Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil)

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing foil
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
27–31 °C
Water Temperature
28–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: No wetsuit required
Crowds by Season

Very quiet during the windy monsoon months (November–March) when many resorts close; crowded from April to September.

Storm/Rain Season

November to March (Northeast Monsoon; most rain and high seas).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

FreerideWaveFreestyleFoil
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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.
SurfingSkill Level

Small, choppy beach-break conditions; not ideal outside the monsoon when conditions are milder.

Beach break
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
Forecast

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.

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestLeash

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).

Restrictions
  • Island access/restrictions during November–March due to rough seas
  • Restricted areas near swimming zones
  • Marine Park entry fees may apply
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Perhentian Marine Park0km

A protected area offering world-class snorkeling and diving among coral reefs.

Windmill Viewpoint2km

A hiking trail leading to panoramic views of the islands and turquoise sea.

Scuba Diving0.5km

Dozens of dive sites including wrecks and coral pinnacles with turtles and reef sharks.

Jungle Trekking1km

Nature trails connecting different beaches through the dense island interior.

Turtle Watching3km

Visits to protected nesting sites and snorkeling with green sea turtles.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.