When we started searching for the perfect destination for our annual girls surf trip, we knew we wanted two things: dreamy longboard waves and a raw, authentic Indonesian vibe. To tick off at least the second one, we knew we’d have to venture beyond Bali, and honestly, we were excited by the idea of exploring another of Indonesia’s 17,000+ islands. We wanted an adventure!
We tossed around ideas like Lombok, Sumatra, and the Mentawais, but in the end, we all agreed on the island of Java, and in particular a little surf town on the south coast of West Java called Batukaras.
Not only did we get our fix of longboard waves and fresh coconuts, but I also completely fell in love with the people of West Java. I don’t think I’ve ever met such warm, open, and loving humans – they made our adventure in Batukaras even more special.
Batukaras itself is a small beach town that’s been slowly gaining traction among travellers chasing waves and slow island vibes. But because it’s not the easiest place to get to, it’s still wonderfully untouched by tourism. You’ll only find travellers who truly thrive in the slow lane here – because aside from surfing in Batukaras, sipping coconuts by the beach, and eating at local warungs, there’s not much else to do. (No bars, clubs, or even yoga studios.)
My time in Batukaras was honestly so refreshing and felt like a ‘proper’ travel experience, you know? I really feel like we got to immerse in a new culture and learn the local way of doing things.
And so, after spending a week soaking up the Batukaras’ life, I picked up a few tips and tricks worth sharing. This Batukaras travel guide has everything you need to plan your own adventure – including the best places to eat in Batukaras, the best things to do in Batukaras, and where to stay.
Let’s tuck in, shall we?
How to Get to Batukaras
Batukaras is a small fishing village turned surf town, located about 30 minutes from Pangandaran on the southern coast of West Java. If you’re wondering how to get to Batukaras, it’s a bit of a mission compared to more popular surf spots in Bali or Lombok – but that’s part of what keeps it so special.
And don’t worry, once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with quiet beaches, friendly locals, and some of the best surfing in West Java. It took us a hot minute to work out our route to get there, but I’ve researched for you now, so here are your best options:
The nearest airport to Batukaras is Pangandaran Airport (CJN), which is a 20-minute drive away from the beach town. However, this is a tiny airport, so you cannot connect internationally from here. What you’ll need to do is fly internationally into one of the options below and then get a connecting domestic flight to CJN.
Alternatively, you can land at one of the international airports and then opt for a car to take you the final leg. See driving times below.
- Husein Sastranegara Airport (BDO) in Bandung + 6-hour drive
- Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) + 5-hour drive
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) + 8-hour drive
My travel route from Bali to Batukaras
Bali (DPS) to Jakarta (HLP) [✈️ 1h 50m Direct with Batik Air]
Jakarta (HLP) to Pangandaran (CJN) [✈️ 1h 10m Direct with Susi Air]
Best Time to Visit Batukaras
Considering that the main pull for tourism in Batukaras is the surf, I’m going to assume you are wondering what the swell does throughout the year here on the South Coast of West Java.
In short, Batukaras is surfable year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your skill level and what kind of waves you’re chasing.
The dry season (May to September) brings the most consistent swell and clean offshore winds – perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for long, peeling right-handers. Beginners will likely prefer the wet season (October to April) when the waves are smaller, gentler, and ideal for learning.
Where to Stay in Batukaras
Choosing to stay in Batukaras means choosing to live simply. You won’t find luxury resorts here (yet), and that’s the beauty of an adventure in Batukaras.
There are plenty of villa options, guest houses and a few small-scale resorts popping up. I’d focus more on the location and get yourself as close to the main break as possible so you can hop in and out of the surf all day long!
Check out some Batukaras accommodation options here.
We stayed at House Of Sawah for our week in West Java because we found comfort in their online presence and the Western touches they offer as part of the stay. They only have 4 wooden huts available to rent, each sleeping two people and with private bathrooms, air conditioning and breakfast included. I paid $181 for the week, sharing a hut with my bestie, which is sooo affordable but is actually on the pricier end for accommodation in Batukaras, as this is probably, currently, the most ‘western’ establishment. I think the huts were around $50 a night / 1,000,000IDR.
Would I recommend staying here? We had an amazing stay, yes! The HoS team are insanely hospitable and were attentive, kind and helpful from start to finish. It felt like home for sure. The only thing that wasn’t clear, that I would note if you’re considering staying, is that the 4 huts are right next to the restaurant area, which has music on many nights through the week. House Of Sawah is a real social hub (one of the only ones in town) and they have events like Taco Tuesday and Burger Sunday which draw in beautiful crowds but if you’re prioritising early peaceful bedtimes, this might not be your best booking!
Travel tip:
There are no ATM’s in Batukaras itself so it’s a good idea to arrive with some cash or you will need to scooter into Cijulang to the Mandiri ATM (15 minutes away). You’ll need cash for massages, some local warungs and surf board rental. Most other things I was able to pay for with card.
Go Surfing (obviously!)
Let’s start with the obvious one and the reason most people come here to Batukaras… surfing! In Batukaras, there is one main wave to surf, and it’s a long, gentle right-hand wave called ‘The Point’. This beach break is known for its mellow, consistent waves, and because of the friendly nature of these waves, Batukaras is a great spot for beginners and longboarders alike. The water is so warm too – yay!
We visited in early October, and the waves were 2-3 ft and so friendly all week!
When the swell gets bigger, another point, ‘Second Point’ opens up just along the beach too. We were also told that, if waves are small at the Point, it can be worth taking the scooter over to check out Bulak Benda, another wave just up the coast.
In terms of board rental, you can rent a surfboard for around 100,000IDR per day, and there are multiple places along the beach front to do this from.
Tip: To have the best pick of boards, get yourself down to the beach at sunrise to secure your favourite! Cash only.
Have a morning coffee and watch the surf at Hangfive
This is where you come to enjoy the best coffee in town, pre or post surf. Hangfive is located right on the front of Batukaras beach and has indoor and outdoor seating for you to enjoy your morning caffeine and watch the waves from.
They open around 7 am and serve all of your coffees, matchas, smoothie bowls and pastries to get you set up for a day of adventure. If you’re looking for something relaxed to do, bring a book and kick back on one of the bean bags outside with your coffee and soak up the calm friendly buzz of Batukara’s life.
Book a massage next door at Natasha’s Spa
When you’ve surfed yourself silly and need a good dose of relaxation, head to Natasha’s Spa, conveniently located right next to Hangfive on the Batukaras beachfront. I would literally roll out of the ocean and onto the massage bed! DREAM.
They offer a 40-minute massage for 120,000 IDR or a full hour for 200,000 IDR (the math doesn’t quite add up, but hey no complaints on those prices). Cash only.
Explore the Green Canyon (Cukang Taneuh)
Just 20 minutes away from Batukaras beach lies the iconic Green Canyon, a stunning river gorge surrounded by emerald-green cliffs and caves. I highly recommend adding this half-day or full-day trip from Batukaras to your itinerary. The scenes were like something from a movie. Absolutely gorgeous and one of the best things to do in Batukaras if you love nature!
There are a few options to explore the Green Canyon depending on your preferences and the time you have free.
- Go on a boat tour (1-1.5 hour)
Simply head to the Green Canyon harbour (where all the boats are, you cannot miss it) and buy a ticket (175,000IDR). A local Indonesian boat will take you up the Canyon for a scenic ride, and if you pay a little extra (50,000) they will guide you to a swimming spot to immerse in the refreshing waters. Come with your swimmers on ready and bring a towel to dry off with!
- Book onto a Body Rafting tour
If you’re looking for a more active adventure and to get deeper into the Canyon, I highly recommend this one with CV Baraja, which was a 4-5 hour round trip experience and involved swimming, jumping and climbing our way down the canyon before hopping in a traditional Indonesian boat for the last leg back to the harbour.
Enjoy a fresh coconut at Coco Beach
We stumbled across this spot by accident one day after our surf, and it ended up being one of our favourite memories in Batukaras.
The warung is called Coco Beach, and it’s located just a little further along Batukaras beach. They serve the freshest coconuts in the most idyllic setting (see below) with swings suspended between the palms and lots of little tables to enjoy your coconut from with a view.
I think the coconuts were 15,000 each! 50p! Are you kidding!!!
Join a Local Fishing Trip
If you’re looking to experience Batukaras beyond the surf scene, heading out with local fishermen at sunrise would be the perfect way to dip into the local culture. On your scooter ride to the surf, you’ll notice the main beach is lined with traditional fishing boats and you’ll see locals sorting through nets and arriving back with the daily catch.
I feel pretty confident that you could strike up a conversation with one of the fisherman and get yourself a real authentic experience on the water. If you don’t feel confident asking directly, speak to the owner of your accommodation – it’s the kind of town where everyone knows everyone and everyone is so eager to help and make your stay one to remember.
This is something I would have actually loved to do but ran out of time for (too busy relaxing lol) so please, do it for me!
Go to Taco Tuesday or Burger Sunday at House Of Sawah
As mentioned previously, Batukaras has a very chill, local vibe and so this isn’t the kind of destination where you’ll find the streets lined with yoga studios, bars or up market restaurants. It’s raw and it’s real Indonesia. As a result, it’s not the place you’ll easily find social nights or parties.
There is however one spot where you can guarantee one or two nights a week that everyone will gather and that is at House Of Sawah. Taco Tuesday here at House Of Sawah went OFF lol, with tourists and locals filling the outdoor restaurant. It was a wonderful way to connect, dance and enjoy some half price margaritas and tacos. It ended up being one of my favourite memories!!! Their Burger Sundays also draw in a similar vibe so if you’re in town, check the HoS Instagram and see what they’ve got lined up!
P.s. The menu here at House Of Sawah has international options and is a spot you can come to to enjoy breakfast lunch or dinner.
Take a Scooter Adventure Around West Java’s Coast
On the afternoons where we weren’t surfing we’d hit the road and explore the rugged beauty of West Java’s coastline. It wasn’t hard to find beauty here.
As you dip out of Batukaras you’ll weave around rice paddies, rivers, small fishing villages, warungs and landscapes completely untouched by tourism. It’s honestly so relaxing to explore here and the roads are pretty chill. Grab a scooter (and a helmet) and see where the roads take you!
Slow Down and Live the Local Life
Honestly, just slowing down the pace of your life and your breath is one of the best things to do in Batukaras. We loved the minimal choice of things to do and places to eat, it allowed us to… actually just relax.
May this trip be the perfectly opportunity for you to grab a nasi goreng from a beach warung, sip coffee and make conversation with the locals or read your book under a palm tree. You’ll soon realise this is what Indonesia used to feel like (cough Bali cough) – and it’s exactly what makes this country so special to travel through.
A local warungs that we loved that I think you should try is: Kedai Mini Resto Rice Field (see below).
Explore and swim at Green Valley (Citumang)
So we were recommended two main day trips from Batukaras, one was Green Canyon (mentioned earlier) and the other? Green Valley!
Green Valley is a little further away, around 40 minutes on the scooter, but definitely worth the trip! If you decide to go, put it in maps and then take the route that goes alongside the beach (only 2 minutes added) – the ride is GORGEOUS!
Whilst Green Canyon requires you to book a boat / a excursion to explore it – Green Valley is one you can do without a tour. You simply arrive to Green Valley ticket office, purchase a ticket (39,000IDR for an adult) and you can wander through the valley and find a spot to pitch up and relax for the afternoon.
You can simply enjoy Green Valley from one of the flat picnic areas (bring a towel, water and snacks) or you can put your swimmers on and go swimming and swinging off rope swings into deep, clear turquise pools to the sound of running water. It’s heavenly.
Have you been to Batukaras, West Java?
I’d love to know what you got up to there and if there’s anything else that you’d recommend to do?
Love as always and happy adventuring,
Mollie.
