Overview
Padang Bai is a rare right-hand pointbreak that needs almost everything to line up before it breaks well. When it does, the wave peels along a rocky, uneven reef tucked inside a natural harbour, running as far as 150m off the headland. The same bay serves as the port for the Lombok ferry, and the harbour water is dirty from sewage and shipping.
When It Works
Big south swells are what bring this point to life, wrapping around the headland before peeling down the reef. It draws swell from south through southwest, with south the best match. The size works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Waves here are somewhat inconsistent, so genuinely good days are rare and worth pouncing on when they arrive.
Wind and Tide
This point wants west offshore wind, which is a big part of why it so rarely fires: those winds are unlikely during the off-season when the biggest swells show up. Mid tide is best, and a rising tide is the better call, which is also when the wave peels its full length.
Local Tips
The wave suits intermediate surfers, and you can expect a moderately busy lineup on the rare occasions it works.
Access
Reaching Padang Bai means a long drive from the Bukit, and the bay doubles as the Lombok ferry port. There are restrooms on hand, and parking is free both roadside and nearby. Just be aware the harbour water quality is poor.
