Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands) is a remote, uninhabited spot in the Bali Strait known for very clear water and reliable trade-wind kitesurfing conditions. Best season runs from May through October, with strong Southeast winds (commonly around 20–25 knots) that can be enhanced by a venturi effect in the strait. On-water conditions are typically described as flat to flat-and-chop, making it a strong option for freestyle and freeride. Reports also note particularly butter-flat water on the leeward side for smoother sessions. Because the area includes shallow reef sections near the island and deeper water beyond, entry conditions can vary by where you ride and launch. Safety is a key consideration at this spot. The island has no rescue facilities and is conservation-protected, so riders should plan for self-sufficiency and reliable boat support from the mainland. Strong currents between the island and the mainland, offshore wind on the flat-water side, boat traffic in the strait, and sharp coral heads near the transition to deep water are consistently highlighted as important hazards. Operationally, the island is reached by boat from nearby mainland departure points (about 15–30 minutes). There are no facilities on the island—riders should bring water/food/shade and arrange logistics for the day—while emergency medical care is available in Banyuwangi (around 25 km away).
- Steady Southeast trade winds from May to October
- Crystal-clear water and flat-to-flat-and-chop riding
- Venturi effect in the Bali Strait can boost wind at the island
- Remote, uninhabited island setting
- Consistent Southeast trade winds during the dry season
- Flat-to-flat-and-chop water with crystal-clear visibility
- Venturi effect can strengthen wind at the island versus the mainland
- Uninhabited island with no facilities, no gear storage, and no rescue services on-site
- Strong currents in the Bali Strait and offshore wind on the flat-water side can increase risk
- Sharp coral heads near the transition to deep water and occasional driftwood on the beach
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Southeast trade winds accelerated by a venturi effect through the Bali Strait.
- Reliability
- Excellent during the dry season
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Typically steady; wind is often reported as stronger than forecast for the mainland.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Wave conditions are typically described as flat; flat-and-chop can occur.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat-to-flat-and-chop conditions are reported.
- Launch
- Medium — Medium sandy launch area; wide sandy beach encircling the island provides space for launching and landing in many wind directions.
Through the year
Usually very quiet; may see a few local kiters and snorkelers on weekends
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
A world-class flat-water kitesurfing spot with crystal-clear water. The island’s position in the Bali Strait creates a venturi effect, which often makes wind stronger than on the mainland; the leeward side can provide very smooth, freestyle-friendly water.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Excellent for slalom and freeride thanks to steady trade winds and flat water conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Very foil-friendly once you move past the shallow reef shelf into deeper water in the strait. The lack of shore break supports easier entry.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 0.5m on the shelf; 5m+ in the strait
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands) in the full forecast view.
Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–11 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- S179°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.5 m2s period
- Temperature
- 25–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.2–0.5 m with a period of about 2s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Strong currents in the Bali Strait, especially between the island and the mainland
- Offshore wind on the flat water side
- Sharp coral heads near the transition to deep water
- Boat traffic in the strait
- Driftwood occasionally on the beach
- Trees near beach
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue boat or permanent rescue facilities on the island; safety support is typically handled via private boat support from the mainland.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Banyuwangi city, approximately 25 km away. General emergency number in Indonesia is 112.
Rules of the spot
The island is a conservation area; take all trash back to the mainland. Uninhabited island: no permanent overnight stays allowed without permits.
- Uninhabited island with no facilities
- No permanent overnight stays allowed without permits
- No rescue facilities
- Talk to a local before going on the water
- Always arrange for boat support to stay with you or be on standby for rescue
- Bring all your own water, food, and shade—there is none on the island
- Wind is usually 3-5 knots stronger than what is forecasted for the mainland
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Banyuwangi
- Nearest Town
- Wongsorejo
- Nearest Airport
- Banyuwangi International Airport (BWX)
- Parking
- Parking available at boat departure points on the Java mainland (e.g., Bangsring Underwater or Kampe Beach).
- Public Transport
- Travel to Banyuwangi by train or bus, then local boat transfer from Kampe Beach or Grand Watudodol
- Access
- Access by boat from nearby mainland departure points such as Bangsring (about 20–30 minutes). Parking is available at the boat departure points on the mainland.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Indonesian and Javanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Homestays and basic hotels are available on the mainland in the Wongsorejo and Bangsring areas.
- Food & Drink
- None on the island; local warungs are available at mainland boat departure points.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rental available on the island; limited rental may be available through mainland operators as part of tour packages.
- Gear Storage
- None available.
- Gear Repair
- No repair services available on the island.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Famous volcanic crater known for its electric blue fire and a turquoise acidic lake.
Annual cultural event showcasing traditional costumes and dances of the Osing people.
Marine conservation area offering snorkeling and shark diving experiences.
Local seafood restaurants along the coastline overlooking the Bali Strait.
Known as the Little Africa of Java, featuring savannas and diverse wildlife.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands)?
The best overall months at Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands) are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands)?
Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands) works with SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands) suitable for?
Pulau Tabuhan (Tabuhan Islands) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.