Keramas Surf Spot
Keramas is a heavy right-hander, breaking over a shallow section of reef off a long stretch of black sand and rice fields.
Once only surfed by locals and expats-in-the-know, Keramas is slowly becoming one of the more popular waves in Bali. Since the construction of a new portion of road, Keramas has been featured in edits from professional surfers globally and a Junior World Event. While no longer a “secret” spot, Keramas more than lives up to the hype. Expert surfers love the steep drops, long barrel sections, and powerful open faces for plenty of maneuvers, not to mention the regular opportunity for aerials. Be warned: know your limits, Keramas is also known for dealing out its fair share of injuries and has a local crowd of pro surfers.
WAVE INFO
Wave type:
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Keramas: Reef Break
Wave difficulty:
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Keramas: Experienced
Wave direction:
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Keramas: Right
Wave bottom:
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Keramas: Reef
Booties:
Keramas: Not necessary
Surfboard type:
Keramas: Shortboard
Crowd factor:
-
Keramas: Crowded
Hazards:
Keramas: Reef, crowds, currents
Best swell direction:
Keramas: S
Best wind direction:
Keramas: NW
What tide is best:
Keramas: High
Best tide movement:
Keramas: Incoming
Wave consistency:
Keramas: Consistent
Best time of year:
Keramas: Start and end of dry & wet seasons
Lineup vibe:
Keramas: Governed pecking order
Other names for spot:
Keramas: Shampoo, The Golden Monkey
What do the names of the spot mean?
Pronounced “Kera-Mas”. In English Keramas means; “Shampoo” or “Wash hair” which is local slang for getting barreled. Keramas is also known as “The Golden Monkey” which comes from the original pronunciation of the name ‘Kura Emas’ which slowly evolved into ‘Kuramas’ and finally Keramas, the current name of the spot.
How do you get in and out of the surf?
From the beach keep an eye out for the obvious channel wide of the reef. Be cautious of shallow double ups over the reef on the inside.
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?
Keramas breaks outside of a black sand beach that stretches for well over 10 kilometres. The beach is known for beautiful views, sparkling volcanic sand and farmers moving their flock of ducks just like a flock of sheep. Great for long beach walks, Keramas doesn’t seem to attract a ton of beachgoers aside from avid surfers so enjoy a bit of seclusion when you have a chance. The black sand tends to get very hot so consider bringing sandals and maybe even an umbrella.
Where should I stay?
Cheapest Price Range – Keramas Surf Camp
Keramas Surf Camp offers a taste of a bygone surfing era where simple surf accommodations surfers with simple amenities. Rooms are clean simple surf shacks, often put together using an abundance of locally sourced resources. Ducks inhabit the adjacent rice fields and in the early morning search for snails and slugs while you pass bintangs on your terraced porch overlooking the surrounding Balinese beauty. You’ll have to take a drive about 5 minutes to access the surf spot at Keramas, but the beach is only 20 or so metres away and there’s a good chance you might discover your own private beach break. Expect good food and a friendly laid back atmosphere for an affordable price. Great for single surfers, groups, Keramas Surf Camp offers a classic Balinese experience.
Affordable Price Range – Padi Guest House
Padi Guest House is situated less than one kilometre from the surf at Keramas. Expect clean and spacious rooms with private bathroom and air conditioning. Each room has its own balcony set on beautiful gardens and neighbouring rice fields. Good value for money for couples or solo travellers. Sort yourself out a scooter to commute to the surf in a minute or two and park up in free private parking in front of the property.
Mid Price Range – K Ko Surf Village
Discover Bali’s legendary Keramas wave “machine” at K Ko Surf Village. Enjoy beachfront access to a world-class right-hand point break, simple yet elegant accommodations, and authentic culture. The accommodation has beautiful gardens and tranquil grassed areas, so you can unwind and relax in between surfs. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a passionate beginner, their village promises the great setting for an unforgettable surfing getaway. Life couldn’t be more simple at K Ko. Surf, eat, relax, repeat.
Mid Price Range – Komune Resort & Beach Club Bali
Komune Resort is ranked among the top 5 surf accommodations in Asia. Located on the beach at Keramas, you really couldn’t ask for more. Aside from the luxurious and comfortable rooms, health centre, spa, and restaurant, Keramas Komune Resort has a secret weapon: night surfing. Hotel Komune Resort offers a permanent installation of floodlights overlooking the right at Keramas so that you can surf a world-class wave at night. You’ll have to book ahead for a night session which guarantees a crowd of no more than 6 surfers. The 50-metre tubes at Keramas are definitely worthy of a Point Beak style night session, and you won’t have to deal with Gary Busey. You can book a private session from 7 pm to Midnight or again 4 am to 6 am. Rooms, Suites, and Villas run a little steeper than some of the other options on this list but the perks are worth the extra chunk of change. Great for families, couples, groups, and solo surfers.
Luxury Price Range – Komaneka at Keramas Beach
Komaneka at Keramas Beach comes highly recommended from surfers and travellers around the globe. With modern luxuries and the occasional private pool, Komaneka offers the privacy, peace, and quiet that many areas of Bali are lacking these days. Checking the surf is easy considering your ocean view and a short walk to the surf. Komaneka definitely gives the feeling of paradise with amazing food, regular spa treatments, and the perfect waves in your backyard. Great for honeymooners, couples, and families looking for a slice of heaven. If you’re a single surfer, Komaneka could be great for you but you’ll miss out on some of the social opportunities available at other neighbouring surf accommodations.
DEALS ON PLACES TO STAY IN KERAMAS
Faq
Is there food nearby?
While you can find food at the local warungs in the surrounding area at Keramas, here are a few restaurants to check out in the area.
Keramas Aero Park is not your typical restaurant. Aero Park offers a bar, Balinese and western food, great views of the surrounding rice fields, and a children’s playground all set within and adjacent to a Boeing 747 aeroplane. If you’re asking yourself, did I read that right? You did; the restaurant is built inside a 747 aeroplane parked above the bar and surrounding rice fields. To access the aeroplane or restaurant, you’ll have to climb a few flights of stairs reminiscent of the Kuta airport. A bit of a novelty, Aero Park gets good reviews from traveling surfers and will definitely be a quirky memory from your next surf trip.
Spot Stonehenge over tea at Standing Stones Restaurant (The Royal Purnama) – As our list continues, Spot Stonehenge over tea at Standing Stones Restaurant, part of the Royal Purnama Art suites and Villas, offers another semi-odd gimmick: the chance to dine adjacent to standing stones. Don’t be fooled, these stones weren’t placed by wandering druids from the UK, the stones at Standing Stones Restaurant are an added aspect of the decor that gives SSR an interesting ambience. Food is incredibly delicious and expensive. Great for a romantic evening out.
Warong Legong offers a more traditional Balinese dining experience with local and western cuisine in a quiet indoor-outdoor restaurant environment. A great choice for families and couples, Warong Legong is great for surfers looking for a simple local lunch or dinner option void of architectural oddities you’ve seen so far on this list.
What else is there to do in the area other than surfing?
Hotel Komune Beach Club is a great spot for a rest in between surfing sessions at Keramas. Located directly on the beach in front of the surf break, you’ll enjoy live music, cocktails, free wifi, and the occasional eye candy. In addition to the pool, bar, and lounge areas, Keramas Beach Club offers an open-air cinema surrounded by coconut trees and an outstanding ocean view. Aside from North Shore or Point Break, obvious classics in the surf film genre, the beach club often shows live sporting events and professional surfing competitions. A great place for everyone keen to socialise.
Bali Safari and Marine Park is a unique opportunity to engage with local wildlife and animals from around the world. In association with PKSBI (Indonesian Zoological Parks Association) and CBSG (Conservations Breeding Specialist Group), the Bali Safari and Marine Park work with local organisations and volunteers to help ensure the longevity and survival of local species from Sumatran Elephants and Tigers to Komodo Dragons. Bali Safari and Marine Park is a great place for families looking to keep their kids stoked between surf sessions and travellers looking to keep Instagram followers drooling.
Bali Countryside Cycling Tour – While Bali is obviously known for its incredible surfing, the mountain biking is not half bad and makes for a number one option with the exception of surfing. Downhill through the real countryside, local villages, temples, and rice paddies make for an amazing backdrop for your mountain bike ride. Bali Countryside Cycling Tour receives great reviews from all travelers looking for an intimate experience with the authentic Balinese landscape.
What else
do I need
to Know?
Location
Where is Keramas?
Keramas is located a little ways North of the Bukit Peninsula on the Eastern side of Bali. The closest airport is located in Denpasar.
How to get around?
As for most of Bali, Scooters come highly recommended. This allows you to weave through traffic and get from point A to point B a bit quicker than walking, biking or sitting in traffic in a 4 wheeled vehicle.
Is there parking fees?
One of the few places in Bali where you’ll find free parking on the beach!
