Southeast Asia Surfing
Surfing hasn’t been in Southeast Asia all that long and large swathes of the region still lie uncovered by surfing gurus. The good thing about surfing in Southeast Asia is the reliable weather, warm waters and the prices.
Indonesia is the undisputed king of Southeast Asian surf with some wicked left-handers and the popular holiday island of Bali. The Philippines is also an up and coming surfing destination though you will find the best breaks off the beaten track. Thailand also has something to offer but those looking for thrills should stick with Indonesia.
Grajagan - Java, Indonesia Located to the west of Bali, Java is Indonesia’s main island and best surf spot. Grajagan (G-Land,) lies on Java’s south-eastern tip and is the world’s longest and fastest, left-hand reef-break. Permits are required to enter the park.
Nias - Sumatra, Indonesia
Nias on Sumatra has one of the best right-handers in Indonesia and is best visited between June and October. High right-handers can be had at the western end of Lagundri Bay and there is also a good left reef break here.
Kuta Beach - Bali, Indonesia
Kuta is the most famous beach in Indonesia; good for the beach life and the nightlife. Although a bit crowded and expensive, by Bali standards, Kuta does have some pretty good seasonal surf.
Lombok Island, Indonesia
Desert Point break in Lombok, on the southwest tip of the island, is on par with Grajagan on Java and is easier to get to. It has long rides and good tubing over shallow coral reef.
Sumbawa Island, Indonesia
Sumbawa’s Lakey Peak break is one of the most attractive waves in Indonesia, while the more difficult to reach Periscopes and Supersuck are also worth a look.
Sumba, Indonesia
Sumba Island has some fantastic surf and the top wave here has even featured in the movies. Transport is the big problem, however, and only the die hards tend to make it here.
Roti - Timor, Indonesia
Roti Island is Timor’s best known surfing spot, with the left-hander known as T-Land getting most of the attention. There are several other good waves on other islands in the group which have pretty good accessibility.
Phuket, Thailand
Thailand’s best surfing, which ranges from beginner to intermediate, is on Kata Yai, Kata noi and Patong beach which are best surfed between April and October. Phuket also has loads of beginner surfing beaches with excellent facilities.
Bardoc Island, Philippines
Located off the northwest of Luzon, Badoc Island has inconsistent surfing between October and March. Seasonal typhoons whip up the Badoc Island Lefts often higher than three metres, while Badoc Island Resort has a powerful closer break.
Baler - Luzon, Philippines
Luzon’s east coast features the best surfing on the island with a wave at Baler virtually all year and the peak season between October and February. The right-handed Cemento Reef is pretty tough while Charlie’s Point, which featured in Apocalypse Now, breaks left and right and has a sand bottom.
