The Ultimate Guide To Surfing Honeymoon

Honeymoon, also known as Jump Off, is a beautiful but high-consequence spot located on the far western edge of Jimbaran Bay near the Ayana resort. While it remains a lesser-known surf spot because of its secluded location, it is far from a secret, as the tight lineup is often packed with surf-school students.

The spot acquired its romantic name from its secluded, beautiful setting. It functions as a crucial refuge when the world-class spots of the Uluwatu area become too large to surf. While not comparable in quality to the endless barrels of Uluwatu or Bingin, Honeymoon is one of the very few options, along with Toro Toro, that intermediate surfers can rely on when the Indian Ocean sends a massive dry-season swell. Knowing when Honeymoon is worth the risk versus when to stay away starts with reading the swell correctly — our free PDF guide to all 73 Bali surf spots covers Jimbaran’s breaks and every other wave in Bali, mapped to the right tide, swell and wind.

Understanding the Honeymoon wave

Honeymoon is a wave that needs a very big swell to break. Since it sits sheltered from the full, raw force of the open Indian Ocean swell, the wave quality can sometimes be lower than expected for a Bali surf trip, which is why it is often described as a “novelty wave”. The ride usually runs quite mushy until it reaches the shallow water on the inside, where it pitches again before quickly fading out in deep water. The break features three distinct take-off zones, catering to different skill levels.

On the biggest swells, you can catch the wave about 30 metres further out to sea at the outer peak. The wave moves very fast in deep water here, and the take-off is incredibly difficult, jacking up and breaking quickly — this long ride is strictly for advanced and expert surfers. The primary peak is the most popular take-off point, located very close to the infamous jump-off rock. It looks intimidating as the wave jacks up quickly and breaks right next to the rock, though it is surprisingly less dangerous than it looks, since the wave does not push you towards the cliff; it is tricky, though, due to the bounce off the rock and the fierce competition from those sitting closest to the cliff. About 20 metres inside the main peak sits the intermediate peak, where you will find slower, softer-breaking waves — the ideal zone for intermediate surfers looking for fun, turnable sections.

Best time and conditions at Honeymoon

This spot needs a big swell to work, functioning as a refuge when world-class spots like Uluwatu are too big for comfort. Honeymoon is primarily a low-tide break, though it will also break at mid-tide on the very biggest swells. Crucially, do not attempt to jump off the cliff at low tide, as the water is shallow and exposes hidden rocks.

Safety and dangers at Honeymoon

Safety is paramount, and this spot presents unique and serious hazards that must be respected. Entering the water by jumping off the cliff directly into the take-off zone is dangerous and strongly discouraged. At low tide, hidden rocks make a serious injury a real risk, and while mid-tide is relatively safer, it is not without risk. If you choose this access, always throw your board in first, or if jumping with your board, hold your leash to ensure it does not snag on the rocks below.

When paddling for the wave next to the main rock, the current runs strongly against you. It not only feels like you are not moving, but often you literally are not, making the take-off extremely difficult and competitive. Because this spot is a go-to hideaway when the swell is huge, the lineup is often tight and very crowded, leading to many collisions. Due to its isolated location, the parking area can also be a target for car thieves, so never leave any valuables in your vehicle.

Access to Honeymoon

While the jump-off method is famous (and the subject of plenty of videos on TikTok), it is entirely unnecessary and risky. The safest way to enter the water is to walk a short distance down to the nearby beach, which serves as both the entry point for cautious people and the designated exit point for all surfers.

If you do attempt the jump-off method, be aware that you risk serious injury or losing your board to a stray wave. We recommend throwing your board in first, waiting for a lull, and then jumping in safely.

Can beginners surf Honeymoon?

No. Honeymoon is not suitable for beginners under any circumstances. The difficulty of safely getting in and out of the water, the strength and quick-jacking nature of the wave, and the strong counter-current near the take-off zone make this a hostile environment for learning. Beginners should focus on safer breaks like the gentle waves at Baby Padang.

Can intermediates surf Honeymoon?

Yes, when the swell is up and you sit on the inside peak. On a day when the swell is running, intermediates can enjoy the slower, softer-breaking waves at the inside take-off point, about 20 metres from the cliff. If you make the difficult take-off, the wave can be quite long. Given the packed conditions, difficult entry and exit, and strong currents, though, we highly recommend intermediates join our intermediate surf sessions with local guides who know exactly how to manage the current and lineup etiquette.

Local amenities near Honeymoon

Honeymoon is located right next to Locca Sea House, a mellow beach club with a great view of Jimbaran Bay. Nearby is the Ayana resort complex, giving you access to five-star facilities and dining just a short distance away. The Ayana Resort and the Four Seasons Hotel both offer luxury accommodation close by, and the famous Rock Bar at the Ayana is perched on a cliff overlooking Jimbaran Bay, providing one of the most unique and stunning sunset spots in Bali.

Is Honeymoon worth surfing?

Honeymoon is not a wave for the true Bali surf hunter who seeks out the biggest, most adventurous breaks. Instead, it is a crucial, last-resort option for those who genuinely want to surf but find the waves too big and powerful everywhere else. It is the wave you surf when you do not want to challenge double-overhead Bingin or Uluwatu. Even as a refuge, though, the wave is tricky: the combination of the quick-jacking take-off, the strong current, and the dense crowd makes it high-consequence. To safely navigate the tight lineup, manage the currents, and avoid serious injury on the rocks, join our Uluwatu surf camp and let our local team get you out there safely on the right day.