Unwind and relax in paradise at Istanaombak Eco Resort! As soon as you set foot within this 4,000 sqm beachfront paradise, you’ll be convinced you’ve arrived in heaven. With palm trees and tall cliffs on the shoreline, the beautiful bay is flanked by a left-hander on one side and a barrelling right-hander on the other. This idyllic location in Java Indonesia is an unspoiled haven just waiting to be explored.
Istanaombak Eco Resort was born through a collaborative project between the Indonesian Government, Javanese locals and Australian and Indonesian surfers. It’s an ecologically sustainable industry with economic wins for the community, and a stunning surf resort to exceed the expectations of any traveller looking for fun waves, natural beauty and a chance to immerse themselves in Indonesian culture.
Surfing Java
Istanaombak translates to ‘Wave Palace’, and in this region of Java there are a variety of waves to choose from, catering to all levels of surfers. Just a brief paddle from the beach, right in front of Istanaombak Resort, lies an incredible left and right-hander, and only an hour’s drive away lies another half a dozen waves, some unsurfed and ready to be explored.
Mid-Range 
Indonesia 
All Year Round 
Advanced 
Eco-Friendly Java Surf Resort
The resort’s owner/manager Rod Steele is a former Lennox Head local and a veteran Indonesian traveller, making him the expert at knowing what surfers expect from an Indonesian surf resort. Set amongst a pristine environment, Istanaombak ticks all the boxes, with comfortable private bungalows that accommodate up to 12 guests and delicious meals prepared with a range of fresh, organic produce.
While staying at Istanaombak Resort, you’ll be impressed by their incredible hospitality. Enjoy the serenity and lay beside the infinity pool, or take a stroll through the village and meet some of the friendly locals. Your hosts will go above and beyond to cater to all your needs, offering surf trips, snorkelling, fishing excursions and various other ways to immerse yourself in this beautiful region of Indonesia.
Getting to Istanaombak Resort
Your journey begins in Yogyakarta, Java, where you’ll be greeted by a friendly Istanaombak Resort representative. From here you’ll embark on a three-hour drive through Java’s breathtaking scenery, including lush jungle terrain, before arriving at the beautiful Istanaombak Resort.
Accommodation
A true paradise, Istanaombak Resort is set right on the beach with views of the surf breaks and a beautiful bay. This Javanese eco-resort is constantly evolving, with continuous additions that further enhance the overall experience. Rod and his team have put their heart and soul into creating a haven where surfers and ocean lovers can indulge in the ultimate retreat away from the normal crowds of Indonesia, with no hawkers, nightclubs or mosquitos!
Istanaombak Resort offers private rooms, a comfortable beachside villa, and beautifully designed bungalows built with locally sourced timber. All rooms have air-conditioning as well as ceiling fans and 4G Wifi, perfect if you want to call home during your Java surf holiday.
Accommodation options include:
Private rooms: 1 x double bed or 2 x singles (1 extra bed available).
Bungalows: 1 x double bed or 3 x singles (1 extra bed available).
Beachside villa: Up to 5 x single beds across 2 storeys/rooms.
Meals
Indulge in a range of Western and Indonesian dishes prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. You can expect an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, imported meats as well as a delicious range of locally-caught seafood including lobster and fish.
Surf IstanaOmbak Eco Resort
Surfers will love the wave options at Istanaombak Resort. This wave-rich region of Java has a variety of waves that cater to all surfing abilities. The best time of year to surf is the dry season (April to October), however, there is plenty of swell in the wet season too (November to March), but the wind tends to be more variable with fewer offshore days.
Staying right on the doorstep of this surfing nirvana, you can surf the renowned Palace Left and Rights, located just a short paddle from the beach. These waves are swell magnets, offering playful or powerful waves depending on the conditions.
Only an hour’s drive from the resort, you’ll find a variety of other waves, ranging from fun and mellow to hollow, fast and barrelling. Using their exceptional local knowledge and experience, the team at Istanaombak Resort can help you find the best waves in the area and ensure your surf trip in Java is one to remember. The resort also has a boat available for surfers wanting to explore further afield.
Palace Left
This moody left-hander can be playful and fun one day, and heavy and unpredictable the next. In southerly swells, it’s longer and more predictable. Thanks to a shelf that drops quickly to deep water behind the wave, Palace Left is heavy over 5 ft, especially at low tide, and offers incredible barrels. At less than 5 ft, the wave is powerful but totally rippable. It can be compared to Bingin below 5 ft, Padang between 6 and 8 ft and Chopes over 8 ft.
In 2011, Bruce Irons and Rizal Tanjung graced numerous magazine covers, showcasing this incredible wave to the world.
Palace Right
The other wave directly out the front of Istanaombak Resort, Palace Right is a hollow peak on most tides and a more rippable wave when there’s more water on the reef. Best in westerly swells, surfers will get a longer ride in 2 to 6 ft conditions. The bigger the swell, the higher the tide needs to be. Kieren Perrow compared this wave to backdoor pipe on a perfect 6 ft day and it’s sure to impress the most experienced surfers.
Puncher
Great for longboards and shortboards, Puncher is a river mouth/beach break one hour’s drive from Istanaombak Resort. It’s a basic to intermediate wave, and depending on the conditions, it can offer rides up to 200 metres plus! A left-hander, it has an easy takeoff and a good wall for turns. At 1 to 4 ft it’s great for beginners, but can handle up to 10 ft if the sand banks are right.
Harbour
An intermediate beach break located an hour’s drive from Istanaombak Resort. This right-hander only breaks in good swells and has a long wave with great sections and the occasional barrel.
Surfpoint Y
Only a 20 minute drive from Istanaombak Resort, Surfpoint Y has three coves with a variety of waves. There’s a right-hander that offers great barrels and steep wall sections, as well as a left-hander that’s a fun ride for intermediate surfers.
Non-Surf Activities
Besides surfing, there’s a variety of fun activities offered at Istanaombak Resort to help you fill the day. Whether you’d prefer to relax by the infinity pool, explore the local waterfalls, go snorkelling or relax with an in-room massage, the surrounding jungle landscapes and crystal clear waters offer the ultimate playground for your Java holiday.
Fishing
Java is renowned for its great fishing and the tropical waters around Istanaombak Resort are abundant with a range of marine life. Jump on board the resort’s boat with Rod and his team and take off on a fishing adventure, who knows you might even catch dinner! Spearfishing is also available directly out the front of the resort.
Cave Walks And Island Tours
Discover the amazing natural beauty of one of the most amazing caves in South Asia, Gong Cave. This limestone cave’s beauty will leave you in awe and it’s a great adventure even if the surf is pumping. Other island tours are available including Bat Island, where you’ll discover its natural beauty and unspoiled landscapes.
River Activities
Grab a stand-up paddleboard or canoe and explore the river from a different perspective. Enjoy the serenity and relax and unwind as you take in the beautiful scenery.
