Surfing in Java

Surf Java - Quick Facts
LOCATION: Indonesia
NATIONALITY: Indonesian
LANGUAGE: Bahasa Indonesia, English, Dutch, local dialects
CURRENCY: Indonesian Rupiah

Java sits between Sumatra to the west and Bali to the east.

Java Surf Spot Map

Add the waves you've surfed to the Java surf spot map. Additional information will help other travelling surfers.

Java gets the same swells that Bali and Sumatra gets. It receives the swells generated from the Southern Ocean and from April to November will see consistent surf of up to 12 ft. This is also the dry season so its the best time to come. The rest of the year Java will get surf from 2-6ft so is still worth a visit.

There are many world class waves on offer in this region but many are difficult to reach. Surf camps and boat trips are available. The quality of the waves here often mean that a long, difficult and expensive journey will end up with you surfing a crowded wave.

The first fine break you might see as you approach south Panaitan's surfing bay is a legendary left point break known the world over as One Palm Point. This point break, marked by a single sentinel palm, is one of Indonesia's lefthand wonders. Waves here peel perfectly from outside to inside, barrelling the whole way over a shallow bottom that inspires paranoia but creates record-time tube rides. Indeed, this is not a place for timid or inexperienced waveriders.

One Palm Point works best on a good-sized swell, a southeasterly and offshore wind, and at a more medium than low tide. It is ridiculously shallow here, so wear any protective gear you can find - which is excellent advice for any surfer heading for the epic waves of Java.

Of course One Palm Point is a great wave but what about other waves? Well, there are a variety of waves some of these include Panaitan Rights, Turtles, Mama's and Baya Reef. All get plenty of swell, especially from April to October where swells of 6-12ft are generated from the roaring forties. You will get swells here all year round thanks to the legendary swell machine - the Southern Indian Ocean.


Surfing Java - The Good
Good Consistency
Cheap Living
Variety Of Waves

Surfing Java - The Bad and the Ugly
Can Get Crowded
Sea Urchins

Java Surfing Conditions

If you have information on surfing Java we would like to know. Tell us how good or bad your surfing vacation was by posting your trip details on our the surf travel tips forum.

Bring a variety of boards and all your equipment.