Bali is a bucket list destination for surfers around the world — and for good reason. It’s warm, wave-rich, and packed with surf culture. From iconic reef breaks to beginner-friendly beachies, Bali has long been considered a surf travel rite of passage.
But things have changed. With booming tourism, overexposed breaks, and line-ups that feel more like traffic jams, many surfers are starting to question whether the magic is still there. If you’re chasing waves and connection — not crowds and chaos — Papua New Guinea might just be the alternative you’ve been looking for.
What Surf Travel in Bali Looks Like Today
For years, Bali has delivered on its promise: warm water, consistent swell, easy access, and world-class breaks like Uluwatu, Canggu, and Keramas. Flights are frequent, accommodation is affordable, and there’s no shortage of board rentals, surf camps, or smoothie bowls.
But Bali surf breaks today are a very different experience from what they were ten years ago. Crowds have exploded and most well-known breaks are packed from dawn patrol to sunset. You’ll often find multiple surf schools running lessons in the line-up, competing with intermediate and advanced surfers for the same peak.
The vibe? Less soul surf, more surf scene. If you’re after something more relaxed, spacious, or connected to nature, you may find yourself wondering what else is out there.
Why More Surfers Are Looking to Papua New Guinea
This is where PNG quietly shines.
Tucked just above Australia, PNG is one of the last truly uncrowded surf frontiers. The breaks are far away, the scenery is beautiful, and the waves are clean and steady. You might not even see another surfer for days.
With PNG Surfaris, you’ll travel aboard the PNG Explorer, a purpose-built live-aboard surf charter that takes you to waves you simply can’t reach by road. This isn’t a resort or a surf camp. It’s a fully guided ocean journey through untouched coastline, where you eat, sleep, and surf in comfort — all while exploring the outer islands and connecting with local communities.
You can read a full breakdown in this comparison of PNG vs Indonesia surf trips, but the short version is this: where Bali is busy, PNG is peaceful; where Bali is built up, PNG is pure.
It’s not for everyone — but that’s exactly why it’s so special.
What Surf Travel Looks Like in Papua New Guinea
A typical surf day on the PNG Explorer might start with an early morning paddle out to a glassy reef break — and no one else around. After a long session, you’ll head back to the boat for a cooked breakfast, maybe squeeze in a second surf session before lunch, or switch things up with a snorkel or a village visit.
Afternoons are for more waves, beers on deck, and sunset sessions that feel like they belong to you and your mates alone. Every part of the trip is looked after by our professional crew, and even a dedicated photographer to capture the magic.
You’re not locked into a fixed location. The PNG Explorer moves with the swell and the conditions, giving you the best possible chance of scoring clean waves across multiple breaks. You’ll surf everything from playful reef setups to long wrapping rights, depending on the day, all without having to compete for position in the line-up.
This is surf travel that feels like an adventure again — without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Is PNG the Right Fit for You?
If you’re searching for a surf trip that’s a little more off-the-map — and a lot more memorable — Papua New Guinea delivers. Unlike overdone destinations with crowded line-ups and predictable surf towns, PNG offers something rare: space, variety, and a real sense of adventure.
With PNG Surfaris, your trip isn’t limited to one beach or one break. You’ll travel by liveaboard aboard the PNG Explorer, visiting multiple reef breaks across the New Ireland Province. The crew adjusts the route based on conditions, ensuring you score consistent waves with no crowds in sight.
Onboard, comfort meets adventure. The PNG Explorer features air-conditioned cabins, a relaxed communal lounge, and fresh meals prepared daily by a professional chef. Between sessions, you can fish, snorkel, or unwind on deck — everything about the experience is designed to keep you close to the ocean and far from the ordinary.
If you’ve ever dreamed of scoring perfect waves with your crew and no one else around, PNG makes it possible.
Ready for the Ultimate Surf Adventure?
There’s no denying Bali’s place in surf culture — it’s iconic. And it will likely stay that way for years to come. But iconic isn’t always better. If the idea of quieter breaks, clear water, and real connection appeals more than queues and crowds, it might be time to look beyond Bali.
Papua New Guinea offers a surf experience unlike any other. Join our curated PNG surf boat charter trips and book your dream surf adventure for the 2026/2027 season.
FAQs
Is PNG safe for surf travel?
Undesirable incidents happen in every country and PNG is no different. In PNG, most of these incidents occur in the major populated centres of Port Moresby, Lae and the Highlands. Kavieng is situated in the Islands Region of PNG, which is regarded as a relatively safe destination.
As with travel to any foreign country, you need to apply common sense. Be mindful of your belongings and note that it’s best not to walk around alone. Tourist related crime is mostly often petty theft. While it’s important to be on your guard and respect the local culture, don’t be afraid to have a chat, a laugh and be friendly with locals.
What dates are available for the upcoming PNG surf season?
The upcoming 2026–2027 shared charters with PNG Surfaris include 14–23 March 2026, 1–9 November 2026, 21–29 November 2026, 11–19 December 2026, and 28 March–5 April 2027. Limited spots are available for each trip, so we recommend booking early to secure your place.
Is Papua New Guinea a good alternative to surf travel in Bali?
Yes — for surfers seeking less-crowded breaks, deeper cultural experiences, and live-aboard access to remote coastlines, PNG offers something completely unique.