Java Surf Travel Guide
West Java is the most densely populated region in Indonesia with around forty two million inhabitants. Ironically many of the surf breaks in West Java are less crowded than some of the more “In vogue” destinations. Despite the massive population, the SW tip of Java is a raw, untouched region with National Parkland and World Heritage sites preserving a substantial section of lowland rainforest. There are a bunch of world-class set ups, plus a wide variety of quality waves of all shapes and sizes. There are some super shallow, hollow, dredging reefs as well as an assortment of mellower reefs, beach breaks and river mouths, with a wave to suit everyone’s style and ability.
Deep in Java from Pedro Gomes on Vimeo.
Where to surf
If we are talking Java, we must start with the wave at its very eastern tip. Grajagan is one of the planet’s truly iconic waves featuring a kilometre-long reef, where perfect, powerful lefthanders loop down the jungle-fringed bay. Just a two-hour speedboat ride from Bali, G-land offers a pure surfing experience where life is based on the rhythms of the waves, tides… and the daily sunset beers. Elsewhere in Java at the opposite western tip on Panaitan Island lies a series of hollow, powerful rights and, in One Palm, one of the most perfect left point breaks in the world.
Best Surf Breaks
One Palm Point
West Java – Panaitan
Apocalypse
West Java – Panaitan
On the opposite side of the bay to One Palm, Apocalypse i
Grajagan
East Java
I
Kongs
East Java – G Land
Money Trees
East Java – G Land
Launching Pads
East Java – G Land
Speedies
East Java – G Land
Napalms
West Java – Panaitan
F
When to go
The Indonesian dry season that runs from April through to October is considered optimal. In these months, favourable southeast tradewinds and weather combine with an abundance of long period groundswell making for incredibly consistent surf at G-Land and in the West Java regions.
Attractions
Try the capital Jakarta with its expansive National Museum, an old town (Kota Tua) and vibrant nightlife. Hike Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, a natural reserve that comprises some of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes. The city of Yogyakarta, or Jogja, is the seat of Javanese culture and a must visit. Karimunjawa, a string of islands off the coast of Central Java, is home to coral reefs, mangrove and incredible biodiversity.
The Country
With over 255 million people, Indonesia is the world’s 4th most populated country. Consisting of thousands of islands, Indonesia is rich with tropical oceans, delicious fruits, and impressive volcanoes. Even with the nation’s large population, there are many opportunities to escape the crowds by visiting the country’s outer islands, rainforests, and beaches. Over the millennia, Indonesia has been controlled by many world superpowers – including the Dutch, French, British, and Portuguese. Since the end of World War II, Indonesia has remained a free nation with a constitutional government. Because of this diverse history, Indonesia has a unique blend of island culture, Western Colonialism, and Islamic lifestyle – making it a unique experience for any world traveller. If you enjoy respectfully meeting new people, you will undoubtedly find the people to be as beautiful as the oceans.
Getting There
For Grajagan fly to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali (DPS), and after a two-hour speedboat ride you can be surfing the famous left. Jakarta International Airport (CGK), the nation’s biggest, is the entry point for West Java and Panaitan Island.
Travel Information
Time Zone
UTC+06:00
Currency
RUB
Calling code
+62
Electric
230 Plug type V, C, F