Surf camp, in its most basic definition, is a camp for surfers. It’s not actually camping as in a tent (though some accommodation offer “glamping—glamour camping” tent for surfers), but mostly like a dorm hotel infused with surf vibes and facilities. Surf camp is where surfers from any part of the world gather to sleep, learn surf together with certified instructor, and shares likeminded ideas. It’s one of the most fun and cost-efficient way to spend a surfing holiday. Here in Bali, surf camp is popular—though it fall to one of the niche of tourism industry. If you are thinking of having a surf holiday in this Island of Gods and stay at surf camp, here are some essential information you would want to know.
Surf Camp in Bali Does Look Like A Villa
Yep. Aside from having surf board and other surf equipments, surf camp Bali typically looks like your regular holiday villa with modern rustic interior, lush gardens, and swimming pool. Of course, there are several options of rooms to choose. You could either choose private accommodation with king size bed, ensuite bathrooms, and private balcony, go for twin beds share room, or stay at four to six beds dorm.
However, you need to get extra thorough while choosing a surf camp in Bali, especially if you are looking through general online listing. Some regular villa label themselves as a surf camp just to attract more visitor, without actually provide appropriate surfing equipments. Always check whether they list surf board rental and certified surf instructor on their facility.
Not As Much Choices As Spain or Portugal
Do not mistaken. Bali has ABUNDANT of accommodation. Hotel, villa, resort, dorm, you name it. But if you compare to Spain and Portugal where the surfing culture is more prominent, you might find less option of surf camp in Bali. As Portugal’s main attraction if the surfing itself, it’s not a wonder to find surfing-oriented accommodation blooms in the country. After all, you can say that surfing is one of the centre of Portugal’s mass tourism.
Bali, in the other side, is a popular destination for holiday in general. The island has so much to offer—tour to temples and ancient heritage, cultural excursion, beaches just for relax and fun, UNESCO worthy rice terraces, lush jungles adventures, and many others. In short, Bali has very wide range of attraction and more generic travelers who come to the island. Surfing tribes, while greatly influential, are just one slice of the bigger pie in Bali’s tourism industry.
More on Surf Stories:
Learn to Surf Holidays: Great Travel You Think You’ll Never Need
The Best Surf Camp in Morocco Located Close to Western Sahara
Some Surf School in Bali Has No Accommodation
Be extra careful while choosing between surf school and surf camp in Bali. They could be different! While all surf camps are guaranteed to have bed and breakfast accommodation (plus additional yoga/ other classes in the package), some surf school stick to just that. These surf schools offer half to full day programme to learn surf without needing you to sleep at their premises. You can just stay at whichever hotel/ villa that you like and sign up for the program. This is perfect for a digital nomad that has settled in their own villa, someone who’s travelling with a non-surfer family/ companion, or someone who just want to give surfing a try.
