Surfing at Cimaja Beach, Palabuhanratu-West Java

The Palabuhanratu area, a favorite weekend surfing destination for expatriates and a growing number of Indonesian surfers based in Jakarta, is the most crowded of West Java's surfing grounds due to sheer ease of accessibility. Most of the surf pounded beaches in the Palabuhanratu resort area-also called Samudra Beach are just that: pure beach
Photo: www.freelinesurf.com
pound, featuring vicious riptides and big walls of water with nowhere to go. Most surfers skip this non-directional stuff and head a few kilometers due west to the sleepy fishing and rice-growing village known as Cimaja, or Cimaja Beach.

The Cimaja break, a right that rises off a rocky reef, is reached by walking about 300 meters from the main road through beachfront sawah (rice paddies). This spot is consistently surf able because it has a solid and angular rock bottom perfectly attuned to south and southwest swells rising out of the Indian Ocean. Its rights peel off in front of a cobble-stone and boulder strewn beach that clatters like a series of giant castanets every time a wave set rolls in.

Here down below are some information for surfing at Cimaja.

Spot information for surfing at Cimaja (globalsurfer.com):

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Type of break: pointbreak
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Type of wave: occasionally barreling wave
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Direction: right hand
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Bottom: rock
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Average lenght of ride: 100-200 meter lenght
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Suitable for: intermediate level

Detailed information:
Photo: www.freelinesurf.com
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Crowd level: normal crowd
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Best tide: mid
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Ideal board size: 6'2-6'4 Thruster
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Ideal wind direction: east

Wavesize & wetsuit:
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Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter
Good: 4' - 6' - Overhead: 6'- 8' - Ok : 2'- 4' - Ok : 2'- 4'
Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts


Getting There

Cimaja village and its surrounds are easily reached from Jakarta in about two and a half hours by car, just taking the highway south to Bogor, then towards Sukabumi and Palabuhanratu . Once in Cimaja fishing village, it's a hike through the rice paddies, and a cautious hop across the cobblestone beach.


Where to Stay

After turning left at the intersection onto Jl Siliwangi to go into town, there are some inexpensive losmen on the right-hand side, such as Laut Kidul and Karang Naya. Most hotels in Palabuhanratu charge more on the weekends and holidays.


Moving Around

Heading west for a few hundred yards, across the river, you can check out the lefts at Karang Papak, which can be working when Cimaja is a mess. Generally the temptation doesn't pay off however.


Dining Guide

Restaurants are abundant down here and the seafood is very decent. Any hawkers in Palabuhanratu , as nearby the beach, don't forget try fish balls


Other Things to See or Do

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Taking a rest with sunset and enjoy the breath-taking views of the bay.
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Learn how to surf.
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Visit Nyai Roro Kiduls room at Samudra Beach Hotel, Room 308.
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Wanna go for a beauty outing? About 9 km. West of Palabuhanratu theres a hotsprings and volcanic area called Cipanas (Hot River).


Souvenir Tips

In any shop of a star-qualified hotel you may find some of your preference like sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, t-shirts, etc. There are also street vendors selling this souvenir too along the sea shores.


Travel Tips

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For swimmers, beware of strong currents all along this stretch of coastline.
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Always be wary of tide conditions and how they affect the lineup. There's a large and exposed rock that is both conveniently and precariously located in front of the take-off point.
Photo: www.freelinesurf.com
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Like much of Java's rugged south coast this is prime sea urchin and rock-dance country at low tides. Beach rocks here are also very smoothing, slippery and (unfortunately) sometimes covered by sharp, skin-tearing barnacles. Proceed out and back in with caution to avoid being chopped up in the shore pound.
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There is no rail or air service to Palabuhanratu, so if you are budget conscious and cant afford private car services your safari will have to opt for travel on buses or minibuses that regularly commute from Jakarta to Palabuhanratu via either Bogor or Sukabumi.
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If youre a beginner, theres a surfing lessons at Cimaja. They would be happy to teach you with experienced surfers in the water to keep you out of harm's way. Ask the staff at your lodging for more details.
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There are some surf shops & board repairing facilities in the Cimaja area, but these are limited. You will get leg ropes & wax, but not "fin keys" or "ding repair kits", sunscreens are all imported, so most shops can not now afford to carry them, so bring sufficient for you holiday.
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Dont forget to bring a small first aid kit.
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The on shore wind normally starts about 11 am. & drops of most afternoons 4 p.m. So both morning & afternoon surfing sessions are possible.
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The dry season is the main surfing season & is approximately from April through to October while the wet season is from November through to March, while the surf is less reliable, there are still waves to be had.
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The colour of "green" is said to be the very colour of the Javanese Spirit-queen. To the traditional and local custom this colour is forbidden to wear.

Waterbom Jakarta - The Urban Cool

Waterbom Jakarta
(Affiliated with Waterbom Bali)


Waterbom Jakarta is now open as the leading water park and recreation destination in Jakarta.
Located at Pantai Indah Kapuk in North Jakarta, next to the Damai Indah Golf Course, covers an area of about 35,000 m2 plus a parking area that can accommodate 1,000 cars. It has a direct toll road access and only 10 minutes to the airport and to the heart of the city as well.


Operating Hours

Monday - Friday : 11.00 - 20.00 WIB
Saturday - Sunday : 08.00 - 20.00 WIB
& Public Holiday


Facilities
• 15 World Class Water Slide with 6 types of slide attraction
• Kiddy Park Aquatic playground area
• International Food Court
• Reflexology
• Euro Bungy trampoline
• Water Blaster
• Gazebo, Locker, Towel rental
• Retail area
• Group Venue
• Spacious parking area

Attractions
• 3 Aquatube – partially closed rides using single and double inner tube
• The Hairpin – A family rafting uses a four persons raft
• 2 High Thrill Speed Slides
• 250 m Wild River with 2 beach area and Wave Pool
• Bomblazter Aqua Play with 4 medium height slides and 3 mini slides for the toddlers
• 3 Kiddie Slides
• 2 “Whizzard Slides”– a head first mat ride which plunges riders thru a enclosed tube and finishing in parallel lanes
• Pleasure Pool
• The Dome, a quad trampoline will make you soaring 7 meters high!
• Water Blaster and Pro Bowl - to be installed next year.

Admission includes
• Admission will be inclusive of 1 day entrance to the park, the use of water facilities, Tube, Life Jacket, re-entry in the same day and 21% tax & service charge.
• Additional charges will be applied for Gazebo, Towel, Locker, Euro Bungy, Food & Beverage, Water Blaster and Reflexology.
• Special price apply for Elderly / disable / baby sitter (with uniform) / Pregnant will get 50% from published rate
• insurance covered up to USD 35,000.



How to get there

Waterbom Jakarta is easy to reach since it is located just off the toll road.

1. From Semanggi (15 minutes):
From Semanggi Toll, head for Soekarno-Hatta Toll, exit at Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK)

2. From Ancol (10 minutes):
From Pluit Toll, head for Soekarno-Hatta Toll, exit at Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK)

3. From TB Simatupang (30 minutes):
Head for Semanggi Toll, head for Soekarno-Hatta Toll, exit at Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK).

IJEN PLATEAU : Known for its Sulphur Mining

Ijen is actually a complex of stratovolcanoes near Banyuwangi in East of Java. Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) is the center of attraction, which contains a nearly 1 km wide, turquoise-colored, acid crater lake.
Kawah Ijen is also the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried from the crater floor. The weight of the sulfur stones carried by the labor shoulder can reached up to 80 kg. Coffee, cocoa, clove and rubber plantation surrounding the area of the Ijen Crater, which was established by Dutch colonial government is still run very well and can be visited. A trip to Ijen Crater starts from Bondowoso or Banyuwangi where many tourist information and facilities are available.

How to Get There:
Ijen Plateau is usually accessed from the town of Bondowoso and Banyuwangi. Pos Paltuding, the starting point for the hike to Kawah Ijen, is 64 km from Bondowoso. The starting point can also be reached from Banyuwangi with 4WD vehicles.

Photo by Patmawinata
The Best Season to Visit:
April to October every year.

Contact:
Global Adventure
Jl. Harinjing 102
Kediri – Jawa Timur
Ph. (0354) 391163,
Fax. (0354) 394312
Mobile: 081334684918,
085649629900
Email: globaladventure@indo.net.id
www.globaladventureindonesia.com

North Sulawesi

North Sulawesi with Manado as the capital city is a land of magnificent coral reefs protecting virgin white beaches and mountains. The Sangir-Talaud islands, to the north of mainland, from a natural bridge to the Philippines providing a convinient route for peoples and culture can still be found here. Today the main industries of the province are copra and cloves. North Sulawesi has larger concentration of coconut trees than any other part of Indonesia. The Dutch, however, have had the strongest influence on the development of the region. First contact with European traders came in the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese, and with them they bought Christianity. It wasn’t until the arrival of the Dutch that Christianity became the predominant religion of the area. Manado’s main attractions are off-shore: the trully incredible coral reefs off nearby Bunaken Island are now a protected Marine Park and offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Diponegoro 111, Manado 95112
Phone. (0431) 851723, 851835
Fax. (0431) 852730
E-mail : nstours@indosat.net.id
www.northsulawesitourism.com

Getting there:

Regular flights from Jakarta via Makassar service to Sam Ratulangi airport in Manado.

Tourism Events

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Full Moon Festival is held in mid-October at Bitung harbor Manado, to seek blessings from God. The Minahasa people dance and sing with a great joy.
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Bunaken Festival. Bunaken is a small island of the coast of Manado known for it’s fabulous under water gardens. Not far, lies the volcano, Manado Tua. Highlights during the festival include art and cultural performances from the four ethnic group living in the North Sulawesi Province.
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Lake Tondano Festival celebrating the cul¬ture of Minahasa tribe perform Maengket dance and kolintang (bamboo orchestra) on Nov 2008.

Places of Interest

Tasik Ria

Tasik Ria. Tasik Ria is situated about 20 km southwest of Manado and has a beautiful sandy beach fringed with coconut trees. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, diving and snorkeling, Tasik Ria seashores resort hosts the four-star Manado Beach Hotel, with 250 rooms, a swimming pool, bar & discotique. It is easily reached by public bus or taxi from Manado.

Tara-Tara

Tara-Tara. 15 km further southwest from Tasik Ria this village has traditionally been the center of Minahasan culture and arts. Traditional dances enthrall on the open air at Kemer Garden. There are World War II at Japanese caves at the Ranowangko dam, and the Kemer natural bathing spot nearby in the shadow of volcano lokon, mount Kasehe and mount Tatawiran.

Watu Pinabetengan=]

Watu Pinabetengan. According to Minahasa history, this is a place where the ancestors first divided up the land among the people. The famous megalithic stone here is covered with crude, mysterious drawings and a script which has never been deciphered. It is located in Tompanso, about 45 km from Manado.

Bukit Kasih Toar Lumimuut=]

Bukit Kasih Toar Lumimuut is a beautiful hill remains historical chronicle, situated in the vicinity or Kanonang Village, Minahasa Regency 55 km from Manado and easily reached by public bus from Manado’s Karambasan bus terminal heading for Kawang¬koan then take a mikrolet or ponny trap “Bukit Kasih” or Hill of Love is a spiritual epicenter where followers of different faiths (Christian, Catholic, Islam, Hinduism and Buddism) commune, medicate and worship in the fresh air of open natural atmosphere.

Manado Tua Island=]

Manado Tua Island. Manado Tua is the main island of the Manado Bay group. A path to the top of Central Mountain takes several hours to climb, but the view takes in all the islands in Manado Bay. The beach is a mixture of white sand and coral formations. The reef lines the coast of Tangkoko Batu¬angus in a nature reserve. A permit should be obtained from Sub Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (Nature Conservation Office) in Manado, before heading for this reserve.

Waruga Cemetery=]

Waruga Cemetery. This ancient ceme¬tery of Minahasan ancestor consists of 144 stone sarcophagi, remnants of the megalitic age. “Waruga” sarchopagi are unique square stones with holes in the middle and prism shaped lids. The tombs are carved with various motifs such as humans’ beings, plants, animals, and traditional geometrical motifs like clouds, strings, curls and double braids. The cemetery is located in Sawangan village, about 24 km from Manado.

Tangkoko Batuangus=]

Tangkoko Batuangus. An open grassland nature reserve covering the slopes of Mt. Dua Saudara, the park is compossed of impressive green hills and valleys with wondrous scenic views of natural beauty. Black apes, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills and rusa deer live in the 3,196 hectare reserve. There are several cottages and small restaurants nearby. It is only reachable by four-wheel drive jeep from Girian village over a rough road.

Dumoga Bone National Park=]

Dumoga Bone National Park. Located on the border between two districts, approxiamately 260 km from Manado, this park straddles Dumoga in Bolaang Mongondow and Bone in Gorontalo. Its mountains and hills are blanketed in dense forests, making it an ideal habitat for rare species like maleo birds, anoas, hornbills and Tarsius spectrums (the smallest primate in the world).

Lake Tondano-Remboken=]

Lake Tondano-Remboken. About 36 km southwest of Manado is Lake Tondano, 600 m above sea level. The drive to Tondano passes through charming villages and sprawling clove plantations. Situated right on the edge of the lake is the Remboken Tourist site, an ideal place for after skiing, fishing, and natural boating. Bungalows, a natural hot water swimming pool and restaurants are available.

Lake Moat=]

Lake Moat. Situated in the highlands about 900 m above the sea level the lake is surrounded by a dense forest abounding with birds.

Ranopaso=]

Ranopaso. Sparkling clean natural hotsprings set in a gorgeous setting of terraced rice fields make this a popular tourist destination. Bungalows are available at Koya village, about 3 km from Tondano.

Wale Papataupan=]

Wale Papataupan. Situated at Sonder village, about 37 km from Manado, Wale Papatuan is a sumptuous tourist spot with bungalows, a swimming pool, steam bath facilities, restaurants, fish ponds, and an open stage for cultural performances. It is easily reachable from Manado by public bus or taxi.

Japanese Monument=]

Japanese Monument. Since Bitung play important role during the Pacific War as home base for Japanese Imperial forces, it becomes the last resting place for their soldier who died in the area. The Japanese and North Sulawesi governments jointly founded this monu¬ment.

Bunaken=]

Bunaken. About half an hour by a motorized outrigger canoe from Manado, Bunaken Island is a veritable paradise for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts. The coral reef off Bunaken Island is particularly noted for the drop-off at Liang Cove. It is described by international divers as being among the most spectacular anywhere in the world, with caves, gullies, and caverns harbouring an immense wealth of marine life. The water averages a balmy 28 degrees C and visibility is over than 30 m.

Manado=]

Manado Modern Manado is an engaging, prosperous city. Like Jakarta, it has an impressive variety of eye-cacthing statues, and an interesting mix of Indonesian, Filipino and Chinese cultures and architectural styles. Although Manado has its own port, the principal deep-water port northern Sulawesi is at Bitung, about 48 km from Manado. This seaport serves domestic and international sea trade.

Saronde Island=]

Saronde Island This tiny but exquisite island with white-sand beaches for swimming, boating, snorkeling, diving, and water skiing is located in the district of Gorontalo.