Langkawi is known for its peaceful beaches, rainforest hills, and island charm, but there’s another side to it. When the wind shifts and the monsoon rolls in, the waves begin to rise, drawing a small but growing surf crowd. Whether you’re just trying to get started or are already an experienced surfer, the top surf spots in Langkawi have something for you.
This guide takes you through the top surf spots in Langkawi, when to go, what to expect, and how you can prepare for surf and other water adventures on the island.
Why Langkawi Is Great for Surfing
Langkawi’s location in the Andaman Sea means it has a steady surf season from April to November. The southwest monsoon brings consistent swells to the island’s west coast, where the beaches slope gently into the water. You’ll find waves that are kind to beginners and long enough for a fun ride if you already know the basics.
The top surf spots in Langkawi are relaxed. Locals, expats, and travellers often share waves, swap tips, and chill at cafes after their sessions. There’s no rush, no crowd, and plenty of space to enjoy the water.
The Best Time to Surf in Langkawi
If you’re headed to one of the top surf spots in Langkawi, we recommend visiting from April to November, when the wind builds steady waves along the west coast. Mornings are typically the best time for surfing in Langkawi if you’re a beginner because the waves are small. If you’re an experienced surfer, you might find the livelier afternoon waves more fun!
Top Surf Spots in Langkawi
If you’re visiting Langkawi between April and November, you can head to any of the following top surf spots in Langkawi:
Pantai Cenang – The Lively Surf Hub
Pantai Cenang is where most surfers start. The waves roll in gently during the monsoon months, making it ideal for practice and easy rides. You’ll find surf schools, rental shops, and plenty of cafes where surfers gather after a session. It’s busy but fun, especially around sunset. You can even spend the day surfing and then enjoy lively fire shows on the beach at night!
Location: Western coast of Langkawi (12 minutes from Langkawi International Airport)
Best for: Beginners and casual surfers
Highlights:
- Consistent waves during surf months
- Surf lessons and gear rentals available
- Great beach vibe with cafes, restaurants, and music
- Perfect mix of surf and island fun
Pantai Tengah – Quieter Beach with Friendly Waves
Just next to Cenang, Pantai Tengah is calmer and less crowded. The waves here are smaller, making them perfect for beginners looking to start with something easy. Surf schools like Waveways Culture Surf School and Langkawi Surf School are based here, offering short lessons and gear rentals.
Location: Western coast of Langkawi (20 minutes from Langkawi International Airport)
Best for: Beginners and families
Highlights:
- Gentle waves for practice
- Certified surf instructors
- Relaxed atmosphere and easy access
- Great beach for SUP and paddling
Tanjung Rhu – Beautiful, Wild, and Peaceful
Tanjung Rhu is a top surf spot in Langkawi if you’re looking for a quieter and more remote experience. The waves here are gentle and easy to handle, which makes it a good spot if you’re still getting comfortable on the board. It’s also one of the most scenic beaches on the island, surrounded by mangroves and soft white sand. On calm days, you can swap your board for a snorkel or paddleboard and spend time in the clear water.
Location: Northern Langkawi (30 minutes from Langkawi International Airport)
Best for: Experienced surfers and explorers
Highlights:
- Stunning natural setting
- Peaceful and not crowded
- Great for photos and nature walks
- Kayaking and mangrove tours nearby
Places to Learn Surfing in Langkawi
Most of Langkawi’s surf schools are found on the island’s west coast, especially around Pantai Tengah. This area gets the most reliable waves during the monsoon season and is easy to reach from nearby beaches, such as Pantai Cenang. Surf schools here offer lessons that include basic theory, safety tips, and guided water practice.
Here’s a list of the top surf schools in Langkawi:
1. Monsoon Surf School Langkawi
Located right on Pantai Tengah, Monsoon Surf School is one of the island’s top-rated schools. It runs lessons and rentals from May to October, during the surf season. You can rent surfboards and bodyboards here, or join a one-on-one session with local instructors who know every break along the coast.
- Address: Pantai Tengah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 7 AM – 7 PM (Daily)
- Highlights: Friendly local trainers, flexible lesson times, and great for first-timers.
2. Waveways Culture Surf School
Waveways Culture Surf School is another favourite at Pantai Tengah. It has ISA-certified instructors who focus on teaching the basics — from paddling and balance to catching your first wave safely. The school offers lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers, and you can rent soft-top or shortboards if you want to surf on your own later.
- Address: Pantai Tengah, 07000 Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 7 AM – 8 PM (Daily)
- Highlights: Professional instructors, all skill levels welcome, high-quality gear for rent.
3. Langkawi Surf School
Langkawi Surf School operates from April to November, giving you plenty of time to catch waves through the main season. You can choose between short sessions or multi-day surf packages that include surf theory, equipment, and practice time. The 5-day course is especially popular with travellers who want to make quick progress.
- Address: Pantai Tengah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 8 AM – 7 PM (Daily)
- Highlights: Multi-day courses, good equipment, and friendly, supportive teachers.
4. Luan Surf School & Surf Shop
Just down the road from Pantai Tengah Beach, Luan Surf School doubles as a surf shop where you can buy gear and beach essentials. The school runs regular lessons and board rentals during the surf season, and its small size means you’ll get more personal attention from instructors.
- Address: 153, Jalan Pantai Tengah, Langkawi, 07000 Kuah, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 7 AM – 7 PM (Monday to Sunday, Friday closed)
- Highlights: Small group lessons, local surf shop, and a relaxed, personal teaching style.
Things to Know Before Surfing in Langkawi
Before you head to any of the top surf spots in Langkawi, make sure you get the basics right. Here are some tips that can make your surfing experience in Langkawi more enjoyable:
- What to wear: The weather here is warm and humid, so go for lightweight, quick-drying clothes. A rash guard and a pair of leggings or boardshorts work well to protect your skin from the sun and sand. You won’t really need a wetsuit unless you’re planning an early morning surf when the water feels cooler.
- Safety tips: Between January and June, jellyfish can drift close to shore, especially after rain. It’s rare but worth preparing for. Wearing a stinger suit or a long-sleeved top gives you some extra protection. It’s always a good idea to chat with locals or your surf instructor about the day’s water conditions before heading out.
- Gear and rentals: You don’t have to bring your own surfboard. Most surf schools and some resorts have boards, leashes, and wax available for rent. If you’re new to surfing, let your instructor help pick the right board size — it makes a big difference in how quickly you learn.
- When to surf: The best time to visit a top surf spot in Langkawi is in the morning. The air is cooler, the waves are clean and easy to ride, and the beach feels calm. As the day goes on, the wind picks up, so afternoons can be a bit more playful if you’re looking for a challenge.
- Local etiquette: Langkawi’s surf scene is small and friendly. Be polite, share the waves, and keep an eye out for swimmers nearby.
Other Watersports and Activities in Langkawi
Surfing is only one part of Langkawi’s fun side. The island is packed with water activities that suit every mood. According to RedBus Malaysia’s activity listings, you can choose from relaxing to thrilling adventures all around the coast.
- Jet Ski Fishing Tour: If you want something different, try a jet ski fishing tour. You’ll ride out across the open sea, stop at hidden fishing spots, and drop a line while surrounded by the island’s beautiful coastline – all under the expert guidance of a professional.
- Langkawi Snorkelling Tour: You can book Langkawi snorkelling tour tickets to see coral reefs and colourful fish up close around the Dangli Island or Pulau Intan Kecil. The water is calm, the visibility is great, and it’s easy enough even if you’ve never snorkelled before.
- Parasailing Adventure: Parasailing over Pantai Cenang is a must if you love a little height and a big view. Book your Watersports Langkawi tickets, strap in, and float above the sea while taking in the island’s curve and the turquoise water below you. Most tours include a free drone to capture your adventure!
- Fun Island Hopping by Jet Ski Tickets: If you’re short on time but still want a big adventure, the Fun Island Hopping by Jet Ski tour is a great pick. You’ll ride your own Sea-Doo jet ski, follow a guide, and stop at islands like Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Beras Basah to swim and explore.
- Langkawi Mangrove Kayaking: For something slower, join the Langkawi Mangrove Kayak Tour through Kilim Geoforest Park. You’ll paddle past limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons while spotting eagles, monkeys, and other wildlife. It’s quiet, eco-friendly, and lets you see Langkawi’s natural side up close.
- Sunset Cruises: There’s no better way to end the day than with a sunset cruise. You’ll sail past Langkawi’s limestone cliffs as the sky turns pink and orange. Most cruises include dinner on deck, so you can eat, relax, and let the view do the rest. You can book Langkawi sunset cruise tickets online to plan.
Conclusion
When you go to the top surfing spots in Langkawi, don’t expect big waves or high-gear surfing that’s commonly associated with Hawaii or Australia. The vibe here is more laid-back and easy. This makes Langkawi ideal for beginners and anyone who just wants to relax on a board!
The top surf spots in Langkawi give you an easy mix of sun, water, and calm. You can catch a few small waves, grab a drink by the beach, and spend the rest of the day exploring other fun watersports and activities. And, you can make your beach days simple by prebooking tickets for watersports and activities in Langkawi on redBus!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the top surf spots in Langkawi include:
– Pantai Cenang
– Pantai Tengah
– Tanjung Rhu
Yes, you can surf in Langkawi, especially during the monsoon season from April to November. The waves are gentle, making it a good place to practise. You’ll find local surf schools that provide boards, lessons, and guides to help you get started safely.
Pantai Cenang is the most popular surfing beach in Langkawi. It’s lively, easy to reach, and has consistent waves during the surf season. You’ll also find plenty of surf schools, cafes, and water sports operators nearby.
Absolutely. Langkawi is one of the best places in Malaysia for beginners. The waves are smaller and more forgiving than in most surf destinations. You can join a beginner’s lesson at schools like Waveways Culture Surf School or Langkawi Surf School at Pantai Tengah.
The best months to surf in Langkawi are between April and November. During this period, the southwest monsoon brings steady winds that create small, manageable waves. This makes it perfect for new and intermediate surfers.
Besides Langkawi, you can surf at Cherating in Pahang and Desaru in Johor. These beaches have stronger waves and a more established surf scene. If you’re new to surfing, though, Langkawi’s calmer conditions are a great place to start.
If you’re visiting for surfing, try to avoid December to March. The sea is calm during this time, so there are few or no waves. It’s great for swimming and kayaking, but not for surfing.
Langkawi is known for its beautiful beaches, clear water, and relaxed island vibe. It’s also home to a UNESCO Global Geopark, mangroves, waterfalls, and limestone cliffs. Surfing, island hopping, and jet ski tours have become popular in recent years.
Surf lessons usually start around April and run until November, matching the wave season. You can book a one-day introduction class or multi-day surf package with local schools in Pantai Tengah.
It’s best to avoid the dry season from December to March if your goal is surfing. The water stays flat, so it’s better for paddleboarding or snorkelling instead.
Jellyfish season in Langkawi usually runs from January to June. While it’s best to avoid the water at that time, if you still plan to surf or swim, consider wearing a rash guard or light stinger suit for protection.
The surfing scene in Langkawi is small but growing. You’ll meet locals and travellers who enjoy the relaxed vibe and smaller waves. It’s perfect for a slow surf holiday where you can learn, unwind, and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Besides surfing, Langkawi offers various other watersports activities, including:
– Parasailing
– Snorkelling
– Mangrove kayaking
– Jet ski tours
– Island-hopping cruises
Prices for surfing in Langkawi can vary depending on the length of the lesson, the package you pick, and whether you choose a private or group session. That said, a 2-hour surfing lesson in Langkawi typically starts from around MYR 200.
es, you can rent surfboards at most beaches that allow surfing. Pantai Tengah has several surf schools and shops that rent boards by the hour or day. Some lessons include surfboard and equipment rental price in the ticket cost.