Java

Where to surf in Java

Java has long been known as one of the most densely populated islands on the planet. This reputation is the complete opposite of the Java experience for most surfers, who often find themselves hunkered down in impenetrable jungles at each extremity of the island, hunting down some of the most wildly dangerous and challenging waves in the world. Between the tips, there are a growing number of surf breaks to discover, catering to all manner of surfer and surfcraft.

Banten & Jawa Barat

Java isn't a one-trick-pony and it wasn’t long before the other extremity of this densely populated island was explored and the challenging reefs of West Java were mapped. It turns out Panaitan Island cradled an even hollower, faster left than G-Land, but it was a higher stakes ride that few could master over an unforgiving reef that usually demanded its pound of flesh. Back on the mainland, boulder rights, rivermouths and intimidating big wave reefs added to the Javanese wave inventory.

Naturally, people wondered what happened further along the coast in Central Java where unusual sand-sculpted rights were uncovered at Batu Karas, attracting beginners and intermediates to a relaxed zone that includes fun beachbreaks.

Jawa Timur & Jawa Tengah

This still left a good 600kms of south-facing East Java coast to search before arriving at G-Land and it represents perhaps one of the lightest surfed coastline in Indo’s southern hemisphere wave zone. Nevertheless, this is Indo and there are always waves, especially around Pacitan, where Yogyakarta surfers are found flying through some seriously slabby barrels.

Not to be outdone by it’s nearest neighbour Bali, Java has managed to trump the Bukit beauties with a wave so vast and perfectly formed, that it is often used as the yardstick by which all waves are measured. The kilometre long, left reef at Grajagan, affectionately known as G-Land has once again become a venue for the world's best surfers to test their tube riding skills and thigh muscle stamina at one of the greatest waves on the planet.