Top 7 Things to Do Around Medewi for Surfers and Travelers

Most travelers come to Bali chasing waves, temples, or sunsets — but few venture far enough west to find Medewi, a coastal village that still feels like the island’s best-kept secret.
Nestled between rice fields and the Indian Ocean, Medewi is calm, authentic, and deeply connected to nature. Life here moves to the rhythm of the tide — fishermen setting out at dawn, surfers chasing long mellow waves, and locals gathering at the beach to watch the sunset.

For guests staying at Dikaloha Surfcamp & SurfSchool, Medewi offers far more than just great surf. It’s a place where adventure meets serenity, and where Bali’s traditional charm remains untouched.
Here are the top seven things to do around Medewi — experiences that blend surf, culture, and slow travel for those who want to feel the real Bali.

1. Surf the Long Left-Hand Waves of Medewi Beach

It all starts with the ocean.
Medewi is famous for its long, smooth left-hand wave — one of the longest in Bali. It’s perfect for longboarders and intermediate surfers who prefer flow over intensity. Unlike Canggu or Uluwatu, here you’ll rarely find crowds; just open space, peeling waves, and the occasional dolphin swimming by in the early morning.

For beginners, Dikaloha Surf School provides personalized lessons right at the beach, guiding you through everything from paddling to standing up. The instructors are friendly locals who’ve surfed these waters since childhood, so you’ll be learning from true Medewi experts.

When you’re done surfing, relax on the black-sand beach, sip a fresh coconut, and watch the sky turn gold — because sunsets in Medewi are legendary.

2. Visit Juwuk Manis Waterfall — A Hidden Twin Cascade

If you’re craving a break from the saltwater, head inland to Juwuk Manis Waterfall, about 25 minutes from Medewi. The name means “sweet fruit,” and this spot truly lives up to it — a hidden twin waterfall surrounded by dense jungle, ferns, and bamboo groves.

After a scenic ride through the countryside, a short 10-minute walk takes you down a lush trail where the sound of rushing water grows louder with every step. The twin streams fall gracefully into a cool natural pool where you can swim, meditate, or simply enjoy the stillness.

It’s one of those places where time seems to slow down. The air is cooler, the forest is alive, and you’ll likely have the waterfall all to yourself. Bring your camera — the light filtering through the canopy creates magical photo moments.

3. Explore the Sacred Beauty of Rambut Siwi Temple

For a glimpse into Bali’s spiritual heart, visit Rambut Siwi Temple, perched high on a seaside cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The temple’s name translates to “honored hair,” and legend says it houses a sacred lock of hair from a revered Hindu priest, believed to bless and protect the surrounding land.

It’s about a 20-minute drive from Medewi, and the journey itself is a scenic one — rolling rice terraces on one side and ocean views on the other. As you walk through the temple gates, you’ll feel an immediate sense of peace. The soft sound of crashing waves mixes with the scent of incense and the gentle rustle of leaves.

Visit around sunset to watch the sky glow orange behind the temple’s silhouette. You’ll quickly understand why locals consider this one of Bali’s most spiritual places.

4. Ride a Scooter through Rice Fields and Hidden Hills

There’s no better way to explore Medewi’s countryside than on two wheels. Rent a scooter from Dikaloha Surfcamp and head out on a slow, scenic ride through rice fields, coconut groves, and traditional villages.

The roads here are peaceful, with almost no traffic — perfect for travelers seeking Bali’s quieter side. Along the way, you’ll pass farmers working in the fields, children playing near irrigation canals, and locals waving as you ride by.

For the best views, take the winding road up toward the Bunut Bolong hills — where the air turns cool and the horizon opens up to reveal the ocean below. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially in the late afternoon light.

End your ride with a coffee stop at a local warung overlooking the valley — because in Medewi, even the simplest moments feel special.

5. Visit the Legendary Bunut Bolong Tree

Hidden deep in the hills north of Medewi lies a wonder of nature: the Bunut Bolong Tree — a massive ancient banyan tree with a road passing directly through its roots.
“Bunut Bolong” means “tree with a hole,” and it’s not just a sight to see — it’s a sacred place that embodies Bali’s deep respect for nature and spirit.

Locals believe the tree is home to guardian spirits who protect travelers passing through. Offerings are placed daily at small shrines near its base. The drive there takes you through coffee plantations and misty hills, offering some of the most scenic views in West Bali.

It’s quiet, mystical, and deeply peaceful — the kind of place that reminds you why Bali is called the “Island of the Gods.”

6. Practice Yoga or Join a Retreat in Medewi’s Nature

Between surf sessions, find your balance with a little yoga. Medewi has started to attract travelers looking for both movement and mindfulness, and several small yoga shalas now offer classes among rice fields or in open-air pavilions overlooking the sea.

Guests at Dikaloha Surf Camp can also join private sunset yoga sessions on the beach — a gentle stretch to relax your muscles after a day of surfing. The combination of ocean breeze, warm sunlight, and the rhythm of waves makes it a truly grounding experience.

Yoga here isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection — to the body, the ocean, and the moment.

7. Experience Local Life: Fishing, Food, and Friendly Faces

Medewi remains a traditional fishing village, and life here still revolves around the ocean.
Early mornings are magical — watch local fishermen push their colorful wooden boats, called jukungs, into the water. You can even join them for a fishing trip or learn how they cast their nets by hand.

When hunger strikes, stop by one of the beachside warungs for fresh grilled fish, nasi campur, or a young coconut straight from the tree. Meals here are simple but delicious — a true taste of Balinese coastal life.

As the day ends, the beach comes alive with laughter, children playing in the tide pools, and travelers and locals gathering to watch the sunset together. It’s not an attraction — it’s real life, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

In a world that’s moving fast, Medewi invites you to slow down.
Here, days are marked by tides instead of time, and smiles come easier than Wi-Fi signals. Whether you’re surfing, chasing waterfalls, exploring temples, or simply sitting under a palm tree — Medewi shows you the essence of Bali that many travelers miss.

For surfers, it’s paradise. For travelers, it’s home.

And for anyone staying at Dikaloha Surfcamp & SurfSchool, it’s the perfect place to experience the balance between adventure, culture, and calm.