Surfing in Java is about much more than just the world-class tubes of G-Land. Beach breaks, points, and epic reefs abound here.
An introduction to surfing in Java
G-Land has pretty much singlehandedly placed Java up there with the Ments and Bali among the top Indo surf regions. Thing is the rest of the finger-long island is often completely overlooked. We’re not sure why but it might have something to do with hard-to-access breaks and the ever-encroaching sprawl of the big city of Jakarta.
Our advice? Don’t be put off a surf trip to Java by either of those things. This island oozes quality on the waves, gets excellent coverage in the SE and SW swell directions, and is nowhere near as busy as the Isle of the Gods. There’s also good variety in the breaks, with something for levels of low intermediate all the way to total pro, from chest-high beach cruisers to echoing barrels you’ll never forget.
On top of all that, Java brings some enthralling colonial history, UNESCO Buddhist temples, and arty cities like Yogyakarta into the mix. There’s shed loads to get through once you’re off the waves.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing Indonesia
Surfing in Java at a glance
The good:
- This is still untrodden surf territory really
- G-Land
- Some beach breaks and spots for beginners
The bad:
- It can be hard to get around
- G-Land is hotly contested stuff
What’s in this guide to surfing in Java?
Where is Java?
Java is the long, thin island that dashes right through the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. It’s actually one of the most populous islands in the country but you wouldn’t think that when you’re on the empty breaks of Panaitan. The reason is really because the huge capital of Jakarta makes its home here. That’s where you’ll want to fly into to reach the surf spots. There are long-haul links in from Europe and the US, along with loads of short haul flights from the rest of Southeast Asia. From the terminals, expect a transfer of at least a few hours to reach the waves, which are predominantly on the south shoreline. It will be longer if you’re headed to G-Land or Panaitan.
A guide to the Java surf spots
From west to east, here’s a look at the premier breaks and destinations for surfing in Java…
Panaitan Island
The hallowed western tip of Java is where you find Panaitan Island. Less-visited than G-Land, but on its day just as good, this one’s slowly rising to the fore of Indo surfing because it has peeling reef lefts that work well into the late summer months of September and October. The best is One Palm, where you’ll whiz through very tight barrels over a reef so shallow you can almost reach out and touch the urchins (don’t do that though!). Naplams is also there, a lippy left reef point that breaks deeper in the main bay. This is boat charter territory and dang good stuff.
Sawarna
There’s a reef shelf that drops out from Sawarna beach to create a series of neat left shoulders that feel a little like one of the reefs of Bali’s Bukit when there’s a good SW swell in the pipeline. They are pretty nice for intermediates, though, as there’s a tendency for the water to crumble rather than hollow out. Also, the spots here tend to be totally empty.sc
Batu Karas
A fun right-hand point that can handle some good size, Batu Karas bucks the trend of the beach breaks that make up the southern shoreline of Java. But it’s no Slater magnet. It’s actually considered to be one of the top learner spots on the island. That’s because it has mellow right hand shoulders that run neatly off a point. Hell, you don’t even have to paddle out because there’s a walkway on the reef that takes you straight to the drop-in zone.
Here’s our full guide to the Batu Karas surf
Pangandaran
The western end of the isthmus beach at Pangandaran hoovers up the SW swells that churn through the Indian Ocean in the dry season. They hit the sandbars and form into something more like a French beach break, getting big and beefy in the center of the beach but mellowing into crumbly ankle burners for beginners at the eastern end.
We have a complete guide to the surf breaks in Pangandaran
Parangtritis
Parangtritis Beach is a long sand stretch that slopes off the southern side of Java. Without the shape offered by the outlying reefs, it can get messy here on the biggest days. But it’s also great for beginners when it gets smaller. The sets come in nice and crumbly and there’s no dangerous stone or coral underfoot. Look for surf schools and hotels in the beach town of Parangtritis itself – the local town of Kretek is too far to make it fun.
Read our full guide to Parangtritis surf
Pacitan
Hardly a soul goes to the Pacitan beaches of south Java. We can never understand why. They are truly fantastic, with palms threading rocky headlands before a frothing Indian Ocean. The surf points are mainly left-hand reefs that ooze quality – think big bombs that run off the rocky headland at Watu Karung. But there’s also a speckling of sandbars and beach breaks for low-level surfers. We think this is one to watch. Could be the next Bali!
Read our full guide to surfing in Pacitan right now
Tiger Tracks
Another G-Land jewel only not located on the main reef, Tiger Tracks is more of an A-frame but the lefts are the best. It’s the rare intermediate choice in West Java because a high tide keeps the reefs nice an deep. It’s also way more forgiving than Money Trees et al.
20/20s
There’s a smaller wave that can work when the rest of G-Land is totally blown out. It’s around 15 minutes’ walking from the end of the main Grajagan reef. Known as 20/20, the name probably comes from the fact that there’s a left and a right, although goofies still get the better deal here. Sometimes, though, the right can hollow out and curl over for a backdoor section if you’re game.2 desc
Grajagan/G-Land
It doesn’t get much better than this. G-Land is a sweeping curve of reef that hugs a huge bay at the end of eastern Java. It’s not just one break but a cluster of about five that can even link up when the power is on 11. A huge underwater canyon churns out strong groundswells during the dry season months, throwing them into the epic drop ins of Money Trees, one of the cleanest left tubes on this here planet, and into Speedies, the fast, finishing section of the main Grajagan reef.
We’ve got a complete guide to surfing the epic breaks of G-Land right here
Where to stay when surfing in Java
One of the downsides of surfing in Java is that there’s not the same surf infrastructure as you get on neighboring Bali. Proper surf camps are out and local homestays are in. You’ll also need to be ready to travel some to get to the surf spots.
Java Turtle Lodge Meru Betiri
You might need to travel a little to get around to G-Land and the other breaks of south Java, but the Java Turtle Lodge Meru Betiri has that local authenticity that’s lost on many hotels. What’s more, the owners know exactly where to go to show you the region’s rare turtle nesting events.
RNV Family Guesthouse Eco Resort
A charming little homestay with a small pool and an eco vibe that’s close to the beginner-friendly breaks of Batu Karas, RNV Family Guesthouse Eco Resort is a great option on the south shoreline of Java.
Wonderloft Hostel Jogja
We don’t recommend Wonderloft Hostel Jogja if you want the surf breaks right on the doorstep. However, it is great for seeing the mystical temples and old town of backpacker-fav Yogyakarta. From there, you can organize surf outings with the local tour operators to nearby Parangtritis Beach (great for beginners)
Step-by-step guide to planning your surfing in Java trip right now
Step one: Book flights to the surfing in Java…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!
Step two: Book your surf camp Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com. That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.
Step three: Get insuranceThis is kinda’ important. Not just for surf trips but for any trips. SafetyWing is great for nomad travelers. They offer rolling contracts that cover amateur surfing.
Step four (optional): Rent a car If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.
Step five: Enjoy!
For paying for stuff when you’re traveling – Get a Wise borderless card/account. They charge NOTHING for POS payments in any country and have some of the best FX rates around in our humble opinion.
When to surf in Java?
There’s no better time to surf in Java than the Indonesian dry season. That starts in May and lasts until around late September. It brings regular pulses of swell in the SW channel and to the S, which are perfect for firing up G-Land and all the beaches and points that line south Java. In fact, the rule pretty much holds true all the way to Panaitan Island in the far west. Of course, there are still waves in the wet season, but they come in SE channels, so G-Land isn’t as clean and tend to be smaller overall.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
This article is just one part of our complete guide to surfing in Indonesia
