up for the beer pong tournament at Old Man’s taking place every Wednesday!
6. Tanah Lot Temple: Explore Tanah Lot Temple for stunning ocean views and cultural experiences.
Test your knowledge
Surf spot quiz
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! Whether you have suggestions for improvement, want to share what you liked, or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me create better content for all aspiring surfers!