Surfing In Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Talking about surfing, Indonesia and Hawaii will come first in mind. We will never thought there are surfing in Malaysia, especially Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.In this article, we'll share some information about surfing scene in Sabah, Borneo.

Surfing in Sabah is not big as Indonesia or other place in Asia, but we have some potential spots work and provide a very nice and clean set during monsoon season or if there a typhoon hit the Philippine. Some of the spots reach up to 4 to 6 feet and worth for surfing for intermediate and professional.

Before we go to the spots information, we will share about surfing season in Sabah. There are two season which southwest (May to September) and southwest monsoon (November to March). Tanjung Aru Beach is the easiest spots and work during southwest season. Its perform about 1 to 4 feet and if you are lucky, will get some 6 feet set whet the storm pass by. This spots is good for beginner or intermediate surfer. If the swell is really good, it will consist of 4 to 6 feet set but its rare. Sometimes its can be dissapointing. So if you are thinking to surf Tanjung Aru, don't expect to much.

You will find some good waves if you travel further north during northwest monsoon from Karambunai up to Kudat. There some spots to stopped by from Nexus, Shabandar, Kota Belud before you get to the Borneo surfing paradise, Tip Of Borneo, Kudat.

Local Karambunai  Meth deanser  backside @Watersport Center during Borneo Surf Festival

In Karambunai, there are some good spots with different type of swell and wind direction. One of the good spots is Ujung Batu.You can get some really good long left breaks at South Point  which creates a point break. Most part of this area is live corals and gradually becomes sandy bottom as you get closer to the beach. It can create waves for beginners to advance, depending on the wave height and tide.

Damien Amar from Bali @Borneo Surf Festival Karambunai

Water Sport Center, Nexus Resort.The problem of this spots is you have to be a in house guest and its cost you about RM400 for one room. Unless there are event held during that time like Borneo Surf Festival which is held annually every December.

Bali Pro Darmaputra Tanjo @Borneo Surf Festival 

The other spots in Karambunai is Malpoint @Kampung. Located at the village of Karambunai this spots is opened by local surfing enthusiast named Ikmal Mal. This spots work really nice if the swell is good, but sometimes it can be messy and closed out depends on the tides.

Bali Legend Pepen Hendrik @Borneo Surf festival Karambunai

Further up is Shabandar beach located at Tuaran district. This is the only spots in Tuaran.it takes 45 mins to get to from Kota Kinabalu, as opposed to a 3-4 hours drive to Kudat. Here sometimes there's some good beach breaks. Currents here is strong and it very difficult to stay at one spot.  

Local @Tommy's, Kudat

Kudat is a well known surfing spots in Sabah among Malaysian and Bruneian surfer. There are more spots around and working in different swell and ability. Its located at the Tip of Borneo at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau. The wave here can reach up to 6feet high and 50 to 100meters ride. Mostly its a beach sandy break but if you travel a bit you can get some reef break with good waves pumping like Ceaser point and Secret place. Most of the surfer come to Kudat is Advance level. They come from other country like Japan, Uk, and Brazil. 

Ceazer Point Kudat

Kudat surf place is far away from the city, and you are advice to stay overnight as there are some good place like Tommy Place, Sidi & Amat Longhouse or Tampat Do Aman. Tip Of Borneo is one of the attractive place to visit, so trust me, you will be never dissapointed to stay, even though there is no waves around. 

Photo credit to Charles Mawan

Here a video by Feizal Karim. Surfing In Kudat.