The most effective way to combine Ubud, a surf camp, and the Gili Islands is by breaking the 14-day trip into the highly recommended ‘jungle → waves → island chill’ flow, perfect for active, social travelers. After acclimatizing in Ubud, you are ready for the social experience at Kavo Maison Surf & Yoga Camp before concluding your adventure on the tranquil Gili beaches. For the complete, detailed breakdown on how to plan your optimal surf retreat Bali journey, read the full guide below.
How can you combine Ubud, a surf camp and the Gili Islands?
You can combine Ubud, a surf camp and the Gili Islands by breaking your trip into three simple parts: jungle → waves → island chill.
It sounds like a lot, but once you’re in Bali you realise this is literally how most young travellers (20s to late 30s, even early 40s) move around the island. Especially the ones who don’t want the typical “hotel + beach + cocktails” trip and prefer something with a bit of depth, fun and new people.
Funny thing: many travellers don’t plan a surf camp Bali at first, and then once they see how easy and social it is, they’re like, “Why didn’t I book this sooner?”
Why start your trip in Ubud?
Starting in Ubud is the easiest way to slide into Bali’s rhythm, slow mornings, jungle cafés, temples, rice terraces… it gives you space to adjust before the more active part of the trip.
It’s the peaceful side of Bali, the one where you breathe out and realise, “okay, I needed this.”
Things people usually do in Ubud before heading south:
- Meditation classes
- temple visits (there are a lot, but some are genuinely magical)
- rice terrace walks
- coffee shops with insanely good bowls
- waterfalls to kick off the “tropical mood”
After a few days, the ocean starts calling. It always does.
Where does the surf camp fit into the itinerary?
The surf camp fits right in the middle and honestly, this is where most travellers say their trip changes in a good way.
After Ubud, you’re ready for movement, for the beach, for people, for something a bit more “alive”. A surf and yoga retreat Bali experience brings exactly that: structure when you want it, freedom when you need it, and a community without the chaos of a party hostel.
Kavo Maison Surf & Yoga Camp is in Munggu, a calm ricefield village close enough to Canggu for cafés and sunsets, but far from the crowds.
What can you expect during your surf camp stay?
Expect a routine that somehow manages to be active but relaxing at the same time.
Mornings are for surfing (don’t worry if you’ve never touched a board, that’s normal). The waves around Canggu, Munggu and Kedungu are perfect for beginners and progressing surfers, which is why a surf retreat Bali works so well here.
A typical day looks something like this:
- early yoga lesson
- breakfast with the group
- morning surf session
- chill time at the camp or exploring Bali
- evening yoga to recover
- sunset hangouts
- new friends without even trying
If you want a social experience without the “backpacker chaos”, this hits the sweet spot.
How do you get from the surf camp to the Gili Islands?
Super easy: a one-hour drive to Padangbai and then a fast boat straight to Gili Trawangan or Gili Air.
Boats leave every day, so you don’t need a complicated plan. Most people continue to the Gilis right after their surf camp week.
Why travellers love ending their trip in the Gilis:
- crystal-clear water
- snorkeling with turtles
- no scooters (only bicycles)
- slow mornings
- sunset bars right on the beach
It’s the perfect “cool down” after the surf-and-social part of the holiday.
What does a perfect 2-week itinerary look like?
Here’s a simple version that flows well and doesn’t feel rushed:
14-Day Bali + Gili Itinerary (easy version):
- Days 1–3 → Ubud
waterfalls, temples, rice fields
- Days 4–9 → Surf Camp (Kavo Maison Surf & Yoga Camp)
surf, yoga, new people, sunset beers
- Days 10–14 → Gili Islands
beaches, turtles, chill vibe, bike rides
This order works especially well for travellers who want a bit of everything: culture → community → island paradise.
FAQ – Quick Answers
• Can I really learn to surf in a few days?
Yes — with the right coaches and consistent surf lessons Canggu, people progress fast.
• Should I book the surf camp before or after Ubud?
Most travellers prefer after Ubud, because they feel more grounded and ready for a social experience.
• Are the Gili Islands good for solo travellers?
Absolutely — Gili T is lively and social, Gili Air is quieter but still friendly.
Want to add a surf camp to your Bali trip?
Check out Kavo Maison Surf & Yoga Camp: the perfect stop between Ubud and the Gilis — surf, yoga, community and a chilled Bali vibe.
