Serangan (Turtle Island) is a wet-season, westerly-wind spot. Several peaks on a large coral reef that work consistently and at almost any tide. One of Bali's most popular winter spots — surfers from all over the island come here. With so many peaks there's room for everyone, and the vibe is friendlier than at Keramas or Sanur.
Peaks & waves
Serangan isn't a single break but 5–6 peaks that shift around with the tide. Three main ones: the left peak — lefts and rights, fewer people, works really well on the outgoing tide on a big swell; the middle — the best right, the main size, the most people; the right — a smaller right, where students are often taken. At low tide the wave becomes fast with barrelling sections; at high tide it's soft walls for turns. Mid tide is the sweet spot. On a good swell the middle peak gives an excellent right that can barrel on the right tide.
Conditions & tips
You can only reach the lineup by boat — the Serangan shore is a closed-off area. The main departure points: Benoa (the main one), Mertasari (Sanur) and Sanur Surf School. Boats run from 7 am, from 6 if you arrange it in advance. The cost is 110–150 thousand rupiah per person. There are no boats to Serangan from Nusa Dua. Bring water, wax and a snack — there's been no infrastructure on the island since 2018, when the area was privatised and the warungs removed. The currents can be very strong — keep track of your position using landmarks on shore. There's a channel to the left of the lineup, but on a big swell it virtually closes out — the inside turns into non-stop head-high whitewater, and getting out can take 30–40 minutes. The reef is sharp and live, and at low tide sea urchins sit in the holes — be careful on the way in. In winter the middle peak can get genuinely packed — come early.
Since October 2025 the Serangan Boardriders Club rules have been in force at Serangan. Beginners, surf schools and longboarders are not allowed to surf the main peak — the side peaks are set aside for them. Schools operate on the left. Locals chase offenders off the main peak.
Hazards: sharp reef, sea urchins at low tide, strong currents, jellyfish (especially December–February), very crowded in winter
Max swell: double overhead
