9 Water Sports You Must Try in Malaysia and Where to Enjoy Them
One of the reasons Malaysia is frequently visited by adventure-seekers is its wide array of water sports. From Langkawi to the Perhentian Islands (and more), the country’s beautiful beaches are ideal for both laid-back and thrilling experiences.
I’ve also dabbled in some of these activities during several nature getaways, so even though I’m not an expert, I can recommend the best water sports in Malaysia. The question is: where are the best spots that offer them?
To help you and your loved ones have the best summer getaway, we dove into some of the best places to try water sports in Malaysia. From diving to kayaking, jet skiing, and more, you’ll find something here to your liking, so keep on reading!
Scuba Diving at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
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Address: Sipadan Kapalai Island
Contact details: +60 89-765 200
Cost (Klook):
- 4 Days 3 Nights:
- Locals: RM2,615
- Foreigners: RM3,760
- 3 Days 2 Nights:
- Locals: RM3,070
- Foreigners: RM4,465
There are multiple reasons why Sipadan Island is number one on the bucket list of countless diving enthusiasts. For starters, it sits at what locals tout as the “Amazon of the Seas”, where pristine marine biodiversity is at its best.
Local guides say that you can encounter over 3,000 species of marine animals and corals in this body of water during your dives. Some of the most notable ones include large species like barracudas, reef sharks, and our favourite, hawksbill turtles, which come in dozens!
Also, due to the cerulean waters’ pristine conditions, you’ll have full visibility (weather permitting) while scuba diving! These views, paired with Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort’s suites and complete amenities, make for an adventurous and lavish experience.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly diving spot in Malaysia, we recommend checking out Tioman Island. It offers affordable accommodation options as well as diving packages for multiple days that won’t break the bank.
Snorkelling at Pulau Payar Marine Park
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Address: Kompleks EB Adina Peksn Baru Baron Kuah
Contact details: +60 13-350 1205
Cost:
- Unlimited Snorkelling:
- Locals: RM299 (adults), RM249 (children)
- Foreigners: RM339 (adults), RM289 (children)
- Fun Dive:
- Locals: RM415
- Foreigners: RM445
- Introductory Course + Unlimited Snorkelling:
- Locals: RM420
- Foreigners: RM460
Pulau Payar Marine Park is one of the premier snorkelling spots in Langkawi, or Malaysia, for that matter. A huge factor is its beautifully vibrant coral beds, which are teeming with marine life, from clownfish to parrotfish, butterfly fish, and more.
One of the main highlights here, however, is the shallow and clear waters where visitors can admire blacktip reef sharks. If you’re too scared to admire them (like me), you can head to the common zone, where you can find turtles, rabbitfish, and even lionfish!
Our favourite thing about Pulau Payar Marine Park is its in-depth packages, like the unlimited dive package, which consists of a lunch, round-trip boat transfers, and all the gear you need. Plus, the expert diver guides here are extremely kind and welcoming to newcomers.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a lavish stay in Langkawi’s mainland that will grant you unlimited access to the beach, check out The St. Regis Langkawi!
Jet Skiing at Pantai Cenang
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Address: Beach by Dataran Cenang
Contact details: +60 11-7267 5603
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost:
- Bronze: RM550
- Silver: RM700
- Gold: RM800
- Platinum: RM999
- Luxury Bronze: RM1,199
- Luxury Gold: RM1,699
Jet skiing is perfect for those looking for a more adrenaline-inducing water sport in Malaysia, and for this need, look no further than Langkawi! With its vast and beautiful waters, it’s the ultimate playground for riding high-speed machines!
There are tons of jet ski rentals and operators on the island, but we recommend Red Ray because of their in-depth packages and checkpoints. For instance, their cheapest package, Bronze, already features three checkpoints and even includes eagle feeding!
We also love how they offer free drone videos for both the silver and gold packages to capture cinematic clips of clients ripping through the waves. Most importantly, all their packages include insurance, pickup services, licenses, waterproof bags, and beach shoes!
Pro tip:
You can also pair your thrilling ride with something more relaxing with their jet ski + sunset cruise package! This package includes free-flowing drinks, a BBQ buffet dinner, sunset viewing, and a jacuzzi!
Whitewater Rafting at Kiulu River
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Address: Jalan Tamparuli Kiulu
Contact details: +60 13-808 2266
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: $
Whitewater Rafting is another exciting watersport, but this time, you’ll be working with other people. Teamwork is essential in this activity, as the rapids of the Kiulu River can easily make you go overboard if you don’t paddle in synchronisation, but hey, that’s part of the fun!
Believe it or not, however, the Kiulu River is considered a beginner-friendly rafting destination, often being the starting point for beginners. What makes it a great option is its scenic surroundings and length, stretching up to 15 kilometres, allowing for a longer experience.
The river itself is one of the clearest in Malaysia that also allos whitewater rafting. Lastly, it’s great location-wise, as it’s only a short drive away from Kota Kinabalu.
Pro tip:
Check out their official Instagram page before booking your slots! This is where they post their promotions like Back to School, Father’s Day, etc.
Kayaking at Kilim Geoforest Park
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Address: Kilim Geoforest Park, Jetty, Kilim
Contact details: +60 19-250 7966
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost (Klook):
- Morning session: RM570/2 pax
- Afternoon session: RM590/2 pax
Malaysia doesn’t just feature vast open seas, but it also houses winding mangroves that are worth exploring—case in point, Kilim Geoforest Park. You can choose to explore these via boat tours and jet skis, but personally, kayaking is the way to go because of its peacefulness.
There are countless tour providers that offer this experience, and they’re all worth checking out because they virtually offer the same packages. No matter which one you choose, you can expect to spot interesting creatures like sea eagles, mudskippers, crabs, and lizards.
Furthermore, you’ll be accompanied by a guide who will help you appreciate the ecology of this geoforest park. Some packages, like the one offered by LangkawiGo, also include a fish-feeding session in a bustling fish farm!
Pro tip:
Be sure to bring essentials like mosquito repellents, bottles of water, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to enjoy a more comfortable and memorable experience.
Parasailing at Batu Feringghi
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Address: No 11, Jalan Sungai Emas 2
Contact details: +60 12-499 5036
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost: Starts at RM130
Parasailing is great for those who want a mix of laid-back and thrilling, and the best part is that tons of beaches in the country offer it! One of the most remarkable ones, however, is Baru Ferringhi, with its beautiful teal waters as far as the eye can see and crystal clear skies.
In this activity, you and, usually, a plus one, will be strapped onto a parachute that’s also attached to a high-speed boat. Once the boat picks up its speed, you’ll start flying into the air, treating you to an unobstructed bird’s eye view of the beach and the ocean.
Pro tip:
We recommend checking out Ferringhi Sea Sports Co. because they offer other thrilling activities like banana boat rides.
Banana Boat at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru
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Address: No. 20, Jalan Aru
Contact details: +60 88-327 888
Cost: RM65
If you’re looking for a water sport that can give you that quick jolt of adrenaline, then riding a banana boat should be at the top of your list! This experience starts out as a high-speed ride attached to a jet ski and ends in a huge splash once the driver makes a quick turn.
Almost every famous beach in Malaysia has a banana boat provider on their premises, but Tanjung Aru is our favourite because of its vast area and beautiful pure sand. Plus, staying at Shangri-La is a whole other level of lavishness.
Aside from offering classy suites that feature modern hotel amenities, the resort doesn’t fall short on facilities as well. For instance, it offers an outdoor swimming pool as well as activities such as kitesurfing, sailing, windsurfing, and more!
Pro tip:
After a day filled with fun water activities, you can chill by the Sunset Bar and get some refreshing drinks while admiring the beautiful sunset!
Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Kota Kinabalu
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Address: Star Marina, Tanjung Aru
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
Cost (Borneo Paddle Monkeys):
- Beach: RM140 (RM120 if group is five pax or more)
- River: RM220
Stand-up paddleboarding is a great laid-back option if you want to explore the sea at your own pace. It offers a different type of serenity, especially when you start to distance yourself from the sand and start seeing glistening water from all directions.
Don’t worry, though, as a guide will accompany you—plus, these tours are usually done in groups, so you won’t be alone! We highly recommend trying this activity out during sunset, as it offers the most magical views and Instaworthy shots.
If you’re looking for a different type of exploration, however, you can also try stand-up paddleboarding at the Kiulu River. Here, you’ll be fully escorted as you make your way through the winding path along the mangroves.
Pro tip:
If it’s your first time stand-up paddleboarding, we recommend doing so during the morning sessions (right after sunrise). This is when the waves are at their calmest, making balancing easier and less nerve-wracking.
Kitesurfing at Cherating Beach
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Address: Jalan Kampung Cherating Lama
Contact details: +60 9-581 9134
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost:
- One-hour class: RM350
- Rental: RM200
Kitesurfing is like surfing, but with added elements of wakeboarding and paragliding. It offers the same thrill but with the addition of steering yourself using the wind currents against the kite.
We think that Cherating Beach is one of the best places to try this activity because, come August and September, the wind is ideal for smooth sailing. It also features both shallow and deep areas to cater to beginners and veterans alike.
Also, we recommend Kamsurf because of its in-depth lessons and expert guides. Their guides are former Quicksilver and Billabong riders, and they teach a plethora of water sports, including surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and more.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on mainly doing windsurfing and kite surfing, we recommend visiting from April to October. Meanwhile, surfing is best when done from November until March.