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Here's the Best Big-Wave Breaks in the World

Here's the Best Big-Wave Breaks in the World
G-Land Surf | Youtube

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.

 

The waves at Plengkung are most suited for professionals or very brave amateurs. Image: Jack Board/CNA
The waves at Plengkung are most suited for professionals or very brave amateurs. Image: Jack Board/CNA

 

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.

Ahmad Zarkoni, one of the local who embrace the surfing culture. Image: Jack Board/CNA
Ahmad Zarkoni, one of the local who embrace the surfing culture. Image: Jack Board/CNA

 

“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.

Plengkung Beach. Image: Jack Board/CNA
Plengkung Beach. Image: Jack Board/CNA

 

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.

Indah Gilang Pusparani

Indah is a researcher at Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Daerah Kota Cirebon (Regional Development Planning and Research Agency of Cirebon Municipality). She covers More international relations, tourism, and startups in Southeast Asia region and beyond. Indah graduated from MSc Development Administration and Planning from University College London, United Kingdom in 2015. She finished bachelor degree from International Relations from University of Indonesia in 2014, with two exchange programs in Political Science at National University of Singapore and New Media in Journalism at Ball State University, USA. She was awarded Diplomacy Award at Harvard World Model United Nations and named as Indonesian Gifted Researcher by Australian National University. She is Researcher at Regional Planning Board in Cirebon, West Java. She previously worked as Editor in Bening Communication, the Commonwealth Parliament Association UK, and diplomacy consulting firm Best Delegate LLC in USA. Less
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