Planning a trip to Medewi? This is where you’ll find the practical stuff you’ll want to know before you arrive — how to get there, when to visit, getting around and how long to stay.
Medewi is a small, laid-back part of west Bali, and it doesn’t take long to get your bearings. We visited in September 2024 and found that part of the appeal was simply slowing down and seeing where the day took us.
Getting to Medewi
Medewi is on Bali’s west coast, roughly halfway between the south of the island and the ferry port at Gilimanuk.
Most visitors arrive by road from elsewhere in Bali, with the journey taking several hours depending on where you’re coming from and the traffic.
If you’re arriving from Bali’s airport, you can arrange a private driver, taxi or transfer. If you’re already travelling around Bali, Medewi also works well as part of a longer road trip around the west of the island.
How to Get to MedewiWhen to Visit Medewi
Medewi can be visited throughout the year, although the weather, surf and general conditions vary with the seasons.
If you’re coming specifically to surf, it’s worth checking current surf conditions before deciding when to travel.
For everyone else, the best time may simply depend on the sort of weather you prefer and how much you want to explore.
When to Visit MedewiHow Long to Stay in Medewi
You could see the main sights around Medewi in a couple of days, but I’d allow longer if you want to experience the area without rushing, or if you’re planning to join a surf school.
Three or four nights gives you time to explore the beach, try surfing, eat at a few different places and take a trip further along the coast.
If you’re looking for somewhere to slow down for a week or more, or slow down the spending on a travel budget, Medewi works particularly well for that too.
How Long to Stay in MedewiGetting Around Medewi
Medewi is spread out rather than being one compact tourist centre.
Having your own transport makes it much easier to explore the beaches, restaurants, rice fields and surrounding areas. Scooters are a common way of getting around Bali, although you should only ride if you’re comfortable and properly licensed and insured to do so.
If you don’t want to ride, you can arrange drivers and transfers locally.
Getting Around MedewiWhat is Medewi like?
Medewi is quieter and less developed than many of Bali’s better-known tourist destinations.
You’ll find surf schools, small guesthouses, local warungs, cafés and a handful of restaurants, but you won’t find the huge choice of shops, nightlife and beach clubs you get further south.
That’s really the point.
If you want somewhere peaceful, with good surf, a beautiful coastline and a more local feel, Medewi is worth considering.
Is Medewi just for surfers?
No.
Surfing is a big part of Medewi’s identity, but you don’t need to surf to enjoy staying here.
You can spend time on the beaches, explore the rice fields and surrounding countryside, visit temples, practise yoga, eat your way around the local warungs or simply find somewhere to sit and watch the world go by.
I had never surfed before visiting Medewi, and that was the main purpose of our stay here, but there were plenty of other things to enjoy away from the surf too.
Things to Do in MedewiWhere to Stay in Medewi
There are accommodation options ranging from simple homestays and guesthouses to hotels, villas and surf-focused places to stay.
If you’re coming to surf, staying close to the beach can make life easier. If you’re more interested in exploring the area, having somewhere with easy access to the main road may be more useful. Expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better either. Staying in a small, family run property can be just as great as a larger, more organised property.
Where to Stay in MedewiHow much does it cost to stay in Medewi
Theres accommodation for all budgets in Medewi. Whether you’re seeking to keep costs low, find a mid range stay or blow the budget on a completely luxurious stay, you’ll find somewhere to suit your style.
We’ve costed a three night stay in different property types so you can get an idea of how much you need for your trip.
Read our 3 night stay in Medewi guideEating in Medewi
You’ll find local warungs, cafés and restaurants around Medewi, with everything from Indonesian staples such as nasi goreng and mie goreng to Western food and beachfront meals.
Don’t expect a huge choice or late-night dining scene. Medewi is small, and part of its charm is that things are relaxed.
Personal recommendations are the Bamboo Beach Bar and the Holy Tree Kitchen.
Where to Eat in MedewiPlan Your Medewi Trip
Once you’ve worked out the practicalities, have a look at the rest of the guide:
Stay
Find accommodation in Medewi, from simple guesthouses to hotels, villas and surf stays.
Eat
Discover local warungs, cafés and places to eat around Medewi and Yeh Sumbul.
Do
Things to see and do in Medewi when you’re not surfing.
Surf
Everything you need to know about surfing in Medewi, including the famous left-hand break.
Beaches
Explore Medewi Beach, Yeh Sumbul and the coastline around the area.
Use the map to see where individual properties are located. This is particularly useful in Medewi because accommodation isn’t concentrated around one obvious centre.
Accommodation listings, prices and availability can change. Check the individual property before booking. We may receive a commission from qualifying accommodation bookings made through links on this site.
This Plan your visit to Medewi page was last updated in September 2026. If you spot an error, please let us know info@inmedewi.com