Padang Padang Surf Camp - Frequently asked questions
Surf:
Bali is one of the most consistent surfing destinations in
the world. It is possible to get rideable waves 365 days a year.
Airport:
The closest airport is Denpasar international airport (DPS) which is
20-30 minutes drive from surf camp. Airport transfers are included if
you stay minimum 1 week or additional cost for shorter stays. You will
be met outside international arrival terminal by someone holding a sign
Padang Padang Surf Camp.
Flights and Visas:
We do not arrange flights. You need to arrange your own flight either
directly with airline, a travel website or a travel agent.
Visitors from most countries can get a 30 day tourist visa on arrival
for 25 US$. A 60 day visa is applicable if your nationality does not
allow you to get a visa on arrival, or you want to stay more than 30
days.
Currency:
Indonesia Rupiah is the currency in Bali and it is approximately 9,000
IDR to 1 US$. You can change money at the airport or in Kuta which offers
a better exchange rate. There are ATM machines in airport and towns
but the nearest one to surf camp is about 15 minutes drive.
Weather:
Air: Bali has a mild and agreeable tropical climate the whole year round.
Average day time air temperatures is 28C°/82F° to 29C°/84F°.
There is always a cooling breeze at Padang Padang Surf Camp and it is
not stifling hot.
Water:
The water temperatures varies between range from 27C°/81F° to
29C°/84F°. You can wear boardshorts all year.
Clothing:
Shorts, T-shirts and flip flops are the norm. It's hot in the day and
people tend to dress casually and comfortably. Trousers and shirt may
be worn in evening going out, but again shorts and t-shirts are acceptable.
Mobile Phones:
Most international networks work in Bali. The most practical and economic
option is to buy a local SIM card from shop near surf camp and put this
in your phone.
Public Phones:
There are a number of Wartel's (private phone booths) that you can use
for local and international calls.
Internet:
The Surf Camp has WiFi hot spot that allows you to connect your laptop
from anywhere.There are also 2 Internet cafes within walking distance
of the surf camp.
Shopping/nightlife:
There is great shopping and nightlife in Kuta which is about 40 minues
from surf camp.
Food:
Food in Bali is very tasty with a great variety of both western and
eastern food. Seafood is particularly good. The surf camp package includes
breakfast & lunch at surf camp (typically western food but some
local dishes). For dinner we will usually take guests to local restaurants
(Thai, Mexican, Indonesian, Western) or have a fish barbeque at surf
camp.
Water:
The local tap water should not be drunk. We provide drinking water ree
at surf camp.
Location:
We are within easy walk of bingin village and local shops and internet
cafe. Padang Padang beach, Impossibles and Bingin beach are less than
1 mile away. Dreamland is about 2 miles away, Ulutwatu is about 3 miles
away. A variety of world class breaks are very close to the surf camp
and there is a choice of white sand beaches. Location
bali surf camp.
Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are required to enter Bali, and Bali is considered safe
from Malaria. Medical facilities are quite good but comprehensive travel
insurance is a requirement.
Culture:
The monkey dance at Uluwatu temple is unmissable. Ask the staff at the
surf camp to take you so see the sunset show - you will not be disappointed.
Ceremonies are performed for every new moon, full moon and various other
occasions. Bali is the land of the Gods and ceremonies. If you want
to see a ceremony ask the staff what ceremonies are scheduled during
your stay.
Transport:
You will be arranged in groups according to ability and be transported
to the surf breaks from morning to sun down. In the evening we will
provide transport to local restaurants or arrange a taxi to take you
to town (Kuta).
Surf guide:
Your surf guide will be knowledgeable of the local breaks and the best
times to surf them depending on conditions - swell, tide & winds.
Your surf guide will advise you on where to enter and exit the water,
rips etc and will usually surf with you but is not expected to teach
or supervise your surfing.
Surf lessons:
Your surf instructor will be knowledgeable of the local breaks and the
best times to surf them depending on conditions - swell, tide &
winds. He will arrange the best times with you every day to go to the
most suitable surf beach. He will supervise you in the water and instruct
you how to lie on and paddle the board, catch waves, stand up and ride.
He will also advise you on rips and determine when and where is safe
to surf.
Surf lessons cost 150 Euros per week (in addition to cost of accomodation)
and includes board rental. Surf lessons are daily - typically twice
a day. There is no fixed duration but each session is usually about
1.5 hours. The defining factors are tide, swell and your level of fitness.
Surf equipment:
All surf equipment is included if you book surf lessons (surfboard,
rash vest, leash). Otherwise we rent surfboards for 50 Euros per week.
We have shortboards, mini-mal's and longboards.
Surf Shops:
There are a few surf shops in Uluwatu which is near the surf camp. Kuta
has a very large selection of surf shops where you can buy new and second
hand boards, surf clothes from leading brands and all surfing equipment
you would expect.
Average age at surf camp:
There is no average age. Each week different guests arrive so impossible
to predict the average age in advance. Most people who stay here are
professionals in their twenties, thirties or forties but we get people
of all age and the "average age" varies week to week.
