The 5 Best Surfing Destinations in Asia You Need to See in Your Lifetime
January 21, 2019
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We can all agree that Southeast Asia is a surfer’s paradise! It’s not just the surf breaks, but also the beaches, the weather, the people and all those little things that make a surfing destination highly sought after by surfers.
If you’re serious about surfing, then Asia should definitely be on your bucket list. The climate, warm water, perfect breaks, delicious cuisine, and fascinating culture spell surfing paradise. Are you planning to go surfing in Asia? Then follow me as we take a look at the five best surfing spots in Asia:
1. Surfing in Indonesia
Indonesia has the second longest coastline in the world, a whopping 33,998 miles (54,716 km), and it was only natural that it became a surfing magnet. Below is just some pertinent information about this surfing paradise. For more details, check out our surf guide to Indonesia.
The weather
In a nutshell, the weather in Indonesia is nothing short of superb! The average annual temperature of the coastal plains is a wonderful 82°F (28°C), while the mountain and inland areas average in at 79°F (26 °C).
Best surf spots
Bali, the renowned ‘Island of the Gods’, is the place to be if you want to experience the best waves in Indonesia. Some of the most famous surf spots in Bali are Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, Balangan, Canggu, Kuta, Keramas, and Nusa Lembongan.
Lombok is another Indonesian island where surfing is up pretty much up all the time. Sumbawa, the Mentawai Islands, and North Sumatra are also exquisite surf destinations, as well as the island of Java.
Explore the ‘Island of the Gods’ like a local. Go on a surf camp in Bali and ride some of the world’s best waves!
Best time to go
Indonesia has two seasons, one dry and one wet. The best time to do some surfing in Indonesia is during the dry season, which spans from May to September. But, April and October are also great surf months too. While some surfers also find it fun to surf during the wet season, it’s not really recommended to learn how to surf during the wet season.
2. Surfing in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s coastline sums up 833 miles (1,340 km) and, even though it is considerably smaller than Indonesia, it has managed to become one of the best surfing destinations in the world, not just Asia.
The weather
Sri Lanka’s weather is as if it’s taken right out of a surfer’s dream! Its coldest (if you can even call it that) month is January, with a temperature of 81°F (27°C) and the warmest is April, with an average temperature of 84°F (29°C).
Best surf spots:
Some of the best surfing destinations in Sri Lanka are Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Bentota, Mirissa, Weligama, Matara, and Arugam Bay.
Best time to go
The best time to surf in Sri Lanka on the south coast is from October through April. And when it comes to the east coast, the best time to surf is May through September.
3. Surfing in Thailand
Thailand has a cool 2,000 miles (3,219 km) of coastline and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This has spilled over into surfing, and while some believe that the surfing scene in Thailand is quite crowded, we assure you that you’ll find a good spot wherever you go!
The weather
In Bangkok, the coldest month is December, with a chilly 79°F (26°C) and April is the hottest, with 87°F (31°C). If you like rain, then be sure to visit Thailand during its wettest month, September. The south of Thailand has two seasons, the dry and the wet, while the north of Thailand the seasons are more defined.
Best surf spots
Phuket is an awesome surfing destination! Kalim Beach is one of the best surf spots in Thailand, not just Phuket. Other great beaches are Kata Beach, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, and also stunning Cape Pakarang.
Best time to go
April to November is a great time to do some surfing in Thailand. The swell is good, the surf camps are pumping and the monsoon is starting up. If you prefer calmer waves, then the winter months are for you!
4. Surfing in The Philippines
With an impressive 22,548 miles (36,289 km) of coastlines, the Philippines is the fifth country in the world, by length of coastline. The country itself isn’t large, but it’s mostly comprised of coastline and islands. This, of course, makes surfing in the Philippines absolutely perfect!
The weather
As expected, the high season is when the temperatures are a bit cooler. The dry season includes the months of December through April and it’s when everything is just a bit more expensive. The low season, June to September, is when the prices decline and the humidity rises. In Manila, January is the coldest month (78°F/26°C) and May, the hottest (85°F/30°C).
Best surf spots
Baler is where surfing came to life in the Philippines, which makes it an obligatory destination for any surfer. Other great surfing spots in the Philippines are La Union, Zambales, Siargao, and Samar.
Best time to go
Surfing in the Philippines is a year-round pursuit. Some prefer to do it from August to November, when the winds and swells are strong, while others prefer to surf in the Philippines during the summer months when the surf is smaller, but the winds are calmer and it’s more beginner friendly.
5. Surfing in Vietnam
Vietnam has 2,025 miles (3,260 km) of coastline and it’s a burgeoning surfing destination. With pristine and peaceful beaches, picture-perfect swells and awesome surf schools, Vietnam has already earned its place on our list of the best surfing destinations in Asia.
The weather: The dry, yet warm winter in Vietnam lasts from November to April. With temperatures from 62-71° F (17-22°C), you can hardly call it a winter. The summer experiences the highest rainfall and it’s hot and humid and temperatures of 84° Fahrenheit (29° Celsius) can be reached.
Best surf spots: Some of the most popular surfing destinations in Vietnam include Nha Trang, China Beach, Mui Ne, and Da Nang.
Best months for surfing: Just as is the case for the countries we’ve mentioned above, the best time to surf in Vietnam is September to April. This way, surfers get to avoid the high season (July and August), when the prices rise and the hoards of tourists start pouring in.
Which surfing destination in Asia would you like to visit next? Whichever is your favorite, make sure you join a budget-friendly surf camp in Asia that will help you make the most of your trip!