Best Surfing Locations in Indonesia
BATUKARAS
The fishing village and surfing hot spot of Batukaras is one of the most enjoyable places to kick back and surf in west Java. A tiny one-lane fishing settlement, with two beaches that are separated by a jungle covered promontory, the calm and local sweetness will light up your holidays. Far from the busy trendy crowd of Bali, you will discover the wonderful traditional Indonesia and the Sundanese culture.
Legok Pari Beach (main bay of Batukaras) is not only a world-famous break point but also a safe swimming area for the younger ones. You can relax looking at the surfers dancing on the waves, and why not try out with local instructors of the Batukaras Surf Club.
SURFING AT BATUKARAS
Notable for its long stretch of black sand, lush tropical foliage, and amenable waves for both beginners, intermediates, experienced surfers and longboarders alike. The small fishing village of Batukaras near Pangandaran just West of Central Java is a great surfing destination for those looking to steer clear of massive barrels. While Batukaras is predominantly as a heaven for beginners and longboarders due to its soft, clean, and long workable shoulders, this doesn’t mean that Batukaras goes off any less than other world class waves in this part of Java. Read on to discover all the tips and tricks you need to know about when, where and how to surf the waves at Batukaras.
THE POINTBREAK
Long sandy bottom right, up to 400m sometimes more while connecting to Second Point! Depending on the tide, The take-off is up to you: fast and hollow beyond the point, or slow and easy at the shoulder section. The wave gently peeled on workable long wall perfect for longboarding or to work out you curvy manoeuvres on shorter board.
THE REEFBREAK
More punchy than the point, even with easy entry take off, then a long right fast wall over a mixed coral/lava reef. Needs high tide to awake, this is the place for your top turns and trimming down the line fast to the last sometimes barrelling section . Can become serious while overhead. Notice a left hander while good swell orientation.
OTHERS SPOTS
Depending on tides, swells and winds, others surf options can Spice up your adventure. Beach breaks as Batu Hiu or Pangandaran, shallow coral left hander of Batu Mandi, right hander of Bulak Benda and even more #secretspot. Ask a local guide .
WHEN?
January - February is constantly offshore winds but small swell. Generally not on top for the Point but perfectly aligned for the Reef, beach breaks and Bulak Benda.
March to May, offshore or no wind on early mornings, middle sized swell sometimes bigger. Somehow the best period to come for a surf as the Point and the Reef are working (hips to head high)
June to September, larger swell, cross offshore winds at Point but the bay keeps protected, cooler water.
October to December, light winds generally offshore, small swell with long flat spell risk (anyway some more exposed spots keeps perfectly working... )
RULES
The waves are essentially waves of pointbreak, in one direction, it is important to respect the priorities and more so the "surf etiquette". Respect the locals, be humble polite and smiling. If you are a beginner, ask someone from the surf club to help you, do not bother others for everybody