West Java
Best months:
March to August

West Java

Java, Indonesia
LAST UPDATED 07/01/2008
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introduction

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Morwen: Map of West Java, 3 October 2005

West Java is the western third of the island of Java, Indonesia with population around 35.72 million. It is located on Java Island and its capital city is Bandung, which is a university town with great factory outlet shopping.

Stretching from the Sunda Strait to the Central Java border, a mountain range passes through the centre from east to west.

This province has its own unique culture and language, both called Sundanese and similarly with its people.

West Java has a great number of popular attractions worth seeing, from the wildlife reserve of Ujung Kulon on the south- western tip of Java and the isolated communities of the mysterious Baduy to the unspoiled beaches, the royal palaces of Cirebon and the world renowned botanical garden in Bogor.

surfing

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Java Topography; Sadalmelik; 30.08.2007

The main surfing on the Western Java coastline is about a 5 hour drive south from Jakarta. The surf here is very consistent with regular offshores through the dry months of March to October and generally uncrowded. The most accessible spot with places to stay is Pelabuhan Ratu, it has a great village atmosphere and very friendly locals.

 There are some notabley excellent breaks here ranging from mellow reefs like Cimaja to super heavy pits such as Ombak Tujuh, no beaches to speak of though so not really a beginners spot. A great place to enjoy the uncrowded Indo perfection we're all used to hearing about.

where to stay

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Jakarta; Aberwa; 15.01.2007

When planning a surf trip to west Java accommodation usually isn't too hard to come by. There are now many companies offering surf camp style digs right in front of many of the top Javanese breaks. The surf camps usually consist of staying in a 'losmen'. These are traditional Indonesian houses, typically constructed from wood and set in well manicured gardens of flowers and fruit trees with an open air yet private bathroom, which is a very pleasant experience.

Many of the surf camp companies will also lay on charter boats that you can use for day trips to other breaks and have a bar and restaurant to share surf tales with one another in the evening. Prices are reasonable and cheaper than the live aboard boat option but do shop around.

Many companies will also offer the full live aboard boat surfari and prices can often include transfers and a night on arrival in a hotel in Jakarta to freshen up before the big adventure. This is the more expensive but more convenient option but do check the reputation of the company you are booking with, there have been some horror stories!

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