Surfing in Canggu
Canggu is one of the top destinations on the Island. With all the trendy healthy cafes and bars creating an exciting atmosphere, this coastal village attracts mostly young people looking for good surf, good food, yoga retreats and awesome parties.
Canggu started developing a few years ago, around 2016. People got attracted by this quiet village covered with rice fields that had the same vibe Kuta had in the early 90s.
With amazing temples nearby, the cultural experience is guaranteed if you choose to stay a few days in Canggu. Just be careful, the easy going and cool vibe is so seducing that days become months and then you never want to leave.
The main street in Canggu is Jalan Batu Bolong, and it’s on and around this street that you will find all the best cafes, restaurants, local warungs and bars.
Canggu has some really fun waves. It has the best surf spot in the island to learn how to surf. In Batu Bolong you will find long mushy waves breaking on top of a mellow reef. The break is most crowded by beginners and longboarders looking for fun rides. Up north you will find Echo Beach, with a variety of breaks that guarantees the fun of goofy and natural footers.
The only problem of surfing in Canggu is waking up early after a long night partying.
Climate in canggu
The surf in Canggu is affected by the dry season (June to October) and wet season (November to March). Rainfall and wind direction is the biggest difference between the two, and average temperatures range from 28 to 30°c near the coasts. Winds are predictable despite the tropical storms. Monsoons usually blow from the southeast in June through September, and from the northwest in December through March.
Best surf spots in Indonesia
The best surf spots in the Canggu area Echo Beach and Berawa for intermediate and experienced surfers, and Batu Bolong Beach which is perfect for beginners to learn the first steps. If you are looking for something more quiet you can ride your bike 25 minutes up north where you will find a good and uncrowded beach break called Yeh Ganga. This break produces powerful lefts and rights better suited for intermediates and advanced surfers. In the same area as Yeh Ganga there is a beach called Kedungu. This beach has a reef break on the left corner that is really good for beginners with left and right-handers. On the middle of the beach there is a challenging shore break that can be fun for experienced surfers.
Main Surfing areas in Canggu
Berawa Beach
Peak type: Beach break
Wave power: Mellow
Seabed: Sand over reef with multiple peaks
Length of ride: 50 - 100m
Wave size: 1 - 8 ft
Swell direction: S - W
Best wind: NE
Best tide: all tides
Best season: May to September
Frequency: very consistent
Skill level: beginner
Entry/exit: no channel
Danger: powerful shorebreak
Tips: 20 minutes walking down south from Batu Bolong. Has some rocky reefs that holds the sand making a sandbar with fun rights and a few nice lefts as well. Good for intermediates to improve their skills and run away from the crowded Batu Bolong.
Batu Bolong
Peak type: Reef Break
Wave power: Mellow
Seabed: Sand over reef with multiple peaks
Length of ride: 50 - 100m
Wave size: 1 - 8 ft
Swell direction: S - W
Best wind: NE
Best tide: all tides
Best season: May to September
Frequency: very consistent
Skill level: beginner
Entry/exit: no channel
Danger: powerful shorebreak
Tips: Is the main beach in Canggu. It’s a famous longboard surf spot and is where all the surf camps take their students to learn how to surf. You can find many shops near the beach renting longboards, soft tops or twin fins for 4 USD / 2 hours. There are waves breaking all over the beach and the crowd spread out evenly guaranteeing a wave for everyone.
Echo Beach
Just 200 meters up North from Batu Bolong you will find Echo Beach. There are 3 main breaks over there that will guarantee you a lot of fun.
Peak type: Reef Break
Wave power: Medium power
Seabed: Dead reef and rocks
Length of ride: 50 - 80m
Wave size: 1 - 6 ft
Swell direction: S - W
Best wind: NE
Best tide: mid to high
Best season: May to September
Frequency: very consistent
Skill level: intermediate
Entry/exit: channel on the right side of the wave
Danger: Gets shallow when the tide starts to drop
Tips: located near the rocks on the left side of the beach. This wave allows you to do a couple of turns and sometimes even has a quick barrel on the first section of the wave.
SAND BAR
Peak type: Beach break
Wave power: Medium power
Seabed: Sandbar
Length of ride: 50m
Wave size: 1 - 6 ft
Swell direction: S - W
Best wind: NE
Best tide: mid to high
Best season: all year
Frequency: very consistent
Skill level: Intermediate
Entry/exit:
Danger:
Tips: At the middle of the beach there is a sandbar that works best on high tide. Fun waves break all over the place and it’s perfect for intermediate surfers to test their skills.
RIVER MOUTH
Peak type: Reef break
Wave power: Medium power
Seabed: dead reef
Length of ride: 50 - 100m
Wave size: 1 - 6 ft
Swell direction: S - W
Best wind: NE
Best tide: mid to high
Best season: all year
Frequency: very consistent
Skill level: Advanced/intermediate
Entry/exit: channel on the right side of the break
Danger: the last section gets really shallow
Tips: At the right corner, near the jetty, you will find Canggu’s best wave, the river mouth. It’s a really good right hander that has a barrel on the first section and lets you do a few turns before you reach the beach.
Kedungu Beach
Peak type: Reef break
Wave power: Mellow
Sea Bed: Reef
Length of ride: 50 - 100m
Wave size: 1 - 6 ft
Swell direction: S - W
Best wind: NE
Best tide: mid to high
Best season: all year
Frequency: very consistent
Skill level: Advanced/intermediate
Entry/exit: channel on the right side of the break
Danger: Be careful going in and out of the ocean because there is a very powerful shorebreak. There are many sea urchins on the reef so avoid surfing when the tide is low.
Tips: This beach is perfect to escape the crowded line ups of Batu Bolong and Echo Beach
What is you traveling style?
Luxury Accommodation in Canggu
If you want to relax in a nice boutique hotel near the beach with all the comfort and amenities that you vacation deserve we have the perfect option for you. Located 400m from Berawa Beach there is a boutique hotel that has a unique Indonesian architecture design. With colored decoration and mostly filled with wooden furniture this place is for those who seek an intimate private hideaway in the heart of Canggu. From the top floor you will find an amazing spot to admire the enchanting views and await for breathtaking sunsets. The staff is composed by dedicated, professional, friendly people that will be waiting to serve you as best as they can. 35-40 USD per night.
Budget Surfing in Canggu
If you are a surfer looking for a cozy place near the beach with affordable prices there are plenty of options in Canggu. All you have to do is find the best place that suits your budget.
Kids and Teen Surf Camps
Canggu has a lot to offer for those who want to learn how to surf or improve their surfing skills. There are many surf camps that will provide you with the best surf instructors and the appropriate equipment to make you learn quickly, safely and with lots of fun. Prices including accommodation and surf lessons vary in between 85-150 USD.
Groups
Vacation are meant to be fun and what’s best than gather your friends and family and go on a surf trip? Bring everybody! Girlfriends, surfers, non-surfers or the kids. There are fun activities for everyone. You can leave your girlfriend tanning on the beach while the kids run around having fun and you are shredding the waves in the warm ocean.
If you want to learn how to surf together with your friends, Canggu is your best option. The surf camps can deal with many groups at the same time so there is no shortage of space to invite everyone. More people means more fun!
Budget Planning
Meal price range
Cheap street food or simple meals at local warungs cost around $2 USD. Midrange meals in restaurants range from $9-25 USD with beers. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $50-200 USD.
Equipment rental
Board rentals in Canggu run anywhere from $3 USD for 2 hours, $10 USD for the day and $110 for a month.
Prepaid SIM cards
SIM cards are easy to find and inexpensive. A popular provider is Telkomsel, their simPATI card offers a 5GB package for $4 USD and 12GB for $6 USD. You can buy them in convenience stores, little phone shops, or the airports (although they will be more expensive at the airport).
Public transport
Taxis have a tariff of $0.40 USD per km.
You can rent a car from $12-21 USD a day or $170-300 USD a month. Hiring a private driver will be anywhere from $37-50 USD a day -for a 4 person car, to $75 -for a 5/6 person minivan. Motorbike/scooter rentals are from $3 USD a day to $45 USD a month.
Gas prices
Are around $0.60 USD a liter.
Safety information about surfing in Indonesia
Types of risks
Mosquito bites are common and Infections can occur quickly because of warm climate, reef/urchin pieces in wounds or contaminated water. Surf spots contain sharp reefs which are best avoided by beginners, especially on low tides. There can be scorching sun and many daylight hours, wear sunscreen.
Paddling out to the many reef breaks alone is a bad idea if you are a beginner. Part of the fun is discovering unknown surf spots, but alone, any accident can be fatal. Outside of your reach big currents can drag you out into the open sea.
Because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is prone to earthquakes, floods and tsunamis.
In Indonesia, many beaches don’t have a lifeguard and many islands don’t have a flag system. The best thing to do is use common sense and never go alone if you know there are strong currents or the tides are too strong.
How to prepare
Visa
Nationals from 169 countries can enter Indonesia on a free visa for up to 30 days. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months at time of entry and you’ll need proof of onward or return flights.
If you want to stay up to 60 days, you’ll need to purchase a ‘visa on arrival’ at the desk before you go through immigration and you’ll need to do a visa extension once in Indonesia. We highly recommend that you work with an agency to help with the visa extension. You’ll need to start processing your visa extension before 30 days. Be warned there are hefty overstay fines in Indonesia of 1 million Rupiah a day ($62) if you stay past the 30 or 60 day mark and they count the day you arrive as 1 day.
Vaccines
Indonesia will only ask you to show proof of your yellow fever vaccination if you come from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Although it's not mandatory, you might opt to get routine vaccines such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.
Things to know
Language & Currency
Most of the surf camps in the tourist areas will have staff that speak good enough English. The official language of the country is Bahasa Indonesia, and knowing a little bit will pay off and make your trip easier, so learn a few phrases! The local currency is the Indonesia Rupiah.
Best time to go
Canggu has waves all year round but the most consistent time of the year is during the dry season , mostly between April and October. During this period there is plenty of swell but lots of wind as well. The trade winds pick up around 9-10 am so wake up early to enjoy glassy morning sessions. The weather is slightly more fresh than the rest of the year, there will still be beginner friendly spots available all over, but this is when you’ll find your world class waves.
Checking Surf forecast
Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.
Do I need pack a pharmacy kit
You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, imodium- for rehydrating Bali belly, ear plugs to avoid ear infections, gaze, alcohol and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.
Emergency
In case of an emergency, call 112 (free). This is Indonesia's emergency and rescue number. They will direct you to hospitals or police, get you an ambulance, and help you with any emergency-related issues. If you have an accident while surfing in Indonesia, 112 is your best option, but always keep your family and friends informed of your whereabouts as well.
Emergency numbers will have English-speaking operators. Direct numbers are:
110 for the police department.
113 for the fire department.
118 for ambulance.
For hospitals, call 112. Ask your insurance which hospitals they recommend in the area you will be heading to. In Bali, famous hospitals include BIMC and Siloam.
