Central Java
- j
- f
- m
- a
- m
- j
- j
- a
- s
- o
- n
- d
Positives
- Mellow waves
- No crowds
- Warm water
- Laidback atmosphere
- Java culture centres
Negatives
- Lack of high-class waves
- Poor beachbreaks
- Regular onshore winds
- No flights to Pangandaran
Central Java surf travel guide
With excellent surf at both ends of Java (G-Land to the east and the Panaitan Island/Cimaja area to the west), one could reasonably expect the remaining 1,000km (625mi) of south-facing coastline to conceal many secrets. Whilst there are a few hidden gems scattered along this coastline, Java’s S coast has never been highlighted as a prime surf destination for a couple of good reasons. A spine of volcanoes dominates the south of the island, creating many dangerous black sand beachbreaks that rely on shifty sandbanks and rare swell directions to produce quality waves. On the plus side, long sand point waves like Batu Karas provide great, low-risk waves for all abilities, while Java’s 110 million inhabitants often holiday on the south coast, so there’s a relaxed, laidback atmosphere.
Surf spots in Central Java
Research the 8 surf breaks in Central Java and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 8 breaks in Central Java.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Central Java
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Central Java.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 145,000,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- IDR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 14,080 IDR IDR
Cost of living
Communication
- Language
- Bahasa Indonesia (official), English, Dutch, Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cf
Visas
Citizens of another 87 countries are eligible to obtain one of the following visas:
- Electronic Visa On Arrival (e-VOA/B213)
- Electronic Visitor Visa
- Social, Tourist, or Cultural Visa (B211)
- Free Visa Stamp
- Multiple Entry Visa
Some passport holders are eligible to apply for an online e-VOA or Visitor Visa, otherwise, you must obtain a visa in advance at an Indonesian embassy or consulate. If you get the e-VOA before you arrive, you have the option to extend by simply filling out a new Indonesia eVisa application form online, but must first leave the country in order to request a new visa.
Visas issued at the airport on arrival can only be extended through an immigration office, which should be done 14-7 days before expiry.
Visitor Visa is a single-entry visa valid for a 30-day stay in Indonesia with the purpose of Tourism, Government visits, Business Meetings, Goods Purchasing, or Transit only and is not extendable.
The B211 is a 60-day visa for visiting family, friends or an employment trial and can be extended 3 times by 30-days. More hoops to jump through including being sponsored by an eligible Guarantor. Cost IDR 2,000,000.
9 neighbouring countries get a Free Visa Stamp for stays of up to 30 days maximum with no extensions permitted (Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam).
Multi Entry, investment, sport and journalist 60-day visas are available through the main portal.
The 30-day e-VOA & Visitor Visa fee is IDR 500.000. You may be asked for proof of your return flight details and proof of financial resources.
DO NOT overstay as the fines aren’t cheap (IDR 1,000,000/day) and they can stop you from re-entering for a period of time. As always, check for any updates before you book your trip, as visa policy has changed a few times in recent years.
Getting There
Jakarta is int. flight hub for Indonesia. Daily 1hr flight from Jakarta to Nusawiru airport, 10mins drive from Batu Karas ($70pp, new 12-seater Cesnas operated by a Dutch/Indo joint venture www.susiair.com ). Direct public buses from Jakarta start from Bekasi or Tangerang terminals, away from the city centre ($7, 10h). JavaCove Beach Hotel (www.javacovebeachhotel.com) in Batu Karas offers their guests an AC minivan from Jakarta, Yogyakarta or Bandung ($95-150 per car, 6-8h). Train from Jakarta (Gambir station) via Bandung to Banjar, then bus for 50km trip to Pangandaran ($10, 9h).
Getting Around
Public transport is reliable, including the traditional becaks (pedal cabs). Pangandaran to Batukaras by public transport requires taking an angkot (small public minivan, $3) to Cijulang then an ojek (motorbike taxi, $3) to Batu Karas. Renting a small motorbike is another option ($7/d).
Accommodation
Backpacker to modest accommodation is available in Pangandaran. Bamboo House offers very basic rooms for $10/nt. Pantai Sari Hotel is close to Pangandaran beach and the best rooms have A/C ($30/nt). The stylish JavaCove Beach Hotel in Batu Karas has beachfront rooms starting at $40/nt for 2 people including their famous breakfast. Plenty of food options everywhere, or pick a fish for dinner and watch it being cooked in one of the many local warungs.
Activities
See wildlife such as deer, Javanese gibbons, echidnas and rare flora like the huge rafelesia flower in the Pangandaran National Park. Cruise the ‘Green Canyon’ by boat along the Cijulang River. Citumang waterfall is a spectacular swimming hole.
Hazards & hassles
The surf here is mellow by Indonesian standards but the beachbreaks get heavy and strong rips are common. There are an increasing number of local surfers but hardcore surf-trippers don't come here, so crowds are not a problem. This is one of Indonesia's most devout Muslim provinces, but don't expect extremist mentalities.
Handy Hints
No need for a full Indonesian quiver, a shortboard or Malibu will suffice. No surf shops around, but boards can be rented on the beach for $5/d. Pangandaran is packed on Indonesian holidays and weekends, prices explode and it gets difficult to find a room. There's a little fee to pay upon entrance of the Pangandaran beach resort area.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.