If you enjoy the adrenaline rush while riding on the top of a wave, then Asia is the right place to be. It offers several choices for a complete oceanic experience. Asia has become a surfing hub and is home to thousands of miles of coastline with beautiful waves and reef breaks. It has captured the hearts of surfers from many levels. There are many options in Asia when it comes to surfing.
Here are our top picks of Asian countries for surfing.
1. Indonesia
When it comes to surfing, Bali is a paradise. One must mention Kuta Beach which is a renowned beach that has attracted surfers since the 1930s. It remains one of the top surfing spots in Bali for wave diversity and high accessibility. It has become a tempting destination for a lot of surfers across the world. It does not matter whether you are a professional or a newbie, you must give it a try. It is best to plan your visit from May to October as it is the optimum time for waves. There are many surfing classes available here so it is no doubt a perfect place for beginners to learn. You can easily find a quiet spot at Kuta Beach if you walk towards the end of the beach.
If you want a quieter place, head to the beaches of Uluwatu. They are the true gems in Bali. The beaches are clean with robust waves and stunning views. If you are a professional surfer and are looking for an adrenaline rush, you will not be disappointed here. The coastline extends as far as the west of the Bukit peninsula. The beaches are slightly below a cliff bank so you shouldn’t be surprised to come across powerful and swift surfs many barrel waves and long swells. You will see many experienced surfers here. The perfect time to surf here is from April to August. It is also a great place where you will see cliffs that are scattered around the beach, making it a stunning landscape for surfing.
If stand up paddleboarding is more your speed, check out Sanur Beach or Melastic Beach (mornings) for a calm, chill paddling experience. It is a must-visit for anyone who loves water sports activities. Its sands and the crystal clear waters are a delight to behold. Water sports like surfing and paddle boarding are a huge deal in Indonesia so it’s a must to try them (check out GILI Sports for more SUP related information). Bali is the best place to stand up paddleboard – as you have so many beautiful places and it’s easily accessible.
2. Philippines
For an exciting surf session, head to Siargao Island’s Cloud Nine in the Philippines. It is one of the top ten surfing sites around the world and is one place that can change your surfing experience. Cloud Nine is the island’s most recognizable destination. It is the most accessible wave break in the country which has wide hollow tubes, clean barrels, and high waves. The island is frequented by many local surfers and international surfers. It is home to a surfing competition, the Siargao Cup which takes place in September and this is the best time to visit the country. Whether you are a newbie or a professional, you will find your joy in Siargao Island.
3. Thailand
If you are headed to Thailand to enjoy surfing, head to Pansea Beach. It is a 400 meter stretch on the west coast of Phuket. The beach is situated on the North of Surin Beach and is separated by a small rocky cape. The beach is open to the public and remains less crowded. It is unknown to many surfers but may come as a surprise for even experienced surfers. Pansea beach has a strong wave quality and a lot of tough point breaks. The best time to visit is from May to October and you will encounter local wind swells here. The best wave direction is from the southwest.
4. Vietnam
Vietnam is a popular destination for surfers and the My Kye Beach also known as the China Beach is no stranger to them. Forbes named it among one of the six most attractive beaches in the world. The beach is a 30 km stretch and has clear five-foot water. With several dining points and bars surrounding the beach, it is an ideal place to relax after a surfing day. It is not a secluded beach but will deliver a satisfying experience to those looking for casual surfing. It is ideal for surfers of all levels.
5. Malaysia
There is a small resort town in Penang which is an ideal surfing destination in Malaysia. Cherating is one of the few places that has good waves and sightseeing. It lies on the east coast of Malaysia and is the center of the local surfing community. The waves here have swinging moods of their own. During the monsoon, the waves are small and the currents are calm which makes it ideal for beginners. For the rest of the year, the waves are huge and very unpredictable, which can give a hard time to inexperienced surfers. There are surfing schools here where you can pick up some moves.
6. Sri Lanka
Add Sri Lanka to your hot destination for surfing. Weligama is located on the Southern Coast and it offers everything you are looking for: best waves, loving locals, and affordable accommodation. It is a perfect haven for surfing novice who want to learn before heading to the tougher areas. The beach has a soaring length which is why it is able to handle many surfers at once without being cramped. The waves are small and if you prefer challenging waves, you have to wade a little further. There are many advanced spots for intermediate surfers. The surfing season is from September to May.
These six destinations are the hotspots for surfing in Asia. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you are guaranteed to enjoy the waves here.
