Surfing
Schools for learning to surf.
Azreey — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Sanji24 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · HutheMeow — CC BY-SA 4.0
Bali's most famous and liveliest beach, a long strip of golden sand on the west coast of the island's south, close to the airport and to the largest cluster of hotels, restaurants and malls. It was a small fishing village before becoming, from the 1970s, the gateway to tourism in all of Bali. The beach is known for waves suited to learning to surf, with schools and board rentals all along it, and for the sunset that gathers people on the sand every evening. Behind it run a promenade, a long street and big shopping centres, one right on the beach. The beach is free and always open, with token parking fees. But waves and currents are strong in many places, so swim only between the red-and-yellow flags near the lifeguards. In the rainy season the waves can wash plastic debris onto the sand. Bali's tourist levy is separate. The best time is late afternoon to sunset. For a calmer family beach, Nusa Dua and Sanur suit better, with gentle water and resorts.
Schools for learning to surf.
Crowds on the sand every evening.
Bali's tourism gateway.
Kuta, southern Bali, near the airport
Kuta is lively and crowded with strong waves, good for shopping and sunsets. Nusa Dua is calmer, with gentle water and resorts better suited to families, and it is near the Ibnu Battuta Mosque.
