Nusa Lembongan Surf in 2024

Looking to Surf Nusa Lembongan and hit the waves like a pro? Surfing is definitely one of the best things to do Nusa Lembongan!

If you love surfing, Nusa Lembongan is one of Bali’s best-kept secrets. Not many surfers venture here, which can leave Nusa Lembongan’s best breaks uncrowded — a rare treat in Indonesia. While the surf in some parts of Bali is a bit touristy and predictable, the water around Nusa Lembongan gets rougher as it approaches the mainland coast; this means that you get less crowds (and tourists) and more waves, even in the wet season.

The challenge of surfing here is that it’s a short paddle outside from Nusa Ceningan, and the surf is sweet inside the break. Learning how to surf uncharted waters will bring you new confidence in any surf spot, and better waves. The island is mostly quiet with plenty of nice little cafes, especially around sunset. Hang out on the beach or snorkel by day, and then hit the breaks at sunset for an unforgettable experience.

So, it’s little surprise that Nusa Lembongan is now getting the attention it deserves. The crowd here isn’t as bad as at other spots in Bali, and the vibe is laid back. You can push yourself a bit more, even learn to surf (check out another post on that!), and have a great time here.

Paddle Surfing

Playgrounds is the easiest surf spot to get to. Paddle out from Coconuts Beach, and start surfing within minutes. If you find that fun left breaking in the hollow part of the reef, you can catch a long ride there just about any tide. The inside right hander sometimes works on a small-medium sized swell, and if it gets big enough, you can go for the outside barreling right.

Surfing Lacerations

From inside the mouth of the Playgrounds, when the swell is large, paddle straight out through the small opening between Playgrounds, and through the boat channel. (These are behind Boogeyman’s). Lacerations will be further out through the boat channel. This spot is a bit more crowded than Playgrounds. But definitely worth the extra paddle! Since you are farther out into the ocean, this wave can be bigger than Playgrounds.

So here’s the thing!

Lacerations is an inside reef break located in the heart of a popular surf spot called Playgrounds. Lacerations breaks over a shallow reef and is a long, hollow right hander that barrels off the peak. Lacerations is only accessible by paddling past Playgrounds and through the boat channel.

Check out surf Snowdonia!

Check out No Man’s Surfing

Pull into the No Man’s wave when it is 2-4 feet. It is best on a mid tide with no current. It breaks in a deep water canyon and can get better as it gets larger. The waves are hard to distinguish from one another but almost all of them will have a slight peel in towards the reef.

Shipwreck’s Waves are Awesome

Shipwrecks is one of the most famous wave in the world. You’ll need a boat and will need to be patient as it takes time to get here. This reef is close enough though that it is usually only good with bigger swells than what breaks at Pipe. Be very careful not to paddle out on a big south swell though, it’s very dangerous. You can get rocked in at eight feet and even if you do make it out by the rocks there is some pretty gnarly stuff out here that you don’t want to run into on a big day!

You’ve got to surf Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan is a great right hand reef break making for some very solid waves. This breaks over the top of two volcanic pinnacles and drops down onto the reef pretty hard so be aware of where you are in relation to the rocks if this spot is firing. It gets a really good mix of locals, Indo mama’s and foreign surfers mostly squadding on light swells with few people out.

Where To Stay Nusa Lembongan?

Looking for a Bali alternative? Nusa Lembongan is the best and most exciting island in Bali! It is remote, less developed and more rugged than most other islands but by far its unrivaled beauty. With its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and abundance of marine life will guarantee you the experience of your lifetime.

Check out this guide on where to stay Nusa Lembongan! Also, if you want to visit Nusa Penida, check out this guide on getting from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida.