Surfing in Medewi, Bali

Medewi is best known for one thing: surfing.

The small coastal village in west Bali is home to one of Indonesia’s better-known left-hand waves, and surfers come here for the long rides, quieter atmosphere and the chance to spend a few days somewhere that still feels a long way from Bali’s busier beach resorts.

We visited Medewi in September 2024. I had never surfed before, so I wasn’t exactly the obvious candidate for a trip centred around one of Bali’s famous surf breaks. But it had been a dream since my backpacking days of 2006, so I gave it a go — and managed to get up on the board and ride the waves. If only for a handful of times.

Whether you’re an experienced surfer or, like me, someone who has never touched a surfboard before, Medewi is a fascinating place to spend some time. It’s somewhere I highly recommend visiting if you’re exploring Bali.

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Surfing at Medewi Point

The main break at Medewi is known as Medewi Point.

It’s a long left-hand wave that breaks over a rocky reef and can offer some seriously long rides when the conditions are right. The wave is one of the main reasons surfers make the journey to this part of west Bali.

It isn’t a classic beginner beach break, though, so if you’re completely new to surfing it’s worth getting some local advice before heading into the water.

For experienced surfers, the appeal is obvious. The wave can be long and relatively consistent, and the lineup tends to have a very different atmosphere from some of Bali’s more crowded surf spots.

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What is the Medewi wave like?

Medewi is particularly known for its long left-hand rides.

The wave breaks over a rocky bottom, with sections that can link together into a much longer ride. Conditions obviously vary with swell, tide and wind, so what you experience on one day can be very different from another.

The reef and rocks also mean that this isn’t somewhere to treat casually if you’re unfamiliar with the break.

If you’re visiting for the first time, spend some time watching the surfers before getting in. Ask your surf school or someone local about the conditions, entry and exit points and where you should be in the water.

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Can beginners surf in Medewi?

Yes — but I’d recommend having a lesson rather than simply hiring a board and heading out on your own.

That is exactly what I did when we visited. I’d never surfed before, and having someone show me what to do made the experience much less intimidating.

There are surf schools and instructors around Medewi offering lessons for visitors, including beginners.

For a first lesson, you’ll generally be learning on a more manageable section rather than being thrown straight into the main Medewi Point lineup.

And if you don’t manage to stand up, don’t worry. I only managed it a handful of times, but I still had plenty of fun trying.

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When is the best time to surf Medewi?

Medewi can be surfed throughout the year, although conditions vary with the season, swell, wind and tide. Check local conditions before heading out.

The wet season can still produce good surf, although weather and wind conditions can be less predictable.

As always with surfing, conditions on the day matter more than simply looking at the calendar. Check the swell, wind and tide before heading out.

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Surfing around Medewi

Medewi isn’t just one wave.

There are several breaks and stretches of coastline in the wider area, and local surfers will be able to point you towards the best option for the conditions on the day.

Yeh Sumbul

Yeh Sumbul is close to Medewi and has several surf spots along its coastline.

It’s worth exploring if you’re staying in the area for a few days and want to see what else is available beyond the main point.

Pulukan

Pulukan is another area along the coast where you’ll find surf and a quieter atmosphere.

As with any unfamiliar break, local knowledge is particularly useful. Conditions and access can change, so ask locally before heading out.

Balian

Balian Beach is further east and makes a possible day trip from Medewi.

It’s another established surf destination, although it has a noticeably different feel from Medewi.

If you’re staying for a week or more, it can be worth exploring some of the surrounding coastline rather than surfing the same break every day.

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Surf schools and lessons in Medewi

If you’re new to surfing, look for a local surf school or instructor who knows the Medewi coastline.

A good instructor will do more than get you standing on a board. They’ll help you understand where to enter the water, which waves are suitable for your ability and how to stay safe around the reef and other surfers.

If you’re staying at a surf accommodation or homestay, ask them who they recommend. Local recommendations are often the easiest way to find an instructor.

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Where to stay for surfing in Medewi

If surfing is the main reason you’re visiting, staying reasonably close to the beach makes life much easier.

There are plenty of small guesthouses, homestays, surf stays and resorts around Medewi, with options for different budgets.

We stayed at The Nyamo Surfschool & Stay. It wasn’t fancy, but we really liked it and thought it was great value. It was a great base for getting down to the beach, and we arranged our surf lessons before we arrived. The instructors were excellent and made my first experience of surfing much less intimidating.

If you’re looking for accommodation, be it a surf school or a boutique guest house, you can see more accommodation options on our Where to Stay in Medewi guide.

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You don’t have to be a surfer

One of the things I liked about this part of Bali was that surfing in Medewi doesn’t have to be your entire holiday.

You can go down to the beach and watch the surfers, walk along the black-sand coastline, explore the rice fields, eat at local warungs or simply sit somewhere and watch the world go by.

If you’re travelling with someone who surfs and you don’t, Medewi can still work surprisingly well.

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Watching the surf

Even if you’re not getting in the water, head down to Medewi Point and watch the surfers

The long left-hand rides make it particularly good for watching from the shore, and it’s interesting to see how much local knowledge goes into reading the waves and navigating the reef.

It’s also one of the easiest ways to understand why people come back to Medewi.

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Surf etiquette and safety

Medewi is a real surf break rather than a purpose-built tourist attraction, so respect for the local surf community matters.

If you’re surfing here for the first time:

• Watch the break before getting in.
• Ask locally about the safest entry and exit points.
• Don’t paddle into a lineup beyond your ability.
• Give experienced surfers space.
• Follow normal surf etiquette and respect right of way.
• Be particularly careful around the rocks and reef.
• Listen to local advice about conditions.

Conditions can change quickly, and the ocean deserves respect wherever you are.

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Planning a surf trip to Medewi

Medewi is a good choice if you want a surf trip that feels a little slower and less developed than some of Bali’s better-known destinations.

You won’t find the huge choice of restaurants, nightlife and beach clubs that you get further south. What you will find is a famous wave, a friendly local atmosphere, rice fields, black-sand beaches and plenty of places to stay close to the surf.

And if you’re a complete beginner?

Give it a go.

I did — and I managed to stand up and experience the thrill.