For the last couple decades, fueled by world-class waves and surf spots, Asia has been an emerging surfing destination. With stunning natural beauty and cheap traveling costs, Asia is now established as a very popular spot to catch some of the world’s best waves.
Although Bali is still the most popular surfing destination in Asia, there are still several other places that offer insane surfing conditions, with only a fraction of the Balinese crowd. Without digging too deep and revealing any local/secret spots, here are the 10 best waves and surf spots in Asia…
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10. Scar Reef, Sumbawa, Indonesia
Hands down one of the best waves in Asia, Scar Reef is located in West Sumbawa.This region is stacked with many other high-level reef breaks like Yo-yo’s, Northern Rights and Super Sucks. Scar Reef is a powerful and hollow wave that breaks on larger southwesterly swells and provides epic barrels, featuring a very shallow reef, hence its name.
Located just next to Lombok, Sumbawa is often way less crowded than Bali simply due to its remote location.
Read our full surf guide to Sumbawa, Indonesia
9. Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Uluwatu is probably Bali’s most popular and most beautiful surf spot. Not only is the wave itself incredible but the whole setup is truly gorgeous.
Located in the Bukit’s Peninsula, Uluwatu is known for its cliffs and sunsets. The wave has several different takeoff spots that can connect on good days and form a long, sometimes hollow, mesmerizing ride.
Read our full surf guide to Bali, Indonesia
8. Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines
Cloud nine is the best wave and most popular surf spot in the Philippines. It is a heavy barreling slab located on the island of Siargao, a small surfing island on the eastern side of the country.
This wave, known as the Asian Pipeline, is not suited for novice surfers but is still more forgiving than its Hawaiian sister with a reef that’s a bit more forgiving.
Read our complete surf guide to Siargao, Philippines
7. Nihiwatu, Sumba, Indonesia
Sumba is a pretty remote island from the Lesser Sunda Islands (Nusa Tenggara) that is home to one of Indonesia’s best waves, Nihiwatu.
This long and perfect left is still a pretty hidden gem compared to the big Indonesian names like Uluwatu, Padang Padang or Kuta. However, it has everything to give you a session to remember.
Also read: 10 Uncrowded Surfing Destinations
6. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay is a small surf town located on Sri Lanka’s east coast, away from the big city noise. It is home to several sandy point breaks like Peanut Farm and Whiskey Point, that are suitable for surfers of all levels.
Not only is Arugam Bay far from the big city crowds, it also is blessed with raw natural beauty, both on land and in the water.
Read our full surf guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
5. Lakey Peak, Sumbawa, Indonesia
Sumbawa is still very underdeveloped compared to Bali even if it they are just a short flight or a coupe ferries away from each other. Despite this, Sumbawa has some of Indonesia’s best waves. One of them is Lakey Peak…It is a perfect A-frame located in Central Sumbawa that consistently fires hollow lefts and rights.
Read our complete surf guide to Sumbawa, Indonesia
4. Nias, Sumatra, Indonesia
Nias is a small surfing paradise located just north of the Mentawais chain. It is obviously exposed to the same consistently epic conditions and rewards its visitors with the surf trip of a lifetime. The region being so remote helped keeping the place raw for a long period of time and only surfers make the journey out here. Most waves are powerful world-class reef breaks that will challenge even the best surfers out there.
Also read: The World’s 10 Best Right-Hand Waves
3. Desert Point, Lombok, Indonesia
Lombok is direct neighbor with Bali and also has one of Asia’s best wave. The island’s most popular and publicized surf spot is Desert Point… This wave is a fast and hollow left that has been tackled by many of the world’s best surfers and featured on several magazines. It is known for having a punishing reef and for simply being one of Indonesia’s most challenging wave.
Read our full surf guide to Lombok, Indonesia
2. Pasta Point, Maldives
Pasta Point is a dreamy reef break located in a true paradise on Earth. The wave is only accessible for guests staying at the Dhonveli Resort, which prevents it from getting too crowded. Pasta Point is very exposed to swells and is not much affected by the wind which makes it a very consistent break during the high season.
Read our full surf guide to the Maldives
1. Lances Right, Mentawai, Indonesia
The Mentawai Islands are now known as the number one surfing destination, not only in Asia, but in the whole world. This chain of islands located off Sumatra’s west coast are definitely not easy to get access to but the reward is astonishing. The Mentawais are home to some of the planet’s most consistent and best reef breaks.
Lance’s Right (also known as HT’s) is most definitely the highlight of the region. A consistent, perfect right-hand barrel breaking over a sharp reef and offering the cover-up every surfer dreams about…
Read our full surf guide to the Mentawai Islands