Surf's up: here's where to go for your next surfing holiday in Asia—no matter your skill level
2. Maldives: Male, Central and Southern Atolls
Far from just a honeymoon destination, this Indian Ocean paradise offers crystal-clear barrels and luxury surf experiences where you might find yourself alone on a perfect wave.
The surf scene is divided into three distinct regions, each with its own character and season. The Male Atolls, closest to the capital and international airport, serve as the most accessible surf hub with famous breaks like Cokes, Chickens and Jailbreaks peaking March through October.
The Central Atolls, which include Thaa and Laamu, are perfect for travellers seeking uncrowded waves and unique surf travel experiences from May to August.
For more experienced surfers, the Southern or Outer Atolls bring powerful waves from February to April, and then again in August through October.
Read more: Underwater villas, private islands and more: Discover the Maldives' most luxurious resorts 3. Philippines: Siargao, La Union and Baler
Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, the island of Siargao in Mindanao offers diverse breaks across its coastline facing the Pacific Ocean. Cloud 9 can swell from chest-high to triple overhead and beyond, particularly from September to October. For gentler alternatives, Jacking Horse is a few meters from Cloud 9, while Guiwan or Secret Beach requires a quick scooter ride and eagle eyes to spot the tiny roadside sign.
Up in the northern part of Luzon island facing the West Philippine Sea, La Union draws a mix of beginners and experienced surfers. The towns of Urbiztondo, Taboc and Bacnotan offer inside sections ideal for learning, while intermediate surfers line up at Monaliza Point and Carille, with the northeast swells arriving October through February.
On the eastern shores of Luzon lies Baler, said to be the birthplace of Philippine surfing, after locals picked up surfboards left behind by the film crew of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now . Sabang Beach provides fairly consistent waves for beginners, while Cemento or Cobra Reef rewards a sharp reef walk-out with powerful, glassy walls, peaking September through January.
Also read: 5 things we miss about La Union: Surfing in Urbiztondo, Cliff Diving, and more 4. Japan: Chiba, Chigasaki and Okinawa
Japan's surf scene is defined by seasonal shifts and a coastline stretching from snowy shores to subtropical reefs. Just east of Tokyo, Chiba offers beach and reef breaks suited for all levels. It's home to Tsurigasaki Beach, the 2020 Olympic surf venue. Summer months (June to August) bring solid waves, while winter (December to February) offers consistent swells and fewer crowds—just pack or rent a good wetsuit.
On clear days, you can surf with a view of Mt. Fuji in Chigasaki, southwest of Tokyo. The beach and jetty break works best during spring (March to May) and in the monsoon month of September, but beginner-friendly waves can be found year-round.
Three hours from Tokyo by plane, Okinawa offers warm-water reef breaks, thanks to its subtropical location. The waves, best enjoyed August through March, tend to suit intermediate and advanced surfers, but calmer days and surf schools make it accessible for beginners.
Also read: Exploring Okinawa: Where food, wellness, and culture meet 5. Sri Lanka: Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa and Weligama
On Sri Lanka's east coast, Arugam Bay is the crown jewel for surfers. Main Point's long, right-hand breaks serve up waves from May to August, while Baby Point offers soft, sandy-bottom rides for learners.
When Arugam winds down, the southwest coast—where you can find Hikkaduwa and Weligama—ramps up from November to April. Hikkaduwa suits surfers of all levels, while Weligama is considered the best beach in the country for first-timers. 6. Malaysia: Cherating and Desaru Coast
The monsoon season is the best time to enjoy Malaysia's growing surf scene. On the Malay Peninsula's east coast, Cherating offers waves up to over four feet, with long rides up to 500 meters from the break point. The northeast monsoon season (October to March) provides the most consistent swells, with gentler inside sections perfect for learners.
Along the southern tip of Malaysia, Desaru Coast has grown into a local surf favourite. Accessible beach breaks at Desaru Public Beach, Tanjung Balau and Wild Boar Beach welcome all levels. 7. Thailand: Phuket and Ko Phayam
The Land of Smiles offers a laid-back, beginner-friendly introduction to surfing, with the monsoon season (April to September) bringing swells to its Andaman Sea coastline.
On the country's largest island, Phuket serves as the established surf hub with over 25 beaches. Kata Beach, where Phuket surfing began, offers sandbank-enhanced swells, while Kalim Beach is a pure reef break capable of channeling overhead waves. Several surfboard shops and schools are scattered around the island, so it's easy to get kitted out or book a last-minute lesson.
Don't miss: Savour & sip: 5 must-visit restaurants and bars on the island of Phuket
For those seeking a more remote surfing experience, Ko Phayam offers a fantastic surf scene that some consider at par with Phuket on its best days. Beginners will be stoked by the mellow waves at the less crowded Aow Yai Beach.
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Tatler Asia
3 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Surf's up: here's where to go for your next surfing holiday in Asia—no matter your skill level
2. Maldives: Male, Central and Southern Atolls Far from just a honeymoon destination, this Indian Ocean paradise offers crystal-clear barrels and luxury surf experiences where you might find yourself alone on a perfect wave. The surf scene is divided into three distinct regions, each with its own character and season. The Male Atolls, closest to the capital and international airport, serve as the most accessible surf hub with famous breaks like Cokes, Chickens and Jailbreaks peaking March through October. The Central Atolls, which include Thaa and Laamu, are perfect for travellers seeking uncrowded waves and unique surf travel experiences from May to August. For more experienced surfers, the Southern or Outer Atolls bring powerful waves from February to April, and then again in August through October. Read more: Underwater villas, private islands and more: Discover the Maldives' most luxurious resorts 3. Philippines: Siargao, La Union and Baler Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, the island of Siargao in Mindanao offers diverse breaks across its coastline facing the Pacific Ocean. Cloud 9 can swell from chest-high to triple overhead and beyond, particularly from September to October. For gentler alternatives, Jacking Horse is a few meters from Cloud 9, while Guiwan or Secret Beach requires a quick scooter ride and eagle eyes to spot the tiny roadside sign. Up in the northern part of Luzon island facing the West Philippine Sea, La Union draws a mix of beginners and experienced surfers. The towns of Urbiztondo, Taboc and Bacnotan offer inside sections ideal for learning, while intermediate surfers line up at Monaliza Point and Carille, with the northeast swells arriving October through February. On the eastern shores of Luzon lies Baler, said to be the birthplace of Philippine surfing, after locals picked up surfboards left behind by the film crew of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now . Sabang Beach provides fairly consistent waves for beginners, while Cemento or Cobra Reef rewards a sharp reef walk-out with powerful, glassy walls, peaking September through January. Also read: 5 things we miss about La Union: Surfing in Urbiztondo, Cliff Diving, and more 4. Japan: Chiba, Chigasaki and Okinawa Japan's surf scene is defined by seasonal shifts and a coastline stretching from snowy shores to subtropical reefs. Just east of Tokyo, Chiba offers beach and reef breaks suited for all levels. It's home to Tsurigasaki Beach, the 2020 Olympic surf venue. Summer months (June to August) bring solid waves, while winter (December to February) offers consistent swells and fewer crowds—just pack or rent a good wetsuit. On clear days, you can surf with a view of Mt. Fuji in Chigasaki, southwest of Tokyo. The beach and jetty break works best during spring (March to May) and in the monsoon month of September, but beginner-friendly waves can be found year-round. Three hours from Tokyo by plane, Okinawa offers warm-water reef breaks, thanks to its subtropical location. The waves, best enjoyed August through March, tend to suit intermediate and advanced surfers, but calmer days and surf schools make it accessible for beginners. Also read: Exploring Okinawa: Where food, wellness, and culture meet 5. Sri Lanka: Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa and Weligama On Sri Lanka's east coast, Arugam Bay is the crown jewel for surfers. Main Point's long, right-hand breaks serve up waves from May to August, while Baby Point offers soft, sandy-bottom rides for learners. When Arugam winds down, the southwest coast—where you can find Hikkaduwa and Weligama—ramps up from November to April. Hikkaduwa suits surfers of all levels, while Weligama is considered the best beach in the country for first-timers. 6. Malaysia: Cherating and Desaru Coast The monsoon season is the best time to enjoy Malaysia's growing surf scene. On the Malay Peninsula's east coast, Cherating offers waves up to over four feet, with long rides up to 500 meters from the break point. The northeast monsoon season (October to March) provides the most consistent swells, with gentler inside sections perfect for learners. Along the southern tip of Malaysia, Desaru Coast has grown into a local surf favourite. Accessible beach breaks at Desaru Public Beach, Tanjung Balau and Wild Boar Beach welcome all levels. 7. Thailand: Phuket and Ko Phayam The Land of Smiles offers a laid-back, beginner-friendly introduction to surfing, with the monsoon season (April to September) bringing swells to its Andaman Sea coastline. On the country's largest island, Phuket serves as the established surf hub with over 25 beaches. Kata Beach, where Phuket surfing began, offers sandbank-enhanced swells, while Kalim Beach is a pure reef break capable of channeling overhead waves. Several surfboard shops and schools are scattered around the island, so it's easy to get kitted out or book a last-minute lesson. Don't miss: Savour & sip: 5 must-visit restaurants and bars on the island of Phuket For those seeking a more remote surfing experience, Ko Phayam offers a fantastic surf scene that some consider at par with Phuket on its best days. Beginners will be stoked by the mellow waves at the less crowded Aow Yai Beach.
Times
27-04-2025
- Times
Jeopardy at last: Red Roses reality check is best thing for them
The best thing that could have happened to the Red Roses was the fact that seconds from the finish in their grand-slam decider at Twickenham, stomachs tensed, pulses raced and we watched the riveting denouement through our fingers wondering if they really could blow it. The 43-42 win was the best thing that could have happened to England for a number of reasons but primarily because this team are ranked No1 and have left the rest of the world — New Zealand apart — so far in their slipstream that the World Cup, later this summer, had just looked like being an armchair ride to the final. The fact that France nearly pinched victory on Saturday doesn't change the overall premise, though. The bigger picture is that England's next date at Twickenham should be for that final on September 27, and not only are they favourites to become champions but lifting the trophy is the only satisfactory outcome. The runners-up medals they collected behind New Zealand in 2017 and again three years ago now weigh too heavily and no doubt that weight will grow the further we progress through September, but that's just going to have to be the deal. They are in the same territory as the All Blacks were at their home men's World Cup in 2011: all those years of dominance yet the major trophy always eluding them. We thought that sport's eternal bridesmaid was Katherine Grainger, the Olympic rower, who grew sick of the sight of silver until she reached gold medal fulfilment at London 2012, yet that is where the Red Roses are, except they are even more dominant. We turned up for their grand-slam game on Saturday too much in expectation. It was barely a recognised subplot that, actually, France were on for a Six Nations grand slam too. But then Jo Grisez was streaking down the left with two minutes to go and England's flaky defence was never going to stop her. With another excellent conversion that followed, France were one point behind and it was brilliant. It is too simplistic to claim that the World Cup this summer could be the launchpad for women's rugby in England. It is simplistic because women's rugby has been well launched anyway. However, there are plans, marketing and investment, and a whole lot of hope built into the idea that this summer could do for women's rugby what England's triumph in the 2022 Euros did for women's football. There certainly feels like an appetite for it. Actually, the 37,573 crowd on Saturday was a marginal disappointment. Nevertheless, there was a completely joyful festival atmosphere that felt similar to other women's sports events. More kids, more families, less beer. Come to Twickenham for a men's international and the West Car Park is like a giant pub, with Guinness tents and champagne enclosures and pints being pulled at record pace. On Saturday, that same car park had been transformed into a fairground with dodgems and rides and cuddly toy prizes. Plus girls, loads of girls, chucking rugby balls around. That may not prove much beyond the fact this is rugby being really relished, but in a very different way, and that there is a genuine appetite for it. To keep people hungry, though, you want twists and turns and knife-edge finishes such as this one against France. The concern for the summer is that the Red Roses' coronation is just too damn straightforward, that their tournament doesn't maximise its days in the sun because it's just not so interesting when the sun's shining all the time. This is not the fault of the Red Roses themselves. Yes, they've got numbers and resources beyond any of their competitors, but well done to them for making the most of them. However, when you've only lost one match in 56 — and that was the World Cup final — and when you've won six successive Six Nations and you're coming to claim the seventh with a points difference against your previous four opponents of 213-29, then no matter your levels of excellence, your offering to the fans doesn't have much of the ingredient that is crucial for a sporting event: not knowing who is going to win. Jeopardy is the lifeblood of sport. Thank you to France for making that point, for injecting some uncertainty. Let's not kid ourselves here. There is no pretending that the World Cup has suddenly been transformed by Grisez and co and is going to be a remotely tense affair for England fans before the semi-finals. However, France left Twickenham ruing an opportunity that they won't want to miss next time and Canada will have seen this and grown in the belief that England are not untouchable. The Kiwi's Black Ferns, meanwhile, need no such encouragement. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, the Women's World Cup's record tryscorer, is coming out of retirement, a player designed to destroy a defence as poor on the edges as England's was against France. All this brings jeopardy at least to the semi-finals. Instantly, this becomes a better World Cup. Some recognition must go here to the challenges faced by the Red Roses. Yes, they've got all that weight of expectation, but that's the nature of being favourites: just deal with it. Yet it becomes more complicated in such a lop-sided sport. If so many games are so one-sided, then where do you get your edge? How do you rate your levels of excellence if the bar elsewhere is comparatively low? England's task is to self-assess continually and to insist on the highest standards. The challenge, always, is to know what heights are attainable. And if your opposition aren't challenging you, then your weaknesses will be less exposed, the work required less clear and you've forgotten how it feels to have your backs against the wall. That is another reason why this France game was so good for England: not only did it bring a reality check but it left the team with a whole shopping list of areas to improve upon. For now, though, that's another grand slam in the bag. As expected. Expectation hasn't dropped for the World Cup. But it has just got a lot more interesting.
Times
27-04-2025
- Times
London Marathon: Sawe wins men's race as Assefa sets women's record
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