Peninsula Malaysia
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Positives
- Frequent NE monsoon swells
- Plenty of mellow beachbreaks
- Small and friendly local surf population
- Cheap and safe country
- Good tourist infrastructure
Negatives
- Mainly messy windswell
- Lack of reefbreaks
- Murky monsoon waters
- Short, rainy swell season
Peninsula Malaysia surf travel guide
The Peninsular's east coast comprises of mainly sandy beaches (91%) exposed to South China swells from the N and E. These exposed beachbreaks seemingly work best in the early monsoon season, when the sandbars have built up during flat summers.
Some Malaysian locals have learned to surf at Sunway Lagoon in Petaling Jaya, between the airport and Kuala Lumpur, but surf time is very limited, no personal or fibreglass boards are allowed and entry plus rental is very expensive. In 1997, when it was first built, the wave pool could produce 3ft (1m) waves surrounded by a look-alike Raiders of the Lost Ark movie set backdrop!
Surf spots in Peninsula Malaysia
Research the 18 surf breaks in Peninsula Malaysia and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 18 breaks in Peninsula Malaysia.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Peninsula Malaysia
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Peninsula Malaysia.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 25,832,000
- Population
- 32,365,999
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- MYR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +60
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 999
- Language
- Malay, English widely spoken. Many others.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- g
Visas
Most nationalities can visit Malaysia visa free for stays of up to 90 days
Getting There
From Singapore, cross the causeway at Johor Bahru, catch a ferry or take the train. 3 ferry lines between Indonesia and peninsula Malaysia. Medan to Penang is the most popular.
Getting Around
Rent a Malaysian Proton; it costs $50 per day at Orix from airport. It’s a 4-5h drive to Kuantan on the C4. Long distance taxis are twice the price of buses but they're a comparatively luxurious and efficient way to travel. KL has a notoriously bad public transport system and peak-hour travel in the city should be avoided.
Accommodation
Matahari holiday huts is the base for Cherating Point surf school and has huts ($15 dble/n) and packages starting at $100 (2 lessons and 2 nts). Tanjung Inn is well located and has various options ($25 - $100/n). Decent variety of Malaysian or Chinese food.
Activities
In KL, check Petronas Towers, KLCC shopping mall, the Loft pub and nightclubs like Zouk, Passion or Beach Club. Visit the Cameron Highlands (jungle walks, waterfalls, tea plantations, gardens), Batu Caves towering limestone outcrop or Taman Negara jungle.
Hazards & hassles
Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in SE Asia. Frequent rains can be a bummer during swell season, but that keeps the numbers and prices down. Water is murky and tidal rips can be heavy, but it's fairly safe, sandy surf.
Handy Hints
Cherating Point surf school has rental boards and does surf packages. Ombok Cafe sells wax, 2nd hand boards and other basic surf accessories. Other popular surfer hangouts are the Cherating beach, Eco and Monkey bars. No ATM's in Cherating. Lots of potential for discovery.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.