After we began looking for the proper 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 at the very least the second, we knew we’d must 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 just a little surf city on the south coast of West Java referred to as Batukaras.
Not solely did we get our repair of longboard waves and contemporary coconuts, however I additionally fully fell in love with the folks of West Java. I don’t assume 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 best 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 realize? I actually really feel like we acquired to immerse in a brand new tradition and be taught the native means of doing issues.
And so, after spending every week absorbing the Batukaras’ life, I picked up just a few ideas and methods value sharing. This Batukaras journey information has all the things it’s essential plan your individual journey – together with the perfect locations to eat in Batukaras, the perfect issues to do in Batukaras, and the place to remain.
Let’s tuck in, we could?
Learn how to Get to Batukaras
Batukaras is a small fishing village turned surf city, positioned about half-hour from Pangandaran on the southern coast of West Java. When you’re questioning get to Batukaras, it’s a little bit of a mission in comparison with extra fashionable 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 among the greatest browsing in West Java. It took us a scorching minute to work out our path to get there, however I’ve researched for you now, so listed here 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 under after which get a connecting home flight to CJN.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to land at one of many worldwide airports after which go for a automobile to take you the ultimate leg. See driving occasions under.
- 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]
Greatest 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.
In brief, Batukaras is surfable year-round, however the perfect time to go to depends upon your ability stage and what sort of waves you’re chasing.
The dry season (Might to September) brings probably the most constant swell and clear offshore winds – excellent for intermediate to superior surfers in search of lengthy, peeling right-handers. Freshmen will probably 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 dwell 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’ll be able to hop out and in of the surf all day lengthy!
Try 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 accessible to hire, every sleeping two folks and with personal loos, air-con and breakfast included. I paid $181 for the week, sharing a hut with my bestie, which is sooo reasonably priced however is definitely on the pricier finish for lodging in Batukaras, as that is most likely, at present, probably 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 a tremendous keep, sure! The HoS group are insanely hospitable and had been attentive, sort and useful from begin to end. It felt like dwelling for positive. The one factor that wasn’t clear, that I might notice in case you’re contemplating staying, is that the 4 huts are proper subsequent to the restaurant space, which has music on many nights by way of the week. Home Of Sawah is an actual social hub (one of many solely ones on the town) and so they have occasions like Taco Tuesday and Burger Sunday which attract stunning crowds however in case you’re prioritising early peaceable bedtimes, this may not be your greatest reserving!
Journey tip:
There are not any ATM’s in Batukaras itself so it’s a good suggestion to reach with some money or you will want 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 capable of pay for with card.
Go Browsing (clearly!)
Let’s begin with the plain one and the rationale most individuals come right here to Batukaras… browsing! In Batukaras, there’s one most important wave to surf, and it’s a protracted, mild right-hand wave referred to as ‘The Level’. This seaside break is thought for its mellow, constant waves, and due to the pleasant nature of those waves, Batukaras is a superb spot for newbies 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 value taking the scooter over to take a look at Bulak Benda, one other wave simply up the coast.
When it comes to board rental, you’ll be able to hire 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 perfect 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 perfect espresso on the town, pre or submit surf. Hangfive is positioned 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. When you’re in search of one thing relaxed to do, convey a e-book and relax on one of many bean luggage exterior along with your espresso and absorb the calm pleasant buzz of Batukara’s life.
E-book a therapeutic massage subsequent door at Natasha’s Spa
While you’ve surfed your self foolish and want a very good dose of leisure, head to Natasha’s Spa, conveniently positioned proper subsequent to Hangfive on the Batukaras beachfront. I might 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 mathematics 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 surprising 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 among the finest issues to do in Batukaras in case you love nature!
There are just a few choices to discover the Inexperienced Canyon relying in your preferences and the time you will 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 in case you pay just a little further (50,000) they are going to information you to a swimming spot to immerse within the refreshing waters. Come along with your swimmers on prepared and produce a towel to dry off with!
- E-book onto a Physique Rafting tour
When you’re in search of a extra lively 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 means down the canyon earlier than hopping in a standard Indonesian boat for the final leg again to the harbour.
Get pleasure from a contemporary coconut at Coco Seashore
We stumbled throughout this spot by chance sooner or later after our surf, and it ended up being considered one of our favorite reminiscences in Batukaras.
The warung is named Coco Seashore, and it’s positioned just a bit additional alongside Batukaras seaside. They serve the freshest coconuts in probably the most idyllic setting (see under) 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
When you’re trying to expertise Batukaras past the surf scene, heading out with native fishermen at dawn can be the proper strategy 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 way of nets and arriving again with the each day catch.
I really feel fairly assured that you may strike up a dialog with one of many fisherman and get your self an actual genuine expertise on the water. When you don’t really feel assured asking instantly, converse to the proprietor of your lodging – it’s the sort 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 might have truly beloved to do however ran out of time for (too busy enjoyable 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 sort 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’ll be able to assure one or two nights every 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 an exquisite strategy to join, dance and revel in some half value margaritas and tacos. It ended up being considered one of my favorite reminiscences!!! Their Burger Sundays additionally attract the same vibe so in case you’re on the town, test the HoS Instagram and see what they’ve acquired lined up!
P.s. The menu right here at Home Of Sawah has worldwide choices and is a spot you’ll be able to 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 street and discover the rugged great 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 fully untouched by tourism. It’s actually so enjoyable to discover right here and the roads are fairly chill. Seize a scooter (and a helmet) and see the place the roads take you!
Sluggish Down and Reside the Native Life
Actually, simply slowing down the tempo of your life and your breath is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Batukaras. We beloved the minimal alternative of issues to do and locations to eat, it allowed us to… truly simply chill out.
Might this journey be the peerlessly alternative so that you can seize a nasi goreng from a seaside warung, sip espresso and make dialog with the locals or learn your e-book 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 way of.
An area warungs that we beloved that I feel you must strive is: Kedai Mini Resto Rice Discipline (see under).
Discover and swim at Inexperienced Valley (Citumang)
So we had been advisable two most important day journeys from Batukaras, one was Inexperienced Canyon (talked about earlier) and the opposite? Inexperienced Valley!
Inexperienced Valley is just a little additional away, round 40 minutes on the scooter, however undoubtedly well worth the journey! When you resolve 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 e-book a ship / a tour to discover it – Inexperienced Valley is one you are able to do with no tour. You merely arrive to Inexperienced Valley ticket workplace, buy a ticket (39,000IDR for an grownup) and you’ll wander by way of the valley and discover a spot to pitch up and chill out for the afternoon.
You may merely get pleasure from Inexperienced Valley from one of many flat picnic areas (convey a towel, water and snacks) or you’ll be able to put your swimmers on and go swimming and swinging off rope swings into deep, clear turquise swimming pools to the sound of operating 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 anything that you just’d advocate to do?
Love as all the time and comfortable adventuring,
Mollie.
