Your Guide to Learning, Leveling Up, and Loving the Lineup
Hey hey! It’s Intan, your favorite Batukaras grom 🌈
If you’re a young surfer just getting started—or a family looking for the best beginner-friendly surf beach in Indonesia—this post is for you!
I grew up surfing in Batukaras, West Java, and it’s where I ride almost every day. From the soft sand and mellow vibes to the long waves and smiling surfers, this little beach town is made for groms.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the top two surf spots in Batukaras, what makes them great, and which one is right for your skill level. I’ll also share tips from my own journey, and link to helpful guides like My First Surfboard and What’s in My Surf Bag?.
Let’s get into it 🤙
🌊 1. The Point – Best Beginner Wave for Groms in Batukaras
This is where it all started for me. The Point is the main beach in Batukaras and a dream spot for beginner surfers and kids. It’s one of the mellowest, safest, and most fun waves in Indonesia for learning.
Why The Point is Perfect for Groms
✅ Gentle waves – The wave breaks slowly, giving you time to pop up and ride
✅ Long rides – Great for practicing balance, trimming, and flow
✅ Sand bottom – No sharp reef, just soft black sand = safer wipeouts
✅ Easy access – Walk straight from the beach into the lineup
✅ Friendly crowd – Grom-friendly zone with smiles all around
The Point breaks as a long, right-hand roller in a calm bay. On a good day, you can ride the wave for up to 30 seconds or more (that’s a LOT for beginners!). It’s the perfect spot for learning basic skills like paddling, popping up, turning, and just having fun on your board.
🕒 Best time to surf The Point: Early mornings when it’s glassy and uncrowded.
What It’s Like to Surf Here
When I first learned to surf at age 7, this is where I stood up for the first time. I still remember that wave like it was yesterday! I was using a soft-top foam board (the perfect choice for beginners—more on that in my post My First Surfboard) and my coach, Coach Budi, gave me a little push to help catch it.
Since then, I’ve improved a lot, but I still go back to The Point almost every day. It’s amazing for practicing style, cross-stepping, and just soaking in the stoke.
🍌 Post-Surf Vibes at The Point
After your surf session, grab a fresh coconut 🥥, banana pancake 🍌, or grilled corn from the local warungs on the beach. There’s also shady trees and big smiles from the local surf crew. This beach isn’t just a surf spot—it’s a community.
If you’re visiting with your family or surf coach, you’ll find soft sand for playing, places to sit, and even beginner board rentals. It’s the full grom experience.
🎒 Want to Know What I Bring to The Point?
I’ve put together a full checklist in What’s in My Surf Bag—from reef-safe sunscreen and snacks to my favorite wax and lucky sticker. It’s perfect for first-timers and groms traveling to Batukaras for the first time!
🧗♀️ 2. The Reef Break – For Groms Who Are Ready to Step Up
Once you’re feeling confident at The Point and ready for something faster and more exciting, there’s The Reef Break. It’s located just down the beach in front of Villa Monyet, and it’s a whole different experience.
What Makes The Reef Break Special
🌊 Fast and hollow – A steeper takeoff and faster face
🔥 Advanced ride – Ideal for cutbacks, turns, and long lines (up to 150m!)
📍 Reef bottom – Be extra careful and only surf it with the right tide
☕ Café close by – Chill after your session at Beach Garden Café (Warung), right in front of the break
🔔 Best time to surf The Reef: High tide only. At low tide, the reef can be exposed and sharp—ouch!
This is a spot for intermediate to advanced groms who already know how to duck dive, handle faster sections, and read a lineup. I sometimes come here with my coach to work on turns and speed, but I always make sure it’s high tide and the waves are friendly.
📍 Surf Spot Comparison Chart
| Spot | Surf Level | Wave Type | Bottom | Best Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Point | Beginner | Long, soft right-hander | Black sand | Early morning, mid tide | Main beach |
| The Reef | Intermediate+ | Fast, powerful right | Reef | High tide | In front of Villa Monyet |
🏄 Final Thoughts from a Local Grom
Whether you’re catching your first wave or practicing your first cutback, Batukaras is one of the best places in Indonesia for young surfers to grow. The waves are kind. The people are kind. And the surf lifestyle is simple, real, and full of joy.
Start your journey at The Point—build your skills, build your confidence—and when you’re ready, test yourself at The Reef Break. But most importantly: Have fun!
If you’re new to surfing, don’t forget to check out:
- My First Surfboard: My story about choosing the right beginner board
- What’s in My Surf Bag: A grom-friendly checklist to bring on every surf session
Thanks for reading! And if you’re ever surfing in Batukaras, come say hi 👋 I’ll be the girl with the big smile and a board full of stickers.
Catch you in the lineup,
– Intan 🏄♀️🌴