Surf Camp Dining: Full Board vs. Half Board Options

Published on

6.3.25

Min. read time

Choosing between full board and half board at a surf camp in Bali depends on your priorities: convenience, budget, and how much you want to explore local food. Here’s the quick breakdown:

Full Board: Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Great for those who want an all-inclusive experience, structured meal times, and no extra planning. Costs more but ensures convenience and consistent energy for surfing.
Half Board: Covers breakfast and dinner, leaving lunch open for you to explore Bali’s local eateries. It’s more flexible, cheaper, and perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy trying local cuisine.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Full Board	Half Board
Meals Included	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner	Breakfast, Dinner
Best For	Convenience seekers, beginner surfers	Budget travelers, food explorers
Cost (2 Persons)	€490/week	€315/week
Local Food Options	Limited	Plenty
Flexibility	Fixed meal times	Freedom to choose lunch spots

If you prefer ease and structure, go full board. For flexibility and savings, half board is your best bet. Your surf schedule, budget, and love for local food will guide the right choice.

Full board, half board, all-inclusive and everything in between: booking the right meal plan

Full Board Meal Plans Explained

Understanding full board meal plans can help you decide which option works best for your surf camp experience in Bali.

What Full Board Includes

At Bali surf camps, full board typically covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served at specific times in the camp's dining area. For example, Padang Padang Surf Camp offers meals inspired by the S.L.O.W. concept (Seasonal, Local, Organic, Whole), ensuring dishes are both nutritious and satisfying. The meal schedule is designed to complement your surf routine - an early breakfast to kickstart the day, a filling lunch to recharge, and a dinner to restore your energy after a day in the waves.

This structured approach to meals offers several key advantages.

Why Choose Full Board?

Feature	Details	How It Helps Surfers
Convenient Timing	Meals are planned around surf sessions	Lets you focus on surfing without meal prep
Budget-Friendly	All meals are prepaid	Avoids surprise food costs
Energy Support	Meals designed for active lifestyles	Keeps energy consistent throughout the day
Social Atmosphere	Group dining with fellow surfers	Encourages bonding and shared experiences

Things to Consider

While full board is convenient, it might not suit everyone. Fixed meal times can feel restrictive, especially if you enjoy sampling local restaurants. Dietary accommodations also vary - many camps offer vegetarian or vegan options, but if you have specific needs, it’s best to confirm availability ahead of time.

If you're staying near foodie hotspots like Canggu or Uluwatu, full board might limit your chance to explore Bali's diverse culinary scene. Weigh these factors against the ease and predictability of having all your meals handled for you.

Half Board Meal Plans Explained

Half Board Basics

With a half board plan, you'll get breakfast and dinner, leaving lunch open for you to discover local dining spots. This setup works well with surf schedules, giving you the flexibility to explore and enjoy the local area while keeping your mornings and evenings covered.

Benefits of Half Board

Here’s why a half board plan can complement your surf camp experience:

Benefit	Description	Impact on Surf Experience
Meal Flexibility	Lets you pick where to have lunch locally	Explore nearby cafés and warungs
Cost Control	Cheaper than full board options	Save money for other personal activities
Cultural Experience	Try a range of local dishes	Immerse yourself in Bali’s lively food culture
Schedule Freedom	No fixed lunchtime commitments	Adjust meals around your surf sessions

Limits of Half Board

While half board offers plenty of freedom, it does come with some challenges. Lunch isn't included, so you'll need to plan ahead. This can be tricky, especially during busy surf hours when dining options might be limited. Here are some potential hurdles:

Finding lunch spots that fit between surf sessions
Managing a separate budget for midday meals
Coordinating meals if you're traveling with a group
Keeping your energy up without a pre-planned lunch

If you're staying in a remote surf camp, lunch choices might be scarce. Camps like Lapoint Surf Camp often help by suggesting local eateries, making it easier to plan your midday meal without stress.

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Full Board vs. Half Board: Direct Comparison

Full board and half board meal plans vary in cost, meal schedules, local dining opportunities, and overall convenience.

Meal Plan Comparison Table

Feature	Full Board	Half Board
Included Meals	Breakfast, lunch, dinner	Breakfast, dinner
Weekly Cost (2 persons)	€490	€315
Daily Schedule	Fixed meal times (e.g., breakfast from 7–10am, lunch from 12–2pm, plus dinner)	Self-managed lunch (breakfast and dinner provided)
Best For	• Beginner surfers • Those wanting an all-inclusive setup	• Experienced surfers • Adventurous diners • Budget-conscious travelers
Energy Management	Scheduled meals to fuel surf days	Freedom to plan lunch as needed
Local Experience	Fewer chances to eat out	More opportunities to try local food
Budget Control	Fixed, all-in-one pricing	Flexible, with lunch costs varying
Dietary Flexibility	Set menus with possible adjustments	More lunch variety and choice

Some full board packages include perks like BBQ nights or themed dinners, while half board plans save you around €175 per week (for two people), leaving extra for exploring local food spots.

Where you stay matters too. Remote camps may lack dining options, making full board more practical. In places with vibrant food scenes, like Canggu or Uluwatu, half board lets you enjoy local eateries. Full board works well if you prefer a structured schedule with meals ready after surfing, while half board offers flexibility for longer surf sessions and trying out local cuisine.

Next, discover how your budget, travel habits, and destination can help you pick the right meal plan.

How to Pick Your Meal Plan

Budget and Travel Style Considerations

Choosing the right meal plan can have a big impact on both your budget and your overall experience at camp. Full board covers all your meals at a fixed price, which is higher but convenient. On the other hand, half board is lighter on the wallet and gives you the freedom to decide your lunch plans.

Think about your surf schedule. If you’re planning intense morning and afternoon sessions, full board ensures you won’t go hungry because of fixed meal times. But if you’re someone who loves long surf sessions or exploring the area on a whim, half board gives you the flexibility to grab lunch wherever you like.

In short, your travel style and daily routine should guide your decision.

Best Options for Different Travelers

Your travel preferences also play a role in choosing the ideal meal plan. For solo travelers, half board is a great option - it lets you try local food and dive into the local dining scene.

Families staying at surf camps often lean toward full board. Camps like Kamafari Surfcamps in Bali cater to various dietary needs, making it easier for families to manage meals without worrying about finding separate dining spots.

For groups, it’s worth discussing everyone’s preferences. Full board simplifies things, especially if the group has specific dietary requirements. But half board works well if some members want to explore local food options. A quick group chat before booking can save a lot of hassle later.

Bali-Specific Meal Plan Tips

If you’re heading to Bali, your meal plan choice might depend on where you’re staying. Popular surf spots like Canggu and Uluwatu are packed with affordable and diverse dining options, making half board a smart choice.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Location Type	Recommended Plan	Why It Works
Remote Areas	Full Board	Few dining options nearby, so convenience is key
Tourist Hubs	Half Board	Plenty of local eateries to explore
Mixed Areas	Half Board	A balance of camp meals and local food experiences

If you’re staying in a remote area, full board is often the easiest option since dining choices are limited. But in busier spots with a vibrant food scene, half board lets you enjoy Bali’s amazing local flavors while still covering breakfast and dinner at the camp.

Most surf camps are pretty accommodating when it comes to dietary restrictions. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the camp beforehand to ensure they can meet your needs.

Conclusion: Selecting Your Surf Camp Meal Plan

Key Takeaways

Choose a meal plan that fits your priorities. Full board is ideal if you want all meals provided and plan to focus entirely on surfing. Half board, on the other hand, offers more freedom and can save money, especially if you want to explore local dining options.

There are noticeable price differences between eating locally and opting for a full board package. For budget-conscious travelers, half board is a great way to enjoy local cuisine without overspending.

Explore Surf Camp Bali Options

Find Surf Camp Bali provides a helpful directory for comparing meal plans. It breaks down each camp's dining setup, making it easier to decide. Here’s what to look for:

Feature	What to Check	Why It’s Important
Dietary Options	Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free	Ensures meals meet your needs
Location Context	Nearby local restaurants	Helps assess half board value
Package Inclusions	Extra services like yoga or tours	Maximizes what you get

Some camps, like Padang Padang Surf Camp, offer flexible full board options, while others mix camp meals with opportunities to dine out locally. Use Find Surf Camp Bali’s comparison tools to pick the right meal plan for your trip.