Guide to surfing in Malaysia
When staying at home gets dull and you find yourself in a doom-scrolling loop, nature is the perfect reset. And while many complain about Malaysia’s rainy weather, it does have its perks – like bringing in the waves for an epic surf session, for example.
Surf culture has been growing in Asia, especially in Bali, where everyone seems to go to catch waves. But when you do what everyone else is doing, you often miss out on gems closer to home. Hence, we rounded up the need-to-knows if you’re planning on surfing in Malaysia, including surfer-approved spots and tips for beginner wave chasers.
Who knows – you might just rethink that Bali surfing trip.
Table of Contents
When is the best time to go surfing in Malaysia?
Malaysia sees two monsoon seasons in a year: the Southwest Monsoon, which typically takes place from April to September, and the Northeast Monsoon between October and March. Hence, anytime between November to April is the most suitable time to go surfing in Malaysia, when swells are consistent and waves are decent to surf on.
The best time for surfing happens to coincide with the year-end holidays – the time for school holidays and overseas trips to experience winter in far-flung locales. You can opt to get a taste of the sun and waves without having to leave the country instead.
Are there any safety tips for surfing in Malaysia?
As the monsoon season is known to bring about weather woes and flooding, it’s a must to stay updated on local weather forecasts to avoid disappointment and keep yourself safe while surfing at a beach. When there is strong waves and choppy waters, it’s best to avoid any beach recreational activities. You can refer to the Malaysian Meteorological Department’s official channels to see if weather conditions during these months warrants caution (waspada), or is bad (buruk) or hazardous (bahaya).
Most beaches in Malaysia will also issue raise colour-coded warning flags on the beach-front to keep beach-goers safe. Here are some of the flags and what their colours represent that you should heed:
- Yellow: Medium hazard, practise caution
- Red and yellow: Swimming area with a lifeguard on duty
- Purple: The presence of a poisonous sea creature
- Red on red: Area closed to the public
- Black dot on yellow: Prohibited area for surfers or watercrafts
- Checkered black-and-white: Area for surfing and watercrafts
- Red: Danger, swimming is not allowed
- Checkered red-and-white: Evacuate water
What are some tips for beginner surfers in Malaysia?
Before heading out with your surfboard for a surf session, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right equipment: Experts recommend beginners start with a longboard, as it’s easier to balance on and get up with. As much as we all want to look cool, you’ve got to learn how to surf first, and a shortboard just isn’t beginner-friendly.
- Wear appropriate gear: A light wetsuit or rash guard can keep you safe from sunburns and abrasions. It’s also recommended to use reef-safe natural zinc sunscreen, as it gives the best protection for your face, far better than sunscreen that you would usually use from those short walks under the sun.
- Prepare yourself for a surfing session: Don’t forget to stretch before you take on the waves, to loosen up those limbs – surfing is a sport after all. It’s also good to practise some pop-ups, or going from a lying down position to standing in one smooth, swift motion.
- Take breaks and stay hydrated: Being under the sun for long periods can lead to sun poisoning before you even realise it. It’s key to take breaks whenever you can, and keep hydrated with fluids.
- Build up your surfing skills: Paddle with deep, steady strokes -they’re much more effective than quick shallow ones that just leave you tired.
- Check the weather and wave forecast: Before heading out, you’ll want to keep updated on the weather and waves at your destination – you wouldn’t want to arrive on a flat day, nor a rainy one.
What are the best surf spots in Malaysia?
1. Desaru, Johor
Image credit: @jomsurf via Instagram
Desaru is quickly becoming a hidden gem for local surfers. Unlike Bali or the Philippines, where the waves can be massive and intimidating, Desaru offers a more beginner-friendly experience with smaller, manageable swells. The monsoon season would be the ideal time to head here, but if you’re just starting out, the dry season between April to October is also an option as the waters are much calmer and easier to navigate during this period.
Image credit: @phoebentg via Instagram
For those keen to learn, JomSurf School in Tanjung Balau is well known for hosting beginner lessons so you won’t have to figure it out alone – plus, surfing is always more fun with friends. They offer surf guidance for all skill levels and occasionally hosts surf retreats to destinations like Medewi, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. They also run surf camps designed to teach kids both surfing and skateboarding.
If you’re already a surfer, keep an eye out for surf retreats where you can ride waves with other enthusiasts. JomSurf regularly shares updates on their social media about retreats to other surf destinations, so stay tuned to their page for your next adventure.
Jom Surf
Address: No 13, Tanjung Balau, 81900 Bandar Penawar, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening hours: 8am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 014-972 2868 | JomSurf Instagram
2. Tuaran, Sabah
Image credit: Blue Kinabalu Travel Agency
Shabandar Beach in Tuaran, Sabah, is a great spot for beginners looking to catch their first waves. The best time to surf here is between September and March, when stronger winds create better wave conditions.
Image adapted from: @candywaxborneo via Instagram
For those keen to learn, Candywax Borneo is a local surf shop offering lessons with International Surfing Association (ISA)-certified instructors. A 3-hour surf lesson costs RM150/pax, while kids under 12 can join for RM130/pax. Every package includes a surfboard and equipment, photo and video review, basic theory and practical surf coaching with instructors, plus an extra hour of free surfing to practice what you’ve learned.
Candywax Borneo
Address: Cape Rhino Centre, Tg. Badak, 89200 Tuaran, Sabah
Opening hours: 10am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 014-351 1700 | Candywax Borneo Instagram
3. Langkawi, Kedah
Image credit: @kirankreer via Instagram
Langkawi is a local favourite destination for beaches and mangroves. It’s also a great spot for surfing during the monsoon season. When the waves roll in, local surfers from all over Malaysia gather to catch them here.
Image credit: @wavewaysculture via Instagram
If you’re looking to learn, Waveways Culture Surf School is a go-to surf school on the island, offering lessons for different skill levels with ISA-certified instructors. For bookings or inquiries, you can drop them a message on their social media or website.
Image credit: @langkawi_surfschool via Instagram
Another well known school is Langkawi Surf School, which operates from April to November and offers both lessons and board rentals. Their packages include a 5-day course (RM850) with over two hours of lessons per day plus free surfing. They also offer 4-day (RM680) and 3-day (RM500) courses, both covering surf theory, lessons, and free surfing.
Waveways Culture Surf School
Address: Pantai Tengah Langkawi
Opening hours: 7am-8pm, Daily
Contact: 017-433 0642 | Waveways Culture Instagram
Langkawi Surf School
Address: Pantai Tengah, Langkawi
Opening hours: 7am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 013-653 0581 | Langkawi Surf School Instagram
4. Cherating, Pahang
Image credit: @cheratingvibes via Instagram
Cherating is Malaysia’s ultimate surf spot, loved by local surfers not just for its waves but also for its welcoming community. It’s a great place to meet surfers from around the world and be part of a tight-knit surf scene. The ideal time to go would be from September to March, during the monsoon season.
Image adapted from: @saloh_lakoh via Instagram
Cherating Point Surf School is the main spot for beginner surfers to start out with. With ISA-certified instructors, they offer private lessons at RM280 for adults and RM290 for kids. If you’re coming with friends, regular lessons range from RM140 to RM180, depending on the group size.
Sessions run from 9am-1pm and 2:30pm-6pm, so you’ve got plenty of time to hit the waves.
Cherating Point Surf School
Address: Lot 1, 1041, Jalan Kampung Cherating Lama, 26080 Balok, Pahang
Opening hours: 9am-1pm and 2:30pm-6pm, Daily
Contact: 012-933 7590
5. Pulau Kapas, Terengganu
Image adapted from: @phoebentg via Instagram
Pulau Kapas may not be a well-known surf spot, but it’s a real hidden gem that does get surf-able waves, especially during the monsoon season between November to February. If you’re after a raw, authentic experience that hasn’t already flooded everyone’s Instagram feed, this island is the perfect escape.
The island is better suited for experienced local surfers, as there aren’t any surf schools available. It’s recommended that beginners bring their own instructor and gear if they plan to surf here. JomSurf has also organised surf days here for intermediate and advanced surfers looking to test their skills and engage with the local surf scene – you can keep updated on their social media account to see when they head to Pulau Kapas for a surf retreat.
Guide to surfing in Malaysia
If you’re looking for the perfect place to start your passion for surfing, save this guide for your next trip. These underrated surf spots will have you riding waves in no time, with beginner-friendly beaches to wave breaks for the intermediate surfers.
Read more:
Cover image adapted from @jomsurf, @saloh_lakoh via Instagram