Java Overview.
Java is Indonesia’s most populated island and West Java especially is one of the most densely packed places in the world. It has about 100 million souls. It is predominantly Muslim although its religion and culture is heavily influenced by other beliefs and practices such as Hinduism and animism. It is also the centre of industrial and government activity.
If you are looking for adventure and don’t mind some culture shock then Java is the place to head. Extreme opposites exist here. From the huge urban sprawl of Jakarta with its mixture of mansions and slums, horrendous traffic and population of 15 million or so, to the primal beauty of Ujung Genteng, Ujung Kulon and the Plengkung national parks. Some of Indonesia’s most important temples, such as Borobodur, can be found in Java. Volcanoes in various states of awakening stretch this island from east to west. Whether travelling in a train with beggars, a bus with chickens and pigs or a van with air con, surf travel in Java is a real adventure.
The surf
Java has a coastline of approximately 1000 kms. The majority of it faces into the south-east trade winds and is perpendicular to the predominant swell direction coming from the Indian Ocean. This generally makes for big, unruly, wind affected surf. However, at certain parts of the coast there are areas with waves that range from average to world class such as Grajagan in the East to One Palm point in the West. There are large uncharted parts of the coast in between, for the adventurous with heaps of time and patience on their hands. As a general rule, find a coastline that faces west in the dry season and a coastline that faces east in the wet season and there will be a good chance you will score some great waves with no crowds.
If you are looking for adventure and don’t mind some culture shock then Java is the place to head. Extreme opposites exist here. From the huge urban sprawl of Jakarta with its mixture of mansions and slums, horrendous traffic and population of 15 million or so, to the primal beauty of Ujung Genteng, Ujung Kulon and the Plengkung national parks. Some of Indonesia’s most important temples, such as Borobodur, can be found in Java. Volcanoes in various states of awakening stretch this island from east to west. Whether travelling in a train with beggars, a bus with chickens and pigs or a van with air con, surf travel in Java is a real adventure.
The surf
Java has a coastline of approximately 1000 kms. The majority of it faces into the south-east trade winds and is perpendicular to the predominant swell direction coming from the Indian Ocean. This generally makes for big, unruly, wind affected surf. However, at certain parts of the coast there are areas with waves that range from average to world class such as Grajagan in the East to One Palm point in the West. There are large uncharted parts of the coast in between, for the adventurous with heaps of time and patience on their hands. As a general rule, find a coastline that faces west in the dry season and a coastline that faces east in the wet season and there will be a good chance you will score some great waves with no crowds.