OAG NEPAL

South-East Asia is the perfect spot to enjoy a variety of water sports. Whether you’re staying in a 5 star Bali hotel or in a rented bungalow on an island in Thailand, the swimmers, surfers and sailors of the world can enjoy a variety of water activities.

Sailing and Boating

With most of South-East Asia being peninsulas and islands, it’s become a popular spot for sailors and boaters of all levels of experience. You can rent a sailboat in Thailand and go down to Bali; you can access the most remote parts of Bali with a motorboat; you can sail along the quiet coast of Vietnam and visit its thousands of beach-rimmed islands.

Go off the beaten track and sail along the coast of Brunei, a small country near Malaysia. The coastal parks are renowned for their beauty. Many companies and charters will organize a trip for your needs and budget.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Great diving sites in south-east Asia can be hard to access, but good divers usually don’t mind suffering a little to get the best diving experience. The whole region is filled with fascinating marine life, and each country has its specialties. Here are some highlights:

• Deep diving is best in the Philippines
• Beginner sites or diving training are easy to find in Thailand
• Shipwreck sites abound in the Philippines, especially in Coron Bay
• Coral dives are accessible throughout the region but are best in Malaysia and Indonesia
• Wildlife is interesting everywhere, but is most so in the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia

No matter your experience level (and even if you have none), you can find your perfect diving spot in south-east Asia.

Fishing

Fishing is becoming increasingly popular in south-east Asian destinations. You can fly-fish in the quiet mountain rivers and valley lakes of Thailand and Vietnam, or rent a boat and go deep-sea fishing off the coast of the Philippines. All you need is your favourite fishing gear and a guide to the best fishing spots in the region.

Surfing, Water-Skiing and Water-Boarding

It’s no secret: South-East Asia has some of the best surfing beaches in the world. Bali, especially, is a favourite of experienced surfers looking for the biggest, longest waves this side of California. Indonesia in general is the most popular surfing spot, but Thailand has gained some followers in the last few years. The waves aren’t as high or as long in Thailand, but it’s perfect for beginners or for those who aren’t looking for high-thrills surf.

Water-skiers, -boarders and kite-surfers aren’t left behind in South-East Asia. The Philippines and Thailand have highly developed water sports resorts available for newcomers, intermediate and experienced alike. Schools abound where you can learn from scratch or perfect your skills.

Some resort accommodations offer water sports packages for surf or water-ski lovers. But don’t be afraid to organize your own trip. There’s plenty of time to visit many beaches and countries, so don’t limit yourself to one or two.