If you’ve heard of Batukaras, I’d love to know how you discovered this quaint surf town in West Java! If it’s new, let me introduce you ~ this spot is often hailed as one of Indonesia’s best longboard waves. I first learned about Batukaras while in the Philippines, thanks to a friend and fellow surfer who helped me plan the next stop on my surf safari. Our mission? Find a long right, ideal for longboarding in Southeast Asia. Over dinner, we consulted Surfline, ChatGPT and a few articles online. Batukaras quickly emerged as the top choice, and soon, the plan was set. After recently soaking in a month of BK magic, I’m excited to share this quick guide to Batukaras, West Java, with you!
Getting to BK Takes Some Effort
Java is the fifth largest island in Indonesia (out of over 17,000!) and home to more than half of the country’s population ~ wow! It’s also where you’ll find Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta.
That said, getting to BK takes some effort; West Java is one of the more remote places I’ve traveled to. This only makes the experience all the more treasured. Now, let me be frank ~ the wave gets crowded. Of course, you are here to surf one of the best longboard waves in Indonesia! That’s the bad news.
The Good News?
The good news? You can play with the timing, tides and even moonlight to catch a more fulfilling, less crowded session. I took this plan to heart, paddling out as early as 4:30a. Over my month-long stay, I surfed from sunrise to sunset at all hours. If you’re open to exploring different times, you’ll find your rhythm with the wave and may start surfing multiple times a day. If you’re lucky, you’ll make friends, so even on crowded days, you’ll ride waves with awesome people you know!
Speaking of friends, I have to gush a bit. After 19 months on the road, often staying a month or more in certain cities (more on that here), no place has embraced me quite like Batukaras. Here, friendships came together easily, forming a vibrant mix of locals and travelers. Many factors created this cosmic union ~ a shared love of surfing, the town’s small size, the warmth of the locals and that unique laidback vibe you find in surf towns. Since friends are what I miss most from home, this sense of community fed my soul. Although plenty of couples and families were also visiting, we solo digital nomads found each other, which was incredible. If you plan to visit BK and hope to make friends, I believe you’ll find it comes naturally. With that said, let’s dig into your guide to Batukaras!
Getting In & Out of Batukaras
Getting in and out of Batukaras takes time, but it’s worth it! Here are some of the best ways to get there (in no particular order). Reverse the steps to exit 🤓.
1. Fly into Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport)
• After arriving at Soekarno, transfer to Jakarta’s regional airport, Halim Perdanakusuma (HLP), for the Susie Air charter flight to Cijulang Nusawiru Airport. Cijulang Airport is about a 30-minute drive from Batukaras, making this option the quickest route. Note that these charter flights have limited schedules, so check availability beforehand.
Pro tip ~ I flew into Soekarno, took a taxi (1.5 – 3 hrs depending on traffic) to my hotel near Halim and spent the night. The following morning, I arrived at Halim for my Susie Air charter flight.
2. Jakarta > Train > Private Car
• From Jakarta, you can take the train to Banjar Station, then hire a private car or taxi for the remaining 1.5 hour drive to Batukaras. This is a scenic, affordable option, though the train ride takes 7–8 hours, depending on the service.
3. Fly into Bandung > Train > Private Car
• For a slightly different route, fly into Bandung’s Husein Sastranegara Airport (BDO). From Bandung, take the train to Banjar (3-4 hours) and then a private car (2 hours) to reach Batukaras. This route is ideal if you want to explore more of West Java along the way.
4. Fly into Yogyakarta > Train > Private Car
• If traveling from Central Java, fly into Yogyakarta International Airport. Take the train from Yogyakarta to Sidareja Station (2.5 hours). From Sidareja, take a private car for the 1.5 hour journey to BK. This scenic route offers views of Central Java’s landscapes along the way.
I chose option #1 for arrival and #4 for exit, and I’m glad I did! It allowed me to experience Java in diverse ways, from flying low over the jungle in a charter plane to watching the countryside unfold by train and car. Choose the routes that best fit your budget, time, sense of adventure and travel style! Your hosts at your accommodation can help you book drivers.
Batukaras
Surf Scene
Batukaras’s surf scene is ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers. The welcoming vibe and typically small to medium waves make it a prime spot for longboarding and for those still finding their footing. While undoubtedly advanced surfers are showing impressive styles and tricks, you don’t have to be a pro to paddle out and have a blast.
Board rentals and lessons are easy to find on the beach, and the locals are happy to help. I didn’t find any long-term rental deals, so I paid 100,000 Rupiah (about 6 USD) to rent a board for the entire day ~ a great deal compared to the trendy workouts back home! LOL.
Pro tip ~ Chat with the locals to learn about other breaks in the area. Many are accessible by scooters (rent a moto with a surfboard rack). These breaks work well under certain conditions, so local insight is key.
Culture & Vibe
This surf town’s culture & vibe are as laid-back as it gets. BK has a small-town feel with a mix of local surfers, business owners, fishermen, travelers and visiting families. The peaceful Javanese atmosphere, stunning beaches, and lush greenery make it easy to settle into the slow pace of life. People greet each other with smiles, and don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join a beach barbecue, family dinner or bonfire!
Where to Stay
Where to stay in BK? There is a beautiful range of accommodations, from simple homestays to hotels and resorts.
Homestays
Homestays are very popular in this part of the world. They’re a cozy option where travelers stay with a local family, enjoying the comfort of a private room. Often, the family has converted part of their property into what feels like a small, simple hotel. I love staying in homestays because it feels like I have a family ~ the hosts are warm, and yes, they treat you just like one of their own! For homestays, check out:
• Jelajah – clean rooms, lovely staff, great location (I stayed here for 1 month!).
• Ragha – cozy stand-alone rooms on a peaceful sidestreet.
• Kamanda – charming guesthouse with a relaxed setting within walking distance of the beach.
Hotels & Resorts
• Sunrise Hotel – a clean mid-range stay offering comfortable rooms, a pool and beach access right across the street.
• Slow & Sea Villa Hotel – a lovely villa hotel on the serene side of town with a gorgeous pool, ocean views and the fantastic Amelia Bakery on-site.
• Java Cove – just steps from the waves, Java Cove offers comfortable rooms, a laid-back enviornment, and a great on-site restaurant, making it one of the closest and coziest stays near the surf.
• House of Sawah – a stylish retreat where you can wake up to views of the rice fields and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee from their attached restaurant within moments.
Restaurants & Cafes
Restaurants & Cafes in BK are scattered throughout town. Most serve local cuisine, including staples like fried rice, fried noodles, Gado-Gado (cooked veggies with peanut sauce), Capcay (stir-fried mixed veggies in a savory sauce), whole grilled fish, satay skewers, Nasi Timbel (banana leaf-wrapped rice served with protein and spicy sambal), Sayur Asem (tamarind-based sour vegetable soup), Kangkung (spinach-like greens sautéed with garlic and chili), tempeh, tofu and more. A few spots also offer some Western options. Here are some of my favorite finds:
Restaurants
• Amelia Bakery & Restaurant – this family-owned gem is the place to go for French toast, homemade sourdough (a divine treat in Asia 😋), pasta, pastries (don’t miss the banana bread), local cuisine and more! Ideally located where one of the main roads ends, Amelia is perfect for sunsets and moonlit evenings. Their cocktails and cakes ~ especially the vegan carrot cake, which is chef’s kiss – make it a top spot for celebrations. If Susy, the owner is in town, you will be blessed to meet her.
• Tropik Cafe – head here for some of the best local food and superb smoothies. Don’t miss the tempeh veggie curry and Nasi Campur (rice with assorted perfectly seasoned veggies). Wulan, the owner, runs the show with her husband and daughters. They’re kind, welcoming people who make you feel like family.
• Kedai Mini Resto – a staple in the neighborhood for local and Western options. With a kind staff, generous portions, fare prices and views of the rice fields, you will undoubtedly frequent Kedai. I loved their veggie soup, tomato toast, Gado Gado and tempeh with grilled veggies. Their seating also lends itself to big groups, which is nice.
*Don’t miss the smoothie bowl at Salt Cafe or veggie rigatoni pasta at House of Sawah!
Cafes
If you love espresso-style coffee and dairy-alternative milk options, these two cafes will be your go-to. I rotated between them daily for my java fix 😉. Beyond these, local-style coffee is available at every warung (local restaurant) in town.
• Hang Five – an all-day hangout popular with surfers and coffee lovers. Do a surf check as you caffeinate, or simply relax and watch the surfers. Whatever you choose, it’s a top spot for coffee and people-watching. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir t-shirt here or next door!
• Kokyo – bringing a Japanese-inspired vibe to town, Kokyo serves excellent coffee and matcha drinks with a lovely staff and pristine location. Enjoy your coffee and a smoothie bowl from Salt Cafe next door, as they share seating.
Activities Outside of Surfing
Obviously, your quick guide to Batukaras has to mention a few activities outside of surfing 😉. These ones are stellar:
• Green Canyon – a short drive from Batukaras, this breathtaking river canyon is a must. Take a boat ride through emerald waters, swim, cliff jump and explore the caves. The beauty is beyond words, so I’ll keep it simple – just get here!
• Green Valley Body Rafting – for a unique twist on traditional rafting, try body rafting at Citumang River. With a life jacket (or without if you’re comfortable in the water) and a local guide, you’ll navigate natural pools and rocky channels. It’s a refreshing, fun way to spend a few hours.
• Madasari Beach – cruise 15 minutes north to see this rugged, wild beach and enjoy lunch at one of the famed seafood spots along the coast.
• Afternoons Overlooking the Rice Fields – relax at Mahati Restaurant or Papalupa Cafe for a slow afternoon with stunning rice field views. Be sure to check their hours before heading over.
• Pangandaran National Park – located on a peninsula near Pangandaran, about an hour from BK, this nature reserve offers jungle trails, animal sightings, hidden beaches, ancient caves and a visible shipwreck off the coast!
Pro tip: We paired Green Canyon and Green Valley for a full day of exploration with local guides, and it was unforgettable! I highly recommend it.
Extra Tips
Your quick guide to Batukaras requires a few extra tips to make your West Java adventure seamless.
• Seasons – May to October is dry season, and November to March is wet season. Check the surf and plan accordingly. It rarely rains all day during the wet season, which is still a great time to surf with smaller crowds 💡.
• Money – cash is king in BK, so try to arrive with enough to last a few days. There are local ATMs in town and larger bank ATMs available in Cijulang, a 10-minute scooter ride away.
• WiFi – don’t expect high-speed internet everywhere; consider it a chance to unplug if you can. Digital nomads might face some challenges in BK. I managed by rotating between my hotspot and homestay WiFi; one always seemed stronger. Be sure to check with your hosts to confirm WiFi speeds.
Tough to Say Goodbye to BK
It’s tough to say goodbye to BK. This simple town delivers on many levels ~ most memorably through its surf and incredible locals. Visiting Batukaras is what authentic travel experiences are made of. You won’t find beach clubs, nightlife or an influencer scene here. Instead, you’ll discover a small Javanese fishing village filled with locals who welcome travelers with open hearts, generously sharing their culture, food, waves and magic. It’s an experience that touches your heart and soul, reminding you why you started traveling years ago.
I hope this quick guide to Batukaras (home to one of Indonesia’s best longboard waves) helps you feel confident about booking this off-the-beaten-path adventure. If you have any questions, please reach out!
Happy surfing,
Bekah
PS ~ If you are doing a SE Asia surf safari, don’t miss our guides to Siargao, Philippines & Lombok, Indonesia!
