Uluwatu is a world-class surfing destination. It is home to stunning limestone cliffs, and some of the world’s most iconic waves! Uluwatu offers a variety of waves, from world-class barrels for the pros, to gentle sandy beach breaks, perfect for beginners. Uluwatu has waves for surfers of all levels.
With more than 25 years of surf guiding in Bali, Kima Surf Camps has helped beginner surfers experience the excitement of riding their first waves. Kima Surf Camps has two locations in Bali, one in Seminyak and one in Canggu, and soon… Uluwatu! Our professional surf guides will take you to the best surf spots according to your skill level.
As a beginner surfer it is important to understand what type of waves you should be catching, let’s look into what makes a wave beginner-friendly and this will help us understand which waves we should be surfing in Uluwatu, and which we should leave for our later stages of surfing. The following characteristics make beginner-friendly surf spots more forgiving:
These are the conditions that provide a safe and forgiving learning environment for beginner surfers, and this makes a surf spot beginner-friendly.
Uluwatu has five main peaks, called the Peak, Bombie, Temples, Outside Corner and Racetracks, and typically these main peaks are not suitable for beginners. These spots are reserved for the more advanced surfers looking to chase barrels, faster sections and to push their limits. However there are spots in between and outside of these five peaks that can be surfed by beginners, on smaller swells!
With all of that said, Uluwatu is not only for the seasoned pros. On smaller swells and higher tides certain spots provide great conditions for beginner and intermediate surfers. The good news? Many beginner-friendly spots are located in the Bukit area, with many mellow waves located a short drive away.
Our Kima Surf Camps in Bali has a custom six star session planner, to match different surfers to the right wave. We also have a kima surf boat, which takes surfers from our camps in Canggu and Seminyak directly to the lineup of some epic spots in Uluwatu. Skip the traffic and the paddle with our Kima boats!
Surf spot location: Thomas Beach, which is just north of Padang Padang, is a little more challenging to get to because it requires a lengthy walk down the stairs, but it’s fantastic and uncrowded.
Wave type: A frame, both left and right hander waves.
Beach bottom: Reef break.
Best conditions:
Hazards: At low tide the reef can become a bit exposed and there are occasional currents—best surfed with guidance if you’re new to the ocean.
Surf spot location: It is located on the west side of the Bukit Peninsula around 20 minutes from Uluwatu, is one of the most accessible and well-known beaches in the area, with easy parking and a short walk to the sand.
Wave type: Beach break with A-frame peaks, offering both left and right hander waves. Can become punchy and fast as swell increases.
Beach bottom: Sand.
Best conditions:
Hazards: Can become powerful and close out when the swell gets bigger. Rip currents are also a hazard and the shore break can be big at high tide — conditions should be chosen carefully.
Surf spot location: Baby Padang is located directly in front of Padang Padang Beach on the Bukit Peninsula, just south of Uluwatu. Access is via the main Padang Padang beach entrance and a short paddle out.
Wave type: Right-hand reef break with long, peeling waves. Clean and predictable take-offs on smaller swells.
Beach bottom: Reef break.
Best conditions:
Hazards: Reef becomes shallow at lower tides. The lineup can get crowded quickly, especially when conditions are good — timing and awareness are important.
The shoreline of Kuta is 30 to 45 minutes away by car from Uluwatu. Kuta is a playground for beginners. There are many soft, rolling waves, a sand bottom that is forgiving, and easy access straight off the beach for beginners. It’s the ideal place to get your first green waves, build your whitewater confidence, and have long, fun sessions in warm water.
We currently have two camps in Bali, each with a distinct vibe and experience.
Just a short distance from beginner-friendly waves and a bustling nightlife, our Seminyak Camp is situated in the center of Bali’s most lively beach town. It’s the ideal option for those who enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere combined with cozy amenities, swimming pools, yoga classes, and exciting nights spent with other surfers.
Our Canggu Camp puts you in the heart of Bali’s hip surf area, near to excellent waves that are suitable for surfers of all skill levels. It provides the perfect fusion of performance, wellness, and easygoing island living.
And we’re not stopping there — we’re expanding in Bali and soon opening a brand-new camp in Uluwatu. Kima Surf Camp in Uluwatu is located along the limestone cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula, placing you in the heart of one of the world’s best surf destinations. This newly built camp is offering guests the rare chance to be among the very first to experience it, everything fresh, untouched, and thoughtfully designed from the ground up. Created for surfers who want to spend their days in the water, the camp combines structured surf guiding with the relaxed rhythm of Balinese island life
A NEW SURF ADVENTURE AWAITS! STAY TUNED!