Uluwatu
Uluwatu is Bali's most famous wave, a long, walling left-hander that breaks over a shallow reef at the base of dramatic limestone cliffs. The wave offers multiple sections—from the Outside Corner through Temples, the Racetrack, and finally the Inside—allowing for rides of 100+ meters on a good day. The trade winds blow offshore here during the dry season (April-October), creating perfect glassy conditions most mornings. Entry and exit are via a cave in the cliff face, adding to the adventure. The surrounding clifftop temples and warungs make it a complete surf experience.
Uluwatu surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (213°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 230°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (110°)
- Offshore range
- 92° - 150°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.8m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
8/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is a reef break in Bali, Indonesia, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Uluwatu?
The name comes from ulu, meaning 'land's end', and watu, meaning 'rock'. The wave went global through the surf film Morning of the Earth, in which a 15-year-old Steve Cooney rode the first wave filmed there. Back then there was no road to the beach, so surfers walked in carrying everything they needed.
What swell works best at Uluwatu?
Uluwatu picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.1 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 10s 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 Uluwatu?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Uluwatu, and anything from the E round to the SSE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Uluwatu?
The most reliable run of swell at Uluwatu comes Apr to Oct. Dry season only. Wet season has onshore winds.
How cold is the water at Uluwatu?
The water at Uluwatu 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 Uluwatu good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Cave entry/exit. Wear booties. Long paddle if you miss the cave.
How do I get to Uluwatu?
The nearest airport on our list is DPS, then it's roughly a 45-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Uluwatu?
The closest breaks we track are Padang Padang (0.7 km), Bingin (1.2 km) and Temples / Uluwatu (1.3 km), handy when Uluwatu isn't working. We track 6 spots around Bali in total.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Dry season only. Wet season has onshore winds.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
Nearby Spots
Padang Padang
🙏 Balinese Pipeline • Temple backdrop perfection • When it's on, it's ON
Bingin
📸 Bali's photogenic pit • Shallow slab • Cliff staircase access
Temples / Uluwatu
🌊 Extended Uluwatu • Less crowds than Peak • Long left walls
Impossibles
💨 Usually too fast • 400m when it connects • Earned its name
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 Uluwatu
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