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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginners
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • Rips and undertow are reported hazards
  • No lifeguards reported
  • Jellyfish and driftwood risk depending on conditions
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–30 °C
Water Temperature
24–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: Lycra / 1mm rash guard (regional)
Crowds by Season

Generally empty or very low crowd year-round; empty weekdays and weekends reported.

Storm/Rain Season

October to December (monsoon season brings rain but best surf was also noted).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Beach break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

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

  • Rips and undertow
  • Jellyfish
  • Driftwood (after heavy rain)
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeash

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.