Uluwatu is the surf heart of Bali and seven serious breaks sit within 3.3 km of Pecatu. The catch: Uluwatu itself is a shallow reef break for experienced surfers. If you are learning, the wave you want is Dreamland or Balangan, not the one with the famous name.
Distances below are measured from Pecatu, where our hostel sits. They are the same numbers our front desk gives guests every morning.
Everyone
The closest sand to us and the easy answer on a rest day. Beach days and sunset swims rather than a serious break. Walk down, spend the afternoon, walk back.
Intermediate to advanced
Home of the famous barrel, and the one people fly in for. When the swell is small there is a friendlier inside wave, which is where intermediates go on the mellower days.
Experienced only
The world-class Uluwatu reef break itself. This is the wave the region is named for, and it is not the place to learn. Shallow reef, real consequences, extraordinary when you are ready for it.
Experienced
Long, fast left walls. The reward is one of the longest rides on the Bukit if you can link the sections.
Intermediate
Short, punchy and photogenic, tucked under the cliff. Gets busy for a reason.
Beginner friendly
One of the two most forgiving breaks near us. If it is your first week on a board, start here.
Beginner friendly
The other forgiving one, and a beautiful stretch of beach whether or not you paddle out.
Start at Dreamland or Balangan with an instructor, not at Uluwatu. Board rentals and lessons for every level are easy to arrange around Pecatu, and our reception points guests to the rentals and instructors we actually trust rather than whoever is closest.
Ask the team at breakfast which break is working that morning. They check, every day, because half the hostel asks.
Thomas, Padang Padang and Suluban are walkable or a few minutes by scooter. For Bingin, Dreamland and Balangan you want wheels: a scooter is the classic way to do the Bukit and we can help you rent one at the front desk. Gojek and Grab also work for short hops around Uluwatu, usually about a dollar, and reception will order the ride if you have not got the app.
Air-conditioned pod dorms with ensuite bathrooms, a lagoon pool to fix your shoulders afterwards, and a swim-up bar. Book direct for the best rate.
Keep reading: getting from Bali airport to Uluwatu · things to do in Uluwatu beyond the surf