Surfing in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is sometimes overlooked by surfing fans for the better-known waves along Brazil’s and Australia’s coastlines, but the breaks at Indonesia’s Bali are world-class and deserve to be visited. Elsewhere in the region, the Philippines offer quality surfing while Thailand provides tame surfing fun for amateurs.
The epicenter of Southeast Asia’s surf scene is Java’s G-Land in Indonesia, officially known as Grajagan. As home to the planet’s lengthiest and quickest left-hand reef break, G-Land is only for experienced surfers looking for challenging thrills.
Grajagan - Java, Indonesia: Surfers come from all corners of the globe to experience the world’s quickest and lengthiest left-hand reef break at the best surf spot in the region. Situated in a protected area of Java, surfers need a permit to ride the waves here.
Nias - Sumatra, Indonesia: Visited for its right-handers and left reef break between June and October, Nias is one of Sumatra’s up-and-coming surf spots. Lagundri bay draws mostly professional surfers, but less skilled surfers can test their skills here too.
Kuta beach - Bali, Indonesia: While not offering the best surfing in Indonesia, Kuta is a well-developed playground for surfers, who come here to enjoy not only the good waves, but the lively beach and nightlife scenes too.
Lombok Island, Indonesia: Easier to reach than Java’s Grajagan (G-Land), Lombok offers equally good breaks, long rides and superb tubing. Desert Point, at the southwest of Lombok, is the best surf spot here.
Sumbawa Island, Indonesia: The challenging waves at Periscopes and Supersuck offer quality surfing for those who don’t mind the effort it takes to get to these spots, but the easier-to-reach Lakey Peak offers equally attractive breaks.
Sumba, Indonesia: Remote and difficult to reach, Sumba receives few surfers, with the exception of a few adventurous fanatics. Those who do make it here can ride waves that have been featured in movies without worrying about colliding with other surfers.
Roti - Timor, Indonesia: T-Land, not to be confused with G-Land, is the main draw here, featuring a quality left-hander. Neighboring islands also have some appealing surf spots, but the one at Roti is best known among surfing fans.
Phuket, Thailand: A suitable surf destination for beginners, Phuket doesn’t offer the first-class breaks and tubing you’ll find in Indonesia, but it does have excellent surfing facilities. Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Patong beaches are the most suitable spots for the sport.
Bardoc Island, Philippines: Bardoc’s susceptibility to typhoons and inconsistent surf deter many surfers, but if you happen to be here at the right time the waves can reach up to three meters. To the northwest of Luzon, Bardoc is reasonably easy to reach.
Baler - Luzon, Philippines: Not so far from Bardoc is the year-round surf haven of Baler, Luzon’s most visited surfing beach. The best conditions can be enjoyed from October to February, with the waves here having featured in Apocalypse Now.