Is Bali past its prime? My family has long travelled to other Indonesian islands, especially Lombok because the journey from Bali to Lombok is relatively easy. However, I had an inkling that Bali would be a good call for the second half of January as we tried to survive the 9 week school holiday period in Australia. Fortunately, we scored and rekindled our love for Bali with a trip to Komune Bali Resort and Nusa Lembongan. We figured out how to make arrival into Bali as easy as possible as well.
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Komune Bali Resort ticked a lot of boxes for us as a surfing family with kids who surf. The resort is directly in front of Keramas, has plenty for the kids to do, and requires very little driving and sitting in traffic. East Bali is a vibe for those of us who can’t stand Canggu. Other than Komune Resort and Keramas Beach, East Bali is very low key and not touristy. Komune offers a unique blend of top-notch surf access, wellness facilities, and family-friendly amenities. So if you’re looking for an easy surf trip without inner-Indonesia flights or a two week commitment especially during the wet season, Komune is for you. Read on for our comprehensive review and learn why Komune Bali Resort is one of my top picks for surfing families.
Getting to Komune Resort Bali
Komune Resort & Beach Club is situated on the black-sand shores of Keramas, a tranquil surf spot in East Bali. It’s approximately a 75-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. I know you can probably get a GoJek for heaps cheaper but pre-booking a driver through the resort makes for a relaxed journey. There’s something about having a driver with a sign with your name on it on the other side of the long journey with kids that makes me relax.
Surfing Keramas: World-Class Waves at Your Doorstep
This is why you are here: Keramas is a world class wave that delivers. There is a reason they ran a WSL Event here. The standout feature for surf families is the Keramas Surf Break, located directly in front of the resort. This right-hand reef break is renowned for its fast, powerful barrels, making it more suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. For those traveling with young or beginner surfers, consider exploring other spots. High tide and small swell was fine for our 10 year olds who can independently paddle and catch waves most of the time.
Komune Bali Resort is famous for night surfing in Bali, with floodlights illuminating the break for evening sessions without the crowds Watching surfers carve under the stars while dining is a memorable experience, even if you’re not participating.
You’ve probably heard that Keramas Beach is crowded. No lie there. However, when you stay at Komune Bali Resort, you have the advantage of picking the least crowded moments. In the early AM, the break was surfed primarily by hotel guests. Then the rippers would show up and dominate from 8-1pm when the onshore wind would swing around. Most people leave then and leave the evening glass off session for hotel guests and locals. We surfed with a wide variety of crowds from 50 people to 2 over a week long period.
What Season is Best for Surfing Keramas?
Keramas, located on Bali’s east coast, is renowned as a premier wet-season surf destination. The optimal time to surf here is during Bali’s wet season, which spans from November to March. During these months, the prevailing winds shift, creating favorable offshore conditions that groom the waves to perfection.
While the wet season brings optimal conditions to Keramas, it’s important to note that this period also coincides with Bali’s low tourist season. This can mean fewer crowds in the lineup, providing a more enjoyable surfing experience. However, always be prepared for the occasional rain showers that characterize this season.
If you’re aiming to surf Keramas at its best, planning your trip between November and March will increase your chances of scoring epic waves.
Where Else Can You Surf Near Keramas?
1. Cucukan (just north of Keramas)
A lesser-known right-hand reef break just up the coast from Keramas. It’s more mellow and can be a good option when Keramas is maxing out. Not as consistent, but worth checking if you’re nearby. When we surfed here it was 4-6 foot and challenging to find the right take off zone. The water was also a bit suspect as it is a rivermouth. There is a warung where you can leave your stuff and get water and Beng Bengs to refuel.
2. Klotok (20 minutes)
Klotok is a powerful right-hand reef break located near Kusamba in East Bali, best surfed during the wet season when offshore winds groom its fast, hollow waves. It’s a lesser-known spot that offers serious barrels for experienced surfers looking to escape the crowds of Keramas.
3. Ketewel
Located about 10–15 minutes south of Keramas, Ketewel has a few reef setups that can work well during the wet season. It’s a quieter area with less crowd pressure and great views of Mount Agung on clear days.
4. Sanur Reef (30–40 mins)
Sanur offers a long right-hand reef break that works best during a solid swell and higher tides. It’s not as hollow as Keramas, but it can offer long rides and is a fun alternative when you’re looking for something less intense. Don’t get me wrong, when there’s decent swell running, Sanur can be big, barrelling, and for advanced surfers only! Small swell can be good for intermediate to advanced kids.
5. Serangan (30 mins)
A reliable wet-season favorite with both left and right peaks. Serangan is great for a variety of skill levels and offers a more forgiving paddle out than Keramas. Perfect for families or mellow surf days when it is small. When it is super small, Serangan is a swell magnet.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
We stayed in two of the more budget-friendly Resort Rooms in the back and were perfectly happy. If you are looking to splash out, Komune’s Beachfront Pool Suites looked absolutely amazing but were double the price. They also have Family Suites equipped with bunk beds. The rooms are clean, modern, and designed with a subtle Balinese aesthetic. For families traveling with toddlers or young children, amenities such as cots, high chairs, and baby monitors are available upon request.
Despite attracting a surf-centric crowd, Komune Bali Resort maintains a welcoming atmosphere for families, featuring grassy areas for play, shaded spots, and a relaxed ambiance.
Check out availability for Komune Resort Bali.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission to help us keep producing amazing surf content—at no extra cost to you.
Pool, Kids’ Activities & Relaxation
Let’s face it, besides surfing Keramas, you stay at Komune Bali Resort for the pool. The expansive main pool overlooks the beach and includes a shallow section perfect for children. Our kids played in the pool from dawn to dusk while we surfed and everyone was happy.
The Komune Bali Resort has a kids’ area with organized activities, a big Smoothstar skate bowl, trampolines, and a waterslide. You pay for four hour blocks to leave the kids with the hotel’s nanny service. Our kids liked to play back here but we didn’t utilise the babysitting service because they are a bit older. The pool was basically their nanny anyway.
For families with both surfers and non-surfers, this setup allows one parent to enjoy the waves while the other relaxes poolside or indulges in a spa treatment.
8 Reasons Komune Resort Is Epic for Surfing Families
We’ve stayed in a lot of surf resorts over the years, but Komune Bali Resort truly stands out when it comes to balancing surf stoke and family ease. Here are 8 reasons we think Komune Resort is a dream for surfing families:
- Watch pumping surf from the pool
You can literally keep an eye on the waves all day — then sneak out for a session when the crowd thins. Surf FOMO? Solved. - Kid-friendly for intermediate groms on high tide
The inside section at high tide is manageable for confident kids and teens getting more comfortable in reef breaks. Just make sure it’s the right conditions. - Kids’ movies at 6:30pm every night
A total game-changer — the kids watch a movie while you enjoy dinner in peace. Add a cocktail, and it’s basically a mini date night. - Massive breakfast spread included
From pancakes and eggs to smoothie bowls and nasi goreng, breakfast has something for every kind of eater — even picky ones. - Dietary flexibility — gluten-free and more
The kitchen is happy to accommodate food allergies and restrictions. Many meals can be made gluten-free on request.
6. Epic kids’ zone: trampolines, water slides, and a mini skate ramp
There’s a dedicated kids’ area with a SmoothStar ramp, trampolines, mini water slides, and shaded play zones. Our kids never wanted to leave.
7. Safe space = freedom to roam
The open, contained layout meant the kids could run free without us hovering. It felt super safe and stress-free.
8. A gaggle of ducks walks past at happy hour
We’re not kidding. Every evening, ducks waddle through the resort — pure Bali magic, and the kids were obsessed.
Spa, Fitness & The Health Hub
Komune Resort’s Health Hub is more than just a gym—it’s a comprehensive wellness destination. Facilities include a functional fitness space, a breezy yoga shala with daily classes, an adults only pool and an organic garden throughout the property.
The Komune Spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments, many with ocean views. After several surf sessions, these treatments provide welcome relief for sore muscles. Wellness is seamlessly integrated into the Komune experience, emphasizing balance and recovery alongside physical activity.
Dining at Komune: Healthy, Delicious, and Kid-Friendly
The Komune Beach Club restaurant serves as the heart of the resort, offering a mix of Indonesian favorites, wood-fired pizzas, seafood, and healthy Western options—that all can be served poolside as you watch the surf. We ate breakfast here everyday and could literally not eat the same dish twice because the selection was so wide.
For health-conscious diners and smoothie enthusiasts, the Health Hub Café provides protein bowls, fresh juices, and plant-based treats right next to the gym.
We actually ate more than half of our dinners across the road at Warung Legong. Located just 5 minutes from Komune Bali Resort, this restaurant is an institution because of its lovely owner Kadek and delicious Indonesian food. This is one of the best nasi campurs I had in Bali and I became so obsessed with the perkedel jagung (corn fritters) that I made them over and over at home. Use Whatsapp (+62 821-4501-1601) to let them know you’re coming and they will send a free car to Komune so you don’t have to cross the death road.
Memorable Moments: Surfing Under the Stars
One of the most unforgettable experiences was watching surfers illuminated by floodlights during the Komune Bali night surfing sessions, all while enjoying wood-fired pizza and listening to the waves. It felt like a scene from a surf film, captivating both adults and children alike.
Other highlights included early-morning yoga sessions while the kids played in the pool, exploring Keramas Beach, and taking day trips to nearby temples and waterfalls in East Bali.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Keramas Beach is beautiful but may not be suitable for swimming with small children due to strong currents. The pool is a safer option for young ones.
- The reef break is challenging; beginner surfers might need to travel to other locations for lessons.
- The black sand can become quite hot in the sun; packing reef booties or water shoes is advisable.
- Mosquito repellent is recommended, especially for garden-view rooms.
- Night surfing is popular; booking sessions in advance is recommended.
Final Verdict: Should You Book Komune Resort & Beach Club Bali?
If you’re looking to combine a family-friendly getaway with world-class surfing, Komune Resort is an outstanding choice. It offers a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere and caters to every family member. The best part is that it is super easy – the drive from the airport, the pool set up, the waves out front, the kids area. Whether you’re a surfer chasing barrels or a parent seeking relaxation, Komune Bali Resort delivers a memorable experience that lingers long after your return home.
We’ll definitely be back.
FAQs
Q: How Do I Book Komune Resort Bali? A: Book Komune Resort through Bookng.com and we get a small commission that helps with producing content like this.
Q: Where is Komune Bali Resort located?
A: Komune Resort is located on Keramas Beach in East Bali, approximately 75 minutes from Denpasar Airport.
Q: Is Komune Resort suitable for families?
A: Yes, the resort offers family suites, a pool with a children’s area, a seasonal kids’ club, and convenient dining options, making it ideal for families.
Q: Can you surf at Komune Bali?
A: Absolutely—the resort is situated directly on Keramas Surf Break, offering both day and night surfing sessions under floodlights.
Q: Is Komune suitable for beginner surfers?
A: The main break is best suited for advanced surfers; beginners might consider other spots.
Q: What activities are available nearby in East Bali?
A: We had a culture day when we visited and went to Ubud. The kids loved the Pura Tirta Empul temple where they learned about Balinese religion and did a water blessing. You could also check out Goa Lawah, waterfalls near Gianyar, and day trips to sites such as Tirta Gangga and Sidemen (I am dying to go here). Lots of options to get a break from the hardcore surf-all day vibes.
Q: What should I pack for Komune Bali Resort?
A: Pack light, breathable clothing, multiple swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a rashie or surf shirt for sun protection. Consult our Indo Surf Packing List if you need more inspo. If you’re surfing, bring reef booties, a surf hat, wax for tropical water, and a first-aid kit for reef cuts — plus anything specific your kids need for the beach or pool. They have big floaties that you can use in the pool!
Q: Should I bring my own boards to Komune Bali Resort?
A: If you’re an experienced surfer and particular about your equipment, bringing your own boards is always a good idea — especially if you plan to surf Keramas regularly. I rode my normal 5’9” shortboard that I ride in good waves in Manly for the most part. In hindsight, I would have brought a more refined, performance shortboard in similar dimensions. On the small days, we rode grovellers like a Lost Round Nose Fish and the JS Sub Xero. That said, Komune Bali Resort has secure board storage and there are a couple of board rentals and surf shops nearby, so if you’re travelling light or only surfing a few times, you can easily rent everything you need.