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

Flight from Jakarta: 1 hour
Car from Jakarta: 8-9 hours
Car from Bandung: 6-7 hours
Car from Yogyakarta: 7 hours

FLIGHT (Tue & Sat only): Contact Susi Air www.susiair.com directly for bookings. Please consider the car options below if you do not receive a response from Susi Air (we can understand your frustration as we experience the same thing so ARE NOT ABLE TO ENQUIRE/BOOK ON YOUR BEHALF). A Susi Air car shuttles people between the airport and JavaCove for a small charge (15 mins drive).

 

CAR: We outsource privately chartered car transfers to a reliable operator. They are available for pick-ups from Jakarta, Yogyakarta or Bandung. Book through our booking engine - see Rates, Packages, Booking. 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).

 

 

FACILITIES / ELECTRICITY / INTERNET

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

where tourism facilities/services, roads and infrastrucutre are not to the standard of those in Western countries. Power outages are frequent and internet is slow - this is village life folks!

Mains power is 220 volts. A '2 round-pronged' adaptor designed for Asian countries is needed (available at electronic stores or duty free shops).

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 (19Jul - 18Aug '12) 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 areas.

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!

LONG WEEKENDS / HOLIDAY PERIODS

Holiday periods and long weekends can get VERY crowded at Batu Karas,

with thousands of people visiting every day. This is not a true reflection of what the area is normally like so if it is not to your taste we do not recommend visiting Batu Karas on long weekends and during these periods: EASTER 6-8 APRIL 2012; CELEBRATIONS BEFORE RAMADAN 16-18 JULY 2012; LEBARAN 19-26 AUG 2012; CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR 22 Dec 2012 - 5 Jan 2013.

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.