Discover our top underrated places to catch waves in Southeast Asia—awesome laid-back surfing spots to consider for your next long-haul beach vacation. 🌊🏄‍♀️

GUIUAN, EASTERN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES

You can fly to Tacloban and take a six-hour van ride to the town of Guiuan. And from there, you can take a pedicab going to ABCD Surf Camp in Calicoan to bring you to some of the largest waves you’ll ever see in your life. Get ready to discover many empty surf spots that will thrill any stoke-seeking adventurer.

MENTAWAI ISLANDS, SUMATRA, INDONESIA

The 70 or so islands off the West Coast of Sumatra offer more perfect waves per square mile than any other surf destination. Being isolated and spread out over 100 miles, it was discovered early on that boats were the best way to access the breaks. More recently many excellent land camps have sprung up offering terra firma and speedboat access to the waves.

CHERATING, MALAYSIA

Cherating is a small village beach town on the east coast of Malaysia, in the state of Pahang. You can explore the best waves here during the monsoon season which starts from mid-October to the end of February or early March.

Besides Cherating, some of the other ‘lesser-known’ places to surf in Malaysia are Tioman Island, the Desaru coast of Johor, and several beaches along Terengganu.

PURARAN, CATANDUANES, PHILIPPINES

Puraran Beach is a surfer’s and beach lover’s paradise with its creamy golden sand, clear waves, and colorful coral reefs. Surfing Classes are offered by individuals from the local surfing association that incorporates the utilization of surfboards. The majestic waves of Puraran beach will help improve your skills as a surfer and the idyllic ambiance offers a relaxing and beautiful landscape worthy of your Instagram feed.

KHAO LAK, THAILAND

Surfing in Khao Lak is slowly getting popular these days. This spot is one of the best places to experience sun, sand, and surf in Thailand. As the wave is not so high, it is quite easy for beginners, and also quite nice if you are an experienced surfer when the waves become a bit rougher. The Khao Lak surfing season coincides with the monsoons of late April through early November.