Padang Padang
Padang Padang is Bali's version of Pipeline—a short, violent, left-hand barrel that explodes over a dangerously shallow reef. Unlike Uluwatu which works on small swells, Padang needs solid 6-foot+ surf to break properly. When it does, it produces some of the most photogenic tubes in Indonesia: thick, round barrels spitting in front of the cliffs. The takeoff is critical, the bottom is shallow, and the crowd is intense. Access is down 120 steps and through a narrow gap between a fallen rock and the cliff. The annual Rip Curl Cup showcases the wave's world-class potential.
Padang Padang surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 240°
- Size range
- 2m - 4.8m
- Ideal size
- 3.3m - 4.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (110°)
- Offshore range
- 70° - 150°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
- Danger below
- 0.2m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
7/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Padang Padang?
Padang Padang is a reef break in Bali, Indonesia, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What's the story behind Padang Padang?
Locals call the beach Labuan Sait, and you reach it down 120 steps. Watch your bag: the monkeys here are known for stealing belongings. It hosts the annual Rip Curl Cup and was a filming location for the 2010 movie Eat Pray Love.
What swell works best at Padang Padang?
Padang Padang picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 2m and handles up to about 4.8m, with the sweet spot around 3.3 to 4.1m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Padang Padang?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Padang Padang, and anything from the ENE round to the SSE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Padang Padang?
Padang Padang is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.3m to 1.2m on the local chart. Below 0.2m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf Padang Padang?
The most reliable run of swell at Padang Padang comes May to Sep. There's a second window in Apr and Oct too. Needs solid swell. Best June-Aug.
How cold is the water at Padang Padang?
The water at Padang Padang averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Padang Padang good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. Very shallow. Only breaks on bigger swells.
How do I get to Padang Padang?
The nearest airport on our list is DPS, then it's roughly a 40-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Padang Padang?
The closest breaks we track are Bingin (0.5 km), Uluwatu (0.7 km) and Impossibles (1.1 km), handy when Padang Padang isn't working. We track 6 spots around Bali in total.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Secondary: Apr, Oct
Needs solid swell. Best June-Aug.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
Nearby Spots
Bingin
📸 Bali's photogenic pit • Shallow slab • Cliff staircase access
Uluwatu
🏛️ Legendary Bali left • Cave paddle-out • Multiple sections to mix
Impossibles
💨 Usually too fast • Long when it connects • Earned its name
Temples / Uluwatu
🌊 Extended Uluwatu • Less crowds than Peak • Long left walls
Balangan
🏖️ Bukit's friendly face • Beautiful setting • Fun barrel potential
Green Bowl
🌊 Hidden Bukit left • Cliff staircase access • Wet season performer
Plan a trip around Padang Padang
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