Plengkung Beach – also known as G-Land is very popular G-Land is very popular among local and overseas surfers. The place has been dubbed “The Seven Giant Waves Wonder” by surfers for its legendary seven rolls of waves that can reach up to 6 meters high with long running, perfectly forming barrels.
The waves here are also said to be the second best after Hawaii. In the peak surf season July to September, the result can leave the world’s best in awe.
“I used to be scared at the thought of going there as a kid, but having ridden it I have realised it is totally flawless,” world surfing legend Kelly Slater once described his time riding at Plengkung to Channel News Asia.
It is the most popular surfing sport in Indonesia, winning the most prestigious tourism award “Anugrah Pesona Indonesia” in 2016 voted by Indonesian netizens.
They prize the uncrowded waters, the purity and honesty of the waves and the thrill of harnessing their fearsome power, even for just a moment.
Hours of a perilous path through rubber plantation jungle with four-wheel drive has left the surfing experience in G-Land only for the professionals or the bravest hearts. And though the ocean is open to all, this remains one of its most exclusive clubs.
“Maybe because the waves here are too big for them, so they would think it’s not safe. And maybe because costs a lot of money to come here,” said Ketut Budarta to Channel News Asia, a local surfer and one of the staff members at the basic surf accommodation camps hidden in the jungle at Plengkung.
Today, you can take an expensive organised tour with fast boat transfers from Bali. But other than some bungalow upgrades, not much has changed, especially on the water.
When we first came here, there were no buildings at all. We stayed in a tent. There was no electricity,” says Rahmat, a senior staff member of Bobby’s Surf Camp who has been here since 1991. “But the waves have not changed from how they used to be a long time ago.”
“It feels like I’m in heaven. Once you go surf, you’ll get addicted,” said Budarta.
