Karang Hawu surf

Karang Hawu

Intermediate
Reef break · Moderate · Best: May–October · All tides
Working best in Java now Pangandaran Epic · 1.7m @ 11s View →
Conditions right now
Epic
Wave
1.4m
Swell
1.4m
11s · SSW
Period
11s
Wind
9 km/h
WSW · gust 31
Onshore
Water
27°C
Air
31°C

Surf report

Tide falling · Low 1:00 PM -0.3m
Time Surf Swell Wind Tide
6 AM 1.4 m
1.3m 10s SSW
9 km/h off
0.8m
9 AM 1.4 m
1.3m 10s SSW
12 km/h cross
0.3m
12 PM 1.4 m
1.4m 11s SSW
9 km/h on
-0.3m
3 PM 1.5 m
1.4m 12s SSW
8 km/h on
-0.0m
6 PM 1.5 m
1.4m 12s SSW
8 km/h cross
0.6m
Best session today
6 PM–7 AM
Offshore 1.5m swell @ 12s

Next 24 hours

Wave Swell
0.0 1.0 2.0 12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM12 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM

Wind

Speed Gusts (km/h)
0 20 40 12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM12 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM

Tide

Low 1:00 PM · -0.3m High 7:00 PM · 0.6m Low 1:00 AM · -0.2m High 7:00 AM · 0.7m
L 1 PM H 7 PM L 1 AM H 7 AM L 1 PM H 7 PM L 2 AM H 8 AM 12 PM6 PM12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM12 AM6 AM

7-day outlook

Best days
Thu, Sep 10
1.4–1.5m
Fri, Sep 11 Best
1.4–1.5m
Sat, Sep 12 Best
1.4–1.8m
Sun, Sep 13 Best
1.7–1.9m
Mon, Sep 14
1.6–1.6m
Tue, Sep 15
1.4–1.6m
Wed, Sep 16
1.3–1.5m

Hourly detail

Show next 24h
Time Wave Swell Period Wind Tide
12 PM 1.4m 1.4m SSW 11s 9 WSW on -0.3m
1 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 10 WSW on -0.3m
2 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 9 WSW on -0.2m
3 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 8 SW on -0.0m
4 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 7 SSW on 0.2m
5 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 7 SE on 0.4m
6 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 8 E cross 0.6m
7 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 10 ENE off 0.6m
8 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 12 ENE off 0.6m
9 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 11 ENE off 0.4m
10 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 8 NE off 0.2m
11 PM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 12s 6 NE off -0.1m
12 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 12s 5 NE off -0.2m
1 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 12s 5 NE off -0.2m
2 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 12s 7 ENE off -0.2m
3 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 12s 6 ENE off 0.0m
4 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 12s 6 ENE off 0.3m
5 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 12s 6 NE off 0.5m
6 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 12s 6 NE off 0.7m
7 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 12s 6 E off 0.7m
8 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 11s 5 ESE cross 0.7m
9 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 11s 6 S on 0.5m
10 AM 1.5m 1.5m SSW 11s 7 SSW on 0.2m
11 AM 1.5m 1.4m SSW 11s 9 SW on -0.0m

About Karang Hawu

Karang Hawu is a characterful reef break on the West Java coast that produces lively, mid-length waves for intermediate surfers. The reef creates defined peaks that allow for sharp turns and the occasional barrel section on the right swell. The dramatic volcanic rock formations surrounding the break make it as striking to look at as it is to surf. Come prepared for a reef bottom and watch the exposed rocks on the inside as the tide drops.

Local knowledge

Hazards

The reef is shallow and sharp — wipeouts on the inside section can put you onto exposed volcanic rock, especially on a dropping tide, so booties are strongly advised. A sucking rip runs along the reef edge that can drag you toward the rocks on the eastern side of the break; know your exit before paddling out. Sea urchins colonise the reef shelf, so avoid putting your feet down anywhere shallow.

Getting there

Karang Hawu sits roughly 100 km south of Jakarta near Cisolok — take the coast road toward the Karang Hawu beach area, where roadside parking is available near the volcanic rock formations and a handful of small warungs. Paddle out from the sandy channel on the western side of the rocks; avoid entering over the reef shelf directly as even moderate swell surges hard across it. Exit the same channel and time your paddle-in between sets.

Board

A mid-length thruster (6'4"–7'0") with a bit of rocker handles the punchy reef peaks well on standard 3–5 ft swells; step up to a 7'2"–7'6" gun when solid south swells push it overhead and the reef starts showing its speed. Leave the fish at home — the reef bottom and hollow inside section reward boards that can drive through and release quickly, not float.

Localism

moderate — be polite, wait your turn.

Where to go now

Karang Hawu vs. nearby, live
Spot Surf Swell Wind Now
Karang Hawu Best now
this spot
1.4m
1.4m 11s
9 on
Epic
2 km away
1.4m
1.3m 10s
10 cross
Good
2 km away
1.4m
1.3m 10s
10 cross
Good
4 km away
1.4m
1.3m 10s
10 cross
Good

Community photos

Shots from surfers at Karang Hawu. Got one? Share it below.

No community photos yet — be the first to share one of Karang Hawu!

Nearest spots

Closest breaks to Karang Hawu

Where to stay near Karang Hawu

Top-rated places around this surf zone — budget to luxury.

Best-rated stays near the break
Hotel O Kampung Wisata Ekologi Puspa JagadNearGunung Kelud Budget

Hotel O Kampung Wisata Ekologi Puspa JagadNearGunung Kelud

★★ 5.2 1 reviews
From
EUR 3
Check rates →
Hotel O Desa Wisata Tebing Lingga Mid-range

Hotel O Desa Wisata Tebing Lingga

★★ 3.7 3 reviews
Free WiFi
From
EUR 3
Check rates →
G Beach Hotel Luxury

G Beach Hotel

★★★ 9.2 10 reviews
Free WiFi
From
EUR 30
Check rates →
Hotel O Desa Wisata Alam Gosari (wagos) Budget

Hotel O Desa Wisata Alam Gosari (wagos)

★★ 4.8 4 reviews
Free WiFi
From
EUR 3
Check rates →
Giri Wanara Glamping Resort Luxury

Giri Wanara Glamping Resort

★★★ 8.1 10 reviews
Free WiFi Breakfast
From
EUR 18
Check rates →
Hotel O Desa Wisata Dalegan Budget

Hotel O Desa Wisata Dalegan

★★ 3.0 3 reviews
Free WiFi
From
EUR 2
Check rates →

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Surf schools & local guides near Karang Hawu

Learn or level up with established local instructors.

List your school →
Cimaja Surf Lessons, Surf Board Rentals and Surf Guide

Cimaja Surf Lessons, Surf Board Rentals and Surf Guide

★ 5.0

No.13, RT.02/RW.01, Kp. Babadan, Cimaja, Kec. Cikakak, Kabupaten Sukabumi, Jawa Barat 43365, Indonesia

59 Google reviews

Karang Aji Surf Lesson & Guide

Karang Aji Surf Lesson & Guide

★ 5.0

Pantai Legonpari, Cikahuripan, Kec. Cisolok, Kabupaten Sukabumi, Jawa Barat 43366, Indonesia

19 Google reviews

Sunset Beach AWS Surf School, Surf Lesson and ATV

Sunset Beach AWS Surf School, Surf Lesson and ATV

★ 5.0

Desa Gunung Karamat, Pelabuhan Ratu, 2FV8+496, Cisolok, Karangpapak, Cisolok, Sukabumi Regency, West Java 43366, Indonesia

14 Google reviews

Spicy Surfschool West Java - Cimaja - Cikembang

Spicy Surfschool West Java - Cimaja - Cikembang

★ 5.0

2CWP+666, Cikahuripan, Cisolok, Sukabumi Regency, West Java 43366, Indonesia

10 Google reviews

CMJ Surf Lesson & Surfboard Rental

CMJ Surf Lesson & Surfboard Rental

★ 5.0

Kp. Cipawenang, RT.02/RW.07, Cisolok, Kec. Cisolok, Kabupaten Sukabumi, Jawa Barat 43366, Indonesia

8 Google reviews

cimaja Surfing school

cimaja Surfing school

★ 5.0

asem 3, RT.05/RW.01, Cimaja, Kec. Cikakak, Kabupaten Sukabumi, Jawa Barat 43365, Indonesia

7 Google reviews

Surf camps & retreats

Stay at a surf camp near Karang Hawu

All-inclusive surf camps, coaching weeks and retreats — meals, lessons and accommodation sorted. Compare 1,500+ verified camps with reviews and instant booking.

  • ✓ Free cancellation options
  • ✓ Best price guarantee
  • ✓ All levels, beginner to pro
Browse surf camps →

We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Surfing in Java

Full Java surf guide →

Java is Indonesia's most populous and culturally dense island, yet for surfers it remains one of the archipelago's great escapes. Overshadowed by Bali to the east and the Mentawai boats to the west, Java's long, exposed south coast quietly serves up world-class waves with a fraction of the crowds.

✈️Getting there

Most international surfers fly into Bali (Denpasar/DPS) or Jakarta (CGK). For G-Land, the classic route is from Bali: drive west to Gilimanuk, take the short ferry across to Ketapang/Banyuwangi in East Java, then continue overland and by boat into Alas Purwo National Park. Many surfers simply book a transfer or surf-camp package from Bali, which can run as a long road-and-ferry day or a faster speedboat charter across the strait.

🛵Getting around

Java is huge and its south-coast surf zones are spread far apart, so there's no single hub. Scooters are cheap and easy to rent in beach towns like Batu Karas and Pangandaran and are perfect for short hops to local breaks — but Javanese traffic and long-haul roads can be intense for the inexperienced.

🌤️Climate & season

Java has a tropical climate with two clear seasons. The dry season runs roughly May to September and is prime surf time — consistent Indian Ocean groundswell, lighter and more favourable winds, and the cleaner conditions that make G-Land fire. This is when the south coast is at its best.