Ketewel (Sanur)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate to Expert
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Moderate
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Ketewel (Sanur) is a right-hand reef break on Bali’s east coast that’s known for heavy, hollow, fast, and ledgey sections when the right swell and tide line up. It’s described as sheltered but built over a shallow reef/coral bottom, with a wave profile that becomes very demanding on bigger sets. The wave tends to start working around 2–2.5 m (with good holds up to 3 m+), and sources emphasize that high tide (2 m+ in particular) is necessary to avoid the shallowest, sharp reef areas. Many sessions are short rides under normal conditions (often under 50 m), while good days can extend rides to around 50–150 m. Wind conditions are typically associated with trade-wind patterns, and the most favorable setup is reported with north to northwest winds—generally offshore in the wet season—which helps groom the face. The spot is also described as inconsistent, so quality can vary significantly from day to day. Safety is the priority here: strong currents and rip currents are possible, especially near the river mouth and during larger swells, and the reef environment is hazardous due to sharp coral/rocks and sea urchins. Pollution is also noted as a risk, so it’s recommended to check water quality after heavy rain. Overall, the spot is generally aimed at intermediate-to-expert surfers, with sources ranging from “intermediate” minimums to “pros-only” expectations depending on how conditions present.

  • Hollow, fast, powerful right-hand reef sections when it’s working
  • High tide is essential
  • North/Northwest offshore wind setup during the wet season
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • High-performance hollow, fast, powerful right-hand reef waves when conditions line up.
  • Usually uncrowded on weekdays, with fewer surfers during the week.
  • Best wind setup can be favorable with north/northwest offshore flow during the wet season.
Heads up
  • Sharp reef/coral and sea urchins make wipeouts high risk.
  • Strong currents/rip currents are possible, especially near the river mouth and on larger swells.
  • Spot is inconsistent and hard to find; requires specific conditions to work.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NW
Offshore directions
N, NW
Wind Range
5–15 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Predominantly trade-wind pattern noted for Ketewel conditions.
Reliability
not very consistent (about 5% blown, 11% clean reported); offshore conditions during wet season are described as reliable
Gust Factor
Steady — Steady wind described in provider data (especially for offshore conditions during the wet season).
Best Months
November, December, January, February, March, April

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Reef — Reef break; some sources also describe sandy entry nearby.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Big — Starts working about 2–2.5 m and can hold up to 3 m+.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Hard to find; sandy entry leading to sharp reef/coral is described as difficult.
Shore Break
Moderate — Moderate shore break reported.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–29 °C
Water Temperature
23–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rashguard or 1mm–2mm shorty
Storm/Rain Season

November to April (wet season); additional notes mention December to February as peak rainfall period

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

An inconsistent right-hand reef break requiring a significant south swell and high tide (2m+). Waves become heavy and ledgey on larger sets, breaking over a shallow, sharp reef/coral bottom.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
S, SW
Swell Height
2–3.5 m
Optimal Tide
High — High tide only / high tide position is emphasized.
Shelter
Sheltered — Described as sheltered relative to surrounding exposure.
Wind Effect
Best with north/northwest winds (offshore in the wet season), which tend to groom the wave face.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well up to around 3 m+; becomes very heavy and ledgey on the bigger swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Described as a regional classic; some sources rate quality as excellent.
Wave Power
Powerful — Hollow, fast, powerful, and ledgy.
Wave Shape
Hollow — Hollow sections, ledgey over a sharp reef bottom.
Peel Speed
Fast — Fast, walling sections reported.
Ride Length
Normally short (<50 m), but can reach about 50–150 m on good days (provider also reports ~100 m on a good day).
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Short normally (<50 m). Often 50–150 m on good days; medium ride lengths reported (~100 m).
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ketewel (Sanur) in the full forecast view.

Ketewel (Sanur) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–10 ktsGusts 21 kts
Direction
SE140°
Strongest day
Thu, Oct 2910 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–1.9 m11s period
Temperature
24–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Ketewel (Sanur) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.9–1.9 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Urchins
  • Rocks
  • Sharp coral reef
  • Strong currents
  • Rip currents
  • Sharks
  • Pollution
Ability Level: Intermediate to Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsHelmetImpact vestWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguard presence reported in provider data.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No rescue availability reported in provider data.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Respect the local lineup; localism described as moderate in provider data.

Rules of the spot

Restrictions
  • Expert/pros-only tendency reported in some sources; very hazardous sharp-reef environment.
Local Tips
  • Surf on high tide (2m+ / high tide) to avoid the shallowest parts of the sharp reef.
  • Prefer a small swell (under head-high) for a safer, more fun session.
  • Check water quality after heavy rain, as the nearby river can bring pollution.
  • Be extremely careful around sea urchins and sharp coral.
  • Be mindful of strong currents near the river mouth and during larger swells.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Sanur
Nearest Town
Sanur
Parking
Limited parking and/or busy car park area near beach access paths is reported; parking may be available near the river mouth.
Access
Hard to find; East coast of Bali, approximately 2km from Padang Galak, near the south Patasn river mouth. Requires a short 5–15 minute walk from the car.
Local Language
Indonesian
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Near — Numerous guest houses and villas in the Sanur and Ketewel areas.
Food & Drink
Local warungs (small cafes) available near the beach.
Equipment Rental:
Not typically available at the spot; rentals are found in Sanur or Kuta.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Ketewel (Sanur)?

The best overall months at Ketewel (Sanur) are November, December, January, February, March, April.

Which wind directions work at Ketewel (Sanur)?

Ketewel (Sanur) works with N, NW winds. Offshore directions are N, NW.

What skill level is Ketewel (Sanur) suitable for?

Ketewel (Sanur) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.