Bali – Padang Padang
Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: May–September
Padang Padang is a small cove on the west coast of Bali's Bukit Peninsula, between Bingin and Uluwatu, reached by steps down through a gap in the limestone cliffs. On a solid south-west swell the main break is a short, fast left-hand barrel that grinds over a shallow coral ledge, and it is often compared to Hawaii's Pipeline. It needs a fair amount of swell to start working, so it is at its best during the large swells of the dry season, roughly May to September, when the south-east trade winds blow offshore.
The wave is powerful and breaks in very little water, so wipeouts on the reef are common and it is for experienced barrel riders only. On good days the line-up is packed with local and visiting experts, and a well-known contest is held here in suitable swells. Smaller swells bring a softer right-hand wave on the inside reef for less experienced surfers. The water is warm, around 26–28 °C, so boardshorts or a rash vest are enough; reef booties and a first-aid kit for coral cuts are useful.
Spots near Bali – Padang Padang
- Bali – Bingin (1 km)
- Uluwatu (2 km)
- Bali – Balangan (3 km)
- Bali – Kuta Beach (12 km)
- Canggu – Batu Bolong (17 km)
- Sanur (20 km)
- Bali – Keramas (35 km)
- Nusa Lembongan – Shipwrecks (41 km)