Turtles (Pangumbahan) (Pangumbahan)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Turtles (Pangumbahan) is a left-hand reef-coral break on the Ujung Genteng peninsula, known for powerful, fast bowling/barreling waves with hollow sections. The wave is described as hollow/fast and “regional classic” quality, with a consistent season pattern that produces surf on many days through the dry months. Access is immediate once you’re at the beach area—one source describes instant access (under a 5-minute walk). Finding the spot is described as difficult; orientation guidance commonly includes looking for three old water pipes near a farm. Practical parking is mentioned, though one source notes parking can be limited near the sanctuary entrance. Conditions favor experienced surfers: the break sits over sharp coral/reef and can include shallow sections that vary with tide. Strong currents can occur, especially with larger swells, and sea urchins are specifically noted as a hazard. Both sources emphasize that this is not a beginner wave, and one also flags that local turtle sanctuary regulations may restrict access during nesting/hatching times. Wind and swell tend to work together in the dry season. Southeast trade winds/offshore flow are repeatedly described as delivering clean, groomed faces, with best surfing aligned to mid-tide movement. One source highlights early-morning sessions; another emphasizes May through September (dry season) as the most reliable period for offshore wind and swell. Water temperatures are warm year-round (with cooler trade-wind months) and reef-safe protection (notably booties) is strongly recommended.
- Very consistent frequency (~150 days/year).
- Offshore southeast winds for clean faces.
- Powerful left-hand reef/barreling with hollow/fast sections.
- Nearby turtle sanctuary area and potential access rules during nesting/hatching.
- Very consistent surf frequency (~150 days/year).
- Offshore southeast trade winds can give clean faces.
- Powerful left-hand reef waves with hollow/fast sections and good day length (50–150 m).
- Remote reef break with sharp coral/rocks and shallow sections that vary with tide.
- Experienced/advanced surfers only; no rescue/lifeguard coverage reported.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, SE, S, SW, WSW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Southeast trade winds/offshore flow during the dry season; also described as consistent regional winds.
- Reliability
- very consistent
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady/very consistent in multiple sources.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep · Dir: E, ESE, SE · Afternoon sea-breeze conditions are noted for the Pangumbahan coast and can reinforce prevailing winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach entry.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Wave size described as small in one source; other fields describe medium waves with work into larger sizes.
- Launch
- Small — Instant access from beach to water (<5 minutes walk); sandy entry plus paddle out to the reef is also described.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Described as easy (near-instant access) in one source; another describes moderate difficulty due to beach entry and paddle to the reef.
Through the year
Generally quiet with few surfers; can get busier during Indonesian holidays.
November to March (wet season with more frequent rain and less favorable winds in one source).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Left-hand reef break on coral, commonly bowling/barreling with powerful, fast/hollow sections; works best with mid tide movement.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SW, W, WSW, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.9–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best described as mid tide movement.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered character is reported for the break.
- Wind Effect
- Southeast winds are described as offshore and provide clean/groomed faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds solid swell without becoming scary; becomes very heavy/hollow on larger swells and can work up to larger sizes.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Wave quality is reported as good to excellent / regional classic level.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as powerful; also characterized as hollow/fast in other fields.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Described as mixed; another source characterizes it as hollow.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Medium peel speed mentioned.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short typical rides; good day length also described.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal length is described as short (<50 m) with good days producing about 50 to 150 m; one source also states rides typically between 50 and 150 meters (around 100 m on good days).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Turtles (Pangumbahan) (Pangumbahan) in the full forecast view.
Turtles (Pangumbahan) (Pangumbahan) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 8–17 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- SE132°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.5 m10s period
- Temperature
- 25–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Turtles (Pangumbahan) (Pangumbahan) is forecast for daytime winds of 8–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.1–2.5 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- sharp coral reef
- coral rocks near shore
- shallow reef sections that vary with tide
- strong currents possible (especially with larger swells)
- sea urchins
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue availability reported for the spot; regional context notes limited informal assistance.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are several hours away in Sukabumi or Pelabuhan Ratu; general emergency number noted as 112; no dedicated coastguard/rescue service found for the spot.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — One source describes mild localism; another describes none.
Rules of the spot
Experienced surfers only due to sharp coral reef bottom and shallow sections over coral. Respect any local turtle sanctuary rules/regulations.
- Access may be restricted during turtle nesting or hatching times at the sanctuary.
- Look for three old water pipes near a farm for orientation/access finding.
- Bring booties (reef protection) due to sharp coral/sea urchins.
- The spot is described as consistent—often still producing waves when nearby areas are flat.
- Sessions are commonly best early in the day (mornings noted in one source).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Sukabumi
- Nearest Town
- Ujung Genteng
- Parking
- Parking available near the spot; limited parking near the sanctuary entrance reported.
- Access
- 3 km (20-minute drive) from Ujung Genteng beach (local roads/villages en route). One source describes a longer Jakarta drive (~7–9 hours) followed by local roads to the Pangumbahan turtle sanctuary area.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Indonesian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various surf camps and basic guesthouses (losmen) are available in the Ujung Genteng and Pangumbahan area; inns are also described about a 3 km drive from Pangumbahan.
- Food & Drink
- Local warungs (small cafes) are available nearby serving basic Indonesian food.
- Equipment Rental:
- Very limited local rentals; best to bring your own equipment.
- Gear Storage
- Local surf camps and larger guest houses offer gear storage for a small fee (regional context).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A nature-led stretch of coast centered on ecological experiences, with easy access to turtle conservation activities and a scenic, rustic surfing community.
A conservation center where visitors can watch green sea turtles lay eggs or witness the release of hatchlings.
Known as the 'Tanah Lot of South Java,' featuring a scenic cliffside view of a rock formation in the sea.
A traditional market where local fishermen trade their daily catch and regional produce.
A stunning triple waterfall accessible by a short boat ride through a lush jungle river.
Local eatery popular with the surfing community, serving traditional Sundanese and Indonesian dishes.
Expansive, flat sandy beaches perfect for sunset walks and tidepool exploration.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Turtles (Pangumbahan) (Pangumbahan)?
The best overall months at Turtles (Pangumbahan) (Pangumbahan) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Turtles (Pangumbahan) (Pangumbahan)?
Turtles (Pangumbahan) (Pangumbahan) works with SE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, SE, S, SW, WSW, W.
What skill level is Turtles (Pangumbahan) (Pangumbahan) suitable for?
Turtles (Pangumbahan) (Pangumbahan) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.