Keramas Beach lies on Bali's east coast in Gianyar, a black-sand beach known for a powerful right-hand reef break. The wave has drawn top surfers for years, and the beach has become a destination for experienced surfers seeking a high-performance wave away from the busier breaks of the south. Non-surfers come mostly to watch, as the shore is not suited to swimming.
The wave at Keramas breaks fast and hollow over a shallow reef, suited to advanced surfers only. It hosted the World Surf League's Corona Bali Protected events, won by Italo Ferreira in 2018 and Kanoa Igarashi in 2019. The east coast surf works best in the wet season, roughly November to March, when winds blow offshore, and a beachfront resort has floodlit the break for night surfing.
Watching from the beach, the wave peels with speed and power, and the black sand contrasts with the white water. The area around the break remains rural, with rice fields and villages inland. Early mornings are the best time to see the wave at its cleanest, before the wind picks up. On bigger days, a small crowd gathers on the sand to watch the best surfers pull into the barrel.
Highlights
- Powerful right-hand reef break
- Former WSL Championship Tour venue
- Black-sand beach
- Night surfing under floodlights
Good to know
- Surf Keramas only if you are an experienced reef surfer.
- Watch from the beach early in the morning for the best conditions.
- Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and reef.
On the map
Bali 2027 Travel Guide
The complete island guide: where to go, how to get around, what to avoid, health and safety, and the phrases that open doors.