Chance to surf, Komune with nature

It stands like a Western oasis amid the blackened volcanic earth and rice paddies. Nestled directly across from one of Bali's most renowned surf breaks, Komune is a reflection of the island's balance between the old and new, east and west, humble village meets tourist hotspot.

The star attraction at Komune is the wave, Keramas. Discovered just over a decade ago, it was previously an ultra-secret hideaway for tight-lipped expats and locals. On the fertile volcanic coastline, between fishing villages, it was a difficult place to get to.

Now, the previously rickety and winding stretch of road has been replaced with a modern highway, the Bali Mandara Toll Road. Since opening last year, it has cut the journey to Komune from the airport to just 40 minutes.

And with this world-class wave now so easily accessible, it's not uncommon to spot a pro surfer at the beach, with Komune becoming the setting for surf shoots, video clips and an annual surf competition. The resort is also home to the Oakley Pro Bali, an Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour event which attracts big names such as Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson and WA's Jack Robinson.

Since opening in 2012, Komune has quickly adapted to cater to the crowds. It began as backpacker accommodation, soon replaced with resort-style rooms, nestled within a tamed tropical landscape.

The rooms are basic but comfortable, creating a home-style base for surfers with an ensuite bathroom, desk, TV, air-conditioning and wireless internet.

The heart of the resort is based around the surf break, with a pool, restaurant offering a range of Western and Indonesian cuisine, and a bar with disco music and cocktails at half what you'd pay in Perth.

The resort is diversifying to offer more for families who don't necessarily want to surf. Picture: Kate Ferguson

But all the glitz came from humble beginnings. The resort was the brainchild of three Australian businessmen: former pro surfer Luke Egan, Fitness First founder Tony de Leede and property developer Tony Cannon. For seven years, they sat in huts, drinking kopi with two local fishing families, negotiating a deal for a parcel of land next to the surf break. Following an agreement, they hired and trained up the locals to build and staff the resort.

The lesser-known of the three owners is also the most intriguing: Tony Cannon, who threw in his career as a chemical engineer in Sydney to allow more time for his love of surfing. Turning to property development, these days he's often the first guy in the water and the last one out. With his business attire consisting of a pair of board shorts, he's well known for hosting board meetings in the water.

As for the wave itself, Keramas is not to be taken lightly. The right hander thumps along a shallow and sharp reef ledge, more suited to the advanced surfer.

When the swell jumps above 1.5m, it creates a fast, shallow and powerful wave that has been known to break bones and sever tendons.

The wave is tide-reliant and the resort has catered for this, creating a world-first for night surfing. To capitalise on the evening peak in the tide, the wave is lit up with football stadium-style lights as surfers don fluoro vests and surf under the careful watch of local lifeguards.

The surf conditions are best at mid and high tide, with a north-west or easterly swell from 1-1.5m. The wind is best from the west.

With a compact take-off area, the right-hand wave can't handle much of a crowd and these days you'll find at least 20 surfers in the water at its peak. As a result, the resort has begun to diversify to attract a wider variety of travellers, from snap-happy city slickers keen to get a selfie with the infamous wave, to families playing in the pool. Massages and yoga have been introduced, and soon there will be a fitness centre, with the aim of creating a health and lifestyle escape. The resort has also established an organic garden, which features a wide variety of local fruits, vegetables and herbs which feature in the restaurant's cuisine. The local lychee and young coconut are must-tries.

The locals have also taken to the surf, with the nearby fishing village starting up the Keramas boardriders club. The surfing talent among the villagers is splendid to watch as they catch waves in between their work shifts.

For the adventurous, there are still plenty of waves to be had. Nearby are several surf breaks, including Masceti, KFC and Carparks, which often go unridden during the day.

There are also several uncrowded point and beach breaks within short driving distance which can be easily found with the help of a friendly local driver.

If surfing isn't your thing, cultural and shopping hub Ubud is a 20-minute drive inland. Also nearby are the beautiful Elephant Cave, White Sand Beach near Padangbai, and Sanur to the south.

The sunrise is not to be missed. Whether you're in the water or on the land, a glowing staircase to the sun is cast across the Bali Sea, forming a stark and beautiful backdrop to the nearby islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.

For the adventurous, Komune is worth a visit to check out Keramas and the surrounding surf breaks.

For the family, the resort provides an excellent base to chill out by the pool and check out the surrounding attractions. If you're travelling further east, it's a handy stopover on the port to Lombok and the way to renowned diving spot Tulamben.

Following the recent upgrades to Bali's road system and a push for tourism developments further from the bright lights of Kuta and Seminyak, Komune is a likely sign of changing times for the Island of the Gods' sleepy east coast.

komuneresorts.com/keramasbali