Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Shallow, Small waves, Ocean
- Spot Type
- 0.24 m
- Swell Height
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Long Beach on Pulau Perhentian Kecil is a small, shallow sandy bay with clear water and choppy conditions. The water is described as shallow with island protection characteristics, and while surfing can be possible in the monsoon, the conditions are generally better suited to kitesurfing. Wind is centered on the Northeast Monsoon pattern, with the best months stated as January, February, March, and December. Providers describe the wind as NE and monsoon-driven, with a moderate gust feel and some localized turbulence or wind-shadowing near trees and resort structures close to the waterline. Safety-wise, the main challenges come from monsoon weather and boating activity. During windy monsoon periods (notably November–March), seas can become very rough and boat transfers from the mainland can be suspended; once on the water, longtail boats and moored water taxis move in and out of the bay, increasing collision and entanglement risk around launch and shoreline areas. Submerged coral/rocks near bay edges are also flagged as hazards. For kitesurfing, the combination of shallow, protected-bay geography and the monsoon wind window makes this a classic low-profile riding area, but the narrow bay and boat traffic mean it’s best for riders who can handle cross-onshore tendencies and are comfortable navigating around moored boats. Wingfoiling is also described as feasible due to clear water and depth beyond the immediate shore, provided you manage the launch and boat mooring situation carefully.
- Crystal-clear, protected-bay environment
- Northeast Monsoon wind window (December to March)
- Shallow launch setting with chop and small waves
- Crystal-clear water in a protected bay setting with island protection
- Strong Northeast Monsoon wind window (December to March) for kitesurfing
- Great visibility and marine environment overall for the island stay
- Choppy conditions and strong monsoon currents can make the water challenging
- Heavy boat traffic and moored longtail boats near shore create navigation risk
- Monsoon season can bring very rough seas and suspended boat transfers
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast Monsoon driven winds; providers also describe trade-type flow.
- Reliability
- Most reliable during the Northeast Monsoon peak; can be inconsistent.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
- Shadow Zones
- Inland trees and resort buildings can create turbulence and wind shadows near the water’s edge.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Shallow, Small waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Described as chop/choppy conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Launch described as a narrow sandy beach; nearby trees/resort structures may create wind shadows.
Through the year
Very quiet during the windy monsoon months (November–March) when many resorts close; crowded from April to September.
November to March (Northeast Monsoon; most rain and high seas).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A low-profile kitesurfing bay for the Northeast Monsoon. Shallow, relatively protected conditions with chop and small waves; the bay can be narrow and crowded with boats, requiring careful navigation.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Crystal-clear water with depth just beyond the immediate shore; suited for wingfoiling if launching and navigating around moored boats.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1-2 meters depending on the tide.
Small, choppy beach-break conditions; not ideal outside the monsoon when conditions are milder.
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Swell Height
- 0.24 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Although the launch bay can have island protection, surfing conditions during the monsoon are described as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Onshore wind during the monsoon can make waves messy.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Slow
- Ride Length
- Short
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil) in the full forecast view.
Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–9 ktsGusts 12 kts
- Direction
- NE41°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 279 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.6 m5s period
- Temperature
- 26–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 12 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.3–0.6 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Choppy currents on windy days
- Monsoon rough seas during November–March
- Heavy boat traffic in the bay (longtails/water taxis) and moored boats near shore
- Submerged rocks and coral at bay edges
- Swimmers and snorkelers present in-water
- Strong currents during monsoon season pulling toward open sea
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated coastguard base on the islands; emergency assistance is mainly provided by Marine Park rangers or local boatmen.
- Emergency Info
- Medical clinics are available on the island; serious injuries may require transport to the mainland (e.g., Kuala Besut or Kota Bharu). Emergency number: 999.
Rules of the spot
Follow local regulations regarding marine life and trash (Perhentian Islands Marine Park).
- Island access/restrictions during November–March due to rough seas
- Restricted areas near swimming zones
- Marine Park entry fees may apply
- Boat crossings and sea conditions can be very rough in bad monsoon weather; transfers may be suspended.
- Be extremely cautious of longtail boats constantly moving in and out of the bay.
- Current can be challenging if it’s a windy day.
- Bring mosquito repellent.
- Headlamp can be useful for storms at dusk.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kuala Trengganu, Kota Bahru
- Nearest Town
- Kuala Besut
- Nearest Airport
- Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) (~50 km from the jetty); also referenced: Kuala Terengganu Airport (TGG) (~70 km).
- Parking
- Parking available at Kuala Besut jetty; long-term parking is available at private lots around the jetty.
- Public Transport
- Limited broader public transport; speedboat access from Kuala Besut jetty.
- Access
- Fly to Kuala Trengganu or Kota Bahru, then taxi to Kuala Besut (about 1 hour), followed by a speedboat transfer to Perhentian Kecil (about 30-45 minutes).
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Malay
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Direct — Accommodation options are located directly on/along Long Beach and nearby areas.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and beach cafes/bars are available for tourists and backpackers.
- Equipment Rental:
- General watersports rentals exist, while wind-sport-specific rental is described as virtually non-existent; some snorkeling/diving gear rental is widely available.
- Gear Storage
- Limited/occasional informal storage via dive centers/resorts; no dedicated facilities described.
- Gear Repair
- No wind-sport-specific professional repair facilities described; bring your own repair kits.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A protected area offering world-class snorkeling and diving among coral reefs.
A hiking trail leading to panoramic views of the islands and turquoise sea.
Dozens of dive sites including wrecks and coral pinnacles with turtles and reef sharks.
Nature trails connecting different beaches through the dense island interior.
Visits to protected nesting sites and snorkeling with green sea turtles.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil)?
The best overall months at Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil) are January, February, March, December.
Which wind directions work at Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil)?
Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil) works with NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m².
What skill level is Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil) suitable for?
Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.