Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/858250
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 AUGUST 2017 38 Travel Surf's up on the shores of Bali MARC CASOLANI BALI, need I say more? But I must. It is not only one of the top desti- nations in South East Asia for its beaches, parties and spirituality. There is another key dimension to it, and that is surfing. People from all around the world head to these beaches, not just the pros, and all with a main objec- tive - to learn, better themselves or simply catch some of the most awesome waves that South East Asia has to offer. In fact the pro- surfers do rate a specific place in Bali, called Uluwatu, as having some of the best waves in the world at high tide and big swell. Being a "surfer" myself, one who is more of a pro at taking on wipeouts than actually cleanly riding the waves and ripping them, I have come to really appreciate the true nature of surfing and the waves themselves. To start off, you need to get to Bali. Emirates offer some great deals to get here from Malta, just book in advance. Another way to get here is by boarding the island ferries - not the safest on record but a cheap and effective way to ex- plore all of Indonesia and its many islands. The best time to get here is during the dry season, from April through to October. Accommoda- tion is in abundance and scattered everywhere, from remote areas to bustling streets. The best though are all on the beaches or on the rocks on the water. These however are mainly resorts, retreats and surfer camps, of which the most famous surfer camp is probably Rapture Surf camp down south in Uluwatu. Most surfing spots are located in the areas of Kuta, Seminyak, Ulu- watu, Nusa Dua and Sanur. These are the most popular surfing spots in all of Bali and are close to all the key locations for shopping, night- life, chill out bars, and your various urban adventures. However if you want to go on a kind of "surfer's retreat", you can look outside these areas and head to Medewi beach, which is locat- ed in Pulukan. Here you will find some amazing barrels that stretch along 10 kilometres of black vol- canic sand, pretty exquisite. This area is simply great for sunsets, surf, meditation and a chill out max factor. It is also great to in- tegrate with a lot of friendly locals and get an interesting taste of the culture. Another spot to surf would be up north in Lovina - not the best of spots but you can get some easy surf. Lovina itself used to be the old capital of Bali however it is now pretty run down and choked with people. This is where they also carry out the dolphin tours, which you will come to realise have exploited the dolphins and are causing great risk to the local dolphin colony's survival. Getting around is pretty easy and Bali is actually very well equipped for surfers. Bali offers small jeeps