GRAJAGAN – G-LAND Grajagan or G-land as it is better known to surfers, is a magical place where the jungle meets the ocean and produce some of the best waves in the world. G-Land is situated on the tip of Grajagan bay in Plengkung beach inside the enormous national park called “Blambangan Nature Reserve” or “Alas Purwo National Park” at about 20 Km from Grajagan village. Due to its location at the end of Java facing deep oceanic waters with very shallow coral reefs, G-land is very consistent and a real swell magnet with very powerful waves, as the famopus saying goes, no swell in G-Land no swell in Indonesia. G-land is famous for its large and powerful surf, but there are other waves of much less consequence down the bay to suit all levels, even beginners.
History The first known reports about surfing in the area say that G-land was first surfed in the summer of 1974 by two American surfers from southern California, Bob Jones and Bob Laverty that would have seen perfect waves from inside the plane in a flight from Java to Bali later coming back from Bali in a searching mission in a Hobbie catamaram when they finally found G-land. In 1977 Mike Boyum and Gerry lopez opened the first surf camp of Indonesia, the G-land surf camp. Later on the Balinese businessmen Bobby Radiasa start to truly organize the surf camp catering to all the needs of surfers that come to this place with a faultless infrastructure.
The Trip Nowadays the trip from Bali to G-Land is by speed boat every three days leaving Bali early morning and returning around noon. The same boat that takes guests from Bali to G-Land bring back guests ending their trip. The crossing takes 2.5 to 4 hours depending on seas and winds conditions.
The arrival at G-land is always at early morning right on time for breakfast.
Kongs: A powerful left hand with some tubes and nice wall for top turns, the perfect option for when the swell is medium or small or the tide too low. It´s also a good warm up before hitting the main arena. The Ledge: Left hand situated between Kongs and Moneytrees that only start to work at medium tide getting really good at dead low when there are some sick pits and double ups. Moneytrees: A left hand that is also know as the G-Land express producing long and deep barrels and a an excellent wall for high speed carves in the pocket being at its best at medium to high tide. Speed bowl ou “Speedies”: A very long and hollow left that peels over a very shallow reef for hundreds of meters producing a deep, heavy, open and intense barrel that gets better at medium to high tide. Depending on conditions, this wave can be dropped from a section a little further behind Speedies called “Launching Pads” that connects with Speedies further down on the best days.
Nature G-Land has an incredible biodiversity that includes dolphins, sharks, turtles, schools of big fishes, dugongs, etc… and this national park comprehend a giant area of dense jungle very rich in fauna and flora with many wilds animals such as monkeys, exotic birds including giant bats and peacocks, snakes, lizards, wild boars and many big cats such as leopards, pumas and even tigers back in the old days (nowadays considered extinct).
Tips Because of the power of the waves on this shallow reef and the amount of sea urchins found on it, it´s strongly recommended the use of helmet and surf booties.
Don´t forget to bring long sleeve shirts and pants for the early morning and late afternoon and a lot of mosquito repellent.
Never leave food (biscuits, chocolate,etc.) laying around your balcony or inside your bungalow with open doors because of the monkeys. The best thing to do is to put everything in a big plastic bag and keep it stashed away.
Enjoy the low tide to take a walk down the beach and trip at the coral reef. Bring many boards and leashes, a lot of sunscreen, eye drops and a good first aid kit with triple antibiotic cream for reef cuts.
Surfing Etiquette As there are 3 surf camps in the area, sometimes it can get a bit crowded specially on hyped up swells, respect to be respected, and never drop in!! Observe the waiting order in the line up, wait your turn and and don´t paddle around or on the inside (sneak), keep the good vibes flowing. Remember, you can have 30 guys surfing together all having a great time or 5 guys having a nightmare, all it takes is the right attitude.
Remember THIS IS AN UNTOUCHED NATURE RESERVE, DON’T TAKE ANYTHING BUT PICTURES AND DON’T LEAVE ANYTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS AND NEW FRIENDSHIPS.
