Surfing : Sukabumi

SUKABUMI :

For Caving, Rafting, Camping, Trekking and Surfing Adventures

Located on the southern slopes of lush Mt. Gede-Mt. Pangrango National Park in West Java, the district of Sukabumi is cool and scenic and is a favored area for outbound group activities that include camping, mountain trekking, whitewater rafting, to adventurous caving that descends deep underground into dark cavernous domes with stalagtites and stalacmites.

During Dutch colonial days, the town of Sukabumi and its surroundings was the favored place for rich Dutch tea planters because of its beautiful tropical scenery and cool climate. In 1914 the Dutch Colonial government established a Gemeente or municipality in Sukabumi since many wealthy European and Dutch families lived in this region. They were elite members of the Preanger Planters Club, an exclusive society of Dutch tea plantation owners in the western part of Java, headquartered in the Vrier Building at Bandung’s Postweg, today known as Jalan Asia Afrika. Tea from this area of Java was at the time, the island’s main export commodity.

To Sukabumi’s south the land slopes down all the way to the Indian Ocean where lies the town of Pelabuhan Ratu, originally a fishing village now a tourist resort. This area and indeed the entire south coast of Java is believed to be the abode of the mystical and feared Queen of the South Seas, known as Nyi Loro Kidul.

Further west fromPelabuhan Ratu, along the Karanghawu and Cimaja beaches surfers have found a location ideal for surfing the challenging barrels of the Indian Ocean.

Although less known than the Puncak - Cianjur main mountain route from Jakarta to Bandung, the Sukabumi district and town, located some 3 hours drive from Bandung or 4 to hours from Jakarta, is an area truly worth enjoying especially by nature adventure seekers.

There are plenty of hotels here and some of them are:

Hotel Edelweis

Jl. Suryakencana No. 54

Phone: +62 266 223 191

Hotel Rengganis

Jl. Kenari No. 16-18

Phone: +62 266 221 934

Hotel Anugrah Mandiri

Jl. Bhayangkara No. 194

Phone: +62 266 227 786

Hotel Mustika

Jl. Bhayangkara No. 101

Phone: +62 266 222 287

Hotel Batu Putih

Jl. Bhayangkara No. 73

Phone: +62 266 221 422

Hotel Permata Hijau

Jl.Bhayangkara Sukabumi

Phone: +62 266 222 274

Hotel Sukabumi

Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 82

Phone: +62 266 222 288

Hotel Juwita

Jl. Veteran Sukabumi

Phone: +62 266 224 877

Hotel Raharja

Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim 56

Phone: +62 266 222 264

Hotel Varista

Jl. Pengadilan No. 8

Phone: +62 266 222 545

There are several gastronomic items you might want to sample as you pass the city or stay there.

(the street in Indonesian Bahasa is called ‘Jalan’ or abbreviated as ‘JL’ or ‘Jl.’ as ‘street’ into ‘St.’)

• Bubur Ayam is chicken porridge with exceptionally delicious plain porridge. There are a few dressings to add with the porridge, such as ‘karoket’ or a fried eggroll that tastes second to none, boiled egg, cakwe, tasteful chicken intestines and gizzards, fish chips or rice cake. Eat it as a breakfast or anytime. Go to Jl. Siliwangi no. 93 and see BUBUR AYAM BUNUT or call +62 226 221 325. Alternatively go to ODEON, on Jl. Pejagalan no. 33 and it is only open as the sun goes down.

• Bakmi pengantin, or wedding noodle at the Chinatown, locally named ‘pecinan’ at the back of the train station during the night. The crowd is uninterrupted because the taste is superb, not to mention the icon of the place is the cook, a pretty young Chinese girl. Not far from it, another noodle-base cookery is the Mie Oyen.

• On Jl. Ahmad Yani and Stasiun Timur junction, a small warung, food stall, sells traditional cake named bandros and pukis. These two cakes are made of rice flour and especially bandros with the addition of gritted coconut. The size is only for adults and have it with coffee or traditional ginger beverage, the bandrek.

• Bu Entik’s mashed beef meat, or locally called gepuk Bu Entik. The perfectly cooked plain rice smells nice and the mashed beef meat is mouth-watering when you look at it. Please go to Jl. R. Samsudin SH. The sambal, or chili paste is tasteful yet super spicy.

• Mang Ja’i meatballs and noodle is on Jl. Ir. H. Juanda close to the House of Representatives. The meatballs vary in size and the soup tastes like heaven. It has been around for 37 years, and this extended experience lends to its incomparable taste.

• Dimsum Hj. Lien is also one of the must-try foods in Sukabumi. It offers you tasty dimsum, kwotie, hakao, siomay, chicken feet, rice crackers and all is pork free. So it is not a usual Chinese dimsum as the owner is a Moslem.

There are many items to buy here such as natural stones that come from very old tree fossils. Snacks from Sukabumi are also various. There are things you DO NOT want to buy as you visit the coastal area. They are turtle eggs and souvenirs made out of sea corals. It is better to be a wise traveler rather than promote natural destruction.

From Jakarta, Sukabumi is 120 kilometers away and it takes around 4 hours during the night (as there are less traffic jams in the connecting towns) or 5 hours when there are traffic congestions in Ciawi, Cicurug, Cibadak, and Cisaat area.

From Bandung, it will take you only 3 hours by car at normal speed. You will pass West Java’s deep gorge at Rajamanadala, a district before entering Cianjur and a walk across the bridge is a thrilling experience.

Buses are available and they run the Jakarta-Sukabumi route or Bandung-Sukabumi route from dusk to dawn.

Angkot is everywhere in Sukabumi. Each color designates different routes. You should try riding one of these angkots. Horse carriages are still seen in several parts, and so are becaks, the trishaws.

From Jakarta, Sukabumi is 120 kilometers away and it takes around 4 hours during the night (as there are less traffic jams in the connecting towns) or 5 hours when there are traffic congestions in Ciawi, Cicurug, Cibadak, and Cisaat area.

From Bandung, it will take you only 3 hours by car at normal speed. You will pass West Java’s deep gorge at Rajamanadala, a district before entering Cianjur and a walk across the bridge is a thrilling experience.

Buses are available and they run the Jakarta-Sukabumi route or Bandung-Sukabumi route from dusk to dawn.

Angkot is everywhere in Sukabumi. Each color designates different routes. You should try riding one of these angkots. Horse carriages are still seen in several parts, and so are becaks, the trishaws.

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Surfing : Parangtritis

Parangtritis :

Mysterious Myths and Spectacular Ocean Views

Escape from the city for a while and take the short drive from Yogya to the mystical Parangtritis beach where dramatic jagged cliffs meet a glistening volcanic black sand beach. Located around 28 km (17 miles) from Yogya this is the ideal distance to come for a day trip to take a break out of the city and soak up the roar of the waves and the astounding atmosphere. Here you’ll see some incredibly green lush hills set against the backdrop of a raging ocean.

With raging surf and salty sea breezes it will be hard not to feel rejuvenated and refreshed as soon as you arrive here. At night, the star light on the silvery-black dunes give the beach a mystical feeling, and it won’t be hard to understand why there are many local myths about this area. This whole region is filled with beaches, caves, lakes, paths and gravesites, each with their own mystical story.

What makes Parangtritis particularly special is that it is not only an enchanting holiday spot, it’s also a sacred place. According to legend, when you come here you are entering the domain of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, Queen of the Southern Ocean who is not known for being welcoming to newcomers. For this reason the Javanese will not wear green, especially yellow-green around here as it’s believed that this attracts the Queen.

People here hold great respect for the power of the Queen. Each year at Parangkusumo, 1 km. west of Parangtritis, the Sultan of Yogya makes ceremonial offerings to the Queen, believed to be the Sultan’s mystical consort. Other Javanese may also give offerings when they are asking the Queen for aid, guidance or blessings.

Walking along the shoreline is the best way to marvel at the landscape here. The easiest way to get to Parangtritis beach is to drive from Yogya. It can be reached in two ways, through Kretek village or through a more rugged road that runs through Imogri and Siluk village. The roaring ocean currents here are very rough and strong so swimming is very dangerous and not recommended.

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Surfing : Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida : “Cleaning Stations” for the Giant Mola-Mola

Separated by the Badung Strait some 15Km off the southeastern coast of Sanur on Bali are the enchanting trio islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida. Here, one will find the pristine beauty of unspoilt white sandy beaches, exhilarating waves, crystal clear waters, stunning natural rugged beauty, and picturesque sceneries away from the vibrant sounds and vivacious atmosphere of Bali’s southern coast.

Beneath the surface, the waters around these islands present their own jaw-dropping sensation and are the playground to some of the most fascinating creatures of the deep sea, the prima donna being the rare giant ocean sunfish: Mola Mola.

Being the nearest from the mainland and most developed island for tourism among the three, Nusa Lembongan is approximately 8 square km in size, and is truly an island paradise. Neither hawkers nor traffic mar the magnificent scenery; this is a fine place to just lay back and relax. Jungut Batu Beach, located in the northwest is a lovely arc of white sand and clear blue water with a superb view of Mount Agung on Bali. This is the area which traditionally attracted backpackers and surfers to the island. Mushroom Bay to the southwest of Jungut Batu is a quaint, attractive and sheltered bay. Further south, the lesser known beaches either side of the Devil's Tear outcrop (A rocky outcrop on the south western coast with spectacular crashing waves and water plumes), are known as Dream Beach and Sunset Beach (or Sandy Bay). The coastal landscape in this part of the island is mostly low-lying limestone cliffs, and there are some dramatic cave formations.

Nusa Lembongan was first opened up as a tourist destination by surfers, and it has long been an established part of the Bali surf circuit. There are three main breaks, all off the top half of the west coast, with another less well known just to the southwest off Nusa Ceningan. Playgrounds, Lacerations and Shipwrecks are all close offshore and reached via an energetic paddle from the beach, or in a more leisurely fashion, by a local boat (jukung) which can be chartered from the nearest beach. Whilst the breaks usually suit intermediate to experienced surfers given they all break over coral reefs, the aptly named Playgrounds is a little more forgiving and can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. There is a thriving surf scene in Jungut Batu. When compared to its tiny population, Nusa Lembongan has produced a remarkable number of international competition-quality surfers. Any keen surfer will certainly not be short of company here.

Nusa Ceningan is the tiny island between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, which is easily reached via the suspension bridge on foot or by bicycle/motorbike. There is a notable surf break off Nusa Ceningan which attracts some surfers away from the more crowded breaks on Nusa Lembongan. Otherwise the island offers some scenic roads and paths, and the westward views back over Nusa Lembongan to Bali are impressive. Viewing the sunset over Bali from the central Ceningan ridge is very much worth the effort. The estuarine channel between Lembongan and Ceningan is home to many seaweed farms.

Totalling some 200 square kilometres, Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands. There are many quiet and secluded white sand beaches along the north and northwest coasts of Nusa Penida. Highlighting the geographical features of the island are limestone caves, spectacular high coastal cliffs with karst formations and offshore pinnacles in the south and east, and rugged hill tops in the high centre. As an addition to West Bali National Park, Nusa Penida has also become bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species, including the critically endangered Bali white Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi).

Dive with Mola-Molas

Fusing the three islands into one fascination is the splendor that lies beyond the crystal clear blue waters that surround them. These waters are best known among some of the world class diving destinations. The rich waters around the three islands support no less than 247 species of coral, 562 species of fish and Green and Olive Ridley Turtles. With its adjacent deep water trenches, the main stars here are the spectacular and very rare gigantic Oceanic Sunfish or Mola- mola. Mola-mola is the heaviest known bony fish in the world and can grow to over 2 meters long. They have large, blunt heads, heavy bodies and stubbed tails, with elongated dorsal and ventral fins that can span up to 4 meters.

If elsewhere divers are lucky to meet one Mola, here they can dive with three or more of these strange fish, since these are the Mola’s “cleaning stations”. Here the warm currents of the Indian Ocean meet the cold currents from the South Pole and Australia, creating the favored streams and temperatures for the Mola, who frequent these seas to have their bodies picked clean by the multitude of cleaning fish that abound in these waters.

Sharing these seas with the Molas are white-tipped reef sharks, nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks, and large Manta Rays that can also be found here.

There are more than 20 identified dive sites around the islands, the most notable being Blue Corner, Ped, Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Toyapakeh, Suana Bay, Ceningan Point (Ceningan Wall) and Malibu Point. There are some challenging drift dives here, and dive operators will visit certain sites only when sea conditions are safe. There are also plenty of options for easier flat reef and wall dives as well. Non-divers should not feel left out, as good snorkeling is available close inshore at various spots around the islands.

Since currents are strong here, divers should stick to groups. Many good divers have been carried by the currents almost to the open ocean that leads to the South Pole before being rescued.

From the extraordinary encounters with the giants of the deep sea, exhilarating rides on the ocean tides; to gazing the spectacular sunset on the indulging white sands, the islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida are truly a pristine paradise just a boat ride away from the fabled island of Bali.

For more information on Diving with Molas check the following website: http://www.balisunfish.com/

Virtually all of the accommodation is on Nusa Lembongan with just a handful of very simple homestays on Nusa Penida and one solitary bed and breakfast on Nusa Ceningan. Here are among some of the accommodation options:

Nusa Lembongan:

Waka Nusa Resort

Mushroom Bay, Lembongan Island

Phone: +62 361 484 085

Email: info@wakanusa.com

Website: http://wakanusa.com/

Nusa Lembongan Resort

Mushroom Bay, Lembongan Island,

P.O. Box 3846 Denpasar 80001, Bali - Indonesia,

Phone: 62 361 725864

Fax: 62-361 725866

Email: info-nlr@nusalembonganresort.com

Website: http://www.nusalembonganresort.com/

Mainski Lembongan Resort

Jungutbatu-Sunset Coast, Nusa Lembongan

Phone: +62 361 9237322

Fax: +62 366 24481

Email: sales@mainski-lembongan-resort.com

Website: http://mainski-lembongan-resort.com/

Molamola House

Mushroom Bay, Nusa Lembongan

Phone: +6282897081147

Email: info@molamolalembongan.com

Website: http://molamolalembongan.com/

Nusa Ceningan:

Jenny's Bed & Breakfast

Nusa Ceningan

Phone: +62 812 3627 7650

Email: paeittreim@yahoo.com

Nusa Penida:

There are some small, simple homestays and bungalows on Nusa Penida. These are in the north between Toyapakeh and Sampalan. Visitors wishing to explore the remote, rugged areas of the island in the high centre and south may be able to find informal accommodation with a local family by asking a head of village (Kepala Desa). The only other alternative away from the north coast is camping.

Friends of National Parks (FNPF), Bird Sanctuary Center,

Ped village, Nusa Penida

Phone: +62 361 977978

Bungalow Pemda

Sampalan, Nusa Penida

Phone: +62 813 38539435

Ring Sameton Inn

Phone: +62-813-51542596 / +62-813-37985141

Email: info@ringsameton-nusapenida.com

Website: http://www.ringsameton-nusapenida.com/welcome/

To get between Nusa Lembogan and Nusa Penida, Public boats depart daily at 6AM close to the suspension bridge between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan and run to Toyapakeh or Buyuk Harbour near Sampalan in northern Nusa Penida. There are also services from the Jungut Batu area of Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida. Charter boats are also available, departing from and arriving at the same area as the public boats. If you are staying on Nusa Lembongan, ask at your hotel. If not, go to the shoreline close to the suspension bridge or to the beach at Jungut Batu and ask around amongst the boatmen.

From Nusa Lembongan, you can cross by foot to the small neighbouring island of Nusa Ceningan via a scenic suspension bridge.

Although Bicycles and Motorbikes are also available for rent, Nusa Lembongan is a nice place to walk, with coastal paths linking nearly all the guest houses, hotels and restaurants. Most walks will take less than two hours. The less developed southwestern area of the island has some spectacular coast paths which provide easy walking, great views back to Bali, and spectacular sunsets.

In Nusa Penida, Renting a Bicycle and motorcycle is the most practical option, and this will cost you about Rp 80,000-120,000. Look for vendors in Toyopakeh and Sampalan (or more likely, they will find you). You may be able to find a rental vehicle but they are not common.

The only way to reach these islands from Bali is by boat with approximately crossing time of 30-40 minutes. There are several options according to budget and speed. It is straightforward to reach Nusa Lembongan, and visitors to Nusa Penida usually come via Nusa Lembongan, although direct services from Bali are available. Most of the scheduled services leave from Sanur Beach at the end of Jalan Hangtuah Street, Denpasar, and involve getting your feet wet as there are no jetties to speak of. The exact departure and arrival point on this beach depends on the tide. Other services run from Benoa Harbour, and there are local public boat services to and from Padang Bai and Kusamba in East Bali, but these may have some safety and comfort issues.

From Sanur Beach here are the alternatives:

Daily Fast Boat Transfer (include pick up and drop in around Bali and Lembongan). Tickets can be purchased at Jl Hangtuah 78, Sanur in front of Ayu Salon (Mushroom Beach Bungalow office, Phone: + 62 361 281974, Email: sales@lembongancruise.com). Departs daily from Sanur beach at 8AM, 9:30AM, 11.30AM, 2:30PM, 4:30PM. Departs daily from Lembongan at 8AM, 3:30PM, 4:30PM.

Perama, a local transfers-only operator for the budget traveller. Boat departures daily at 10:30AM. The ride across is approximately 90 min., and there is no same day return option. The Sanur office of Perama can be found at Warung Pojok in Jalan Hangtuah.

Public Boat (slow) , departs daily from Sanur beach at 8AM and 10:30AM in front of the Ananda Hotel or near the Grand Inna Bali Beach Hotel (depending on tide). These boats can be a bit sketchy at times, and are usually very crowded. No same day return facility. The ride across is approximately 90 min.

Public Speed Boat, Sanur Beach,Phone: +62 361 743 2344. Departs daily from Sanur beach to Jungutbatu Bay at 9AM, 12:30PM, 3:30PM and returning at 8AM, 10:30AM and 3PM. To Mushroom Bay leaves Sanur at 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 2:30PM and 4:30PM, and leaves Lembongan at 9AM, 1PM and 3:30PM. Book in advance as seats may be limited.

You can also find various cruises at Sanur Beach that offers transportation and package tour services to the islands. If you wanted to, you can charter speedboats to get into either Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida from Sanur or Padang Bai. Contact the speedboat operators or make enquiries in person at the relevant point of departure one day in advance.

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Surfing : Mentawai Island : The Ultimate Diversity Of The Hidden Paradise

Mentawai Island :

The Ultimate Diversity Of The Hidden Paradise

Take a trip into the wild with an adventure to the Mentawai islands. Be surrounded by tropical rainforests and immerse yourself in the traditions of the local people. While the physical distance between the mainland and Mentawai is not great, this remains one of the most isolated places in Indonesia, and was only subject to outside influences at the start of the 20th century. A long way from the world of shopping malls and theme parks, this is where travellers come to get a truly off the beaten track adventure.

Located off the West coast of Sumatra, the Mentawai archipelago includes four municipalities, Sirebut, Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai. Sirebut is the biggest of the islands and remains largely covered with tropical rainforest. From the moment you arrive on Sirbeut and see the white coral beaches, ancient rainforests and hear the cheeky black gibbons playing in the trees you’ll find it hard to resist falling in love with the place. This island is home to a rich array of bio-diversity which has earned it designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

The remote location of these islands means that the Mentawai people have had very little contact with the outside world. The archipelogo is thought to have broken off from the rest of Sumara about 500,000 years ago and it is only since the 20th century that outside influences began to have an impact on the local people. Today, the Mentawai still abide by traditional practices and live largely off the land. Local people have a strong spiritual relationship with the forest with a belief system that emphasizes harmony with creation.

It is believed people first came to inhabit these islands at least several thousand years ago. Most anthropologists classify the Mentawai people as Protomalay which means they have a mostly Neotlithic culture but have not been effected by Buddhism, Islam or Hinduism.

Tatoos are an important symbol in Mentawai culture and reflect maturity, manhood and status. The art of this body painting has been inherited from ancient ancestors and the ink is made from natural fibres.

The biggest town on Sirebut is Muara Sirebut on the southeast coast. This is the major point of entry for tour groups from the mainland. From here, you can travel with a with a local guide and trek inland to some of the Mentawai villages. If your bahasa is good enough, chat to the locals and enjoy their hospitality.

Boost your taste with exotic and fresh seafood that you can find in the local restaurants run by local people. If you are lucky enough, you can pick and cook your own seafood, but make sure you know the secret recipe/spices from Mentawai people. If you're not into seafood, you can find regular meals as well.

Local handmade souvenirs like traditional hats, traditional bag and accessories will be genuine souvenirs for your relatives and friends. You can buy them in a souvenir shop or from the locals directly.

To access all the beauties offered, you can rent a boat owned by local people. You can find the boat along the beach. The rate depends on your bargaining skill.

Sebaung Merauke Air flies between Padang and the Mentawai islands. It is a 30 minute flight. Flights can be booked via a number of local agents including Mentawai Air. Some resorts which operate on the islands will arrange flights and airport pick ups for you.

An overnight ferry service departs from Padang. It is best to regularly check times with ferry operators as timetables can change depending on weather conditions.

Probably the easiest way to get to Sirebut is to join a trekking tour. These tours normally depart from Bukittinggi or Padang and will organise transport to the island.

Independent travellers will need to be able to speak reasonable Indonesian to negotiate with local guides in Sirebut. They also must organise their own travel permits with police.

• Local people do not mind being photographed however it is polite to ask beforehand.

• The terrain in the jungle is rough and muddy so if you are coming for a hike, bring good hiking boots and appropriate clothing. Depending on what tour option you chose, be prepared for some long hard walks and basic accomodation and food.

• Mosquitos and leeches are common here.

  

• It gets very wet in the jungle so it is a good idea to line your pack with a plastic bag. Remember to bring a torch, and warm clothing as it gets cool here at night.

• Washing takes place in the river however you must keep a sarong or swimsuit on at all times.

• Bring your own surfboard with you, because it may be hard to find a surfboard shop in Mentawai.

• Bring all medicines and pharmaceuticals with you.

The other big attraction for visitors to these islands is the world class surfing. With some of the best surfing conditions in the world, monster waves and swells that remain all year round, this is ranked by serious surfers as a must visit destination.

There is a guest house and restaurant in Muara Siberut. While travelling in villages, guests can sleep on the floor with a local family. Payment is up to you but is normally in the form of cigarettes or other gifts. Visitors are expected to bring their own food.

Mentawai island trek adventure travel organise treks on Siberut island. This includes arranging accomodation of home stays with local clans and camping in the jungle.

There are also a number of luxury resorts that operate on the islands, offering guests the chance to laze under palm trees while they savour the sunset.

Mentawai resorts offer luxurious five star surf villas at HT’s resort.

Siloinak resort, situated on its own private tropical island near Siberut, is the ideal place to sit back, relax and absorb the beauty of this deserted island. With 900 meters of coconut palm fringed beaches and a refreshing lagoon great for swimming among tropical fishes, this is truly a tropical paradise.

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Surfing : Dreamland: Surf’s up at Bali’s New Kuta Beach

Dreamland :

Surf’s up at Bali’s New Kuta Beach

A vast stretch of soft pearly white sand, clear blue sky over the enchanting blue waters, and nothing but the fascinating sounds of waves hitting the shores; no, this is not a set from a dream, this is where nature interprets your dream, this is Dreamland Beach, on the southern coast of Bali Island.

Recently dubbed as the New Kuta Beach – a fresh comparison to the already highly popular Kuta Beach, this little piece of paradise is located within the integrated Pecatu Graha Resort complex, at the Bukit Peninsula in the Badung regency, just about 15 minutes from the picturesque Uluwatu Temple. Although sharing a similar name, Dreamland is far from the crowded and vibrant atmosphere of the original Kuta Beach. Instead, the beach offers tranquility and much more exciting waves perfectly fit for advanced surfers.

The once hidden beauty of this coastline was first introduced to the world when the popular pop/rock Band, Michael Learns to Rock shot their musical video clip: Someday in 1996. The beach is mainly highlighted with the soft pearly white sand shore that stretches some 1 kilometer and is considerably cleaner than most beaches in Bali. As any beach at the Bukit Peninsula area, Dreamland is also decorated with beautiful rocky cliffs on its shore which radiate an enchanting atmosphere. The vast stretching shoreline also makes it a perfect place to bask under the tropical sun or to stroll along the indulging sands, or simply sit down and immerse oneself in the dream-like beauty of nature. As daylight slowly fades, the brilliant colors of sunset over Dremland’s horizon will surely confirm why this beach got its name.

Among surfers, the waves at the coastline of the Bukit Peninsula are undisputedly legendary, and Dreamland Beach is no exception. The beach features a break with longer left and a short right handers, “surfable” at low to dead low tide and works well when there is an average swell above 3ft coming in. However, when the swell is over 7ft, the waves tend to be unpredictable and close out. The soft, fat waves and deep water make it suitable for the professionals or those with some learning experience behind.

Although it was once a secluded shore with difficult access roads, today Dreamland forms part of the integrated Pecatu Graha Resort complex. The complex currently evolves into an elite resort where luxury hotels and other facilities are being built, offering world-class amenities and services. Among features already operating in the complex are the New Kuta Golf resort, New Kuta Green Park, and the Klapa New Kuta Beach Exclusive Club Restaurant.

To observe some of the fascinating images of Dreamland, you can visit our photo essay: Wide Awake at Dreamland, Bali's New Kuta Beach

Located at the Bukit Peninsula area, Dremland Beach can be reached from Kuta-Legian area in about 30-40 minutes. From the capital Denpasar, it is roughly about an hour’s trip (depending on traffic conditions). From Denpasar or Kuta, take the main south road (Jl Bypass Nusa Dua) which is the only route to the south Bukit Peninsula area. Take this main road south to the junction with Jalan Uluwatu II (the famous McDonald's junction), turn west towards Jimbaran Bay, continue about 2 km and at the four road junction make a sharp left up the hill (signposted for Uluwatu). Follow the road up to Pecatu Village until the main entrance of the Pecatu Graha Resort comes in sight on the right. Enter the resort and follow the road sign directing to New Kuta Beach.

There are several accommodation options you can find within the resort and close by. Here is the list of some of the accommodations around Dreamland Beach:

THE DREAMLAND LUXURY VILLAS & SPA

JL.Raya Uluwatu Gang Kahuripan No.69 Br.Bakung Sari Ungasan-Kuta-Bali-Indonesia

Phone : +62 361 708199

Fax: +62 361 708168

Email: reservation@dreamland-villa.com

Live Messenger: dreamland_villa@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.dreamland-villa.com/

MU

Bingin (on the cliff edge at Bingin close to the car park and the southerly steps)

Phone: +62 361 7428249

Email: jbataillardbali@gmail.com

Chocky's Place

At the base of the cliff right on the beach at Bingin

Phone: +62 818 05444833

Email: info@chockysplace.com

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Surfing

S u r f i n g

Nias, Mentawai, Uluwatu are world class breaks that can be surfed all year round. Small wonder that surfers from around the world flock to Indonesia to experience the rolling tubes and spectacular beaches that these islands have to offer.

Here the surf is always up, so grab your board and come and discover what other surfers have known for years, that Indonesia truly has some of the world's best waves.

Dreamland : Surf’s up at Bali’s New Kuta Beach

LOMBOK, alluring island East of Bali

Mentawai Island

Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida : “Cleaning Stations” for the Giant Mola-Mola

Parangtritis

SUKABUMI: For Caving, Rafting, Camping, Trekking and Surfing Adventures

Suluban Beach: Bali’s Surfers Paradise at Uluwatu

Sumba: Powerful Surf, living megalithic culture and fine ikat cloths

Sumbawa

Surfing at Cimaja Beach, Palabuhanratu-West Java

Tanjung Setia Beach: Lampung’s Secret Surfers Paradise

Uluwatu

World's Best Surfing at G-Land

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