After we began looking for the right vacation spot for our annual ladies surf journey, we knew we needed two issues: dreamy longboard waves and a uncooked, genuine Indonesian vibe. To tick off no less than the second, we knew we’d need to enterprise past Bali, and actually, we had been excited by the thought of exploring one other of Indonesia’s 17,000+ islands. We needed an journey!
We tossed round concepts like Lombok, Sumatra, and the Mentawais, however ultimately, all of us agreed on the island of Java, and specifically a bit of surf city on the south coast of West Java known as Batukaras.
Not solely did we get our repair of longboard waves and recent coconuts, however I additionally utterly fell in love with the individuals of West Java. I don’t suppose I’ve ever met such heat, open, and loving people – they made our journey in Batukaras much more particular.
Batukaras itself is a small seaside city that’s been slowly gaining traction amongst travellers chasing waves and sluggish island vibes. However as a result of it’s not the simplest place to get to, it’s nonetheless splendidly untouched by tourism. You’ll solely discover travellers who actually thrive within the sluggish lane right here – as a result of except for browsing in Batukaras, sipping coconuts by the seaside, and consuming at native warungs, there’s not a lot else to do. (No bars, golf equipment, and even yoga studios.)
My time in Batukaras was actually so refreshing and felt like a ‘correct’ journey expertise, you already know? I actually really feel like we bought to immerse in a brand new tradition and study the native method of doing issues.
And so, after spending per week absorbing the Batukaras’ life, I picked up a number of suggestions and tips price sharing. This Batukaras journey information has the whole lot it’s essential to plan your personal journey – together with the very best locations to eat in Batukaras, the very best issues to do in Batukaras, and the place to remain.
Let’s tuck in, we could?
The way to Get to Batukaras
Batukaras is a small fishing village turned surf city, situated about half-hour from Pangandaran on the southern coast of West Java. In case you’re questioning how you can get to Batukaras, it’s a little bit of a mission in comparison with extra common surf spots in Bali or Lombok – however that’s a part of what retains it so particular.
And don’t fear, when you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with quiet seashores, pleasant locals, and a few of the greatest browsing in West Java. It took us a sizzling minute to work out our path to get there, however I’ve researched for you now, so listed below are your greatest choices:
The closest airport to Batukaras is Pangandaran Airport (CJN), which is a 20-minute drive away from the seaside city. Nonetheless, it is a tiny airport, so you can not join internationally from right here. What you’ll must do is fly internationally into one of many choices beneath after which get a connecting home flight to CJN.
Alternatively, you may land at one of many worldwide airports after which go for a automotive to take you the ultimate leg. See driving instances beneath.
- Husein Sastranegara Airport (BDO) in Bandung + 6-hour drive
- Yogyakarta Worldwide Airport (YIA) + 5-hour drive
- Soekarno-Hatta Worldwide Airport (CGK) + 8-hour drive
My journey route from Bali to Batukaras
Bali (DPS) to Jakarta (HLP) [✈️ 1h 50m Direct with Batik Air]
Jakarta (HLP) to Pangandaran (CJN) [✈️ 1h 10m Direct with Susi Air]
Finest Time to Go to Batukaras
Contemplating that the primary pull for tourism in Batukaras is the surf, I’m going to imagine you’re questioning what the swell does all year long right here on the South Coast of West Java.
Briefly, Batukaras is surfable year-round, however the very best time to go to is determined by your talent degree and how much waves you’re chasing.
The dry season (Could to September) brings essentially the most constant swell and clear offshore winds – excellent for intermediate to superior surfers searching for lengthy, peeling right-handers. Learners will possible desire the moist season (October to April) when the waves are smaller, gentler, and preferrred for studying.
The place to Keep in Batukaras
Selecting to remain in Batukaras means selecting to reside merely. You received’t discover luxurious resorts right here (but), and that’s the fantastic thing about an journey in Batukaras.
There are many villa choices, visitor homes and some small-scale resorts popping up. I’d focus extra on the situation and get your self as near the primary break as doable so you may hop out and in of the surf all day lengthy!
Take a look at some Batukaras lodging choices right here.
We stayed at Home Of Sawah for our week in West Java as a result of we discovered consolation of their on-line presence and the Western touches they provide as a part of the keep. They solely have 4 picket huts obtainable to lease, every sleeping two individuals and with non-public loos, air con and breakfast included. I paid $181 for the week, sharing a hut with my bestie, which is sooo inexpensive however is definitely on the pricier finish for lodging in Batukaras, as that is in all probability, at the moment, essentially the most ‘western’ institution. I feel the huts had been round $50 an evening / 1,000,000IDR.
Would I like to recommend staying right here? We had an incredible keep, sure! The HoS group are insanely hospitable and had been attentive, variety and useful from begin to end. It felt like residence for positive. The one factor that wasn’t clear, that I’d observe when you’re contemplating staying, is that the 4 huts are proper subsequent to the restaurant space, which has music on many nights by the week. Home Of Sawah is an actual social hub (one of many solely ones on the town) they usually have occasions like Taco Tuesday and Burger Sunday which attract lovely crowds however when you’re prioritising early peaceable bedtimes, this may not be your greatest reserving!
Journey tip:
There aren’t any ATM’s in Batukaras itself so it’s a good suggestion to reach with some money or you will have to scooter into Cijulang to the Mandiri ATM (quarter-hour away). You’ll want money for massages, some native warungs and surf board rental. Most different issues I used to be in a position to pay for with card.
Go Browsing (clearly!)
Let’s begin with the apparent one and the explanation most individuals come right here to Batukaras… browsing! In Batukaras, there’s one important wave to surf, and it’s an extended, light right-hand wave known as ‘The Level’. This seaside break is understood for its mellow, constant waves, and due to the pleasant nature of those waves, Batukaras is a superb spot for novices and longboarders alike. The water is so heat too – yay!
We visited in early October, and the waves had been 2-3 ft and so pleasant all week!
When the swell will get greater, one other level, ‘Second Level’ opens up simply alongside the seaside too. We had been additionally advised that, if waves are small on the Level, it may be price taking the scooter over to take a look at Bulak Benda, one other wave simply up the coast.
By way of board rental, you may lease a surfboard for round 100,000IDR per day, and there are a number of locations alongside the seaside entrance to do that from.
Tip: To have the very best choose of boards, get your self all the way down to the seaside at dawn to safe your favorite! Money solely.
Have a morning espresso and watch the surf at Hangfive
That is the place you come to get pleasure from the very best espresso on the town, pre or submit surf. Hangfive is situated proper on the entrance of Batukaras seaside and has indoor and out of doors seating so that you can get pleasure from your morning caffeine and watch the waves from.
They open round 7 am and serve your whole coffees, matchas, smoothie bowls and pastries to get you arrange for a day of journey. In case you’re searching for one thing relaxed to do, deliver a guide and relax on one of many bean luggage exterior together with your espresso and take in the calm pleasant buzz of Batukara’s life.
Guide a therapeutic massage subsequent door at Natasha’s Spa
Once you’ve surfed your self foolish and want a superb dose of leisure, head to Natasha’s Spa, conveniently situated proper subsequent to Hangfive on the Batukaras beachfront. I’d actually roll out of the ocean and onto the therapeutic massage mattress! DREAM.
They provide a 40-minute therapeutic massage for 120,000 IDR or a full hour for 200,000 IDR (the maths doesn’t fairly add up, however hey no complaints on these costs). Money solely.
Discover the Inexperienced Canyon (Cukang Taneuh)
Simply 20 minutes away from Batukaras seaside lies the enduring Inexperienced Canyon, a shocking river gorge surrounded by emerald-green cliffs and caves. I extremely advocate including this half-day or full-day journey from Batukaras to your itinerary. The scenes had been like one thing from a film. Completely beautiful and the most effective issues to do in Batukaras when you love nature!
There are a number of choices to discover the Inexperienced Canyon relying in your preferences and the time you may have free.
- Go on a ship tour (1-1.5 hour)
Merely head to the Inexperienced Canyon harbour (the place all of the boats are, you can not miss it) and purchase a ticket (175,000IDR). An area Indonesian boat will take you up the Canyon for a scenic trip, and when you pay a bit of further (50,000) they are going to information you to a swimming spot to immerse within the refreshing waters. Come together with your swimmers on prepared and produce a towel to dry off with!
- Guide onto a Physique Rafting tour
In case you’re searching for a extra energetic journey and to get deeper into the Canyon, I extremely advocate this one with CV Baraja, which was a 4-5 hour spherical journey expertise and concerned swimming, leaping and climbing our method down the canyon earlier than hopping in a conventional Indonesian boat for the final leg again to the harbour.
Get pleasure from a recent coconut at Coco Seashore
We stumbled throughout this spot by chance in the future after our surf, and it ended up being one among our favorite reminiscences in Batukaras.
The warung is known as Coco Seashore, and it’s situated just a bit additional alongside Batukaras seaside. They serve the freshest coconuts in essentially the most idyllic setting (see beneath) with swings suspended between the palms and many little tables to get pleasure from your coconut from with a view.
I feel the coconuts had been 15,000 every! 50p! Are you kidding!!!
Be a part of a Native Fishing Journey
In case you’re seeking to expertise Batukaras past the surf scene, heading out with native fishermen at dawn could be the right solution to dip into the native tradition. In your scooter trip to the surf, you’ll discover the primary seaside is lined with conventional fishing boats and also you’ll see locals sorting by nets and arriving again with the each day catch.
I really feel fairly assured that you could possibly strike up a dialog with one of many fisherman and get your self an actual genuine expertise on the water. In case you don’t really feel assured asking instantly, converse to the proprietor of your lodging – it’s the type of city the place everybody is aware of everybody and everyone seems to be so keen to assist and make your keep one to recollect.
That is one thing I’d have truly liked to do however ran out of time for (too busy stress-free lol) so please, do it for me!
Go to Taco Tuesday or Burger Sunday at Home Of Sawah
As talked about beforehand, Batukaras has a really chill, native vibe and so this isn’t the type of vacation spot the place you’ll discover the streets lined with yoga studios, bars or up market eating places. It’s uncooked and it’s actual Indonesia. In consequence, it’s not the place you’ll simply discover social nights or events.
There may be nonetheless one spot the place you may assure one or two nights per week that everybody will collect and that’s at Home Of Sawah. Taco Tuesday right here at Home Of Sawah went OFF lol, with vacationers and locals filling the out of doors restaurant. It was a beautiful solution to join, dance and luxuriate in some half worth margaritas and tacos. It ended up being one among my favorite reminiscences!!! Their Burger Sundays additionally attract an analogous vibe so when you’re on the town, test the HoS Instagram and see what they’ve bought lined up!
P.s. The menu right here at Home Of Sawah has worldwide choices and is a spot you may come to to get pleasure from breakfast lunch or dinner.
Take a Scooter Journey Round West Java’s Coast
On the afternoons the place we weren’t browsing we’d hit the highway and discover the rugged fantastic thing about West Java’s shoreline. It wasn’t exhausting to seek out magnificence right here.
As you dip out of Batukaras you’ll weave round rice paddies, rivers, small fishing villages, warungs and landscapes utterly untouched by tourism. It’s actually so stress-free to discover right here and the roads are fairly chill. Seize a scooter (and a helmet) and see the place the roads take you!
Gradual Down and Stay the Native Life
Truthfully, simply slowing down the tempo of your life and your breath is among the greatest issues to do in Batukaras. We liked the minimal selection of issues to do and locations to eat, it allowed us to… truly simply loosen up.
Could this journey be the superbly alternative so that you can seize a nasi goreng from a seaside warung, sip espresso and make dialog with the locals or learn your guide below a palm tree. You’ll quickly realise that is what Indonesia used to really feel like (cough Bali cough) – and it’s precisely what makes this nation so particular to journey by.
An area warungs that we liked that I feel it’s best to strive is: Kedai Mini Resto Rice Discipline (see beneath).
Discover and swim at Inexperienced Valley (Citumang)
So we had been advisable two important day journeys from Batukaras, one was Inexperienced Canyon (talked about earlier) and the opposite? Inexperienced Valley!
Inexperienced Valley is a bit of additional away, round 40 minutes on the scooter, however undoubtedly well worth the journey! In case you determine to go, put it in maps after which take the route that goes alongside the seaside (solely 2 minutes added) – the trip is GORGEOUS!
While Inexperienced Canyon requires you to guide a ship / a tour to discover it – Inexperienced Valley is one you are able to do and not using a tour. You merely arrive to Inexperienced Valley ticket workplace, buy a ticket (39,000IDR for an grownup) and you’ll wander by the valley and discover a spot to pitch up and loosen up for the afternoon.
You may merely get pleasure from Inexperienced Valley from one of many flat picnic areas (deliver a towel, water and snacks) or you may put your swimmers on and go swimming and swinging off rope swings into deep, clear turquise swimming pools to the sound of working water. It’s heavenly.
Have you ever been to Batukaras, West Java?
I’d like to know what you bought as much as there and if there’s the rest that you just’d advocate to do?
Love as all the time and blissful adventuring,
Mollie.
