Overview
Tanjung Cherating is a long left-hander that peels along a protruding sandspit at a river mouth, widely regarded as Malaysia's best wave and roughly five hours from Kuala Lumpur. It is not especially powerful, but it runs a long way through the brown rivermouth water, with rides of up to 1100 m possible. An Australian named Tim first surfed here in 1990, having come across the laidback village by chance.
When It Works
The sandbank draws swell from north to east, with northeast swell the best match. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. The take-off section can turn hollow before the wave settles into its long peel.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest offshore wind. The bank works through low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Cherating suits intermediate surfers, and there is usually a pack sitting on the sandspit lefts. Intense rips mean constant paddling to hold your position, but after a wave it is a simple walk back up the beach to the peak.
Access
There is a surf school and a surf shop on hand, plus a car park with free parking and roadside parking.
