Paddle Boarding in Bali: Your Ultimate Guide

The reason why you need to paddle boarding in Bali is similar to why surfing culture thrives. The tropical climate means you can paddle board all year! While Uluwatu’s big and challenging waves become surfer’s playgrounds, you have (almost) the entire east and north coast to paddle board.

Beyond the centuries-old temple, you can do yoga, hike Mount Batur, go waterfall-hopping, and go diving in Bali. But if you visit Bali solely for paddle boarding, you’ll see the picturesque coastal scenery, sunset or sunrise views, and the majestic Mount Agung in the background.

Pack your paddle board before the sun’s up, and you’ll get to see the most glorious sunrise. Paddle boarding in Sanur means you have, possibly, the calmest water on the island. If you’ve never paddle boarded, going to Sanur will ease your worries because you will encounter minimal waves.

If you can paddle to the barrier reef, you will see local fishermen catching the fish. You can often see the majestic Mount Agung when the weather is clear. Once you finish enjoying the morning sun, head to one of many beachside cafes to refuel and change clothes.

Despite sharing the same coastline with Uluwatu, Nusa Dua Beach doesn’t get the same dangerous swells. Though catering more to intermediate and advanced, paddle boarding in Nusa Dua is still relatively safe for beginners in Bali. If you need a challenge, come when the rainy season starts, and you’ll have the wave to play around.

Seeing luxury resorts from the water is surely a sight to behold. But paddle boarding in Nusa Dua in the afternoon, and you’ll witness Bali’s golden hour as a reward. You can also rent a paddle board for SUP (Stand-Up Paddle Boarding) for IDR 100K (US $6) per hour from the paddle board rental on the beach.

Jimbaran may be a seafood paradise, but the bay is an all-in-one spot for paddle boarders. The waves are gentle, giving you a little sway, but they won’t topple you instantly. You get a proper SUP school on the beach where you can rent high-quality equipment and take lessons with certified SUP instructors.

And you also get Uluwatu’s towering cliff on one side and the airport on the other. You don’t get a view of the plane landing from different spots in Bali, but here. Then, after staying in the water, devour the smoky seafood from the restaurants nearby. Who says a perfect paddle boarding doesn’t exist?

Can you blame paddle boarders for making Kuta Beach one of their favorite spots? While the swells are gentle enough for beginner surfers, paddle boarding on this beach next to Legian and Seminyak is the place to go in Bali if you’re intermediate or advanced. You need to know how to navigate if surfers are coming at you while maintaining your balance in unsteady water conditions.

But no one can deny Kuta Beach’s vibe, whether you come here for paddle boarding or surfing. Rent the board from one of the local guys’ rentals on the beach and soak in the famous sunset view while downing your Bintang beer.

Ditch the southern beaches and go to Padang Bai, where you can be the only paddle boarder, regardless of your level. Yep, you’ve heard us right. Most people come to Padang Bai for the ferry to Lombok. But Padang Bai’s reputation as one of the best is an open secret.

Forget the yucky main beach where all the ferries and boats are (believe us, you don’t want to paddle there). Instead, head to Blue Lagoon, where the cove and crsytal clear water will take your breath away. Once you paddle over the coral reefs, put on your snorkeling gears and explore the underwater beauty.

The most underrated beaches in Bali are the black sand ones, like Amed Beach. And as paddle boarders, you’ll appreciate the dazzling (yet contrasting) combo of the calm seas and Mount Agung looming over the dark sandy beach. Throw yoga SUP into the mix, and we bet you have the best paddle boarding experience in Bali.

Once you have enjoyed the gentle swing, return to the shore and put on your fins and goggles to explore the underwater. With no other water sports like jet skiing or surfing, Amed’s diverse marine biota deserves your undivided attention.

No pain, no gain, as we save the best for last because Menjangan Island is a special place. Take a 30-minute boat ride, and you’ll have the most unique paddle boarding in Bali. Think of pristine waters, and if you’re lucky, you may encounter deer on the way because of Menjangan’s status as part of the West Bali National Park.

We highly recommend staying a few days at Menjangan Island. Paddle right after the sun rises in the morning, then snorkel and repeat. Even though the national park tour is nowhere near the safari in Bali experience, it will complement your paddle boarding experience.

Are you new to paddle boarding? Then you find the right place to learn at Bali Stand Up Paddle School. Besides the certified instructors, they have different classes of paddle boarding. From the regular paddle to SUP yoga (yes, it’s a thing, and we didn’t even know about it before!).

Take the Beginner Lesson Flat Water & Mangrove Tour if you’ve never paddled boarded, as the school will teach you the correct technique and theory. Move to the Intermediate Wave SUP to help you master wave SUP-ing. Book the private lesson at the first paddle school in Bali to learn how to stand on paddle surf in flat water until you catch your first wave!

Who has never heard of Rip Curl School of Surf? Yes, they focus on surfing—including kite surfing, foiling, and wind wing—but the SUP classes are worth taking in Bali! Using the world-renowned brand Starboard for the boards in the lesson, you will learn how to paddle in the flat waters or waves.

Rip Curl will ensure you feel comfortable before getting to the water on Level 1. Once you master the turns and have confidence, it’s time for Level 2, where they will teach you everything about wave surfing. Level 3 is for when you want to challenge yourself and want to go beyond conquering the waves.