When people talk about the most famous surfing spots in Indonesia, Bali usually steals the spotlight. However, if you’re looking for a hidden gem that’s not overcrowded, the answer is Pangandaran. These four Pangandaran surfing spots are the best example!
Surfing here is just as exciting, but with a more laid-back vibe. The waves are thrilling enough to give you that adrenaline rush, and the beach views? Absolutely stunning.
Curious about what you need to prepare for surfing in Pangandaran and which spots are worth checking out? Let’s dive right in!
Surfing in Pangandaran Preparation Tips
1. Find Out Your Surfing Level
Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich via Pexels
Before you jump in the water, knowing your expertise level in surfing is very important, especially to avoid any incident.
If this is your first time surfing, you should pick a beach with small and stable waves. Don’t worry, plenty of surfing spots in Pangandaran cater to beginners! Meanwhile, if you’re one of the experts, you can move on to another corner of the beach with bigger waves.
Read also: Waves of Pangandaran: The Ultimate Guide to Surfers’ Paradise
2. Learn When to Surf
The waves in Pangandaran have unique characteristics, depending on the season and time. Normally, the best time to surf is before or around 10 AM. The wind is still stable, the waves are consistent, and the sun isn’t as scorching hot.
During the dry season, the waves are even calmer. This is the right time for beginners to practice their surfing skills. Avoid coming in the middle of the rainy season if you don’t want to deal with stormy oceans!
3. Wear Sunscreen and The Right Attire
Photo: BATCH by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific via Unsplash
Talking about the right surfing attire, a rash guard or a thin wetsuit is the right choice of fabric to deal with the waves or any kind of jellyfish. On the plus side, if you choose the right fabric and cute colors, you can also capture the fun moments for your Instagram feed!
4. Never Skip Warm Ups
One thing to remember, surfing is not just balancing your body on a board. You need strength, balance, and fast reflexes. This is why going straight to the water without warming up your body is dangerous.
Spend a few minutes doing stretches or a light workout to loosen some tension in your muscles and avoid getting cramps. Just a few simple moves that focus on your arms, shoulders, and hips are more than enough.
Read also: Ride the Waves! 8 Top Surf Spots in Lombok
Recommended Pangandaran Surfing Spots
1. Madasari Beach
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
- Location: Jl. Pantai Wisata, Masawah, Kec. Cimerak, Kab. Pangandaran, Jawa Barat 46595
- Ticket price: Rp15,000
- Surfboard rental: Yes, Rp50,000 per hour
- Distance from Bobocabin: 750 m
Madasari Beach has a dramatic view of large cliffs, as its most famous icons.
The waves here are challenging, better suited for experienced surfers who want to put their skills to the test. The waves tend to be high and fast, requiring advanced technique.
Aside from surfing, people also flock here to enjoy the view, especially nearing night time where you will be greeted by a breathtaking sunset.
2. Batukaras Beach
Photo: Sebastian Puskeiler via Unsplash
- Location: Batukaras, Cijulang, Kab. Pangandaran, Jawa Barat 46394
- Ticket price: Rp15,000
- Surfboard rental: Yes, Rp75,000-Rp92,000 per day
- Distance from Bobocabin: 7,5 km
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly surfing spot in Pangandaran, Batukaras is the answer! The waves are long and stable, giving you a lot of time to stand on the board before being engulfed by the sea.
This beach also has surfing clubs, making it easier for you to rent surfboards or learn surfing straight from an experienced coach. Another plus point about Batukaras that’s worth noting is that despite its big waves, the beach is pretty chill and known for its healing vibes.
3. Bulak Setra Beach
- Location: Babakan, Pangandaran, Kab. Pangandaran, Jawa Barat 46396
- Ticket price: Rp25,000
- Distance from Bobocabin: 1 hour 15 minutes
Bulak Setra is known as a surfing hidden gem in Pangandaran, thanks to its stable waves and fewer crowds.
Beginners can freely practice near the shore where the waves are smaller and less egregious. However, if you’re looking for the opposite, you can swim further to the sea and wait until the bigger waves are formed, ready for you to take on!
Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Sumba: Discover the Perfect Waves
4. West Pangandaran Beach
Photo: Lac Campbell via The Surf Tribe
- Location: Jl. Pamugaran Bulak Laut, Pananjung, Kec. Pangandaran, Kab. Pangandaran, Jawa Barat 46396
- Ticket price: Rp20,000
- Surfboard rental: Yes, Rp75,000 per day
- Distance from Bobocabin: 1 hour 12 minutes
West Pangandaran Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in Java Island due to its accessibility and proximity to the downtown area.
The waves are vary, depending on the weather of the day. The inshore section is safe for beginners, while the outbound section can be more challenging.
Due to its strategic location, you can easily find accommodations, food stalls, and even surfboard rentals nearby. Overall, it’s perfect if you want to surf in Pangandaran and enjoy some culinary delights afterward!
Staycation at Bobocabin: The Perfect Getaway after Surfing!
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
After a surf session, the big question is: where is the best place to kick back and recharge? If you’re looking for a unique glamping vibe with a private beach feel, Bobocabin Madasari is the ultimate pick!
It’s literally next to Madasari Beach, where the atmosphere is calm, soothing, and perfect for a laid-back escape.
The cabins aren’t just cozy, they’re decked out with modern features that will make your stay super convenient. You will get a private room with a soft, comfy bed, a smart window with ocean views that you can blur for the privacy option.
Bobocabin Internal Asset
The fun doesn’t stop there! You can also rent cool stuff straight from Bobocabin’s host. Let’s say you’re not tired yet, and you want to play UNO, “Tentang Kita” cards, or UNO Stacko? They’re all available for you! Or, if you want to turn your cabin into a mini cinema, we have a projector ready for you!
So, what are you waiting for? Make your tropical getaway at Madasari Beach unforgettable with Bobocabin. Download the Bobobox app here for reservations and more information!
Writer: Samala Mahadi
Featured photo: Nick Wehrli via Pexels
