Our Favourites Spots to Surf in Southeast Asia
For the first time-beginners to the most talented surfers Southeast Asia is home to surf spots for everyone. Here are our top 3 places to surf on Southeast Asia (and a little bonus with our favourite surf spots in Hong Kong)!
BALI, on top of our list!
Most of Bali's iconic waves are found on the West coast and the Bukit Peninsula and reach their peak during Dry Season (May-September). Winter months in Bali receive big waves and strong offshore winds. Sometimes, October and November are still good to surf on the West coast.
- Canggu for beginners and intermediates– right & left reef breaks that offer a little something for all surfers. There are actually three breaks here, and on small days they are suitable for beginners as well.
- Uluwatu for advanced surfers – a world-famous left-hand reef break that rarely goes flat. Another one of Bali’s iconic waves, Uluwatu is very wide and can handle larger crowds.
THE PHILIPPINES, La Union
With over 30,000km of coastline, the Philippines is the most under-rated surf destination on the planet. While Siargao Island is the destination for advanced surfers, all you need to do is drive five hours along the coast from Manila to La Union. Here you’ll find some of the most affordable surf schools in Asia, and surf breaks ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers. It’s also got a vibrant beach scene – with hip cafes, bars and hotels catering for everyone from luxury travellers to backpackers.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka’s only now gaining notoriety as a surf destination, which means it’s still easy to find perfect waves with few territorial locals and visiting surfers. The best waves can be found below tourist hotspot, Galle on Sri Lanka's south coast. Unawatuna is five kilometres south of Galle, and surfers can find waves rarely above 1.5m high. There are lots of breaks here, so even at busy times it’s always possible to find your own wave.
HONG KONG What? We can surf in Hong Kong?
With more than one beach called Big Wave Bay, Hong Kong sounds like it was made for surfing. In truth, the waves here aren’t as colossal as at more exotic locations like Hawaii or Tahiti. Still, the origins of the sport date back at least 40 years to 1978, the year the Hong Kong Surf Club was established. Although it only lasted four years, members of the club were pioneers of a pastime that’s been gaining increasing popularity of late.
Tai Wan: One of the quartet of beaches – Tai Wan, Ham Tin, Tung Wan and Sai Wan – that collectively comprise that stretch of Sai Kung known as Tai Long Wan, this beach spot is probably the best in Hong Kong, home to probably the best shaped waves in our SAR. On a good day, they reach up to eight feet and given the location’s relative inaccessibility, it’s rarely busy and you often have the freedom to go crazy. Pure nature at its finest, the nearest store is about 10 minutes walk away, so always prepare properly in advance.
Big Wave Bay: It's the focal point of Hong Kong’s surf culture and the city’s most popular location for surfing thanks to its easy accessibility. As you head to the beach, there are a number of shops where you can rent a surfboard (cost is a reasonable $50 with a $100 deposit), which is ideal for those looking to test the waters before investing in their own equipment. The quality of the breaking waves isn’t perfect – but they are of a decent size.
To rent a board in Hong Kong click here: (Surfing Hong Kong).
To surf with elegance, choose to wear a Mazu Resortwear pair of shorts !