Hi all,
My name is Jeroen.
Originally from The Netherlands, but living in Bali since 2000. I came here for surfing, but my first passion is windsurfing. I started kitesurfing in Bali to fuel my wind addiction.
Each year around May, the South Easterly trade winds reach Indonesia. This marks the end of the raining season and the start of the dry season, or as we like to name it, the Windy Season.
Where in Bali we have come to accept these trade winds will hardly ever blow over 15 knots, in East Java and in particular at Bangsring Breeze, it?s a whole different story.
These same South Easterly trade winds get funnelled through the narrow strait between the islands of Bali and Java. Add the mountainous terrain on both sides of this strait and the temperature differences between the land and ocean surface temperatures and you will have the perfect recipes for strong, constant wind.
As a cherry on the pie, right there where the trade winds are the strongest and most constant, lays a small uninhabited atoll enshrined with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, named Pulau Tabuhan.
Pulau Tabuhan is described as a picture perfect flat water spot for those who love free riding and throwing their latest tricks in super smooth water. Beautiful untouched scenery, combined with steady trade winds of up to 25 knots between May and November, certainly will make this the newest kite -and windsurf destination in Southeast Asia.
Looking forward to be joined with some fellow kite surfers here! Greetings Jeroen
Looks beautiful Jeroen. I've heard that corner of Bali does get good wind and is relatively undiscovered.... But can you give us some more info and a quick run down of typical accommodation costs for say a 5 - 7 day trip, food costs (in your resort or options nearby), transfers, what support there is eg: boats for getting to different locations, any instructors or experienced kiters on hand.... etc.. It looks like the resort is brand new, but I would like to read some reviews if there are any?
And most importantly what is the kiting like? From your pics and facebook site it looks like mostly chop over reef. What's it like at low tide? Any decent waves? What about flatwater lagoons?
I'm sure I speak for most of us here that the more tropical kiting holiday options we have for our southern winter getaways the better, but we need details like the above to help us make informed decisions before we will part with our $$..
Hi Phoney,
Thanks for the compliments! Actually Bangsring Breeze is based in East Java. It does have views over Bali.
We bought a piece of land at Bangsring over 2 years ago, we didn't even know it was that windy there. Once we started building our villa, we saw the potential when it comes to wind related sports. I have been living in Bali since 2000 and I never knew this area had so much wind. I definitely missed out!
We have two suites in our villa and we have two garden bungalows. We plan to build another 6 bungalows next year. The bungalows overlook our gardens and pool with views on the small strait of water separating Bali and Java. The Kawah Ijen volcano is towering in the background of our resort.
Our garden bungalows are fully air-conditioned, with partly open air bathrooms with hot and cold water. We have very comfortable full latex mattresses to relax on after a long day on the water. The rooms have satellite television and everywhere you go you have Wifi connection.
The price per bungalow, which sleeps two persons, inclusive of breakfasts, stands at Rp. 1,000,000 net. We serve a mixture of western food and typical Indonesian foods from East Java. However, if you wish to taste some local foods, we welcome you to explore the area.
Besides kitesurfing and windsurfing, there is great snorkelling and diving at nearby Menjangan Island. The mountain biking and hiking in and around the Kawah Ijen volcano is fantastic.
When kitesurfing or windsurfing, you can be accompanied by our boat, with an experienced crew in terms safety and kite rescue. Either myself or a good friend will be there as your guide. I have been kitesurfing since 2003, windsurfing since I was 5, so you can feel reassured :)
Correct, the resort is brand new. We have had some friends coming over the last few months, but just last week we have welcomed our first "real" guests. A Singaporean windsurfing family. I might be biased, but I am certain they had a great stay. Next time they said they would bring some smaller sails. They were windsurfing on a 4.7 while our guide was kitesurfing on his twin tip and a 7.
That kind of wind just doesn't happen in Bali.. Usually we have daily wind of between 20-25 knots. It starts around May and ends around the end of October. At night the wind gets even stronger. It really seems that Bangsring is the Tarifa of Southeast Asia.
The best boarding is at Pulau Tabuhan, a small uninhabited atol laying between Java and Bali. It has beautiful white sand and turquoise waters. Depending on the tide you ride on either side of the island.
There are no waves, but you can expect a ton of wind with perfect flat water and chop for learning the latest tricks. You either make a downwinder from the mainland accompanied by our boat, or we can take you there with one of our boats.
You either drive your car to the west of Bali where you take the car ferry from Gilimanuk to Ketapang (East Java) or you fly to Banyuwangi (East Java). Just recently Garuda has opened up direct flights from Bali - Banyuwangi - Surabaya. They must have realised the tourism potential of this part of Java.
The flights depart from Bali daily at 07.20 AM in the morning. About 25 minutes later you arrive at Blimbingsari airport near Banyuwangi. Here you will be picked up by our staff and transferred to our resort.
You won't find any waves at Pulau Tabuhan. For that you must look south. I am not telling too much here… but I am sure you are familiar with the surfing spots at G-Land. All left-handers. However, the other side on the peninsula where the waves at G-Land are located have some greta right handers.
I have just bought a twin 300 HP powered catamaran to give me the access to these breaks. Guess why? Exactly :)
Hoping to have given you some informative feedback. Just trying to share the stoke of this new spot at Bangsring. Looking forward to be riding with some fellow kite surfers / windsurfers.
Greetings Jeroen