01Medewi
On Bali's west coast, well off the main South Bali surf circuit, Medewi is known for one of the longest left-hand point breaks on the island — rides that can stretch on considerably longer than the reef breaks around Uluwatu, when conditions line up. It's a cobblestone beach rather than sand, which suits the wave's mechanics but isn't much of a lounging beach on its own.
02Keramas
On the opposite side of the island near Gianyar, Keramas is a fast, powerful beach break that's hosted professional surfing competitions, drawing a more serious surf crowd than most of Bali's beginner-friendly spots. It's a black-sand beach with a genuinely punchy wave, best suited to surfers with real reef and beach-break experience rather than a first attempt at the sport.
03Why these stay less crowded
Both breaks sit further from the dense accommodation and infrastructure of South Bali, which naturally limits the walk-up crowd compared to Canggu or Uluwatu's breaks. That distance is exactly the appeal for surfers wanting a wave without the lineup crowding that's become common at Bali's more famous spots.
04Getting there
Medewi requires a genuine drive from South Bali — worth treating as an overnight surf trip with the simple accommodation that's grown up around the break, rather than a day trip. Keramas is more manageable as a day trip from Ubud or South Bali given its more central east-coast location, though a dedicated surf-focused stay nearby is also an option for those prioritising the wave over sightseeing.
05Practical tips
- Both are better suited to surfers with existing reef or beach-break experience than complete beginners — see our main surfing guide for beginner-friendly alternatives.
- Board rental is more limited than in the established South Bali surf hubs — bringing or arranging your own board in advance is worth considering.
- Check swell forecasts specifically for each break before planning a trip around them, since conditions vary independently of what's happening in the south.