Best surfing destinations in Asia
Best surfing destinations in Asia
World-class reef breaks and consistent tropical wave zones across Asia
Asia holds some of the most famous waves anywhere, spread across a region large enough to offer everything from beginner friendly breaks to demanding reef passes.
Indonesia sits at the center of it all, with Bali's Uluwatu drawing surfers of every level, while the Mentawai Islands further out require a boat charter to reach some of the most consistent reef breaks anywhere. The Philippines has built its own reputation around Siargao, home to the famous Cloud 9 wave and a surf town that has grown up entirely around it. Sri Lanka offers a gentler introduction, with Arugam Bay known for long, forgiving point breaks well suited to less experienced surfers. Japan surprises many visitors too, with a real surf culture along its Pacific coast, including Tsurigasaki Beach in Chiba, which hosted surfing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Board rental and lessons are easy to find at most of these spots, even for travelers who have never stood on a board before.
Lists by region
City in Japan
Chiba
Suspended monorail, port tower and bay views
Surfing made its Olympic debut at Tsurigasaki Beach in Ichinomiya. Ítalo Ferreira and Carissa Moore won the gold medals in 2021. Locals call the beach Shida. Its piers make lefts and rights and the rights tend to work best. Chiba shines from late August to October.
Country
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
Australian surfer Tony Hinde was shipwrecked on a Maldivian reef in December 1973. He named the waves and kept them secret for about 15 years. In 1989 he founded the country's first surf operation at Pasta Point. Water stays between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius so no wetsuit is needed.
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