Kiteboarding spot Balok beach (kuantan), Malaysia
Posted on 16. Apr, 2010 by admin in Kite spots
Location:
south east asia, Malaysia
Balok beach is about 15km north of Kuantan and is a paradise for avid wind-surfers. Most of the activities revolve around the many international class resorts and hotels located at the beach, forming the perfect getaway for visitors to the East Coast of the Peninsular.
Water is brown color because of the waves churning the sand at the bottom. NE swells are messy and make it difficult for beginners close to seashore. Anyhow is a great place to learn kiteboarding or windsurfing with SE winds (Jun-Sep): very wide sandy beach at low tide, no worries when launching/landing. The sea is safe because no matter what happen you will end downwind at the beach in worst case, perhaps you will need a beach bike ride from the local to where you start from.
Wind is normally gusty and season is not consistent in terms of daily continued kiting, but the environment is safe. No booties necessary.
Choppy sea when wind is 15 knots or more.
Directions:
• Air: fly into kuala lumpur city in malaysia. its a 3 hour drive by car from there, or take a connecting flight on malaysian airlines. It will only take 25 minutes to arrive to Kuantan airport. A taxi ride to balok beach will take 25 minutes from the airport.
• From Kuantan: towards Kemaman, Terengganu.
Beach rules:
do not kite in front of crowded beach area; kiting front of beach resorts such as duta village resort and swiss garden resort may be at risk to the kiter and the public.
Wind details:
• Wind: best months from Dec-March (NE monsoon) with winds occasionally up to 20 knots (normally around 12 knots), and from Jun-Aug with SW lighter side-onshore winds (8-12 kts) suitable for big kites. • Weather: temperatures are always 28°C average. Very warm water. During the NE monsoon (Nov-Mar) weather is cloudy and overcast with little sun and temperature drops to 25°C or less because of the Siberian wind from the north (wetsuit if you come from hot countries). During the SE (June to September), called also second monsoon, air temperature is hotter.
Day activities:
Balok Beach is a comfortable and relaxing sandy beach. It is suitable to relax on the golden sands, play volleyball and various other ground activities. It’s waters are suitable for snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, skiing, sunbathing, surfing or sailing.