Desaru Coast: Malaysia’s Hidden Surfing Spot

Blessed with year-round sunshine and consistent waves from October to March, Desaru Coast is home to a number of little known surf beaches outside its home state of Johor. To give visitors a taste of Malaysian surf culture, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas has partnered with Dash Outdoors, to offer guests staying at the luxury seaside property surfing lessons for all levels and age groups.

Led by certified surf instructors, private sessions take place at the secluded Wild Boar Bay, just 10 minutes by car from the resort. Wild Boar Bay’s sandy breaks and fun and rideable three-foot waves make it an excellent spot to learn to surf. Moreover, this hidden gem surrounded by unspoilt nature offers endless fun in the sun whether you are here to ride waves or splash about in the surf. To keep your energy levels up between paddling out for sets, Anantara’s deluxe picnic baskets stocked with gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, wholesome salads, crispy sourdoughs, and a rich bit of dessert can be requested in advance.

Guests also get to experience the nearby Tanjung Balau Beach, where a strong local surf community is based and which, at the height of the northeast monsoon season, turns into a surfer’s playground attracting wave-riders from across the state who flock here for uninterrupted rides on sandy breaks.

Dash Outdoors offers surf lessons between December and February when weather conditions are optimal for surfing. Guests staying at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas outside of the surf season can try their hand at bodyboarding at the nearby Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast boasting an impressive surf wall and one of the biggest wave pools in the world. On property, the water sports centre offers seasonal activities and rentals of sailing catamarans and stand-up paddle boards, as well as windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment.

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is located along a pristine 17-kilometre beachfront facing the South China Sea, in a new high-end resort development that offers a range of luxury accommodations nestled in lush tropical gardens. Desaru Coast is located in Johor Darul Ta'zim and spans over 16 square kilometres. It is near Iskandar Malaysia and is easily accessible via a 45-minute drive from Malaysia's Senai International Airport (JHB) and a two-hour drive from Singapore. Additionally, visitors from Singapore can travel to Desaru Coast by ferry, followed by a short drive.