Keramas is Bali’s east coast surf town, a black sand strip facing Mount Agung, known for Keramas Beach, a world-class right-hand reef break.
Unlike busier tourist spots on the west, this is where performance surfers chase powerful barrels and sunbathers walk along beautiful beaches warmed by volcanic sand.
Still, Keramas isn’t just for surfers. There are cafés, surf camps, water parks nearby, day trips to Tegenungan Waterfall and Safari Bali, and plenty to explore in the surrounding area.
It’s quiet, chilled and perfect if you prefer a beach town that moves at its own pace.
Where Is Keramas?
Keramas sits on Bali’s east coast in the Gianyar Regency, about 30 minutes from Ubud and roughly 45 minutes from the airport.
It’s a quiet coastal village known mostly for its black sand beaches and world-class surf break facing Mount Agung. Compared to Bali’s bustling west coast, Keramas offers a slower pace and a more authentic feel.
How To Get To Keramas
- Taxi / Ride-Hailing App – The best way to get to Keramas is by taxi or a ride-hailing app like Grab or Gojek. It’s about a 45-minute drive from the airport, and the cost is reasonable, especially if you’re sharing with friends. You could also ask your hotel to arrange a driver, which avoids the hassle of finding a return ride.
- Private Driver – If you’re planning to explore other parts of East Bali in the same day, consider hiring a private driver. It’s a comfortable and stress-free option, and you won’t need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or getting stuck in traffic.
- Motorbike / Scooter Rental – Renting a scooter may sound tempting, but we recommend against it. Most tourists aren’t legally covered to ride, which can lead to police trouble or issues with insurance. East Bali’s roads can be narrow and unpredictable; don’t risk an accident that could ruin your trip.
How To Get Around Keramas
Keramas is best explored on foot or by taxi. The area is small and walkable, with cafés, warungs and the beach all within easy reach.
While scooters are common in Bali, we don’t recommend hiring one here due to narrow roads and safety concerns.
Grab and local taxis are affordable and convenient for short trips or visiting nearby spots like Tegenungan Waterfall or Bali Safari.
What To Do In (And Around) Keramas
Aside from surfing at the beach, Keramas is all about wandering around, taking in the sights, the sounds, the smells, and just admiring the world around you. There’s not so much to do in itself other than take a stroll, eat, and kick back on the beach, a few of which we’ll talk about in a minute.
Other than that, there are a few places to visit, just a short taxi ride outside of the area, of which we’ve also listed a few for you.
Keramas Beach
Laid-back and quiet, Keramas Beach is where people come to do a whole lot of nothing, and that’s exactly the point.
The black volcanic sand gives it a bit of edge, and while it’s mostly known among surfers, it’s still great for a walk, a sit, or just taking it all in.
Where Is It? Pantai Keramas St No.80551, Keramas, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Black Beach
Right next to Keramas Beach, this stretch of coast is usually totally empty, even by Bali’s standards.
The sand here is seriously black, giving the whole place a dramatic feel, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Where Is It? C82P+259, Pantai Keramas St, Keramas, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium
Home to Bali United, this stadium often fills up with local fans decked out in red and black. If there’s a match on while you’re around, it’s worth checking out for the atmosphere alone. Football in Bali is big, it’s loud, passionate, and a proper slice of modern Bali.
Where Is It? Buruan, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Online: Instagram, Bali United FC
Keramas Water Park
Not too flashy, but still fun, especially if you’ve got kids in tow. Expect waterslides, pools, and a mellow local crowd. It’s a nice break from the beach if you feel like cooling off somewhere else.
Where Is It? Jl. Maruti, Keramas, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Online: Keramas Park
The Amazing Taman Safari Bali
This one’s a big deal. Elephants, lions, orangutans, you name it. It’s part safari park and marine park, part conservation centre, and way more than just a zoo. You can even sleep overnight in one of their lodges if you’re up for it.
Where Is It? Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra No. 19, Serongga, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80511, Indonesia
Online: Bali Safari Marine Park
Tegenungan Waterfall
Only about 25 minutes from Keramas, this is one of Bali’s most accessible waterfalls. It can get a bit busy, but it’s popular for a reason.
You’ll need to walk down a bunch of stairs to get to the base, but the views and cool water are worth it.
Where Is It? Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Surfing In Keramas
Keramas is one of Bali’s premier east coast surf spots, famous for its powerful right-hand reef break over volcanic rock. This wave is best suited for experienced to pro surfers because of the fast, hollow barrels breaking on a shallow reef, especially during the wet season from November to March, when the swell direction brings consistent, double overhead sets.
Unlike the busier west coast breaks, Keramas offers a more relaxed vibe and fewer crowds, making early mornings, often called dawn patrol, the ideal time to catch the best form of the wave. Surfers here chase perfect waves, paddling out from the black sand beach, where local and travelling surfers often converge.
The swell direction at Keramas favours south to southwest swells, which create a powerful right-hander that can reach waist high to double overhead depending on tides. Lower tides expose the reef more, so high tide or mid-morning sessions often offer safer conditions.
Whether you’re staying at a Keramas surf camp or just dropping in for a surf trip, this reef break is a must-ride for surfers seeking quality waves on Bali’s east coast.
Keramas means “wash hair” in English, and your hair will probably need a good wash after you’ve been thrown around in the sea all day.
Where To Eat In Keramas
For a quiet town, Keramas has more than a few solid food spots, from traditional warungs to beachfront restaurants, and yes, even a winery.
Swan Restaurant Keramas
Sitting just off Pantai Selukat, Swan offers a slightly more refined dining experience. The menu leans international with Balinese touches, and it’s a top pick for sunset drinks by the beach.
Where Is It? Jalan Pantai Selukat, Keramas, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Romano Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Italian-owned and always welcoming, Romano serves up proper wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta in a cosy, open-air setting.
Just off the main beach road.
Where Is It? Pantai Keramas St, Keramas, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Sababay Winery
Ok, ok, so this one isn’t technically a restaurant, but… Sababay Winery is a hidden gem where you can sip local wines surrounded by lush vineyards.
Take a tour, try a tasting flight, and discover Bali’s surprising wine scene, perfect for a chilled afternoon away from the beach hustle.
Where Is It? Jalan Professor Doktor Ida Bagus Mantra No.333X Keramas, Medahan, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Online: Sababay Winery
Lawar Plex WMD
If you’re after the real thing, this no-frills spot is where to go for local Balinese favourites like lawar, nasi campur, and spicy sambals. Big portions and very cheap.
Where Is It? Jl. Mumbul Sari, Keramas, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Pizza Napoli
Another pizza joint – pizza is popular in Bali – this time in the town, more low-key and inland.
Napoli is where locals go for crispy thin bases and cold Bintangs after work, a solid choice if you’re staying nearby.
Where Is It? Jl. Maruti, Keramas, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Keramas Aero Park
Ok, as the food goes, this wasn’t one of the better restaurants that we ate in, but if you’re in the area anyway, then it’s still worth a visit for the pure spectacle of it.
The venue is based around a grounded Boeing 737 (abandoned planes in Bali seem to be quite popular), the inside of which has been redesigned as a fully functional restaurant. There’s a ground bar also, looking out over the rice fields, and a hot air balloon which you can pay to go up in.
Sometimes throughout the year, they host festivals here, so it’s worth investigating to see if anything is going on.
Where Is It? Jl. Bay Pass Ida Bagus Mantra KM. 28 Keramas, Medahan, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Keramas Aero Park
Where To Stay In Keramas
We checked out a few places to stay while we were over there. Here are some we liked, all located within walking distance of the beach.
Keramas Surf Camp
Simple, affordable and close to the waves. Rooms are clean, the vibe is friendly, and the camp is set up for early surf sessions and laid-back afternoons.
Where Is It? Medahan, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Keramas Moonlight Villa
Tucked down near Pantai Selukat, Moonlight Villa is peaceful and well-kept. Each villa has a private garden, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the beach.
Where Is It? Pantai Selukat, Keramas, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Online: Keramas Moonlight Villa
Blue Coco guest house
A budget-friendly favourite with a nice little pool and quiet surroundings. Great if you want something affordable without feeling too bare-bones.
Where Is It? Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra No.300A, Keramas, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Keramas Sacred River
More of a nature stay, this one sits alongside a small river and offers open-air bathrooms and lush gardens. It’s a short stroll to the beach and really peaceful at night.
Where Is It? Jl. Selukat, Keramas, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Online: Keramas Sacred River
FAQs
What Is The Swell Direction In Keramas Beach?
Keramas thrives on south to southwest swells, especially in the wet season from November to March, when it barrels best. In the dry season, swells are smaller and conditions are less consistent.
Why Do So Many Beaches In Bali Have Black Sand?
Keramas’s volcanic black sand comes from ancient lava flows. It gets very hot under the sun, so bring sandals or shade when walking barefoot.
Is Surfing In Keramas Suitable For Beginners?
Not really. The waves at Keramas are fast, hollow and reef-breaking, best left to experienced surfers. Beginners should stick to gentler spots or take a surf lesson elsewhere.
Where Is The Best Surf Spot In Bali?
Keramas is one of Bali’s premier surf spots, especially for experienced surfers looking for fast, hollow right-hand waves. However, Bali has many great surfing beaches, including Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Canggu.
Final Thoughts On Keramas
Keramas is a laid-back spot with beautiful beaches and a relaxed vibe that feels more authentic than touristy.
It’s a great base if you want to explore the surrounding area, including waterfalls, wildlife parks, and cultural sites nearby.
While it’s famous for its surf, there’s plenty here for anyone who enjoys quiet beach days, good food, and nature.
If you’re after variety and a busier scene, other parts of Bali might suit you better. But if you want peace, natural beauty, and a slower pace, Keramas is a solid choice.
