Shabandar (Kampung Bolong)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Empty
- Crowd Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Shabandar (Kampung Bolong) is an exposed sandy beach break with quite reliable surf. It’s described as producing both left and right waves over a sandy bottom, with hollow, fast, and powerful characteristics—while still being approachable for beginners. Surf typically starts working around 1.0 to 1.5 m and can build to larger sizes holding up to about 4 m+. Sources also note normal ride lengths are generally short (under 50 m), but on better days the wave can offer longer, more enjoyable sessions (reported around 150 to 300 m) and a better chance of finding extended runs. Wind is most consistently associated with the southeast direction, with the best month reported as December. A separate report also describes the broader monsoon wind regime for the area (Northeast monsoon typically being the most reliable from November to March), and notes that afternoon sea-breeze influence can occasionally reinforce winds. Safety is a key consideration: rips/undertow are explicitly flagged, and additional hazards reported include jellyfish and occasional driftwood after heavy rain. The spot is often empty, so it’s recommended to bring a buddy, and general beach safety should be followed; rescue/lifeguard support is not reported as dedicated at the location.
- Exposed beach break with reliable surf and both left/right waves
- Quite reliable conditions around December
- Commonly empty lineup
- Exposed sandy beach break with quite reliable surf
- Often uncrowded/empty weekdays and weekends
- Works at all tides and can produce longer rides on good days
- Rips and undertow are reported hazards
- No lifeguards reported
- Jellyfish and driftwood risk depending on conditions
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE
- Offshore directions
- ESE
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing SE monsoon-driven wind; best wind direction reported as southeast.
- Reliability
- fairly consistent (47% blown pct)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady (no strong gust categorization beyond that).
- Best Months
- December
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — One source describes small waves; another describes medium wave size. Working swell starts at about 1.0–1.5 m and holds to 4 m+.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Chop described; additionally wind/swell interaction can vary with monsoon phase.
- Launch
- Medium — Long, wide sandy beach with space for setup and entry; instant access on foot (< 5 minutes) reported.
Through the year
Generally empty or very low crowd year-round; empty weekdays and weekends reported.
October to December (monsoon season brings rain but best surf was also noted).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed sandy beach break with quite reliable surf. Works best around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold up to 4 m+. Produces both left and right waves.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works at all tides (reported as all-tides).
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open/exposed beach break.
- Wind Effect
- Cross-shore / offshore grooming depending on wind direction (SE winds groom; NE winds bring primary swell).
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold substantial size up to about 4 m+ and become more powerful/hollow on larger swell.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality reported as good.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as powerful (with another source describing moderate power).
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow waves reported; also described as fast and powerful.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast peeling/peel reported; one source also describes medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Short — Normal rides short (< 50 m); good days can extend to roughly 150–300 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal length short (< 50 m). Good day length can be 150 to 300 m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Shabandar (Kampung Bolong) in the full forecast view.
Shabandar (Kampung Bolong) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–7 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- NNW331°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 247 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.6 m6s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Shabandar (Kampung Bolong) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.2–0.6 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Rips and undertow
- Jellyfish
- Driftwood (after heavy rain)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional context indicates limited rescue availability; no dedicated rescue service reported at the spot.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services are reachable via 999; nearest medical facilities are in Tuaran town (also referenced as Hospital Tuaran).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Public access; no specific restrictions reported. Follow general beach safety and be respectful of any local fishing activities.
- Caution advised for rips and undertow in certain conditions
- Spot is often empty—bring a buddy for safety
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kota Belud
- Nearest Town
- Kampung Bolong
- Parking
- Ample parking near beach access points was reported; otherwise parking details not specified.
- Access
- Instant access (< 5 min on foot) reported; reaching the area may require a car (about 45-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu was reported).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Malay
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Resorts and guesthouses in the Tuaran and Dalit Bay area were reported; also described as nearby-town.
- Food & Drink
- Local food stalls and small restaurants available near the beach entrance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surf rental might be available via mobile operators/shops; regional context indicates equipment rental is generally available through local schools/clubs.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Shabandar (Kampung Bolong)?
The best overall months at Shabandar (Kampung Bolong) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are December.
Which wind directions work at Shabandar (Kampung Bolong)?
Shabandar (Kampung Bolong) works with ESE winds. Offshore directions are ESE.
What skill level is Shabandar (Kampung Bolong) suitable for?
Shabandar (Kampung Bolong) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.