Indo in November

[mg100]

I am sure this has been covered a few times before but I'll ask anyway.
I will be in Indonesia middle to end of November, will there be any waves to play on at this time?
I will be there on business in Jakarta and I will only really have a weekend, or maybe three days, what is the easiest place to get to for a quick cheap trip?
I hate crowds, as everyone does, I am happy in 4-5ft surf, I don't want anything too crazy as I will be out there alone, also have an annoying rotator cuff injury at the moment
Cheers for any recommendations.

[Big H]

I lived in Jakarta before moving here to Bali. There really is nowhere nearby; there are some surf spots in Western Java I've heard about, but that is really the road less traveled and not for a newbie to Indonesia unless your bahasa is good and your bowels better. Closest time wise would be to jump a flight to here (Bali), though you really need to factor in travel to and from the airport in Jakarta. Depending on the time of day from central city to the airport on average before 10pm is around 2h in traffic. Surf and waves haven't been good here lately anyway, swirling winds, small swell, still relatively large crowds.

Really depends on how much time you have and how much effort you want to put into it; early flight like 6am from JKT will miss traffic, could be in Bali at your hotel by 11am, in the water by 12 or 1 depending on where you want to go and if you need a board.

Personally I'd recommend looking around Jakarta and forget about surfing; really wrong time of year anyway. In spite of the traffic I really like that city and there are a lot of interesting corners to be found.

[Big H]

I lived in Jakarta before moving here to Bali. There really is nowhere nearby; there are some surf spots in Western Java I've heard about, but that is really the road less traveled and not for a newbie to Indonesia unless your bahasa is good and your bowels better. Closest time wise would be to jump a flight to here (Bali), though you really need to factor in travel to and from the airport in Jakarta. Depending on the time of day from central city to the airport on average before 10pm is around 2h in traffic. Surf and waves haven't been good here lately anyway, swirling winds, small swell, still relatively large crowds.

Really depends on how much time you have and how much effort you want to put into it; early flight like 6am from JKT will miss traffic, could be in Bali at your hotel by 11am, in the water by 12 or 1 depending on where you want to go and if you need a board.

Personally I'd recommend looking around Jakarta and forget about surfing; really wrong time of year anyway. In spite of the traffic I really like that city and there are a lot of interesting corners to be found.

[Big H]

FWIW I'm going to Australia next week, Melbourne and Sydney, and not even considering surfing......but then again I live where I live and am looking for other experiences.

[mg100]

Hey Big H, cheers for the help, and the depressing surf forecast.
I have been to Jakarta a few times actually and yes I love Indonesia in general but I have never had the chance to surf there and I really want to get in the water.
I could book time off work so could easily have a 3 night stay so Bali is certainly doable.
I found this place which looks really cool 4 hours from Jakarta https://www.cimajabeachclub.com/index.html this is west Java.
Doesn't look to be much else to do around there though so i guess if there are no waves you are screwed.

[mg100]

I think I have it down to Balangan, Canggu or west java, but if anyone has any comments would be great to hear them.
I guess in Balangan or Canggu I could scuba if there are no waves, not sure Java has much diving.

[Big H]

Diving outfits set up on the East side from Nusa due up through Benoa, Sanur and points north. Balangan is one of my home breaks; haven't surfed it lately because its only working now and then and on my same schedule. Balangan is the first stop on the bukit string of breaks; you can get to any of them relatively painlessly.

Again, waves aren't good. I called it today because the surface wind chop was such that you had problems paddling into waves as you had to plow through and over "speed bumps" from the chop. FWIW, either is about the same drive time distance at night from the airport. Daylight Balangan is closer.

[mg100]

Thanks a lot for your advice Big H, I have never been to Bali before so I am going to have to come check it out and will just hope for the best with the surf, as I will be going to a few other countries and working I will just hire a board over there, it seems that is possible on Balagan beach?
Bingin looks a nice spot to stay too.
Just looking for a nice pad now.
If your around at the same time I might see you in the water then..... if the sure improves of course, I like to stay optimistic

[mg100]

Big H, is there a bar to chill out in Balagan? nothing crazy, just somewhere with a bit of atmosphere to have a beer.

[Big H]

Yeah....the warungs that front the break are actually one of my favourite spots to go in Bali. There are a couple who rent boards as well; they have all kinds so no worries there. Bring your own leash and parachute cord would be my only recommendation. Have fun!

[mg100]

Great idea about bringing your own leash and cord, I’ll do that, thanks for all your help, booked a place right on the beach

[Big H]

Bring surf booties, 1.5 - 2mm ankle boots are good enough. Balangan is on a wide reef and while you can surf it on lower tide levels, you'll cut the heck out of feet used to shoes if you're surfing a falling tide or going out early on a rising one.

[mg100]

Cheers again Big H, one of my mates also suggested this, I don’t have any booties yet and I actually doubt my shoulder is going to let me surf anyway.
I’ll still give it a try but i was hoping the surf shop might even have some booties.
I hate shoulders, I want a metal one.
Oh and I followed your advise and put a leash and cord in my bag

[Big H]

No real shop per se....a row of thatched roof huts with sleeping rooms in the back and public areas with tables for eating and drinking. Some of them have boards in the corners. There is another hut on the dirt path in that has more boards. I went one day and misjudged the tide and one of the guys offered to get me a pair of boots but it wasn't a for sale or rental thing. Worth grabbing a pair at the quiksilver at the airport on the way in.

[Big H]

Some balangan pictures I've collected from other people just cause I love to study this wave......gives you a taste of what's in store.

[Big H]

Some balangan pictures I've collected from other people just cause I love to study this wave......gives you a taste of what's in store.....here's some more....

[Big H]

Of course lately its looking like a lake but these are best case potential photos!

[mg100]

Dude stop it your making me all excited which will make it worse when I get there and it’s flat, I owe you a beer for all this advice , will check that shop for booties, there is still time for a swell to come through 24th is the big day when I either scream in delight or cry.
Hope to see you in the water if there is something out there, I’ll be out if there is any kind or ripple
Oh and I though of hiring a scooter to explore, good or bad idea?
Cheers

[dtc]

Have you been to a less developed country before and seen how the traffic operates? I absolutely wouldn’t hire a scooter during your first few days; the traffic ‘rules’ are quite different and you need to figure them out through observation.

Even then I would be hesitant, although plenty of people do it. Do you have a motorcycle license? And never ride without a helmet

[mg100]

Thanks DTC, yeah I travel in Bangladesh, vietnam, India a lot so used to crazy traffic, although I don’t drive in those places myself.
I have a motorbike license.
Thought it could be a good way to see the island as I am staying out of town but not if it’s going to be stressful, Guess I can see what it’s like when I get there