West Java · Indonesia
Surfing Sawarna (Ciantir)
A beach break in West Java, Indonesia, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Sawarna, at Ciantir beach, is a big bay that takes a lot of swell. It has two kilometres of powerful beach break and a right off the reef at the western end when the swell lines up, with palm trees and cliffs around it.
The peaks change with the sandbanks, and you can get wedges, fast walls and proper barrels. It's usually bigger than Bali, and 5ft here is serious, with rips. Surf it in the morning, because the afternoon sea breeze ruins it.
Homestays are very cheap and close to the beach. Phone signal is patchy and there's no nightlife. Bring a shortboard and a step-up if a real swell is coming. Cimaja is about 90 minutes away.
-6.988, 106.302 · SW swell, morning glass · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Sawarna (Ciantir)
Sawarna (Ciantir) is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, morning glass. This is how the year looks across Java:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| April to May | Good | Early season glass, camps opening and few people |
| June to August | Prime | G-Land at full power with all-day offshores |
| September to October | Good | Still world-class; camps wind down and deals appear |
| November to March | Avoid | Wet season: G-Land camps closed, west coast blown and brown |
Waves near Sawarna (Ciantir)
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loji | West Java | Beach Break | Intermediate | 23 km |
| Cimaja | West Java | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 25 km |
| Turtles | West Java | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 43 km |
| Ombak Tujuh | West Java | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 48 km |
| Apocalypses | West Java | Reef Break | Pro | 124 km |
| One Palm Point | West Java | Reef Break | Pro | 125 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around West Java
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the West Java surf guide →
A week here costs from about $683 with flights from Europe, or around $1,212 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Sawarna (Ciantir): common questions
When is the best time to surf Sawarna (Ciantir)?
Sawarna (Ciantir) works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, morning glass.
Is Sawarna (Ciantir) good for beginners?
No. Sawarna (Ciantir) is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers.
How crowded is Sawarna (Ciantir)?
Sawarna (Ciantir) is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Sawarna (Ciantir)?
Sawarna (Ciantir) is in West Java, in the Java region of Indonesia (-6.988, 106.302). The nearest wave we cover is Loji, about 23 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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