Overview
Padang Padang is the benchmark Bali barrel machine, a short left reef tucked into the peninsula below the cliffs and home to some of the best lefts on the planet. The ride is only around 50 metres, but it packs plenty in: a pitching lip take-off sets up a perfectly cylindrical wall that tempts experts to stand on the tail and see how deep they can push it. As the barrel draws more water off the shallow dead coral, the intensity ramps up and forces a flat-out speed run to reach the exit before the wave runs out of water.
When It Works
This is a wave that needs major swell to come alive. It draws swell from south to southwest (S-SW), with southwest (SW) the best match, and works from 1.8 m / 6 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft. Until a proper pulse arrives, the reef stays quiet.
Wind and Tide
Sitting below the cliffs on the peninsula, Padang Padang is sheltered enough that the southeast trades blow dead offshore, making southeast (SE) the wind to look for. It comes into its own on mid and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call. Low tide gets really sketchy, though there tends to be someone out there willing to risk their skin anyway.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave and a genuine bear pit when it breaks, drawing the biggest and best from the local, expat and tourist crowds. Expect mayhem in the lineup, with drop-ins, snaking and plenty of glorious wipe-outs. On a good day only the lucky experts come away with real scraps, so paddle out with respect.
Access
There is a surf shop and camping nearby, along with a car park offering free parking.
