Discover three amazing surfing beaches located in Thailand and Indonesia, in South-East Asia.

South-East Asia, and especially Indonesia, is filled with great surfing beaches. The amazing number of bays, coves and open ocean beaches provide a variety of surfing experiences for all levels. A lot of Indonesia hotels specialize in surfing holidays with surf rentals, courses and organized trips to secluded beaches. Here are our three favourite surfing beaches in the South-East Asia region.

Ulawatu, Bali, Indonesia

Located to the south of Bali, Ulawatu Beach receives the waves from the warm Indian Ocean. Best visited in the dry season between April and October, many surfers consider Ulawatu to offer some of the best waves in the world. Easily accessible through paved and mountain roads, the beach offers some accommodation for those who want to stay for a long surfing trip. The waves range from 3 to 10 feet, with 8 feet being a regular size in the section called “outside corner”. Despite being a crowded beach, surfers love it because it rarely goes flat. Other sections of the beach are better for beginners, thus offering a complete surfing experience for experts and newcomers alike.

Bang Tao, Phuket, Thailand

Best visited between May and September, Bang Tao beach is probably the best surfing beach in Thailand. The 5-mile wide beach gives the best surfing to the north, where it is less protected from the winds. Bang Tao is perfect for beginning surfers, as the waves tend to be smaller and easier to ride. Waves go up to nine feet, but usually remain in the 4-7 feet range. Because of its popularity, the beach can get crowded and is often used for surfing competitions. The beach offers the most consistent surfing conditions in Thailand and is near all the best Phuket island hotels, restaurants and nightlife. In between surfing sessions, enjoy the legendary hospitality of Thailand and hike the beautiful forests and shoreline of Phuket.

Grajagan, Java, Indonesia

Also known as G-Land, the Grajagan surfing resort is only accessible with a permit. The beach is best for experienced surfers because it’s known to be one of the fastest and longest surf rides in the world. Some sections of the beach are easier to ride for less experienced surfers. On some sections of the beach, the waves can easily reach 12 feet. The best surfing times last from March to November, when the swells from the Indian ocean provide consistent surfing conditions. The park is located in a barely-touched jungle, away from the more touristy spots of Java. There are some surfing camps along the beach that provide accommodations, surfing permits and surfing lessons.

Indonesia is the preferred spot for surfers in the know, with Bali as the most popular. Most beach resorts in Bali will provide visitors with surf packages, board rentals and lessons. Organize an original trip with your surfer friends away from the overcrowded Hawaii beaches and visit the secluded, wild surfing spots all around Indonesia. You’ll soon discover why the region is quickly becoming a favourite of expert surfers from all over the world.

resorts in Bali article written by Sachin.