WEATHER
More than 40 surf spots for all surf levels can be found on Bali, the only Indonesian island with Hindu roots. Pleasant water temperatures of 26 to 30 °C mean you can leave your wetsuit at home when going surfing in Bali. And there’s a lot of surfing here for all experience levels!
The dry season from April to November provide perfect wind conditions on the west coast due to trade winds with December to March bringing the best winds to the east coast. Enjoy amazing swells (periods with the best wave size and wave frequency) between July and September. However, if you know where to look, you’ll find plenty of ideal Bali surfing breaks throughout the year.
CUSTOMS & CULTURE
We have so much to say about Bali, the place we love, but let’s just start off with the most important information to give you a brief overview of this island paradise. For those who want to learn more we recommend an up-to-date travel guide. At 5,780 km² Bali is one of Indonesia’s smaller spice islands. The former Dutch colony became part of the Republic of Indonesia in 1945 after a struggle for independence. Ngura Rai, a hero of that very liberation army, remains in high regard. Prior to the advent of tourism, Bali’s population mainly lived from fishing, cultivation of rice, coffee, tobacco and spices. Thanks to the fertile soils up to three annual harvests are possible.
TOURIST COASTAL REGION
The coastal parts of Bali are particularly touristy having gained a highly developed infrastructure, especially in the south. Kuta, Denpasar and Nusa Dua have become the hotspots with plenty of restaurants, internet cafés, western-standard hospitals, cinemas and shopping malls.
Then again, wide parts of the inland around the volcanic regions as well as the north and east coast are still home to mostly pristine nature as well as Kampung, the traditional Balinese village life.
The luxurious, tropical vegetation and the famous rice terraces create an equally breathtaking and mystical atmosphere, home of worship and ancient ceremonies.
TRADITION AND FRIENDLINESS
About 90 % of Bali’s three million inhabitants are Hindu maintaining their traditional beliefs and religious lifestyle despite increasing western (touristic) impact. Many Balinese still make offerings to their gods three times a day partaking in such rituals with the entire family. You will still find small offerings and feel the flair of the island of the gods even amidst the turbulent, more touristic places where cultures, shopping, clubbing and more collide. And, of course, there’s always that legendary, beaming Balinese smile. If you’re open for new experiences, you will meet many great people in Bali, discover the fascinating natural beauty of the land, and might even bring some peace and serenity back home with you as a guiding light in life.
Bali is a stunning island you definitely need to experience for yourself during a surf vacation. There’s so much to appreciate from cultural abundance to magnificent nature and captivating mysticism to, obviously the perfect waves. Always be ready for new and riveting experiences to find out what makes Bali this paradise we love to call our home.