A long java?s wild southern shores you will find straight, long, often close out beaches with only a few reef breaks which may be good on their day, but nothing approaching Grajagan?s perfection until you get to West Java.
Off the west coast is Panaitan island with Indonesia?s most exotic yet dangerous left reef break known as One Palm Oil. Ridiculously shallow, so wear all the rubber and helmets you can afford. Charter boats and national park permits must be organized at Labuhan. Some horrendous experiences have been endured here with un seaworthy boats breaking down, so you would definitely be safer with the reliable Surf Travel Company yacht ?Just Dreaming?. If you decide to chance a local boat, take an extra weeks emergency food and water, just in case. Panaitan Rights are excellent, but just as dangerous as the left and easily blown out. Panaitan?s shallow breaks are definitely for experts only! You can visit the island remains of Gunung Krakatau, the sit of the largest volcanic explosion in recorded history. The tsunami waves created in 1883 were 120 feet high. Over 36,000 people died and 165 village were destroyed. Eruptions still occur every year, so be warned! Great sunsets, from a distance. A right hander too, on the edge of the volcano, if you?re brave? The mainland Ujung Kulon National Park has good surf potential, but is accessibly only by boat. You must obtain a permit in Labuhan before you go. On land beware of wild boar, rhinoceros, tigers, giant python snake and malaria.
Four hours south of Jakarta is Pelabuhan Ratu which has good surf nearby. From Bali, first class trains are worth the price-faster and much safer than a jostling overland bus trip. Go to Sukabumi station and than take a minibus to Cimaja or Genteng.
Ombak Tujuh is the best known break, a thick left hand peak, not unlike a reverse Sunset beach. It gets very big, very often, so bring you gun! It is deep within the Ujung Genteng National Park, accessible by boat from the losmens at Cimaja (a good right) or by motorbike from the losmens at Genteng (a good left). There are other reef breaks and points, both left and rights, nearby. You could try the uncrowded breaks west of Pelabuhan Ratu, from Cisolok to Bayah. During the wet seasoncheck out Batu Karas, 250Km east of Pelabuhan Ratu near Pangandaran. Free lines Surf Adventures runs a highly recommended 2 week tour here, surfing some excellent secret spots.
