Bali 2022 – Back to the Island of the Gods
Visitors finally returned to the island paradise in July after a long absence. Those that were here, were blessed with consistent swells and excellent conditions throughout the surf season.
Images and Words: Jenni Meulet
With international travel back on the agenda, there has been no shortage of visitors to Bali.
After a tentative start when borders reopened in June with travel restrictions easing into Indonesia, visitors returned to the island paradise in July after a long absence. Those that were here, were blessed with consistent swells and excellent conditions throughout the surf season.
The transition to the dry season conditions was later than usual. There were plenty of small to medium sized days across the Bukit Peninsula, with reliable SE off-shore trade winds. But you had to be out there early to score the best conditions.
Things really kicked off in July with solid swell and there were plenty of clean lines across the beaches in the Uluwatu area.
Uluwatu
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We were greeted with light morning winds, better conditions, and an increase in swell by the start of August. Surfers were rewarded with lots of medium to solid days at the Bukit’s best breaks. Waves could be found everywhere.
August also saw the return of the Padang Padang Cup after a long hiatus for 2 years. Competitors and spectators were blessed with standout conditions early in the contest waiting period. Sixteen of the world’s best barrel riders, including our very own guest Shane Dorian, put on an epic display of barrel riding in some of the heaviest swell to arrive this year.
Padang Padang
Ripcul Padang Padang Cup – Shane Dorian
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Towards the end of the month, we finally saw the biggest day of the year so far – with Uluwatu, outside corner and the bombie lighting up and Padang Padang firing for the experienced surfers.
September saw the return of the “classic” dry season conditions – plenty of sunshine, clean swells, mild temperatures.
The swell just didn’t relent with medium to large size waves across the Bukit Peninsula for the entire month. With the lighter winds all breaks were surfable with great conditions.
The rest of the year looks promising. As we transition into the end of year, the seasons have started to shift. We start to focus on the “other side” of the Bukit, the old favourites – Nyang Nyang and Green Bowl, plus a few lesser know spots away from the crowds.
Shane Dorian x Hidden Valley by S-Resorts
The Hidden Valley by S-Resorts team were thrilled to host Perfect Wave ambassador Shane Dorian and his family – Lisa, Jackson and Charlie – on an extended stay in Bali this year. Shane and Jackson enjoyed surfing across the island with the guidance of our resident Surf Guides. They headed off at the perfect time each day for the conditions to score some pumping waves on both the East and West Coast of Bali. The swell was calling mid-stay in Sumbawa, so the boys headed on a strike mission to score some waves. Lisa and Charlie stayed in Bali at the resort, and made the most of their time here, relaxing, shopping, enjoying spa treatments and working out in the on-site fitness centre.
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A few words from The Dorian Family….
Jackson:
I was stoked to be staying at S-Resorts Bali – close to the waves, food is great and will be coming back in the future.
Shane:
I was looking for an awesome family vacation and S-Resorts Bali ticked all the boxes.
Lisa and Charlie could go out shopping and see the rest of Bali, whilst Jackson and I headed out surfing every day. The location of the resort is perfect – centrally located, close to all the best breaks in the Uluwatu area. The surf guides were amazing, making sure we got to the surf at the right time, on the right swell, and for the best conditions. The food was incredible, the rooms are really nice, the functional fitness centre incredible and the service is insane. I also had the opportunity to do some deep-water training in the swimming pool to enhance my training. We are definitely coming back!
Lisa:
We loved our stay at S-Resorts Bali. My family and I stayed here for 3 weeks, and it has been a really great experience. The waves around the resort are close. The surf guides, fitness facilities and food were incredible.
My daughter and I felt safe for my husband and son to go strike missions for waves. It has been a great family environment for us. I highly recommend the resort and anywhere the Managers, Rich and Jen are as they welcome you like family straight away. We just had the greatest time, it has just been wonderful. We will always come back the Hidden Valley by S-Resorts when we are in Bali.
Nestled in the heart of the Bukit Peninsula, Hidden Valley Bali by S-Resorts is perfectly located for exploring the best of Uluwatu and beyond. The resort has been fully operational since reopening in June this year and after extensive renovations to the main resort complex and resort rooms, is looking better than ever. The well loved Lumbung Village is currently being fully renovated as we speak and will be open for guests from November, just in time for Christmas Holidays in Bali.
Hidden Valley Bali by S-Resorts is offering some bonus inclusions for new bookings from now until 15 November. So, if you are wanting to score some epic off-season waves, enjoy daily yoga, work out in the functional fitness centre, eat epic food and relax in the day spa, stop dreaming and start planning!
Book 5 nights or more at Hidden Valley by S-Resorts and receive the following bonuses:
- Complimentary 60-minute Balinese Massage per person
- Welcome drink on arrival (Selection of local beer, local wine or soft drink)
- Buy 2 Surf Lessons or Guiding Sessions and receive 1 Free
- Valid for stays from now until 31 March 2023.
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