Java Travel Tips

One of the special things about JavaCove is its secluded location in the coastal village of Batukaras, 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.



GETTING TO JAVACOVE

Flight from Jakarta: 1 hour.

Car from Jakarta: 8-9 hours.

Car from Yogyakarta: 7 hours.

Car from Bandung: 6 hours.

Flight: bookings must be made directly with Susi Air at www.susiair.com (please advise them if traveling with surfboards). Susi Air is ideal if you are already in Indonesia but is not an option if booking from overseas as cash payment is required upfront to confirm.

 

Car: book privately chartered airport transfers from Jakarta, Yogyakarta or Bandung through our booking engine - see Rates, Packages, Booking. The best option is a car from Bandung to JavaCove - fly Air Asia to Bandung daily from Bali, Singapore & Kuala Lumpur. Book at www.airasia.com

 

The journey by road takes in Java's ever changing scenery from towering volcanoes to terraced rice fields and quaint villages. It's a long journey, but many people find getting to JavaCove a real highlight. Airport transfer prices include air-con car, driver, airport parking, petrol, tolls and surfboard carriage.

FACILITIES/ELECTRICITY

Batukaras village is a remote tourism area in the 'developing nation' of Indonesia,

where the standard of tourism facilities and infrastructure are not to the level that exist in 'Western' countries. Electricity can be less than reliable and this can occasionally affect hotel facilities, including air-conditioning. The village has 220 volts mains power and a '2 round-pronged' adaptor designed for Asian countries is needed (available at electronic stores or duty free shops).

FOOD

Western breakfast is served daily at JavaCove and is included in our room rates.

For lunch and dinner, the 'warungs' (simple eateries) near JavaCove serve fresh and nutritious Indo everything: seafood, chicken, local rice/noodle dishes, curries. If you feel like a Western fix, our 'al fresko' cafe serves European cuisine. Please note food selection and variety at Batukaras is not to the extent found in more popular tourism areas in Indonesia.

ALCOHOL

It is not considered acceptable to consume hard liquor in public areas,

including at 'al fresko' cafe at JavaCove Beach Hotel (beer is fine and is available at 'al fresko'). Spirits are not available for sale anywhere in the area, however if you decide to bring your own please remember that you will need to consume them 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!

MAJOR HOLIDAY PERIODS

During Christmas/New Year, Independence Day and Lebaran

(celebrations after the Ramadan fasting month), Batukaras gets very busy with thousands of people visiting every day. This is not a true reflection of what the area is like for most of the year so if it is not to your taste we do not recommend visiting Batukaras during these periods: INDEPENDENCE DAY 13-18 AUG 2010; LEBARAN 8-19 SEP 2010; CHRISTMAS 23 DEC 2010 - 9 JAN 2011.

LOCAL INTERACTIONS

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. Interaction with the locals is all part of the JavaCove experience and our guests always take back warm memories of their time with the people as well as the place.