Why going to Bali and Sri Lanka in the shoulder season is the best surf trip of my life
February 17, 2025Dreaming of catching perfect waves without the hassle of crowded beaches or tourist-packed streets? Let me tell you why visiting Bali and Sri Lanka during the shoulder seasons offers an adventure like no other. Here’s how you beat jetlag while doing your surf progress a service with this ultimate travel hack!
Picture softer waves, fewer crowds, breathtaking landscapes, and the excitement of exploring two iconic destinations at their absolute best.
Hi there! Lovisa here, a remote worker and a surf lover (with a travel addiction) from Sweden with an occasional base in Ericeira, Portugal. This is my take on planning your best surf trip ever with Lapoint Camps, skipping jet lag, getting the more affordable deals, and maximizing your trip to Asia, based on my experience!
From doubt to departure: I finally booked the trip
Last winter, I decided to finally go to Bali. As a surfer, I have always had friends who talked about the amazing waves, beautiful landscapes, and endless fun events in Bali. However, because it is so far away, it always felt inaccessible, expensive, and distant to me.
Once I had finally planned my Bali trip and looked at the map, I realized Sri Lanka was geographically positioned halfway to Bali when flying from Europe. Having heard of the magical waves there as well, I decided to make a stop on my way to my final destination.
So, I sat down to book my tickets to both camps and in February 2024, I was on a plane taking off to Sri Lanka.
And this was the best travel decision I have ever made.
Why the shoulder season is the ultimate season
I went for my surf trip in February, which, in surfer terms, is in the middle or end of the peak dry season in south Sri Lanka, where the Lapoint camp is situated. This was the perfect time to go, as it still offered amazing waves, almost no wind, and smaller crowds.
Even more perfect was the timing of continuing onward toward Bali, which was moving away from its rainy season into its dry season at the time.
The beautiful shoulder season in Bali offered less busy roads and less tourism, and at the same time, it started moving towards cleaner waves and clear waters.–A win-win!
Some people think the rainy season in Bali means constant rain, but in reality, it only rained for a couple of hours at some point during the day. This is what I loved; the air after the skyfall felt fresh and clean, and it helped to clear some of the dust or pollution you might otherwise experience in the buzz of Canggu.
When is shoulder season in Sri Lanka and Bali?
Sri Lanka and Bali have two shoulder seasons throughout the year, and for this trip, I experienced the magic of February.
Sri Lanka shoulder seasons: March to May and September to November
(the dry season is between November and March)Bali shoulder seasons: March to May and September to November
(the dry season is between May and November)
If you choose to go from October to December, I’d start the journey in Bali and take Sri Lanka on the way home. If you go from January to April, I’d start in Sri Lanka and have the second stop in Bali. Either way, both destinations offer class waves during these shoulder seasons, no matter which order you plan them in!
The perfect preparation for the stronger Bali waves
The soft waves combined with small crowds in Sri Lanka really helped me prepare, get into my surfing routine, and get some good practice before reaching Bali, where the waves felt stronger and the crowds slightly larger.
I absolutely loved my time in Sri Lanka, and it elevated my surf level, which felt amazing! As a surfer who is used to the waves in Portugal, I have often felt nervous in the waves, scared to get smashed or injured. This is why this experience was extra magical: the tropical waves are more mellow, forgiving, and gentle.
By getting loads of gentle waves, I felt that this experience helped me overcome some of the nervousness that had been holding me back in my surfer journey. It is incredible what some extra confidence and a feeling of safety can do to your progression.
Beating time zones: How I outsmarted jet lag
What also made this the best travel decision I have ever made was the strategic point of avoiding jet lag.
By starting my trip in Sri Lanka, I eased my way into changing time zones. The time difference from Sweden to Sri Lanka is only 4.5 hours. This helped me get used to the time difference before my next move to Bali, which added another 3.5 hours of jet lag.
Because of this, I never felt jetlagged during my trip and felt that I got the most out of all my days, which often feels like a problem when making a long trip to destinations like Bali, where the time difference is vast.
Also, flights between Sri Lanka and Bali were regularly priced at €200, making them easy to book on the go. You could travel to Sri Lanka and decide somewhat at the last minute which day to continue to your next stop in Bali.
The Sri Lanka camp: My favorite Lapoint camp
The Lapoint camp in Sri Lanka is located in Ahangama, a vibrant space full of digital nomads, surfers, and backpackers. The little town offers several beautiful beach cafes with great food and co-work-friendly spaces.
One tip is to plan in advance whether you need a stable internet connection, as this will vary from location to location. My best tip is to get a SIM with an unlimited data plan, as this allowed me to work remotely from any location with high-speed internet.
I loved spending time at the Lapoint Camp in Sri Lanka; it has been my favorite camp overall so far. The staff is lovely, and the food is delicious. The camp is also located right in front of a beach, which is within a couple of minutes walking distance. The shops, cafes, and activities of the village are a few minutes away by tuk-tuk.
The instructors made my surf trip unforgettable
My favorite part of the camp was the surf instructors, who were all dedicated to helping and teaching their students. One of the instructors helped me overcome some of my insecurities about surfing, which was a great moment for me.
The accessibility of surfing was absolutely amazing and allowed me to decide at the last minute to do early morning sessions and evening sessions before and after work. I can honestly say that my surf level improved exponentially during my time at the camp, as I quickly tried smaller boards and felt confident in the water.
Going to Sri Lanka as an improving surfer must be one of my best surf tips for anyone wanting to spend a lot of time on the waves and become comfortable with larger waves.
The Bali camp: Where the buzz never ends
Spending time in Canggu was quite different from Ahangama, with a more upbeat and hectic atmosphere. I enjoyed seeing both parts, which made the two destinations a nice combination on the trip.
I loved the accessible amenities, shops, and delicious restaurants of central Canggu. Everything you need is truly on your doorstep. Also, if you are in the mood to explore, you can sign up for some of the most incredible adventures Bali has to offer directly at the camp.
Spending time at the camp made me realize that even on a trip with multiple stops, it was a really lovely place to ground yourself when arriving in Bali. The transport takes you straight from the airport to the camp, removing the struggle of arrival logistics.
During my trip, I worked remotely almost the entire time. Whether you want to work directly from the camp or one of the nearby co-work areas, both offer great work settings and delicious food.
My best travel tips for a trip to Sri Lanka and Bali
I brought a portable mosquito net since I’m very sensitive to mosquito bites, and you decrease the chance of any mosquito-carrying diseases.
Active charcoal is an excellent addition to your travel pharmacy if you get any stomach flu or the famous Bali Belly.
Electrolytes and fluid replacement tablets are also great if you get infections or need extra hydration after a long surf session.
Don’t forget to pack an electric adapter, especially for Sri Lanka, as they often use UK-style plugs.
If you plan to surf a lot, bring rubbing alcohol and surfer's earplugs, as the risk of surfer's ear is bigger.
Bring a short but long-sleeved swimsuit; the selection in Sri Lanka is very limited.
One last thing
If you are considering booking your next surf trip, I suggest you look at flights for this combination trip during either of the shoulder seasons. It’s truly been my best trip so far. Avoid the crowds, level your jet lag, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and amenities from their best side.
Maybe we will meet on the trip because I know for sure I’ll do it the same way again!
/Lovisa
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