"Padang Padang Surf Camp was so much more than a vacation. It was my first time ever touching a surf board and in a couple of weeks I was already up to an intermediate level. The coaches are like family, they truly care. The food is AMAZING! And more than all of this there’s something mystical about the place. Every person I met at camp felt like a life long friend. This place has a way of bringing people from all walks of life from all over the world together. It felt like every day everyone was talking about how that day was the best day ever. It’s sad because when people leave you truly miss them (no one is ever ready to leave) but somehow a new person arrives and fills into the group. So many people I met here have come back repeatedly, and talk about how some of their closest friends were met here. Surfers who join from outside the camp always wish they were staying inside. You could come here for every vacation the rest of your life, and it would never get old!"

Donald Allen

"Padang Padang Surf Camp has been so much more than just a place to stay – it has been a true home for my heart. When I first arrived, I was welcomed with such kindness and warmth that I immediately felt part of something bigger than myself, almost like finding a second family on the other side of the world.

Every day here was filled with moments I will carry with me forever – the laughter shared around the table enjoying healthy food, sunsets with new friends after a day in the ocean, the encouragement in the water, and the smiles that never seemed to fade. This place has a soul, and you can feel it in every detail, in every connection, in every wave.

Surfing here was not only about learning or improving skills; it became a way to reconnect with myself and with nature. The instructors and staff are incredible – patient, passionate, and truly caring – but more than that, they made me feel seen, supported, and inspired.

When I arrived, I had little experience in the water. Every session was filled with fun and encouragement, and I found myself catching more waves than I ever imagined. Video reviews and one on one coaching helped me see real progress. Exercizes with instructors – focused on balance, flexibility, and strength – became another part of the joy of being here.

Padang Padang Surf Camp is not just a camp, it’s an experience of belonging, of love, of joy. It’s a reminder that family is not only where you are born, but also where you are welcomed with open hearts.

Thank you, Padang Surfcamp, for giving me so much more than I could ever expect. A piece of me will always stay here, and I know I will return."

Lorena Aceituno Corona

"If you actually want to get better at surfing, this is the camp. If you’re just after a party spot or a cushy resort, there are plenty of other places in Bali. But if you want to put in the work and come out the other side a better surfer, Padang Padang Surf Camp is the place.

I think I researched every surf camp on the island before choosing this one. Yeah it’s on the pricier side, but I chose Padang Padang Surf Camp because they do video review every single day, and that makes all the difference. Like maybe you think you’re looking forward while getting up on a wave, then you watch the footage and—nope—you’re staring straight at your board. Seeing it play back makes the coaching sink in instantly.

The instructors are fantastic. Richie in particular is hilarious and relentless—he won’t let a wave go unridden. He pushes hard and is really invested in seeing his students improve.

And off the water, the vibe’s really fun. Kat, the camp’s social coordinator, knows the local area inside out and always finds something great to do in the evenings if you’re up for it.

On top of that there’s daily yoga and an incredible massage therapist right at the camp. You’ll surf a ton, laugh a lot, meet some cool folks, and you'll be a better surfer when you leave."

Hans Meyer