In the relaxed coastal village of Batu Karas on the south coast of West Java, you’ll find JavaCove Beach Hotel. This little piece of paradise is perfect for surfers and non-surfers looking for a relaxed tropical holiday where you can do as little or as much as you like.
Life in Batu Karas is simple, away from the bustling tourist hubs and nestled in a remote area with basic infrastructure. It’s a working village (not a tourism enclave), with friendly people that offers a unique holiday experience for travellers wanting to get off the grid.
Prepare for an incredible adventure as you delve into the natural wonders of Java. Surf fun waves, explore the lush jungle, canoe along the emerald green river, swim under the beautiful waterfalls, relax by the hotel’s cliffside pool with a drink and a book, or immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region at a shadow puppet show in the village.
Mid-Range 
Indonesia 
March to September 
All Levels 
JavaCove Beach Hotel is nestled in the jungle just steps away from the ocean. The hotel has 13 comfortable rooms set across two storeys, and friendly and attentive staff who will go above and beyond to offer professional services with a personal touch.
The hotel boasts a range of services and facilities to elevate your stay, including a cliffside plunge pool and relaxing chill-out area. There’s free WiFi, international mobile phone coverage, 24-hour check-in and security. Other amenities include a massage service, room service and a laundry service.
JavaCove Beach Hotel is the perfect place to unwind and relax and has everything you need to eat and drink your day away. The AL Fresko Cafe and Bar serves refreshing drinks and a selection of European cuisine, while nearby warungs offer authentic Indonesian dishes and fresh seafood.
Surfing Java
While this region of Java has fun, user-friendly waves, they aren’t as consistent as some other Indonesian surf spots. At Batu Karas there are waves all year round, however, the best time to surf the point and reef breaks is March through to May.
Accommodation
At JavaCove Beach Resort, there are a variety of accommodation options available for every type of traveller. Choose from the oceanview mini rooms, the oceanview deluxe rooms and the terrace deluxe rooms. Each room has air-conditioning, a Western bathroom with hot showers and an in-room safety deposit box.
Room facilities:
• Air-conditioning.
• TV with cable channels.
• Western bathroom with hot water shower.
• In-room safety deposit box.
• In-room tea/coffee-making facilities and mineral water.
• Mini-bar fridge (oceanview deluxe and terrace deluxe rooms).
• Welcome drink and refresher face towel.
• Evening turndown service.
• Daily room cleaning service.
• Daily Breakfast at Al Fresko Cafe.
Ocean View Mini Rooms
Perfect for the budget traveller, these simple rooms are located on the second floor and have ocean views. These rooms are suitable for single guests or 2 guests maximum and feature 1 x double bed or 2 x single beds.
Ocean View Deluxe Rooms
Located on the second floor with ocean and surf views, the deluxe rooms are ideal for couples and small families (two adults and one child), or single guests who like their space. Rooms feature 1 x queen-sized bed and 1 x double daybed.
Terrace Deluxe Rooms
These are the premium rooms located on the ground level and feature a spacious terrace. These rooms are suitable for up to three adults, or two adults and two children. Rooms feature 1 x double bed and 2 x single beds.
Meals
JavaCove Beach Hotel’s AL Fresko Cafe and Bar offers a selection of refreshing drinks and European cuisine. For something more local, venture to the nearby warungs and savour authentic Indonesian dishes and fresh seafood that captures the vibrant flavours of the region.
Surf Java Cove Beach Hotel
If you’re looking for fun, user-friendly waves, Batu Karas ticks all the boxes. While it’s not one of the most consistent Indonesian surf destinations, there are still plenty of waves on offer.
Surf lessons are available with experienced locals – just book and pay during your stay. Surfboard rental is also available from Batu Karas Surf Club (shortboards and longboards), for approximately US$15/day.
Surf Conditions
January/February: All-day offshore winds, but inconsistent swell and generally the wrong swell direction for The Point. Swell direction and winds are good for The Reef.
March to May: Offshore winds, medium-sized swells (waist to head-high with the occasional bigger day). This is the best time to surf this region as conditions are usually good for both The Point and The Reef.
June to September: Larger consistent swells (waist high to overhead) and cross-shore winds at The Point, although some inside sections of The Point are protected.
October to December: All-day offshore winds, small swells, and possible long, flat spells. Fewer crowds.
The Point
Located at Batu Karas, The Point is a 400 m left-hander that rolls through a sand bottom bay in front of the hotel. Take off beyond the point where it’s fast and hollow, or from the shoulder section which is slow and easy. After takeoff, the wave mellows out with workable walls that run through to the far end of Batu Karas Bay.
The Reef
The Reef is a right-hander with an easy takeoff that leads into fast walls unravelling over a lava reef. This break works best on a high tide, with quality waves that are perfect for top to bottom turn combos and a fast, 150 m down-the-line ride to the beach. This wave breaks from waist-high to overhead.
Other Breaks
If you’re ready for an adventure, there are other surf breaks accessible by car and boat. There are plenty of beach breaks nearby, and a barrelling left-hander is a 40-minute drive from Batu Karas. This break works best on small swells and is offshore in southeasterly trade winds from June through to September.
Non-Surf Activities
Besides surfing, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained at JavaCove Beach Hotel. You can lay by the pool and soak up the sun, indulge in a massage or just relax with a good book. If you’re more adventurous, discover the region’s natural beauty by exploring the lush jungle, canoeing along the river, swimming at the waterfalls or immersing yourself in the region’s rich culture at a shadow puppet show in the village.
