West Bali
I only really visited one place in West Bali, and I went
there for the surfing. Most people are just good enough at surfing to get
themselves in a lot of trouble in Bali. Most breaks you have to be a pretty
competent and physically fit surfer who is on his game. If you are just OK,
head to Medewi Beach. It’s a fairly mellow (maybe not by UK standards but by
Bali standards) left hand point break off a rocky outcrop. It can link up and
give you a long ride and if you are a long boarder, this is the place to be.
You can hire boards from Pee Pee the ding doctor, he has a
little shack on the beach. But be warned, I snapped a leash out there, so could
you. If you don’t take a board, take your own leash and cords at least. You can
also hire a moped from Pappa Zou. You will find him by his wife’s massage
station on the beach.
This is Pee Pee |
There isn’t really much of a beach to speak of here, its all
large stones. But there is a really cool little warung that does amazing food,
a little restaurant at the top of the road with a pet monkey called micky, and
one or two basic hotels. You can stay above the warung (no aircon) during the
wet season for as little as £3.50 a night.
It might not look much but the coffee is good, the food is amazing, company is good, and the prices are peanuts. |
Check out Kirras bungalow. Its run by a friend of mine
called Dewa. It’s a lovely little pad in the middle of the rice fields with a
sea view if you want some comfort. He runs the Medewi Beach website on
facebook, check him out.
the view from Kirra's |
Medewi, unlike most of Bali, is a small Muslim community.
But it has a relaxed and chilled out vibe because its really only surf orientated.
You will be expected to buy a Medewi t-shirt., the locals sell them and say it
supports the little local surf club. By one. Its their break really, and a
t-shirt is a small price to pay to get some mellow waves in boardies. The good will also goes a long way with the
local lads.
So if you want to surf, or you just want two days chilled
out in the middle of rice fields reading a book, hit Medewi. Otherwise, I would
probably miss it out.