About Medewi

Medewi sits on Bali's remote west coast, about 2.5 hours from Denpasar through rural countryside and traditional villages. This legendary surf spot is famous for having one of the world's longest left-hand waves, breaking over a rocky reef and offering rides that can last for several minutes when conditions are right. The area is super undeveloped with just a handful of basic accommodations and local warungs serving the small community of serious surfers who make the journey here.

Temperatures stay around 28-30°C (82-86°F) with strong ocean breezes since you're on an exposed coastline facing the Indian Ocean. What makes Medewi special is how raw and authentic it feels - this is pure surf culture without any commercialization. You'll see traditional fishing boats, local farmers working fields right behind the beach, and village life that continues completely separate from the handful of traveling surfers.

The black volcanic sand beach stretches for kilometers with coconut palms and rice fields as the backdrop. The wave itself is the main attraction - a long, peeling left that's perfect for longboarding and can handle surfers of different skill levels depending on the size. The community here is tight-knit with surfers, locals, and a few yoga enthusiasts who appreciate the peaceful, off-the-beaten-path location.

Highlights of Medewi

The Medewi wave is absolutely legendary among longboarders - when conditions are right, you can ride for 200-300 meters on a single wave, making it one of the longest lefts in the world. The wave works best during dry season swells and can accommodate multiple surfers since the ride is so long. Surf lessons are available for 200,000-250,000 IDR ($14-18) with local instructors who know the reef intimately.

The sunsets here are incredible since you're facing west over completely undeveloped coastline with just coconut palms and traditional villages as the backdrop. The local fishing culture is authentic - you'll see traditional boats and nets, and can join evening fishing trips with villagers. Rice paddies stretch right to the beach creating amazing photo opportunities of traditional farming with the ocean backdrop. The nearby Jatiluwih rice terraces (UNESCO World Heritage site) are about 45 minutes inland and offer some of Bali's most spectacular agricultural landscapes.

Travel tips for Medewi

Rent a reliable scooter or car since the journey is long and roads can be challenging in rural areas
Bring all the cash you'll need since there are no ATMs and virtually no card acceptance
Pack everything you might need including snacks, toiletries, and any specific items since shopping is extremely limited
Download offline maps and entertainment since WiFi is spotty and cell service can be weak
Book accommodation in advance since options are very limited and fill up during good swell periods
Bring a first aid kit since you're far from medical facilities and the reef can be sharp

Location & map

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Medewi

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Things to do in Medewi

Surf the world-famous left-hand point break that offers some of the longest rides you'll find anywhere.
Watch incredible sunsets from completely undeveloped coastline with traditional village backdrop.
Explore traditional fishing villages and learn about local maritime culture that's unchanged for generations.
Visit nearby Jatiluwih rice terraces for UNESCO World Heritage agricultural landscapes about 45 minutes inland.
Try authentic village cuisine at simple warungs serving fresh fish and traditional Balinese dishes.
Join local fishing trips using traditional boats and methods with village fishermen.
Take photography tours of rural Bali life including farming, fishing, and traditional village activities.
Practice yoga on the beach or in rice fields with some of Bali's most peaceful natural settings.

Best time to visit Medewi

April through September brings the most consistent surf conditions with regular Indian Ocean swells that light up the Medewi point break. The dry season means better road conditions for the long journey and more reliable access to this remote location. During peak surf season (June-August), the wave can work almost daily with offshore winds cleaning it up.

Early morning (6-8 AM) offers the best surf conditions before afternoon winds affect the wave quality and consistency. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) provides incredible sunset sessions both for surfing and photography. Since this area is so remote, crowds are rarely an issue regardless of the day or season.

Rainy season (October-March) can bring inconsistent surf and challenging road conditions, especially during heavy rains when rural roads become muddy. However, you'll have even more solitude and the few accommodation options offer better rates. The wave still works during bigger winter swells, but access and conditions can be more challenging. If you're flexible with surf conditions and comfortable with basic amenities, this period offers the most authentic local experience.