6 Paddleboarding Spots in Malaysia With the Calmest Waters
Paddleboarding is one of my favourite ways to experience zen during my much-needed nature getaways in Malaysia. Something about the calm waters and being in control of the vessel makes me at one with nature, which is an excellent break from my hustle and bustle.
Fortunately, there are tons of spots in Malaysia to try paddleboarding, from beaches to parks, remote islands and everything in between. Furthermore, they also serve as amazing tropical getaways for the summer, making it a win-win!
So, whether you’re looking to cool down during the summer or you’re simply looking to relax amidst nature, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover our favourite paddleboarding spots in Malaysia (+ tips!)
Tanjung Rhu – H2Ocean (Stand Up and Paddle)
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Address: Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi
Contact details: +60 17-403 7193
Rates: RM200+
Tanjung Rhu is one of the most beautiful and serene beaches in Malaysia, so it makes sense that it’s also among the best paddleboarding spots. The beach’s calm waters make it a viable option for this activity—plus, being surrounded by cerulean waters is a huge bonus.
There are numerous paddleboarding providers at the beach, with H2Ocean being one of the most popular options. They offer paddle packages for up to three hours (including lessons), which you’re free to use anywhere you’d like in the vicinity.
Lastly, we also recommend trying this activity in Tanjung Aru because of the plethora of other activities you can try before or after paddling. These range from swimming to snorkelling, hiking, beach volleyball, etc.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to stay overnight on the island, the best place you can stay is Tanjung Rhu Resort. It’s a five-star hotel that offers beautiful and spacious rooms and best of all, it’s located near the beach!
Putrajaya Lake – Lake Recreation Centre
– Media credit: lrcputrajaya
Address: Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya
Contact details: +60 13-262 8857
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rates:
- Weekday: RM10
- Weekend: RM15
Putrajaya Lake should be on your Kuala Lumpur itinerary if you don’t want to leave the capital but still want to experience a nature getaway. It offers a peaceful oasis amidst the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, and coincidentally, it offers paddleboarding!
Thanks to the Lake Recreation Centre, visitors can enjoy paddleboarding on the calm waters of the lake and admire the surrounding lush greenery. They offer hourly rentals, complete with all the equipment you need and a quick tutorial.
Moreover, Lake Recreation Centre offers other water activities like kayaking, fishing, and paddle boating. Meanwhile, you can opt for ATV riding if you’re looking to stay dry or just want something more adrenaline-inducing.
Pro tip:
While you’re here, stop by Putrajaya’s Secret Garden to find one of the most Insta-worthy spots in the city. We especially recommend visiting this place at night, as it lights up with vibrant neon lights.
Perhentian Islands – Alunan Resort
– Media credit: alunanresort
Address: Petani Beach Perhentian Island Kecil
Contact details: +60 16-448 8297
Operating hours: Daily from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Rates: RM600 per night (paddleboarding and other water activities included)
The Perhentian Islands have some of the most beautiful and pristine waters in all of Malaysia, so it’s a no-brainer destination for water activities like paddleboarding. For this, we recommend checking out Alunan Resort because of its all-inclusive packages.
When you book an overnight stay at their resort, you’ll be granted access to all of their excursions, like kayaking, boat rides, and of course, paddleboarding. They also have cool and fun instructors on their team, which immediately makes their lessons digestible.
Aside from these fun activities, their overnight stays include endless meals and bottomless drinks at their in-house restaurant and bar. Their bar is a must-visit for those who love sunsets, as it offers the best view of the golden hour, being situated directly on the shore.
Pro tip:
Book your stay through the resort’s official website to check out exclusive deals and discounts! They’ll sometimes offer promo rates as high as 30% off their accommodations, which is a steal!
Semporna – Dayang Resort
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Address: 91308 Semporna
Contact details: +60 12-321 3544
If you want to pair your paddleboarding experience with a relaxing staycation, then Dayang Resort should be on your radar! This place is the closest thing you can get to The Maldives without leaving the country (or even better), with its floating chalets.
Our favourite thing about paddleboarding here is their unique transparent board, which lets you admire the crystal-clear waters below. Moreover, these boards are lined with LED lights, so paddling at night turns into a whole different experience.
Aside from paddleboarding, you can also enjoy other water activities like kayaking, scuba diving, and island hopping when you stay at this resort. Meanwhile, you can just chill by the terrace of your chalets and watch the sun go down if you’re simply looking to relax.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting with your partner, you can arrange a nice and romantic candle-lit dinner under the stars. As for the meal itself, you and your loved one will be feasting on fresh seafood, which is fitting because you’ll have a view of the sea from your table!
Tanjung Aru – Head North Paddle
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Address: First Beach, Jalan Tanjung Aru
Contact details: +60 17-583 2156
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Rates: RM130
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, it’s almost a requirement to check out Tanjung Aru, as it’s one of the most beautiful attractions in the city. Because of the stunning ocean as far as the eye can see, it’s the perfect paddleboarding destination to admire breathtaking views.
With Head North Paddle, you can either choose to stand up and paddle during sunrise or sunset. Either way, you’re in for a fun treat, as the paddleboard is yours for three whole hours, and you’ll be on an adventure with a group of other paddlers!
While you’re here, you can also explore Tanjung Aru’s waters and witness its bustling marine life up close through snorkelling and scuba diving! If you’re looking for something more exciting, you can check out Head North Paddle’s whitewater rafting activity at the nearby Kiulu River.
Pro tip:
You can stay at Shangri La Tanjung Aru if you think that the beach’s activities will take you more than a day to enjoy. This hotel is also great for those looking to experience a lavish beachfront getaway thanks to its luxurious amenities and bayside location.
Kiulu River – Borneo Paddle Monkeys
– Media credit: borneopaddlemonkeys
Address: TAME Centre, Across Kota Kinabalu Yacht Club
Contact details: +60 17-817 2001
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Monday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Rates: RM220 per person
Kiulu River is a fantastic option if you’re tired of the open waters and want a bit more challenge in terms of maneuvering. Borneo Paddle Monkeys offers one of the best paddleboarding packages on this river, mainly due to their experienced and certified team.
This adventure welcomes paddleboarders of all levels, as the team will go on the trip with you right after giving you a detailed rundown of the route. Moreover, they’ll provide you with the basics of paddleboarding itself and offer protective gear, such as life jackets and helmets.
Kiulu River also offers a different kind of view, which mostly consists of lush mangroves. It’s a far cry from the open waters of islands and beaches, but its 5 km span and vibrant greenery is a welcome break from the norm.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on opting for Borneo Paddle Monkey’s beach paddleboarding instead, we recommend choosing the sunrise trip. This generally means better weather and visibility of marine life in Tanjung Aru’s crystal clear waters.