Surfing in Malaysia - 6 Best Surfing Spots and Guided Tips for Beginners
Surfing in Malaysia is increasingly becoming popular among tourists and nearby locals. Owing to the budding community of surfers in the neighbourhood and availability of durable sports equipment from renowned brands, Malaysia hosts surfing sites for novices and expert surfers. From surfing schools, availability of experts, trainers, equipment needed, best months to surf and other safety requirements, here is what you should know.
Best Surfing Spots in Malaysia
1. Cherating, Pahang
Cherating is one of the first surf beaches of Malaysia that gained popularity during the 1980s. Located 45 kilometres to the North of Kuantan, this baby beach town is lashed by consistent waves which makes it perfect for beginners to learn surfing in Malaysia. The beach is hit by many point breaks where the waves go up to 500 metres making it a great site for the seasoned surfers as well. Being a popular surfing area, Cherating is home to several beach schools and is known to host international surfing championships too.
Type of break - Beach Break
Best time to visit - November to March
How to reach -
By bus - From Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) of Kuala Lumpur, move to Cherating from Kuantan. Head to Kuala Terengganu from Kemaman Town which will further take you to Kota Bahru. Ask the bus driver to drop you at Kampung Cherating Lama (Old Cherating Village).
By car - Take the eastbound highway towards Kuantan and Kemaman from Kuala Lumpur.
Bonus tip - After surfing, enjoy kayaking, windsurfing and kite surfing. There is a turtle sanctuary nearby which conserves turtles. Watching them is a fascinating experience!
2. Pantai Batu Barok, Terengganu
Pantai Batu Barok is a white sand beach with unparallel scenic beauty that comes from casuarina trees lining the shore. The most popular spot to surf is Kijal on the stretch from Kemaman to Besut. Also, there are fifteen other spots where you can go surfing in Malaysia. Batu Burok also holds international competitions that captivate surf dudes globally.
Type of break - Beach break.
Best time to visit - October end to March end.
How to reach - To visit Batu Barok and surrounding surf spots, you can start your journey from Kuala Terengganu.
By Bus - Marang and Dungun.Minibus - No. 14 / 13.TrishawTaxi
On foot - A 20-minute walk from the city centre.
3. Tanjung Balau Beach, Desaru, Johor
The most popular surfing site in Malaysia on the East Coast is Tanjung Balau Beach at the Wild Boar Bay. Almost a 30-minute drive from Singapore, this not-so-white sand beach is characterised by sandy breaks and three-foot-high waves that make surfing quite thrilling.
Type of break - Beach Break.
Best time to visit - November to March.
How to reach - The most convenient way to reach is through Singapore by ferrying for thirty minutes from Changi Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Belungkor and then drive for forty-five minutes to Tanjung Balau Beach.
4. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat, Sabah
Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is a convergence point of the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea that flank the sandy beaches with crystal clear water. This spot for surfing in Malaysia is enthralling as the waves hit at the height of six feet and are approximately 100 metres long making it perfect for advanced surfers.
Type of break - Beach Break and Reef Break.
Best time to visit - July to September and December to March (more consistent).
How to reach - The best way to reach Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is by hiring a taxi from Kota Kinabalu.
