tourism

Remote Area Of Plengkung Beach, A World-Class Surfing Destination In Banyuwangi

Plengkung Beach in Banyuwangi, East Java is a remote area that has become a "paradise" for surfers. The exact location of Plengkung Beach is within Alas Purwo National Park and faces directly towards the Indian Ocean. Plengkung Beach, also referred to as G-Land, is recognized as one of the best spots for surfing due to its exceptional waves.

The nickname G-Land for Plengkung Beach is based on several reasons. The letter G is derived from Grajagan Bay, which is located at Plengkung Beach. Additionally, the G is associated with green, reflecting the beach's position amidst a green forest. Another reason for the G is its connection to the word Great, as the waves are large, long, and powerful.

Another version states that G Land is derived from the curve of Plengkung Beach, which resembles the letter G.

World-class surfing spot

Plengkung Beach is one of the seven surfing spots that boasts the best waves in the world (The Seven Giant Waves Wonder) after Hawaii. The waves at Plengkung Beach are characterized by their height, length, and speed. These waves are categorized into three levels based on their height. The first level is Many Track Waves, which are the lowest in height, ranging from three to four meters. This height is typically suitable for beginner surfers. The second level is Speedis Waves, which reach heights of five to six meters. The third level is Kong Waves, with heights ranging from six to eight meters.

The Kong Waves can be utilized for Tube Riding, which is a radical surfing technique. This type of wave is uniquely found only in Hawaii and South Africa. Another distinctive feature of the waves at Plengkung Beach is their consistent rolling at any given time, with seven rolls occurring in a single surge. The size of the G Land waves is attributed to the Antarctic currents carried by the Indian Ocean. The angle of the bay further enhances the perfection of the waves for surfers. The optimal wave period occurs from July to September. The type of waves present at Plengkung Beach makes it a venue for surfing competitions, such as the World Surfing League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), the Banyuwangi G-Land International Team Challenge, and the Da Hui Pro Surfing World Championship.

Location and directions to Plengkung Beach.

The distance from Banyuwangi to Plengkung Beach is approximately 71.9 kilometers, with a travel time of nearly two hours. Visitors have the option to reach Plengkung Beach via either land or sea routes. For the land route, public transportation such as buses can be taken from Banyuwangi to Kalipahit. The journey continues by car to Pos Pancur, where vehicles must stop and park. From Pos Pancur, there are two options to reach G-Land: one can either walk approximately 9 kilometers to Plengkung Beach or opt to rent a special vehicle provided by Alas Purwo National Park.

Alternatively, the sea route can be taken using a speedboat or a fishing boat from Grajagan Beach, located about 40 kilometers south of Banyuwangi. Most international tourists currently in Bali prefer this route. The speedboat journey takes about one hour, while the fishing boat journey takes approximately two hours. Additionally, international tourists can also travel to Plengkung Beach from Bali, taking a fast boat from Kuta Reef in Kuta, which takes around 3.5 hours.

Tag: Banyuwangi Plengkung Beach Surfing Destination