Uluwatu Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

S, SW

Wind

S, SE, E, NE, and N winds.

Surf Height

Chest high-3X overhead

Tide

All tides, but low tide sends the Racetrack section into a tube frenzy.

Uluwatu Surf Guide

Uluwatu is actually a series of breaks on the southwest tip of the Bukit Peninsula: The Racetrack, The Peak, Temples, Outside Corner and The Bombie. With all of these breaks to choose from, Uluwatu is an ultra-consistent spot. Depending on the tide and swell size, any of these breaks will usually be firing at one point during the day. Generally, due to the access through the cave and the strong currents, the best possible conditions for larger swells are very low tides. Smaller and medium swells work well on all tides. During smaller swells, look for barrels and peaky surf on the higher tides at The Peak. On lower tides, The Racetrack can provide an ultra-fast reef grinder with a big barrel at the end. Those who choose to cut back often miss the end section, hence the name, The Racetrack. When surfing The Racetrack it is important to known the tides. On a middle tide, most advanced surfers will be able to negotiate the end section barrel with success. Once the tide drops, and especially on the lower tides of the month, The Racetrack end section is a twisting, multi-section barrel, a very dangerous place for experts and professionals only. When the largest swells of the year hit Bali, Uluwatu transforms into a true big-wave surfing venue - The Peak, Racetrack and Temples are all under whitewater, and Uluwatu's outer reefs, The Bombie and Outside Corner, come alive. These breaks will handle any size, and it's not uncommon to see perfect 15-foot surf here.

Ability Level

Intermediate - Advanced

BegIntAdv

Intermediate-Advanced

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

As long as everyone brings some humility and respect to the lineup, locals and expats usually have no problems. It is generally a very friendly place to surf.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Usually most crowded when below head-high.

Spot Rating

Perfect

PoorPerfect

Really good.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

Not easy and can be strong with pumping swell.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Mostly clean.

Hazards

Shallow reef.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Fish, Gun

Access

Uluwatu is pretty simple to get to. There is a major road accessing the top of the break coming from either the Temple, or Padang Padang Beach. Parking is available for a fee of 1,000rp ($0.10).

Bottom

Shallow, Sharp, Coral Reef.

Best Season

May-September

Do you have local knowledge about Uluwatu?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]