World Famous Bali Surf Break Under Threat Due To Proposed Floating Restaurant

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Kuta, Canggu, and Uluwatu are perhaps Bali’s best-known surf breaks. These are the ones known to real surfers and tourists alike.

But the hardcore wave catchers know that if you want to find the best, most challenging waves in Bali, you have to head to Keramas.

Keramas Beach, located on the southeastern coast of Bali, in Gianyar Regency, is one of the world’s best surfing destinations.

In 2019, Keramas Beach hosted the World Surf League, and yet, this iconic break is now under threat due to a proposed floating restaurant attraction and marina.

Some of the world’s best surfers hold the Keramas break in high regard. Only just last month did pro surfers ride the biggest waves the spot has seen in years. 

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A post published on YouTube, Surfers of Bali, explained, “This was the biggest swell of the year, and Keramas was as big as we’ve seen it in a long time. It doesn’t always have the best happen when it’s big, but there were some epic barrels this session.”

Keramas is far from a novice-friendly break, but for those rookies who want to see the pros have at it, you can expect to see the likes of icons Bronson Meydi, Made Dear, Dylan Hayllar, Varun Tandjung, and more down in Keramas when the conditions are peak. 

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A new floating restaurant and marina area could put Bali’s most challenging break in jeopardy.

A development plan was revealed in a socialization held by the Keramas Village Government at the Wantilan Pura Keramas Village on Sunday, 15th December.

The meeting was attended by a range of stakeholders, including the Head of Keramas I Gusti Putu Sarjana, the Head of BPD, LPM, PKK, Karang Taruna Keramas Village, and representatives from the Gianyar Resort Commune and Keramas Surfing Club (KSC).

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During the meeting, the stakeholders discussed a letter submitted by the project and contacted the Head of the Keramas Traditional Village Head on 2nd December 2024, informing the community about a plan to build a floating restaurant and water tourism attraction at Keramas Beach.

This letter is reported to have been a formal follow-up to an initial, smaller stakeholder meeting held on 21st November 2024. 

The plan has gathered a series of strong objections from a range of Keramas Beach lovers, including the owners and staff of Komune Resort Gianyar, who have reportedly filed formal objections regarding the project on the basis that the development would have negative impacts on the environment, social, economic, and cultural heritage of Keramas Beach.

In a statement of objection, Komune Resort wore, “Keramas is known as one of the best surfing locations in the world and has hosted three World Surf League events. This marina will permanently destroy the surf break, resulting in the loss of thousands of tourists each year and a devastating impact on the surfing industry in Bali.”

They also cited concerns for Pura Masceti, which is a hugely spiritually significant site for Balinese people in the area. “This marina could threaten the cultural and spiritual heritage of Keramas, which has long been revered by the local community.”

The objections and concerns have been heard and recorded, and further updates are expected in due course. 

Holidaymakers in Bali almost totally overlook Gianyar’s black sand beaches, and these low-key hidden gems are a great option for beach vacations in 2025.

As tourists continue to focus attention on beach resorts in the central south heading toward the southwest of the island, heading east is a smart choice. 

From Keramas Beach through to Candidasa and even around the east coast further through to Amed and Tulamben, southeast and east Bali’s beaches are clean, safe, and most importantly crowd free. Accommodation in these areas is often way cheaper, too, and just as luxurious!