introduction

The West Coast of Bali is a great place to visit, as it offers one of the best sunshine surfing areas with high, long rolling waves. There are many beacehs to choose from (with all types of accommdation): Medewi Beach, Jimbaran Beach (nearly white sand, waves not too high for swimming, wind surfing, and sailing), Seminyak to Batubelig and Tanah Lot (Good, off-white, sandy beach with powerful waves and some strong currents), etc.

surfing

Though you can score excellent quality waves the year round on Bali's west coast the best time to go is definitely in the dry season i.e. May through to September. At this time of year the swell is most consistent as are the warm offshore breezes.

On arriving here you will be spoilt for choice on where to surf with everything on offer to suit every surfer from the beach breaks of Kuta to the freight train rights at Airport Rights. There are also some more mellow reefs such as the long easy waves up the coast at Medewi. No matter where you choose to surf here one thing is sure, you'll make plenty of new surf buddies, Indonesians and travellers alike and you'll never be too far away from a cold Bintang to soothe the aching shoulders.

where to stay

The west coast of Bali has all types of accommodation for all pockets from losmen costing a few dollars per night - including fresh fruit breakfast, though you might be sharing you room with a few 6 legged critters, right up to plush hotels complete with pools, Balinese gardens, massages etc costing hundreds of US dollarage per night - top tip: bring US dollars as currency, they go much further here than any other and are accepted everywhere.

Those seeking an evening beer or ten as well as a surf trip will probabley gravitate to the hustle and bustle of the Kuta and Legian regions. Here night clubs bounce on into the small hours of the morning and there are bars and restaurants everywhere offering all types of cuisine - I can heartily recommend 'The Dog Dragon' off Poppies gang II, just up from Warung 96, where you can get some awesome traditional Indo tucker as well as a good old Sunday roast complete with Yorkshire puds if you're missing it!!

Those requiring a little more solice may opt to stay at Jimbaran on the south side of the airport runway and famed for it's fish restaurants. It has a slightly more laid back atmos than Kuta.

For super quiet surroundings head up the coast to Medewi, there you'll find a small but pleasant resort where you can stay in losmen set in nice gardens around a pool or cheaper hay barn style digs across the road. There're all spitting distance from one of the longest left hand points in Bali. It's not hollow, a more mellow wave than those down on the Bukit but big fun for a few days.

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