Green Bowl Beach Surf Spot
A beautiful beach with limited access, Green Bowl Beach offers the seclusion that surfers are looking for.
This is mostly due to the fact that to access the beach you’ll need to descend a few hundred steep stone steps and climb them back up on the way out. Historically, Green Bowl, also mistakenly known as Green Ball, was a “secret” spot frequented by locals during the rainy season. A few years ago the President of Bali decided to build a resort at the cliffs above the surf break complete with an elevator to the beach. Today the resort is defunct, as well as the elevator, and Green Bowl is back to its usually secluded self. High tides restrict access to the beach as the path tends to get washed out, lower tides expose tide pools with crystal clear water, great for exploring local wildlife. Mid tide is best for paddling out and on a good day, you’re sure to find some decent waves in the line-up.
WAVE INFO
Wave type:
-
Green Bowl: Reef Break
Wave difficulty:
-
Green Bowl: Intermediate
Wave direction:
-
Green Bowl: Right
Wave bottom:
-
Green Bowl: Reef
Booties:
Balian: Not necessary
Surfboard type:
Balian: Any shape or size
Crowd factor:
-
Green Bowl: Low Crowds
Hazards:
Balian: See below
Best swell direction:
Balian: S
Best wind direction:
Balian: NE
What tide is best:
Balian: Any
Best tide movement:
Balian: Any
Wave consistency:
Balian: Ultra consistent
Best time of year:
Balian: Year-round
Lineup vibe:
Balian: Mellow
Other names for spot:
Balian: Balian River Mouth
How do you get in and out of the surf at Green Bowl?
Take the channel from the beach, it’s pretty easy to identify and will pull you out to the peak quickly. Don’t stay in the channel too long as you might find it tough to find your way back out and over to the peak.
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 Green Bowl Beach like?
The beach is a small stretch of white sand walled in by lush green cliffs. The stairs down to the beach wind through the tropic forest populated by a lot of monkeys and traditional stone statues. Bowl-shaped caves offer shade for beachgoers and give the beach its name. Great for adventurous surfers looking to get away from some of the more popular beaches on the island of Bali.
Where should I stay?
Cheapest Price Range – Ocho Bali Surf Camp
Ocho Bali Surf Camp provides standalone rooms set around a large pool and beautiful gardens. The camp features a bar and a shared lounge to provide a social environment in a beautiful setting. The front desk is open 24-hours for your convenience and you’ll also get both WiFi and private parking free of charge. A great option for solo surfers and small groups. Approximately 2 -3 kilometres away from Grenn Bowl Beach, rent yourself a scooter and you’ll be all set!
Cheapest Price Range – Green Bowl Bali Homestay
If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to stay in Ungasan area near Green Bowl Beach I’m not sure you could find a better than Green Bowl Bali Homestay. While you may miss out on some of the perks of luxury surf accommodations, Green Bowl Bali Homestay is a great choice for surfers, travellers, and couples on a budget. Its a quick 5-minute ride by scooter to Green Bowl. Note that there aren’t many accommodation options in the area and none right next to the surf at Green Bowl. With free wifi and clean accommodation, you’ll feel safe and comfortable crashing in this very quiet area of Bali.
Affordable to Luxury Price Range – Rapture Surfcamp Bali Cliff
The Green Bowl Surf Resort is one of the two Rapture Surfcamps located in Bali. It offers a tonne of comfort, superb facilities and is a better choice for people looking to avoid some crowds. Close to the beach, classic Bali architecture and everything from bunk rooms to luxurious private suites, this is a great option for anyone wanting to learn how to surf or improve their surfing skills. You won’t miss out on great waves, chilling poolside overlooking the break and you won’t need to go too far if you’re looking for food, drink, or a place to party.
Mid Price Range – Nazeki Villa
One of the closest accommodation options to Green Bowl Beach, Nazeki Villa’s provides a great mid-price range option when you split the nightly cost between a group. You’ll find a range of extremely beautiful villas available, most of which are three-bedroom with the odd four-bedroom villa. Nazeki Villa’s is a very popular option for those looking to stay in the area so be sure to check it out.
Luxury Price Range – Vivo Villas
Luxury in a low key area Vivo Villas is just a few kilometres away from Green Bowl Beach. All villas are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with shower. This is a great place for families or groups looking for a surf-inspired getaway in one of the more quiet but beautiful areas of Bali. All in all Vivo Villas has great ocean views, large pools with jacuzzi and excellent room service for your convenience.
Faq
Is there food nearby?
Considering the secluded nature of Green Bowl Beach, you won’t find too many places to eat in close proximity. Most places are a short scooter ride away and you’re more likely to find places to grub closer to Bingin and Dreamland. Check out the list below for places within a decent proximity to Green Bowl.
Sunday’s Beach Club is a couple of kilometres away from Green Bowl. The menu here uses only the finest local ingredients, supporting and working closely with local growers and farmers. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with everything from breaky bowls to pizzas. Check out more information on Sunday’s Beach Club further down the page.
Karma Beach Bali is another secluded location in Ungasan just around the corner from Green Bowl. In order to access the beach, you’ll have to take a cable car which for some may be a little daunting. The beach itself is gorgeous and Karma Beach offers great Pizza, tidepools at low tide, and the occasional live music.
Ja-Ma-Na, one of the most luxurious places to eat you’ll find in the area is great for a date night or a romantic evening with your traveling partner. Situated in the Banyan Tree Resort and cliff top the restaurant provides an amazing setting with outstanding cuisines from seafood to vegan options. Check it out if your in the mood to splurge out on one night of your surf trip.
What else is there to do in the area?
Sundays Beach Club – In addition to food and drink, Sunday’s Beach Club offers live music and the closest thing you’ll find to nightlife in the Green Bowl area. With a circular bar, it gives every seat a stunning sea view. Happy hour is 5 – 6.30 pm every day and they usually have a nightly bonfire where you can grab a bean bag and even toast some marshmallows!
Note that there is an entrance fee per adult which includes full beach club and inclinator access, towel and wifi, and a food and beverage credit. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddle boards (subject to tides and availability). Open 8 am to 10 pm.
Melasti Beach is one of the last hidden treasures in Ungasan. It’s a wild rocky beach that gives you a taste of Bali 20-30 years ago. It’s yet to be developed and is a beautiful place to soak in the views and wildlife of Bali. The top of the cliff offers amazing views of the ocean and is a great place to get some privacy.
Threesixty Paragliding offers guided paragliding tours of the surrounding cliffs in Ungasan. As you may have noticed, most of the beaches in the area are accessed via steep steps or even a cable car. Paragliding is a great way to soak in the views of the surrounding area and gives you a taste of adventure when the swell is flat.
What else
do I need
to Know?
Location
Where is Green Bowl Beach?
Green Bowl is located near the southern tip of the Bukit Peninsula in Ungasan.
How to get around?
Scooters are preferable but obviously, you won’t be able to take them with you down the cliffs. There are a few speed traps on the way out to Green Bowl so be careful. A good area to ease your way into driving a scooter if you haven’t been brave enough in the busier areas of Bali
Are there parking fees?
Parking at the top of the cliffs is 2,000Rp for the day.
