Java Travel Tips

One of the special things about JavaCove is its secluded location in the coastal village of Batu Karas, an area far from mainstream tourist trails. This experience may not be suitable for everyone so we urge you to consider the following things before booking.



JOURNEY TO JAVACOVE

Car from Jakarta: 9 hours
Car from Bandung: 7 hours
Car from Yogyakarta: 7 hours

 

PLEASE NOTE: The condition of the road between Pangandaran and JavaCove (the last 30 km to get here) is in a very bad condition so the above times may be longer.

 

Our privately chartered car transfers are outsourced to a reliable operator who will pick you up from airports/hotels in Jakarta, Yogyakarta or Bandung any time of the day or night.

For rates and booking please see the Rates, Packages, Booking page on our website. The best option is a car from Bandung to JavaCove - fly 'AirAsia' www.airasia.com to Bandung daily from Bali, Singapore & Kuala Lumpur.

 

It's a long journey by car, but many people find it a highlight, taking in changing scenery from towering volcanoes to terraced rice fields & quaint villages. Car transfer prices include air-con car, driver, parking, petrol, tolls, surfboard carriage (1 boardbag per pax).

 

 

INTERNET / FACILITIES / ELECTRICITY

Batu Karas is a remote village in the 'developing nation' of Indonesia,

where roads can be poorly maintained and tourism facilities, infrastructure and medical facilities are not to the standard of those in Western countries.

We have WiFi at JavaCove but it relies on a weak on/off local dial-up signal. Internet can be very slow, but it's the best available in this remote village!

Power is 220 V needing a '2 round prong' adaptor.

FOOD / RAMADAN FASTING MONTH

Breakfast is served daily at JavaCove.

Nearby warungs (simple eateries) serve fresh Asian food & seafood, & 'al fresko' cafe/bar at JavaCove serves European cuisine. Please note food selection at Batu Karas is not as varied as in Indonesia's more popular tourism areas.

 

During the Ramadan fasting month (7Jul - 8Aug '13) food may not be available at local eateries during daylight hours, but breakfast, lunch & dinner are served as normal at JavaCove.

ALCOHOL

It is not considered acceptable to consume hard liquor in public.

We offer beer, wine and cocktails at 'al fresko' cafe at JavaCove Beach Hotel, however if you wish to drink spirits you will need to bring your own to be consumed on your private balcony or in your room.

THE PEOPLE

Located on the island of Java, the province of West Java is referred to as 'Sunda' by the local people

who identify themselves as 'Sundanese'. Our guests often comment that the Sundanese are some of the most easy going, friendly people they've met. They live a simple village lifestyle and have a deep commitment to the peaceful elements of their Islamic faith.

CULTURAL AWARENESS

Batukaras village is a casual tourism spot and the locals are relaxed about having Westerners in the area,

however, we suggest that it's respectful to be conscious of how you dress. Bikinis and boardshorts are fine on the beach, but not the most appropriate gear for getting around village areas!

WEEKENDS / HOLIDAY PERIODS

Batu Karas is a popular domestic tourism area.

Weekends can be busy and holiday periods can get VERY crowded with 1000s of people. Our guests often enjoy the festive atmosphere but if it is not to your taste we do not recommend visiting Batu Karas on long weekends & during periods: EASTER 29MAR 13 - 6APR 13; CELEBRATIONS BEFORE RAMADAN 6-8JUL 13; LEBARAN 8-17AUG 13; CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR 25DEC 13 - 4JAN 14.

LOCAL INTERACTION / VILLAGE LIFE

JavaCove Beach Hotel has been established with the support of the village community,

and the friendly locals have always welcomed us and our guests into their area with genuine hospitality. JavaCove is not an 'enclave resort' separated from the village environment, in fact interaction with the locals is all part of the JavaCove experience. We recognise that this style of travel is not to everyone's taste so please consider if it is suitable for you.