Wayang Ombak
continued from Surf Trips, Batukaras
page under construction - meanwhile, you can already start to plan and ask about this trip by sending us a private message here or leave a public reply on the bottom of this page.
For currently ready trips please click the links above to: Panaitan | Medewi | Surf Hunting | learners to expert | small to xx-large waves | special req. | families, couples, groups |
trip type & costs
Overview
Batukaras is one of the most favorite destination for surf learners from around the world. Even jaded surfers love coming here for the laid-back sessions this surf break gives, and for the close proximity to nearby gnarlier breaks.
what to bring
Batukaras is a well-established surfing venue with surf contests as well as beach festivals. It is also a favorite destination for local beach-goers.
Besides great eateries and seafood fare, batukaras has to offer a wide selection of surf clothing stalls and one well established surf shop with almost everything available. Some locals even offer custom-made surfwear and rash guards.
On some months depending on ocean currents and the seasons, the water can be quite cold so you may need to bring some warm surf gear with you. Ask us before you go.
Discussion
20 Responses to “Batukaras and Pangandaran area”
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Not at all Em … if it’s just the two of you you’ll find decent longboards to rent real easy, and even to get a good place with kitchen with a 10-15 minute walk to the beach.
Posted by the Lazy Surfer | Tue 27 Sep 11, 09:19Hi Lazy,
Me and my boyfriend. Thanks for the info. Not too concerned re onshores as long as there is something there we’ll make the best of it. Can’t wait to see what you come back with! Thanks for all your help in advance.
Em
Posted by Emily | Sat 24 Sep 11, 12:34Hey Em!
After contemplating universal wormholes that span the cosmos, here’s the – ahem – ‘cold’ hard facts B-) ::: Batukaras is always surfable albeit it has its best times than most, and this perfect window almost always happens during the month ending wet season and the first two months of dry, plainly, between March to May. June and July are okay but with somewhat more everyday onshores. August and September is usually blue bottle jellies season, and they come on stronger onshores coupled with ocean rainfall. The bluebottles have done their thing this year so you’re looking good for your month-long stint, but there is of course the onshores. ::: If you don’t mind onshores – as most laid-back surfers do – and you’re looking at longboarding Batukaras’ mellow rights, and don’t mind the horrendous current/rips that comes with larger swells, then this place is for you, you sure have got it at its last phase (October). ::: There are LOTS of decent longboards to rent there. How many are you? ::: Will look into your place with kitchen thing and email you asap. ::: Be at One.
Lazy
Posted by the Lazy Surfer | Sat 24 Sep 11, 09:14Hi guys,
We’re coming to Indo in a week for a month. Hoping that Batu Kuras will still be surfable? Have read ALOT of conflicting reports. We’re advanced beginner to intermediate surfers not chasing barrels, just a mellow right hander. Don’t have our boards with us also. Is it possible to rent a decent long board? Would appreciate your help .. and can you recommend a cheap place with kitchen if possible?
Em
Posted by Emily | Fri 23 Sep 11, 17:01okay Lailani, taking you up on it! B-)
Posted by the Lazy Surfer | Tue 28 Jun 11, 01:23Thanks for all the great info.We’re staying at Java Cove – not an organised thing.We’ll just work it out as we go from there – only two of us so should be pretty relaxed.Maybe see you in the waves!
Posted by lailani | Mon 27 Jun 11, 07:08Sorry was planning a trip – - hmmm 4-12 august is smack dab beginning of Ramdhan yes? cool! That’s like the sparsest possible in batukaras! Lessons from us lazy boys? hahaha fat chance but hey, when we see you we see you yeah? I might pop in during your time there and i’ll be sure to learn from you and your pack! – - btw we haven’t handled batukaras for a long time now (its just a bit too crowded for us) so we can’t really help you with anything except maybe pointers if that’s okay. You said booked, is it included with place of stay? And did you know batukaras works best during spring tides as opposed to neap tides? An that your schedule is during neap tides most of the time? – - and for lessons, man, you’re going to the best spot for it! Too many great surf tutors there! You won’t have a problem on getting a one to one, really!
Posted by the Lazy Surfer | Wed 22 Jun 11, 22:44Hey Lazy
Thanks for the reply. We’ve booked the trip – pretty excited about that. Will be in Batukaras from 4-12 August – squeezed in before blue bottle season and end of Ramadhan. Are you guys based anywhere near there? Available for lessons at all? Lailani
Posted by lailani | Mon 20 Jun 11, 06:49Hey Lailani!
August is a good all-rounder to visit Batukaras, trade winds are ‘on’, yes, and the waves often get topped off as the trades fare onshore there. Batukaras point starts outside the cove and protected bay area so the first point will be affected the most. All in all, Batukaras is a nice break for intermediate surfers, yes, even when it is ‘big’. Big swells over 10 foot that come during trades usually carry with them strong onshore currents that will sweep you from point to shore in half a second, so some good timing and positioning might come in handy, alas, friendly they are not these currents (but the waves are mellow-big). It would be fine to surf there during the fasting month of Ramadhan, just try to not eat and drink in public though many visitors will do so and the locals don’t mind. Beware of local Indonesian holidays crowding! This will be on and around 17th of August. It may also be worth to mind the bluebottle jellies that swarm during end of August to September.
Be at One
Lazy
Posted by the Lazy Surfer | Mon 20 Jun 11, 05:41Hello Lazy Surfer
Looking into a surf trip to Batukaras in early August this year. Thanks for all the great info on your site. It sounds like a treasure of a place. Wondering about the trade winds. Are they up and running in August and is the point protected at all? We’re intermediate surfers and hoping the waves won’t be too big – but sounds as though they’re pretty friendly even when they get up in size. Also is it cool to be surfing in the area during Ramadhan?
Thanks for your help
Lailani
Posted by Lailani | Thu 16 Jun 11, 12:10Hope this helps: Barrels available even at mellow Batukaras, either from take off when swell is around 8-10 and its almost low spring tide from mid tide, or after drop-in bottom turn then position at 7-9 foot when its low low looooow spring tide.
Square barrels available half an hour away by motorcycle at Bulak Benda but very inconsistent, though available at five foot swell upwards best usually at mid tides. The locals will be able to take you to a cool barelling thick lip left two hours away for a proper scare of your life.
Posted by the Lazy Surfer | Fri 11 Mar 11, 22:25Hey Wayang Ombak,
My friend has recommended Batu Karas too. It all sounds great but I just think an indo trip would be incomplete without a few barrels. I was wondering if you are able to share some of the info you guys have on the nearby waves. eg How far? and how to get there? Wave style?
Thanks,
Josh
Posted by Joshua Chadwick | Sun 06 Mar 11, 03:25Hey Pat! That sure sounds epic … The transport alas, is now not available, if you mean with those stoked guys! … but yes, sure, very available indeed! – - – south sumatera? I think I may want to be ‘in’!!!
Posted by the Lazy Surfer | Sat 05 Feb 11, 21:07I am in the planning stages for a surf/family trip to South Sumatara for 2 weeks followed by Batukaras for 2 weeks, in June/July 2011. All welcome. And Ahmad is that transport still available from Jakarta to BTK return?
Keep on smiling…..Pat.
Posted by Pat Lawrence | Sat 29 Jan 11, 12:49Ritesh, so sorry your post got approved only today – you see, Wayang Ombak more or less ‘closes’ from November to February each year.
About Batukaras, yes, it is usually a good place to swim in salty water which looks like a very calm lake! This is usually like that during October to March. Some freak swells do come ashore and is strong enough to fold around the protected bay of Batukaras (legok pari) during this time but the waiting periods in between can be quite challenging especially for surfers who have only two weeks or less in their whole trip. Our general advice is avoid it During these times. Wayang Ombak members usually go to unnamed secret places during these months where the realm of waves still work nicely and yes, they are in Indonesia, so the concept that Indo surf is dead for a few months is totally wrong. Indonesia has the widest swell window of any country who has surf in the world. Maybe a lull of a maximum of two weeks is possible, but that’s it.
Internet in Batukaras is getting better nowadays. It used to be crap. Imagine one click and you can finish a bottle of coke before your click takes full form on your screen in front of you.
Batukaras is easily accessible, you can pop up there and get rented rooms and houses easy. You don’t need us to set things up for you.
Posted by the Lazy Surfer | Sat 29 Jan 11, 02:29Hi there,
Have been desperately searching for a great, mellow, beach-breaky, nice-vibey place to spend about ~20 days from Jan 10th to Jan 30th and Batu Karas sounds great. I had a couple of random questions I was hoping you may be able to help with? – its always hard trying to figure out some of the little details, the kinds of things that you find out within minutes of arriving at a place, but by then you’re already there and it may be too late! So if you have five minutes and can help, that would be *very* much appreciated!
1. I heard the surf season in Indo/Batu Karas is best from Apr to Nov. I am planning to be there Jan and Feb – does that mean there won’t be any waves at all? I am a beginner/intermediate surfer – so not looking for big waves but more like nice medium sized ones. Any info on swell conditions in Jan/Feb would be great – as well as where to go?
2. What’s the Internet connectivity like in Batu Karas?
3. Do you know if there are any cottages for rent anywhere? Would love to rent a place by the beach if such things exist!
Thanks again for the help!!!
Ritesh
Posted by Ritesh Bhavnani | Mon 03 Jan 11, 22:25Hey Pat – Giles is coming! and he’s opting for camping by the beach! – imagine batukaras, full moon, etc!
Posted by the Lazy Surfer | Wed 29 Jul 09, 00:28G DAY GILES
How much do you want to spend….low budget or high budget, its up to you, basically you get what you pay for. However if its just the stoke and the good vibe that you are after, then the best thing to do is GET THERE FAST !!!!! There are several accomodation options and I can highly recommend the Bonsai Bungalows as a mid range place to stay. We stayed there a month ago for 2 weeks. What do you need mate; Transport there, Accomodation, Specialised Surf Trips, Flights, Friends, Parties just let us know and will do my best to assist in everyway. Until then enjoy !!!!
Pat Lawrence
Tasmania
Australia
pat.lawrence@live.com.au
Posted by Timothy Lawrence | Fri 24 Jul 09, 16:30Sorry Giles we were all away surfing or just missed your email (it happens!), just sent you the email you are waiting for! Welcome aboard Wayang Ombak, bro!
Posted by the Lazy Surfer | Sat 20 Jun 09, 17:20HI there,
Sent you guys a mail enquiry before… but recently heard about some get-together in end aug? i’m very very interested to check this place out, being beginner surfer and absolutely love the mellow vibes you talk about!
do let me know how i can get some booking done? looking at end aug or sep trip probably…
any info much appreciated
peace,
Giles
Posted by Giles Raquiza | Sat 20 Jun 09, 14:41