The Ultimate Guide to Surfing Bingin

Bingin is the perfect wave machine, located less than 1km from Padang Padang Surf Camp. If you cannot get barrelled at Bingin, you cannot get barrelled anywhere — it is one of the most fun waves in the world and the easiest barrel on the Bukit Peninsula.

This surf spot is lesser known than Padang Padang Lefts but just as perfect — and more consistent, as it does not need such a big swell to work. Bingin is an advanced-level surf spot but is suitable for intermediates on small swells at mid to high tide, and there is even a section suitable for beginners at high tide.

Understanding the Bingin Wave

Bingin picks up less swell than Uluwatu and Balangan. Uluwatu needs to be at least head and a half high for Bingin to be worth considering. On a WSW swell Bingin is almost the same size as Uluwatu, but a SSW swell will mostly run past Bingin as it faces northwest. As our Island of the Gods surf guide explains, 99% of Bali groundswells arrive from the 195°–225° window — the more southerly end of that range is less favourable for Bingin due to its northwest-facing orientation.

Bingin is a machine-type wave that throws barrels and never closes out before the Greedies section. It attracts top local surfers and surfers from all over the world looking for their first barrel or their ten-thousandth. The take-off is all about being in the right position and the wave is a touch shifty — too far on the shoulder and you will miss it; too deep and you will not make the first section. The wave does not usually barrel on take-off. After the first section there is usually a barrel section or a lip to hit, so the take-off is really about setting up for what comes next.

The wave is usually a barrel and top turn, or two top turns — three if you are quick enough. It is a short, intense wave, but there is sometimes a second barrel section, and it can be a long ride if you get past the Greedies section. Normally only local surfers pick these waves off and make it past Greedies.

The set waves come in very fast out of deep water and can move directly toward the shore or shift to the left. If you take off deep the wave is very steep, shallow and serious. Two metres to the shoulder makes the take-off much easier and more forgiving.

Bingin is always smaller than Uluwatu because it is less exposed to the swell. On a SSW swell Bingin is around 2 foot smaller than Uluwatu; on a WSW swell only about 1 foot smaller. Uluwatu needs to be double overhead for Bingin to be the perfect size — head high to head and a half. Any bigger and the wave gets fat, stops barrelling, and the current becomes very strong.

When Bingin is too big, Impossibles or Padang Padang Lefts are the options — both will be bigger than Bingin but hold a big swell better. On tiny days there will still always be someone out at Bingin, partly because so many people stay nearby. There is always a rideable wave but on small days the wait between sets is long and Uluwatu will offer more size, power and consistency.

Bingin at Different Tides

Bingin breaks at all tides but the experience varies significantly.

Low tide — the wave comes in very fast out of deep water, feels the reef abruptly, and the lip throws a barrel. Not many people surf it at low tide as it is dangerously shallow and the ride is short. Insider tip: make sure you take off at an angle — the wave is very steep at low tide and you will lose your line if you try to bottom turn.

Mid tide — Bingin is at its best. This is also the most popular time to surf it, so expect a crowd.

High tide — still excellent if the swell is big enough to break in deeper water. The ride is longer as you can take off deeper, but the current gets progressively stronger and there is a lot of water running down from Impossibles that will tire you out. The wave is harder to catch at high tide.

The Best Time to Surf Bingin

You will never surf Bingin alone unless the conditions are truly awful — even paddling out in the dark will not get you an empty lineup.

First light does not usually offer the best conditions as Bingin needs an established offshore wind to break well. Early morning can have some morning sickness with a current running down from Impossibles affecting wave quality. Mid-morning can be a good window when the dawn patrol crew comes in for breakfast — you will often find a 30–60 minute window when it quietens down considerably.

Afternoons are popular with local surfers, who dominate the lineup as they read the wave so well and manoeuvre into the perfect spot. Bingin holds the afternoon SE trade winds better than any other spot on the Bukit, due to the high cliffs and the proximity of the break to the shoreline. Some local surfers prefer an easterly wind as it blows directly into the barrel and holds it open.

If you want a top-quality set wave you will need to be patient — and be seen to be patient. Bingin is the type of wave where everyone knows everyone and there is an established pecking order. Local surfers are usually very selective and happy to let second-quality waves go. Those second-quality waves are still excellent and can barrel. Any wave at Bingin is a blast.

You can avoid the local surfers by surfing at low tide but beware of the risks involved. If Bingin is too small, Uluwatu or Balangan are good options — you can walk from Bingin to Balangan at low tide. If Bingin is too big to barrel, that is the perfect size swell for Padang Padang Lefts.

Dangers of Surfing Bingin

Getting to the lineup is dangerous, particularly on bigger days with a strong current. The quickest route is to the south of the break, but waves dump hard onto the reef here so timing is critical. On bigger days the current will sweep you into the take-off zone, so start your paddle out well south of the break. You can enter from the Dreamland side but you will be paddling against the current.

Taking off too deep puts you in knee-high water over sharp reef. Riding the wave too far brings you into Greedies — named after surfers who do not kick out when they should. It may look tempting to attempt a floater, but no one makes it: the wave breaks hard on dry rock. If you find yourself in the Greedies section, do not try to ride or jump over the wave — it will pull you back in and you will hit the reef. Stay low and push through the bottom of the wave. Goofy footers find this slightly easier.

The five main dangers at Bingin: entering the water, taking off too deep, riding the wave too far, exiting the water, and low tide. All can be managed by timing your session correctly and knowing the break well.

How to Enter and Exit the Water at Bingin

Enter the water 20–30 metres to the left of the take-off spot. On bigger days extend this to 50 metres — the current is strong and you do not want to be dragged onto the take-off spot. Look toward Impossibles and wait for a gap in the sets before committing. At high tide the current makes timing harder to control.

Insider tip: when paddling over a whitewater wave, paddle hard to maintain speed and try to get under the next wave quickly. When past the shallow breaking section the current will carry you directly to the take-off spot.

Exiting the water between sets is strongly advised. It is very difficult to exit at the end of a ride if a set is behind you — the current takes you toward Greedies and the following waves can push you onto dry reef. Always exit in a lull.

Can Beginners Surf Bingin?

There is a right-hander from the main Bingin peak at high tide, and inside this right-hander the water rolls gently when the tide is high enough and the swell is small. It is surfable by beginners, but due to the reef and current there is some risk of injury. A qualified local surf instructor is essential to assess conditions and provide safety in the water. Book a surf lesson with us and we will assess conditions on the day.

Can Intermediate Surfers Surf Bingin?

The right-hander can be surfed by intermediate surfers but it is a short ride. On a small swell the main peak can be attempted by competent intermediates, but it is a fast and challenging take-off and always crowded with advanced surfers. A better option for intermediates is Bingin Rights, which breaks in deeper water and is always smaller than the main peak. Join our intermediate surf program and we will guide you to the right section for your level.

Other Sections at Bingin

Mini-Pipeline sits just after the Greedies section. At high tide on a bigger swell this section is popular with groms — it barrels on take-off and is a fast, short, intense ride. If Bingin is too big or too crowded, mini-pipeline is always smaller and less crowded.

Bingin Rights — between Bingin and Dreamland, this break is perfect for intermediates as it breaks in a defined spot at a measured speed. It is a low-tide break and a good option when Bingin and Dreamland are too big. The wave bowls against the swell direction due to a deep water channel speeding the wave up. Head-high waves are fat with a short ride, but around head and a half it can be very good. Easy paddle-out via the channel, manageable current.

How to Access Bingin

In September 2025 all beach accommodation and cafes were cleared by the government. Access to the beach and parking area have changed. The wave remains exactly the same but the immediate surroundings are different for those who remember Bingin as it was. We have made a video showing the new beach access.

Where to Stay Near Bingin

The two classic options are Mick’s Place and Mu Bungalows. Both have great views of the surf and are run by expat surfers who have been here for decades. Mick knows and surfs Bingin as well as any local; Jerome of Mu Bungalows prefers big Impossibles. For a locally run option with the same view, Kembang Kuning is worth considering. All beach accommodation was cleared in 2025 so all remaining options are on top of the cliff or inland.

For full access to every surf break in the area with expert daily guidance, stay at Padang Padang Surf Camp — less than 1km from Bingin and within 15 minutes of every break on the Bukit Peninsula.

Where to Eat Near Bingin

Kelly’s Warung, Digi and the other classic beach spots are gone — all cleared in 2025. There are still excellent options above the cliff. We highly recommend Abaracadabra, though you will need to book well in advance. Cashew Tree has very good food — the owner is a local Bingin surfer and fisherman so the fish is always fresh.

What to Do at Bingin for Non-Surfers

Bingin beach remains a beautiful spot to spend the day, particularly at sunset when the beachside warungs fill up. Since the pandemic Bingin has grown rapidly from a small village into a small town with a great variety of gyms, Muay Thai and boxing studios, and yoga and Pilates options.

Get Barrelled at Bingin with Expert Coaching

Bingin is less than 1km from Padang Padang Surf Camp and our guides surf it daily. We run dedicated barrel riding coaching sessions at Bingin using video analysis to show you exactly where your positioning, take-off angle or stall technique is breaking down. Ready to get barrelled? Book advanced surf guiding with our team, or book a coaching session directly.

Download our free PDF guide to all 73 Bali surf spots — including every section of Bingin explained with local knowledge.