After we began looking for the right vacation spot for our annual ladies surf journey, we knew we wished two issues: dreamy longboard waves and a uncooked, genuine Indonesian vibe. To tick off a minimum of the second, we knew we’d should enterprise past Bali, and actually, we have been excited by the concept of exploring one other of Indonesia’s 17,000+ islands. We wished an journey!
We tossed round concepts like Lombok, Sumatra, and the Mentawais, however ultimately, all of us agreed on the island of Java, and particularly a little bit 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 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 gradual 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 really thrive within the gradual lane right here – as a result of apart from 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 recognize? I actually really feel like we bought to immerse in a brand new tradition and be taught the native approach of doing issues.
And so, after spending per week absorbing the Batukaras’ life, I picked up just a few ideas and tips value sharing. This Batukaras journey information has every little thing you want to plan your individual 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?
How one can 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. For those who’re questioning learn how to get to Batukaras, it’s a little bit of a mission in comparison with extra widespread 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 finest 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 finest 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’t join internationally from right here. What you’ll have to do is fly internationally into one of many choices beneath 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 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]
Greatest Time to Go to Batukaras
Contemplating that the primary pull for tourism in Batukaras is the surf, I’m going to imagine you might be 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 very best time to go to relies on your talent degree and how much waves you’re chasing.
The dry season (Could to September) brings probably the most constant swell and clear offshore winds – good for intermediate to superior surfers on the lookout for lengthy, peeling right-handers. Inexperienced persons will doubtless favor the moist season (October to April) when the waves are smaller, gentler, and supreme for studying.
The place to Keep in Batukaras
Selecting to remain in Batukaras means selecting to stay merely. You gained’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 attainable so you’ll be able to 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 hire, every sleeping two individuals and with non-public bogs, 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 present, probably the most ‘western’ institution. I feel the huts have been round $50 an evening / 1,000,000IDR.
Would I like to recommend staying right here? We had an incredible keep, sure! The HoS workforce are insanely hospitable and have been attentive, form and useful from begin to end. It felt like house for certain. The one factor that wasn’t clear, that I might observe in the event you’re contemplating staying, is that the 4 huts are proper subsequent to the restaurant space, which has music on many nights by means 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 the event you’re prioritising early peaceable bedtimes, this won’t be your finest 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 may be one foremost wave to surf, and it’s an extended, light right-hand wave referred to 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 good spot for rookies and longboarders alike. The water is so heat too – yay!
We visited in early October, and the waves have been 2-3 ft and so pleasant all week!
When the swell will get larger, one other level, ‘Second Level’ opens up simply alongside the seaside too. We have been additionally informed 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.
By way of 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 very best choose of boards, get your self right 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 take pleasure in 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 outside seating so that you can take pleasure in 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. For those who’re on the lookout for one thing relaxed to do, deliver a e-book and sit back on one of many bean baggage outdoors along with your espresso and take in the calm pleasant buzz of Batukara’s life.
E-book a therapeutic massage subsequent door at Natasha’s Spa
Whenever you’ve surfed your self foolish and want a great dose of rest, head to Natasha’s Spa, conveniently situated 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 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 surprising river gorge surrounded by emerald-green cliffs and caves. I extremely suggest including this half-day or full-day journey from Batukaras to your itinerary. The scenes have been like one thing from a film. Completely beautiful and the most effective issues to do in Batukaras in the event you love nature!
There are just a few choices to discover the Inexperienced Canyon relying in your preferences and the time you could 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’t miss it) and purchase a ticket (175,000IDR). A neighborhood Indonesian boat will take you up the Canyon for a scenic journey, and in the event you pay a little bit further (50,000) they may information you to a swimming spot to immerse within the refreshing waters. Come along with your swimmers on prepared and convey a towel to dry off with!
- E-book onto a Physique Rafting tour
For those who’re on the lookout for a extra energetic journey and to get deeper into the Canyon, I extremely suggest this one with CV Baraja, which was a 4-5 hour spherical journey expertise and concerned swimming, leaping and climbing our approach down the canyon earlier than hopping in a conventional Indonesian boat for the final leg again to the harbour.
Take pleasure in a contemporary coconut at Coco Seashore
We stumbled throughout this spot by chance sooner or later after our surf, and it ended up being certainly one of our favorite recollections in Batukaras.
The warung is named Coco Seashore, and it’s situated just a bit additional alongside Batukaras seaside. They serve the freshest coconuts in probably the most idyllic setting (see beneath) with swings suspended between the palms and many little tables to take pleasure in your coconut from with a view.
I feel the coconuts have been 15,000 every! 50p! Are you kidding!!!
Be part of a Native Fishing Journey
For those who’re trying to expertise Batukaras past the surf scene, heading out with native fishermen at dawn can be the right option to dip into the native tradition. In your scooter journey to the surf, you’ll discover the primary seaside is lined with conventional fishing boats and also you’ll see locals sorting by means of nets and arriving again with the each day catch.
I really feel fairly assured that you possibly can strike up a dialog with one of many fisherman and get your self an actual genuine expertise on the water. For those who don’t really feel assured asking straight, 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 really cherished 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 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. Because of this, it’s not the place you’ll simply discover social nights or events.
There may be nevertheless one spot the place you’ll be able to 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 outside restaurant. It was an exquisite option to join, dance and revel in some half value margaritas and tacos. It ended up being certainly one of my favorite recollections!!! Their Burger Sundays additionally attract an analogous vibe so in the event you’re on the town, examine 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’ll be able to come to to take pleasure in 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 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!
Sluggish Down and Reside the Native Life
Truthfully, simply slowing down the tempo of your life and your breath is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Batukaras. We cherished the minimal selection of issues to do and locations to eat, it allowed us to… really simply chill out.
Could 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 underneath 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 means of.
A neighborhood warungs that we cherished that I feel it is best to attempt is: Kedai Mini Resto Rice Area (see beneath).
Discover and swim at Inexperienced Valley (Citumang)
So we have been beneficial two foremost day journeys from Batukaras, one was Inexperienced Canyon (talked about earlier) and the opposite? Inexperienced Valley!
Inexperienced Valley is a little bit additional away, round 40 minutes on the scooter, however positively definitely worth the journey! For those who resolve to go, put it in maps after which take the route that goes alongside the seaside (solely 2 minutes added) – the journey 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 may wander by means of the valley and discover a spot to pitch up and chill out for the afternoon.
You’ll be able to merely take pleasure in Inexperienced Valley from one of many flat picnic areas (deliver 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 suggest to do?
Love as all the time and completely happy adventuring,
Mollie.
