Most or all surfing only can be found on the west coast of Sabah. Obviously it comes all from the bigger south china sea. From Late July till November we get the southwest monsoon. Occasional big storms pass by and we get waves between 1 - 3 foot in Tanjung aru which is only 15 min drive from KK city. But the waves gets bigger if you travel further up north like towards Nexus up to Kudat.
From December up March the wind changes to the Northwest Monsoon, and the swells starts coming in more frequently, but size varies alot from 2 feet to 5 foot. During this time most of the swells will be hitting Nexus and further up north to kudat. KK Area will be protected by the Islands so they wont be much.
Where to Surf:
During the southwest monsoon and the occasional typhoon that hits KK, most of the local surfers will head down to Tg Aru Beach after work. Its only 10 mins drive from downtown. Tg Aru is one of the easiest spots to surf especially if you are a beginner. The swells if its really good, it can go up to 4ft (from the front) but that's rare. Most of the time it's 1- 2 ft when its surf-able. Many times though the waves can be disappointing, so if you in KK and you want to try Tg aru don't expect too much.
As most of the local surfers know the 2nd best and nearest place to surf will be in Karambunai in front of Nexus Resort beach area. You can get some good long left breaks caused by the live corals at the bottom. It can create waves for beginners to advance. You can also get good breaks at the beach area whereby the bottom is sand. Currents here can be strong.
The problem about Nexus is you can only surf there if you are an in-house guest and there's only 1 resort there and rooms you can expect to pay between RM400 and above.
In KK there's alot of backpackers lodge and good 3 star hotels. B&B cost rm35 a night and 3 Star about RM200.00 pernight
As most of the local surfers know the 2nd best and nearest place to surf will be in Karambunai in front of Nexus Resort beach area. You can get some good long left breaks caused by the live corals at the bottom. It can create waves for beginners to advance. You can also get good breaks at the beach area whereby the bottom is sand. Currents here can be strong.
The problem about Nexus is you can only surf there if you are an in-house guest and there's only 1 resort there and rooms you can expect to pay between RM400 and above.
In KK there's alot of backpackers lodge and good 3 star hotels. B&B cost rm35 a night and 3 Star about RM200.00 pernight
Kudat is the best spot for surfing in Sabah. It has mostly good left and right beach and point breaks.Recently we have found really good point breaks at this area and The wave there is fast. The only problem is distance. It takes 3 hour dive from K.K to Kudat. The beach is open to everyone. You can stay at the local longhouse for rm70 per night for 2 person which is situated right in front of the beach. Blue Fin runs a Surf and dive centre that offers surf lessons and surf tours. Together with the locals they run the Tumombuvoi Homestay that has beach huts ranging from RM120-150 pernight.
1.Tanjung Aru, about 10 mins drive from Kota Kinabalu city. Workss only during south west monsoon. Inconsistent waves 1-2ft avg.
2. Shabandar Beach, Tuaran District about 45 mins form Kota Kinabalu city centre. Works during both monsoon. Wave between 1-3ft, beach break which can have strong currents.
3. Karambunai Beach, off Sepanggar. Accessible only through Nexus Resort. Waves 1-4ft with occasional strong currents. Beware of rip currents here especially when waves are bigger.
Kudat, northern Tip of Borneo has many surf points. Best place to surf in Borneo which has waves for beginners up to expert. Has many beach and point breaks. Works during South and North monsoon.
