JAVA

THE ISLAND OF JAVA HAS WAVES FROM THE FAR EASTERN TIP AT G-LAND ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO THE WESTERN TIP AT PANAITAN ISLAND.

The book tells you where to search for guaranteed barrelling tubes, or find more mellow waves without crowds or sharp coral underneath.

Grajagan, lunar low tide. Photo Alan Van Gysen

Java is one of the most densely populated islands on earth, yet Grajagan nestles quietly in the depths of a thick jungle rainforest on Java’s south-eastern tip. On a clear day, you can even see it from Bali. A unique freak of nature, it is without doubt the world’s most awe-inspiring, consistently…

Bruce Irons on a rare smooth day at Pacitan’s left wedge. Photo Mark Newsham

Java’s wild south coast is pounded by tons of swell, but it’s a long road trip from G-Land to the next quality break: Pacitan in Central Java has some very heavy sucking reefs, and uncrowded beachbreaks. About 2 hours drive from Jogjakarta airport.

An 8 hour drive west brings you to the fishing village of Batu Karas, near Pangandaran. There is an easy sand-bottom Right Pointbreak straight out from the Java Cove Hotel and Sunrise Resort. Ideal for longboards, learners, intermediates. Early season is best, from January to June before the tradewinds blow.