Reviewed · KUTA TOURS

Group surf lesson by Malu Surf Bali

★ 5.0 · 4 reviews From $20 Operated by Malu Surf Bali · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Kuta is one of Bali’s easiest places to try surfing, and Malu Surf Bali keeps the first lesson simple: a little beach theory, a lot of coached practice, and a second chance to catch a wave before you call it a day. You spend about two hours at the beach, not in a classroom.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which gives an instructor a fair chance to watch your stance and help you correct it. I also like that the $20 price includes the board, surfing suit, rashguard, instructor, and bonus surf photos, so you do not need to rent the basic gear separately.

The main thing to consider is the lack of drinks and showers. If you are staying in Canggu, allow roughly 35 to 40 minutes by bike to reach Kuta, and remember that traffic can affect your timing.

Key points before you book

  • Two 45-minute surf sessions: You get a first coached session, a 15-minute break, then a second chance in the water.
  • Beginner-friendly Kuta location: The lesson takes place at Kuta Beach, described as one of Bali’s best spots for first-time surfers.
  • Equipment is included: Your board, surfing suit, rashguard, and instructor are covered in the $20 price.
  • Photos may be available: Ask your instructor about the bonus surf photos during the session.
  • Groups are capped at 10: A light booking period may turn your lesson into a private or semi-private experience.
  • No drinks or showers: Bring your own water and plan where you will rinse off afterward.

Why Kuta works well for a first surf lesson

Group surf lesson by Malu Surf Bali - Why Kuta works well for a first surf lesson

Kuta is a practical starting point for surfing in Bali. The beach is well known as a beginner surf spot, and Malu Surf Bali operates directly on Kuta Beach at Jl. Pantai Kuta in Legian, Kuta. That keeps the experience focused. You do not need a boat, a long transfer, or prior surf skills.

For a first lesson, the setting matters. You need time to learn how to handle the board, understand basic beach conditions, and get comfortable standing up. Kuta gives the instructor a beach-based setting for that introduction, with the water session beginning close to the meeting point.

I would choose this lesson if you want to try surfing during a short Bali stay. It fits more easily into a day than a full surf camp, and the two-session format gives you a useful reset halfway through. You are not asked to master the sport in one morning. You are being given a clear first taste.

The meeting point is also the ending point. That is handy if you have plans afterward, though you should leave room for changing and drying off since showers are not included.

More hands-on workshops in Kuta:

The first 15 minutes: beach theory before the water

The lesson begins with about 15 minutes of beach theory. This is a small part of the total time, but it is one of the most useful. First-time surfers need to know how to position themselves on the board, how to get up, and how to work with the instructor’s directions before heading into the water.

A short beach briefing also lets you practice the basic movement without waves pushing you around. I like this approach because it turns the first water session into practice rather than guesswork. You can focus on the feel of the board instead of trying to remember every instruction at once.

The supplied details do not name the instructors, so you cannot request a particular teacher in advance based on this information. The important point is that an instructor is included, and the lesson is built for beginners rather than for surfers who already know how to read a break.

If you are bringing children, this format may work well. A family of two adults and two children completed a two-hour semi-private beginner session, and all four managed to stand up at least once. That does not guarantee the same result for every group, but it shows that the teaching style can suit mixed ages and first-timers.

The first 45-minute session: getting your first taste

Group surf lesson by Malu Surf Bali - The first 45-minute session: getting your first taste

After the beach briefing, you have a 45-minute surf session. This is the longest single part of the lesson, giving you time to try the basic technique more than once.

Your first attempt may be more about timing and balance than distance. The instructor’s role is important here. You need someone to help place the board, give a clear push or signal when appropriate, and explain what to change after an attempt. With a group of up to 10, the amount of personal attention can vary, but the group limit is still modest compared with a large beach class.

The best result to expect is not expert surfing. It is a first stand, a better understanding of the board, and enough confidence to try again. The family example is useful in setting expectations: standing up and getting a taste of surfing is realistic, while polished technique is not the goal of one two-hour class.

Malu Surf Bali supplies the surfing board and surfing suit, along with a rashguard. That saves you from sorting out rentals on Kuta Beach and makes the price easier to judge. For $20, the core equipment and instruction are bundled together.

You should ask the instructor about the bonus photos during your session. They are listed as included, but the instruction specifically says to ask the instructor. That means you should not assume photos will arrive automatically without checking before or during the lesson.

The 15-minute break: a useful reset

Group surf lesson by Malu Surf Bali - The 15-minute break: a useful reset

The lesson includes a 15-minute break between the two water sessions. This is not wasted time. Surfing demands repeated effort, and beginners often need a moment to catch their breath, think about what went wrong, and listen to a correction.

I like the split format better than one uninterrupted two-hour session for a first lesson. The break gives you a chance to reset your stance and approach the second session with one or two clear goals. You might focus on keeping your knees bent, looking forward, or getting your feet into position more quickly.

Because drinks are not included, bring your own water. The provided details do not say that a drink stop is arranged, so do not count on one. A small amount of planning here will make the break more useful.

There are no showers included either. That is worth noting if you plan to head straight to dinner, an appointment, or another activity. You may need to arrange your own rinse-off or return to your accommodation before continuing your day.

The second 45-minute session: making the lesson count

Group surf lesson by Malu Surf Bali - The second 45-minute session: making the lesson count

The second 45-minute surf session gives you the best chance to use the instructor’s advice. You have already handled the board, experienced the water, and learned how much effort the first session takes. That makes the second round more productive.

This is also where the lesson’s value becomes clearer. A single short water session could feel like an introduction that ends just as you begin to understand it. Here, you get another block of practice after a break, so you can work toward a more controlled stand or repeat a movement that almost worked earlier.

Do not judge the experience only by how many times you stand. Surfing depends on timing, balance, and comfort in moving water. A useful first lesson should help you understand what to practice next, even if your success comes in short bursts.

If the class is lightly booked, you may receive much more personal attention. One booking became a private lesson because no one else had attended. Another group of four had a semi-private class. Neither arrangement is guaranteed, but the maximum group size and variable attendance mean your experience may feel more personal than a standard group class.

What the $20 price really covers

Group surf lesson by Malu Surf Bali - What the $20 price really covers

At $20, Malu Surf Bali offers good value for a short beginner introduction, mainly because the board, surfing suit, rashguard, and instructor are included. You are paying for a complete first lesson rather than only a board rental.

The bonus surf photos add another small benefit. Ask about them directly so you know how the photo part works. If you want a record of your first attempt, this can be more useful than it sounds, especially since first-time surfers often spend too much time concentrating to remember what happened.

The price does not cover drinks or showers. Those exclusions are ordinary enough for a beach lesson, but they affect your total planning. Bring water and allow time to change or clean up through your own arrangements.

The lesson is also a good value for families or pairs. A group of four can share the experience while still receiving instruction, and a low booking period may result in semi-private or private attention. Solo participants should note that the advertised maximum is 10, so the amount of one-to-one coaching depends on the day.

Getting to Malu Surf Bali in Kuta

Group surf lesson by Malu Surf Bali - Getting to Malu Surf Bali in Kuta

The meeting point is Malu Surf Bali, Jl. Pantai Kuta, Legian, Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia. The activity begins and ends there, which keeps the transport plan straightforward.

The location is near public transportation. The information provided does not specify a pickup service, hotel transfer, or exact public transport route, so plan to reach the meeting point independently unless your booking gives you different instructions.

Canggu visitors need extra time. The practical estimate is 35 to 40 minutes by bike, and that is before allowing for delays. I would avoid scheduling this lesson too tightly against another booking, especially if you are crossing southern Bali during a busy period.

The operating hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, for the stated booking period. Since surf conditions and lesson times can matter, check your confirmed start time carefully and arrive with enough time to find the beach meeting point.

A mobile ticket makes the booking easy to carry. Keep the confirmation available on your phone, since confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Who will get the most from this lesson

Group surf lesson by Malu Surf Bali - Who will get the most from this lesson

This is best for a first-time surfer, a couple wanting a simple active outing, or a family with children who want to try surfing without committing to a longer course. The two-session schedule works well when you want enough practice to feel progress but still have the rest of the day free.

It may also suit a solo visitor. If no one else books the same time, the session can become private, as happened for one participant. You should treat that as a possible bonus, not a promise.

You may want a different format if you already surf confidently or want advanced technique. The lesson is designed around beach theory and beginner practice, not performance coaching for experienced surfers.

I would also think twice if you need a full-service beach setup. Drinks and showers are not included, and no hotel pickup is specified. Those are small drawbacks, but they matter if you are trying to keep your day especially convenient.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Confirmation arrives when you book, and most people can participate. The activity has a maximum of 10 participants, which helps keep the class from becoming too large.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancel later than that, or make changes within the final 24 hours, and you will not receive a refund. That policy gives you flexibility, but you still need to watch the cutoff closely.

The lesson runs every day during the stated operating period, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The supplied information does not state a minimum age, individual fitness requirement, or detailed accessibility information, so ask Malu Surf Bali directly if those points affect your booking.

Should you book Malu Surf Bali?

I would book this lesson if you want a low-cost, beginner-focused introduction to surfing in Kuta. The strongest reasons are the two separate 45-minute water sessions, the included equipment, and the chance of a small or even private class when bookings are light.

I would not choose it if you need drinks, showers, transport from your hotel, or advanced surf coaching included. For everyone else, $20 is a sensible price for two hours of instruction and practice, with bonus photos available if you ask the instructor.

Bring water, leave extra time if you are coming from Canggu, and keep your expectations realistic. You may not leave as a surfer, but you have a good chance to leave knowing whether surfing is something you want to pursue in Bali.

FAQ

Where does the Malu Surf Bali lesson begin and end?

The lesson begins at Malu Surf Bali, Jl. Pantai Kuta, Legian, Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the surf lesson last?

The activity lasts approximately two hours. It includes 15 minutes of beach theory, a 45-minute surf session, a 15-minute break, and a second 45-minute surf session.

Is surf equipment included?

Yes. The price includes a surfing board, surfing suit, rashguard, and instructor.

Are surf photos included?

Bonus surf photos are included during the session. Ask your instructor about the photos so you know how to receive them.

Are drinks and showers provided?

No. Drinks and showers are not included.

How many people can join the lesson?

The maximum group size is 10 people. Depending on bookings, your lesson may be semi-private or private.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time, based on the local time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not eligible for a refund.

More like this

Kuta Tours, compared.

The full Kuta Tours list →
Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,033 reviews· from $78

Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour

Read our review →
Bali Nusa Penida West Private All-Inclusive Tour
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,277 reviews· from $80

Bali Nusa Penida West Private All-Inclusive Tour

Read our review →
Individual Bali Day Trip with Private Driver and Free WiFi
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 755 reviews· from $38

Individual Bali Day Trip with Private Driver and Free WiFi

Read our review →
Waterbom Bali Tickets – Single Day Pass
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 620 reviews· from $33

Waterbom Bali Tickets – Single Day Pass

Read our review →
Private Tour Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking and Natural Hot Spring
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 431 reviews· from $63

Private Tour Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking and Natural Hot Spring

Read our review →
Private Tour Bali Beaches and Uluwatu Temple with Dinner
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 363 reviews· from $48

Private Tour Bali Beaches and Uluwatu Temple with Dinner

Read our review →
All inclusive Private 3 day tours package : Bali highlights
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 348 reviews· from $190

All inclusive Private 3 day tours package : Bali highlights

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Where to go in Bali

Choose the water, the valley or the cliff.