Surf Perhentian (Provided to SAYS)
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Aiming to attract tourists to the island during the low season, Surf Perhentian is a surf camp and festival that is held twice a year in November and March.
While the Northeast Monsoon usually deters people from travelling (and this is accompanied by closure of the island’s resorts and shops for a few months from October to March), we learnt that the consistent rain and strong winds actually turn the island into the perfect surfer’s playground.
The event, which started in 2021, hopes to entice people to make the most of the island’s swells and point breaks, while generating income for island operators during the low periods.
It also doesn’t hurt to grow the local surf community!
The event organisers, Persatuan Pengusaha Pelancongan Pulau Perhentian (5P), said Long Beach is an excellent spot to learn to surf.
The shallow seabed means students learn in waist-deep water, so it feels safe and easy.
The beach break also produces consistent one to three feet-high waves that are great for freshies.
Meanwhile, advanced surfers can enjoy higher waves and longer rides farther out at sea.
Your non-surfing friends and family (or those who need a break from flopping off of surfboards all day) can also chill on the beach, play volleyball and frisbee, join a relaxing class of yoga, or take a leisurely hike up to Windmill Point for an amazing view of the island.
In the evening, participants are encouraged to join their beach clean-up to help restore the island’s pristine environment.
At night, there are fire shows, giveaways, and dance parties for islanders to kick back, relax, and enjoy at the end of a full day at sea.