West Java · Indonesia
Surfing Turtles
A reef break in West Java, Indonesia, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd1/5
The wave
Turtles is a right over fairly friendly reef off Ujung Genteng, near the Pangumbahan beach where green turtles come ashore to nest. There's rarely anyone else out.
It's much easier to reach and to surf than Ombak Tujuh further along the coast. It needs a decent S/SW swell and a morning offshore, and the waves run from shoulder high to overhead with room for turns and enough water over the reef. Intermediates with some reef experience will like it.
Ujung Genteng is a small fishing and farming town with simple losmen and seafood. At night you can go and watch the turtles at the sanctuary. Bring cash, and expect slow roads.
-7.365, 106.4 · S-SW swell, E wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Turtles
Turtles is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: S-SW swell, E wind. 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 Turtles
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ombak Tujuh | West Java | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 5 km |
| Loji | West Java | Beach Break | Intermediate | 40 km |
| Sawarna (Ciantir) | West Java | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 43 km |
| Cimaja | West Java | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 46 km |
| Apocalypses | West Java | Reef Break | Pro | 152 km |
| One Palm Point | West Java | Reef Break | Pro | 153 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 →
Turtles: common questions
When is the best time to surf Turtles?
Turtles works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: S-SW swell, E wind.
Is Turtles good for beginners?
No. Turtles is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers.
How crowded is Turtles?
Turtles is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Turtles?
Turtles is in West Java, in the Java region of Indonesia (-7.365, 106.4). The nearest wave we cover is Ombak Tujuh, about 5 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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