Best time to surf Red Island (Pulau Merah)

The best time to surf at Red Island (Pulau Merah) is May–November.

Pesanggaran, East Java, Indonesia

Sports: Surfing

Best time to go: May–November

Pulau Merah ("Red Island") is a long sandy beach near the village of Sumberagung in the Pesanggaran district of Banyuwangi, on the south coast of East Java. It is named after the small forested hill of red soil just off the beach, which you can walk out to at low tide. The beach is about 60 km from the town of Banyuwangi, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by car or scooter; G-Land lies further east along the same coast in Alas Purwo National Park. Weekends bring many day visitors from Banyuwangi, and the beach has hosted international surf contests.

The waves are lefts and rights from several peaks along the beach, breaking over sand with rocks in places. They are usually smaller and softer than at the reefs nearby, so this is the beach where beginners learn on this stretch of coast, while the punchier peaks suit intermediate surfers. It needs a south to west swell of about 1 m or more and is not very consistent. Mid to high tide is best: the higher tide gives slower, softer waves, and low tide makes them faster and steeper. Winds from the north-east to the south-east are best, and a strong onshore wind can blow it out. The best season is the dry season, May to November, when Indian Ocean swells arrive most often.

On bigger days the waves are powerful and the currents strong; swimming is discouraged then, so follow the caution signs and the lifeguards. Board rentals and lessons are limited, so bring your own board if you can or arrange lessons through a surf camp in the area. The water is warm all year, so boardshorts or a lycra are enough.

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