Berawa Beach Surf Spot
Berawa Beach offers a slightly less crowded but less quality alternative to the other spots further west in Canggu.
The closest break to Seminyak, and a quick 20-30 minute drive from Seminyak dining and shopping options, Berawa (also spelt Brawa) offers mellow rights and lefts that break over a mixed rocky reef out the back and sand bottom through the inside. Technically walking distance (10-minutes plus) from Batu Bolong and Echo Beach, Berawa offers another option on your drive north from Kuta for a quick session.
WAVE INFO
Wave type:
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The Peak: Beach Break
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The Ledge: Reef Break
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The Bombie: Reef Break
Wave difficulty:
-
The Peak: Beginner
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The Ledge: Intermediate
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The Bombie: Intermediate
Wave direction:
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The Peak: Left,Right
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The Ledge: Right
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The Bombie: Left,Right
Wave bottom:
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The Peak: Sand
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The Ledge: Reef
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The Bombie: Reef
Booties:
The Peak: No
The Ledge: No
Bombies: No
Surfboard type:
The Peak: Fish
The Ledge: Fish
Bombies: Fish
Crowd factor:
-
The Peak: Medium Crowds
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The Ledge: Crowded
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The Bombie: Empty
Hazards:
The Peak: Shallow shore break
The Ledge: Rocky reef
Bombies: Long-distance offshore
Best swell direction:
The Peak: SW
The Ledge: SW
Bombies: SW
Best wind direction:
The Peak: NE
The Ledge: NE
Bombies: NE
What tide is best:
The Peak: Low tide
The Ledge: Low tide
Bombies: Low tide
Best tide movement:
The Peak: Mid to low
The Ledge: Mid to low
Bombies: Mid to low
Wave consistency:
The Peak: Consistent
The Ledge: Inconsistent
Bombies: Inconsistent
Best time of year:
The Peak: Year-round
The Ledge: April – October
Bombies: April – October
Lineup vibe:
The Peak: Mellow
The Ledge: Competitive
Bombies: Mellow
Other names for spot:
Brawa
How do you get in and out of the surf?
It’s a short paddle to the line-up from the beach depending on the size and which peak you decide to surf.
Keep an eye out for breaks in the peaks and rips that can alleviate some of your future bicep burns and help you paddle out through the shore break.
Pro-tip; be sure to paddle out through a channel away from oncoming surfers. This keeps waves free of people paddling down the line of waves, avoiding conflict and the potential for injury due to collisions.Â
Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Proper planning prevents unnecessary time out of the water, and the best place to start is a first aid kit.
What is the beach like?
Berawa beach is a long stretch of black sand that ends with a large lagoon on the southern end. Due to rip currents, the nature of shallow shore breaks, and the sometimes rocky bottom further out, Berawa isn’t the best for swimmers and waders. There’s plenty to do in town and you’re only a short scooter ride from Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, and other spots throughout Canggu if you’re looking for some diversity in your surf trip.
Where should I stay?
Most people who arrive on Bali have never heard of Berawa beach, but being nestled between Seminyak and Canggu makes it one of the best areas for a tonne of accommodation options.
Cheapest Price Range – Wijaya Guesthouse
(Charlie Brown Surf Stay)
Wijaya Guesthouse offers a beautiful venue, clean comfortable rooms, and a ten-minute walk to the beach. Be prepared with cash before your arrival as you won’t be able to pay with debit or credit cards. It’s also a good idea to be well equipped with bug spray for the occasional critter overnight who might give you a nibble. Wijaya Guesthouse/Charlie Brown Surf Stay is associated with the surf school which offers guiding services all over Canggu for an additional fee. Overall, great location, friendly staff, and tasty food will leave you without complaints.
Mid Price Range – Koa D Surfer Hotel
If you don’t mind newly renovated accommodations, gorgeous pool and deck with ocean views, innovative and artsy architecture, and the occasional cocktail at the rooftop bar, Koa D Surfer Hotel could be a great place for you. It has more of a hostel feel than your typical luxury hotel but this comes with pros and cons. A 5-minute walk from the beach and surf at Berawa, Koa Surfer Hotel provides a fun and social atmosphere surrounded by quirky surf-themed decor. Breakfast is included but leaves a little to be desired, but delicious and affordable room service may make up the difference for you. Great for surfers looking for a step up in accommodation.
Luxury Price Range – The Haven Suites Bali Berawa
The Haven Suites Bali Berawa offers a luxurious traditional western hotel for travellers, honeymooners, and families alike. The most expensive option on our list, you definitely get what you pay for at the Haven Suites Bali Berawa. Obviously free wifi, Haven Suites Bali Berawa includes a private butler, private beach club, and beachfront suites for travellers looking for a bit more privacy located adjacent to the beach. Still great for surfers on a bigger budget, The Haven Suites is far from your typical bare minimum hostel.
Faq
Is there food nearby?
The Berawa area is home to a lot of great places to eat both local and western style food and with the rising tide of expats and cyber nomads that seem to be quickly populating Bali’s beach communities, you’re sure to find a lot of trendy grinds. Not only that but due to the Berawa village’s proximity to Canggu and Seminyak, and its easy access to a soft sandy beach, Berawa has blossomed into a never-ending array of stylish coffee shops and restaurants, hip bars, and beachside resorts. Some great eating options are provided in detail below.
Matcha Cafe Bali – This is a neighbourhood cafe serving up a line of matcha green tea beverages and specialty Indonesian coffee which is freshly roasted in Bali from Tanamera. Their healthy organic menu includes many vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar free options.
Satu Satu Coffee Company – Highly rated for its coffee and food with hundreds of raving reviews on Tripadvisor. This coffee shop cafe is easily a top choice for breakfast or lunch and great service in the Berawa area. Everything on the menu is a great choice but the salmon bagel is good to go! Satu Satu Coffee Company was opened by the Sudana family, who are well known in Bali for producing some of the island’s finest quality coffee. Their family-owned coffee plantations in Lawak village, Belok, Sidan, Petang, and Badung have been operating since 1985 and have always focussed on producing coffee the natural way using traditional Balinese methods.
Nude Cafe – Great for raw food meals, smoothies, juices and a wide range of other quality types of breakfast and lunch food. A popular spot with a nice vibe and tasty fusions of your favourite food.
Peloton – If you are yet to give vegan dining a go here is your chance. This plant-based cafe serves incredibly good food sure to satisfy even the biggest of eaters. Reviews from all types of diners are great.
TYGR Sushi – As far as Japanese style food goes in Bali most will say that TYGR Sushi is the best you can get for sure. Just about everyone’s reviews mention visiting multiple times after their first visit. Exceptional quality, good portion sizes all at a fair price.
Canggu Station Grocery Store – If you are staying in the area for a longer period of time the Canggu Station grocery store near the Canggu Club located in Berawa has the best selection of food supplies in the area and most likely the whole of Bali.
What else is there to do in the area other than surfing?
La Laguna Bali is a magical spot for a more peaceful and zen sunset drink providing an absolutely beautiful widespread gypsy-like setting. Great for couples, check it out for regular events or simply a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
Kai Skybar Rooftop at Koa Surfer Hotel has a happy hour from 3-6 pm every day on their rooftop bar which has the tallest view of the ocean in Berawa.
Finns Bali is split into two large establishments, the Finns Recreation Club and Finns Beach Club mentioned below.
Finns Beach Club is located on the beach in front of the surf at Berawa providing a great spot to relax in the sun, and swim in their 30-meter infinity-edge pool with swim-up bar and underwater speakers, 180-degree ocean views, and sunsets. At night Finns Beach Club is a popular entertainment venue with regular DJs and ticketed events.
Finns Recreation Club covers a 4-hectare estate in the middle of Berawa giving you access to a great number of incredible facilities. The Splash Water Park has some cool water slides for children, teenagers and the energetic adult.
There is a premier fitness facility and a stylish business center and co-working space with high-speed wifi and butler service for those working remotely. Add Strike Ten Pin Bowling, Bounce Trampoline Centre, sports grounds and more to the mix and you’re in for a great time.
Konkrete – Designed for and by expatriate hipsters looking to increase the social scene in the area, Konkrete offers live music, happy hours, and a local cafe. Konkrete is worth a visit but if you’re into ripping some turns in a smooth skate bowl, unfortunately, the skate bowl no longer features.
What else
do I need
to Know?
Location
Where is Berawa?
Berawa neighbours Canggu to the south, in the Kerobokan District of Bali province of Indonesia. When you travel across the Canggu shortcut you cross from Berawa into Canggu.
How to get around?
Definitely one of Indo’s more walkable communities, you can easily get from beach to beach on foot if you’re willing to walk the shoreline a while. If not, a scooter is always recommended for bypassing general traffic (which grows more with each coming year).
Is there parking fees?
There are no parking fees at the end of Jalan Pantai Berawa when you arrive at Berawa Beach however parking there isn’t really suited to cars so be sure to take your scooter. Sometimes you may come out of the surf to find your scooter parked 2 or 3 deep so be prepared to move a few scooters around when leaving or park further up the street to avoid any hassles.
