Uluwatu · Indonesia
Surfing Padang Padang
A reef break in Uluwatu, Indonesia, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size4-12 ft
- Best monthsJun-Aug
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Padang Padang needs a solid SW swell of 6ft or more before it breaks properly, which in most seasons means a dozen days or so. When it does, it is a thick left barrel over a shallow lava reef, and the reason the Rip Curl Cup is held here.
Rides are short. You take a steep drop, pull in almost straight away and come out in front of the cliff, where a crowd usually gathers to watch. If you blow the takeoff the reef is very close.
It is for experienced tube riders only. On the days the main wave isn't breaking, Baby Padang on the inside is a softer left over deeper reef. Mid tide on the push is best. Take your barrel board, maybe a little bigger than normal.
-8.8119, 115.1003 · Big SW swell (+6ft), SE wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Padang Padang
Padang Padang is at its best from June to August. Conditions it likes: Big SW swell (+6ft), SE wind. 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 Padang Padang
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bingin | Uluwatu | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | under 1 km |
| Impossibles | Uluwatu | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | under 1 km |
| Dreamland | Uluwatu | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced / Pro | 2 km |
| Uluwatu | Uluwatu | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced / Pro | 3 km |
| Balangan | Uluwatu | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 3 km |
| Nyang-Nyang | Uluwatu | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 4 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Uluwatu
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Uluwatu 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 →
Padang Padang: common questions
When is the best time to surf Padang Padang?
Padang Padang works best from June to August. Ideal conditions: Big SW swell (+6ft), SE wind.
Is Padang Padang good for beginners?
No. Padang Padang is a wave for advanced and pro surfers.
How crowded is Padang Padang?
Padang Padang is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Padang Padang?
Padang Padang is in Uluwatu, in the Bali region of Indonesia (-8.8119, 115.1003). The nearest wave we cover is Bingin, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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