Nusa Lembongan · Indonesia
Surfing Playgrounds
A reef break in Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia, for intermediate surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsMay-Sep
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Playgrounds is the middle peak of the three Lembongan waves, an A-frame with a short right and a longer left over coral deep enough to be forgiving. It's the easiest of the three and a good place for intermediates to surf reef.
It gets a bit less swell than Shipwrecks, so it's fun on medium days and the sensible choice when the other waves are big. Mid to high tide is easiest. Early mornings are glassy, and in the evening you can see Mount Agung across the channel.
The crowd is relaxed, with learners on the shoulder and longboarders mixed in. Day-trip boats moor nearby around midday. Any board works here.
-8.679, 115.446 · SW swell, SE trades · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Playgrounds
Playgrounds is at its best from May to September. Conditions it likes: SW swell, SE trades. This is how the year looks across Bali:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May to June | Prime | Pumping SW swell, offshore trades, crowds still civilised |
| July to August | Prime | Peak everything: waves, crowds and prices. Book ahead |
| September to October | Good | Still good waves, fewer people in the water |
| November to March | Shoulder | Wet season: the east coast (Serangan, Keramas, Nusa Dua) takes over |
Waves near Playgrounds
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacerations | Nusa Lembongan | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | under 1 km |
| Shipwrecks | Nusa Lembongan | Reef Break | Advanced | under 1 km |
| Keramas | East Bali | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 15 km |
| Padang Galak | East Bali | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 19 km |
| Sanur Reef | East Bali | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 19 km |
| Serangan | East Bali | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 25 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Nusa Lembongan
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Nusa Lembongan surf guide →
A week here costs from about $781 with flights from Europe, or around $1,432 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Playgrounds: common questions
When is the best time to surf Playgrounds?
Playgrounds works best from May to September. Ideal conditions: SW swell, SE trades.
Is Playgrounds good for beginners?
No. Playgrounds is a wave for intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Playgrounds?
Playgrounds is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Playgrounds?
Playgrounds is in Nusa Lembongan, in the Bali region of Indonesia (-8.679, 115.446). The nearest wave we cover is Lacerations, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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