SURVING IN BATUKARAS

Once you’ve had your fair share of Pangandaran beach, change things up by surfing in Batukaras. While not as wide or long as the Pangandaran coastlines, Batukaras offers a wholly different experience.

Famous as a sufer’s paradise. When you’re not surfing, even just swimming around is great in Batukaras. The coastline offers both tall waves and still waters, a beautiful and harmonious blend.

If you want to get a taste of the area’s surfing, you can rent one of Batukaras rather unique surf boards. The spongy material these ‘boards’ are made out of is more kind to the base of flip-flops, and rather than standing on them, they’re more commonly used to help you paddle back to shore.

Batukaras is popular with both local and international surfer, its primary appeal coming from its relatively smooth shore and small gulf. As a result, surfers don’t  need to paddle all the way out to the middle of the sea to catch a great wave.

There are numerous place for beginners to rent serfing gear, as well as plently of experienced instructors. These instructors teach you everything you need to know to get started surfing. Everyone from total newbies to veteran surfers will have plently to enjoy in the waters of Batukaras.

There are three spots in particular that are wellknown to the area’s surfers : Karang, Legok Pari, and Bulak Bendak. “Karang” literally means “rocks”, as it is quite rocky around this spot, making it quite impossible to surf without a high tide. Legok pari is the favorite spot for most surfers, as it’s relatively safe and has medium height waves. For daring  professional surfers, though, Bulak bendak is unparalled. Here, the waves reach exceptional heights, creating long, tall walls of water. This particularspot can only be reached by boat.

Surfing isn’t the only thing batukaras has to offer. For thse more interested in dry land, there are several camping grounds and hiking trails to explore. Karang Nunggal, for example, is an isolated beach whith spectacular views, surrounded by striking, tall rocks.

Batukaras is perfect hideaway for anyone and everyone. Nothing compares to the long walks down the beach at sunset, sipping a cup of coffee at one of the stralls in the afternoon, spending a day watching your children build sand castle or simply lying down on the sand, bathing in sunbeams. Some call Batukaras “little bali”, for sfamiliar feel it offers with a little hint of adventure.

Batukaras is located about 40 km, or about an hour drive, from Pangandaran. It is most convenient to travel via private vehicle.

DO & DON’TS

• Visit during November through April to see powerful yet serene waves.
• When you’re not surfing, make time to visit Green Canyon, another famous tourist spot not far from batukaras.