Traveling With Your Surfboard vs. Renting in Bali: What’s Better?
Bali is a dream destination for surfers — but before you book your flight, there’s one key question to answer: should you bring your surfboard or rent one when you arrive?
With world-class waves at Balangan, Dreamland, and the rest of the Bukit Peninsula, having the right board can make all the difference. But so can convenience. Between airline fees, board damage risks, and Bali’s abundance of rental options, it’s worth weighing both sides before packing that board bag.
Here’s your guide to making the best choice — tailored to Bali’s unique surf scene.
🧳 Bringing Your Own Surfboard to Bali
There’s something special about paddling out on your own board — the one you know inside and out. For experienced surfers chasing specific wave types, it’s often worth the hassle.
✅ Pros of Bringing Your Own Board:
Familiar feel: You already know your board’s balance, rocker, and paddle power.
Performance match: Perfect for advanced waves like Uluwatu, Bingin, or a clean Balangan day.
Longer trips: Worth it if you’re surfing daily or staying for several weeks.
⚠️ Cons of Bringing Your Own Board:
Airline fees: Expect to pay $100–$200 USD each way, depending on your carrier.
Damage risk: Even well-packed boards can crack during transit.
Transport hassles: Navigating Bali’s motorbikes and taxis with a large board bag isn’t fun.
💡 Tip: If you bring your own board, pack it in a hard travel case with bubble wrap and rail guards. Book with surf-friendly airlines like Garuda Indonesia or Singapore Airlines.
🏄 Renting a Surfboard in Bali
If you’re staying near Balangan or Dreamland, renting is easy, affordable, and surprisingly high-quality. Surf shops line the beaches and clifftops, offering everything from soft tops for beginners to performance shortboards.
✅ Pros of Renting:
Convenience: No travel stress, no extra baggage, no risk of damage.
Local variety: Try different shapes and sizes for each wave type.
Cost-effective: Daily rentals range from IDR 50,000–150,000 (~$3–$10 USD). Weekly rates are cheaper.
Support local shops: You’re contributing directly to the local surf community.
⚠️ Cons of Renting:
Limited selection: Some rental spots only stock beginner boards.
Wear and tear: Older boards may have pressure dings or worn fins.
Fit issues: Finding your perfect size or volume can take a few tries.
💡 Tip: Visit Balangan Board Rental, Dreamland Surf Shack, or Bukit Surf Supply near Bingin — they all offer high-quality boards and friendly local advice.
🌊 Matching Board Choice to Bali’s Waves
Each Bali surf break has its own personality — and your board choice should match. All of the below beaches offer surfboard rentals!
Balangan Beach: Mid-length or step-up for long lefts | Intermediate–Advanced
Dreamland Beach: Funboard or soft top | Beginner–Intermediate
Bingin: Shortboard | Advanced
Padang Padang: High-performance shortboard | Expert
Jimbaran Bay: Longboard | Beginner
💰 Cost Comparison
Bringing Your Own: $200+ baggage fees | Damage repair, transport | Convenience = Moderate
Renting Locally: $3–$10/day | Wax or fin charges | Convenience = Very High
Verdict:
If you’re visiting for under three weeks, renting in Bali makes the most sense. For long stays or surf-specific missions, bringing your favorite board might be worth the extra effort.
🏖️ Break & Flow Bali’s Local Tip
Stay near Balangan or Dreamland, and you’ll never be more than a short walk from multiple rental options. Many homestays even include free board storage and rinse areas.
📊 Related Reads
Whether you travel with your trusty board or rent one locally, Break & Flow Bali makes it easy to surf daily, stretch deeply, and unwind after every wave.
👉 Book your lesson now and plan your dream surf trip.
