Where to fish in Malaysia? I wanted to list the top 10 fishing spots in Malaysia but thought I better leave that open for continuous future updates as destination popularity come and go, catch-rates go up and down.
By not listing a “Top 10” there is the flexibility of adding new spots if they become available. I hope you find this guide useful.
All featured spots are places we have fished at and are familiar with. There are probably other fishing spots that may be good but are not listed.
But first, is fishing license in Malaysia a requirement?
Recreational fishing does not require any license in Malaysia. However, permits or a fee may be needed for some areas such as state or national parks.
*If you want to have a location featured here, please leave a comment below or contact us.
Here are our top picks in alphabetical order.
Empangan Air Kuning (EAK)
(Stocked freshwater fishing pond-with a difference!)
- Fish species: Pacu (primary), jelawat (mad barb), giant snakehead.
- Catch and Release only
- Lure, fly fishing and bait fishing allowed.
- Distance from KLIA: 50 km
- Distance from KL city center: 36 km
Why is this a top spot?
- One of the best place to catch pacu in KL.
- A rainforest in the city! That’s how we’d describe EAK as it’s located deep in a rainforest reserve and within the national botanical gardens.
Getting there: The only public transportation is taxi or ride-hailing. Get a park-entry ticket upon arrival and find your way to the pond (Hint: Not the easiest thing to do always). Fishing fee is payable at the pond to the operator.
Tip: Having a guide will likely save you a lot of hassle.
Fishing Buddies Pond
(Stocked saltwater fishing pond)
- Catch and Release only
- Lure and fly fishing. “Controlled” bait fishing allowed.
- Fish species: Grouper, giant trevally, barramundi, mangrove jack.
- Distance from KLIA: 39 km
- Distance from KL city center: 78 km
Why is this a top spot?
Well-stocked ponds although may not be easy to fool. “Guaranteed catch” under their happy-hour scheme. Healthy-strong fish.
Convenient if you are close to KLIA.
See posts of fishing in Fishing Buddies
Jugra Saltwater Fishing Pond
(Stocked saltwater fishing pond)
- Catch and Release only
- Lure and fly fishing. No bait fishing allowed.
- Fish species: Redfish/red drum, barramundi, grouper, gt
- Distance from KLIA: 43 km
- Distance from KL city center: 63 km
Why is this a top spot?
Nearly never fails to produce catch. Barramundi are most willing. Variety of species in different ponds.
See posts about Jugra Catch & Release Pond
Kuala Rompin
Sailfish capital of Asia. Inshore/offshore saltwater fishing.
No surprise why Rompin is listed here. Arguably the most renowned fishing destination in Malaysia that many big game anglers from around the world are aware of.
- Bait, bottom, lure, fly fishing.
- Fish species: Indo-pacific sailfish, marlin, giant trevally, cobia, queenfish, other tropical saltwater species.
- Distance from KLIA: 270 km
- Distance from KL city center: 300 km
Why is this a top spot?
Among the top international big game sport fishing destinations. Also known as the sailfish capital of Asia. Affordable fishing for what you are getting.
If you’re in Malaysia, in the region, or planning a trip to this part of the world, you should definitely take the opportunity to go sailfish fishing in Rompin.
Tip: A lot of operators here. Due to competition some make all sort of claims. Do your homework.
More about sailfish fishing in Kuala Rompin.
Langkawi Island
(saltwater inshore fishing)
- Lure, fly fishing, bait fishing
- Fish species: Seasonal record size ladyfish (giant herring), juvenile gt, and other tropical species.
- Distance from KLIA: 413 km by air
Why is this a top spot?
Beautiful island destination. Great for an island holiday destination, too.
LS Fishing Pond
(Stocked saltwater fishing pond)
- Catch and Release only
- Lure, fly fishing, bait fishing allowed.
- Fish species: Large saltwater fish species such as grouper, giant grouper, giant trevally, barramundi, mangrove jack, golden snapper.
- Distance from KLIA: 42 km
- Distance from KL city center: 57 km
Why is this a top spot?
Variety of saltwater species. Not difficult to catch fish. Giant grouper fishing experience guaranteed.
See posts about LS Fishing Pond
Natural Exotic Fish Fishing Pond (NEFFP) aka Exotic Pond
(Stocked freshwater fishing pond)
- Catch and Release only
- Lure and fly fishing. “Controlled” bait fishing allowed.
- Fish species: Variety of large exotic fish species e.g. chaophraya catfish, Mekong catfish, amazon redtail catfish, pacu, and more
- Distance from KLIA: 133 km
- Distance from KL city center: 88 km
Why is this a top spot?
Huge exotic fish species. Well stocked.
Located in Behrang, this pond offers anglers the opportunity to catch exotic species they’d otherwise not encounter in the local waters.
Pulau Jarak (Jarak island)
Offshore saltwater fishing from boat.
- Lures, popping, jigging, bottom/bait fishing.
- Fish species: Giant trevally, snappers, other tropical saltwater fish
- Distance from KLIA: 273 km
- Distance from KL city center: 230 km
Why is this a top spot?
A popular saltwater destination amongst some local anglers popping and jigging for giant trevally and others.
Tasik Prima (Prima Lake)
Urban lake fishing for peacock bass
- Boat based lures, fly fishing, bottom/bait fishing.
- Fish species: Peacock bass (primarily), giant snakehead
- Distance from KLIA: 35 km
- Distance from KL city center: 29 km
Why is this a top spot?
Fairly convenient for city dwellers. Most accessible peacock bass fishing spot in KL.
See posts of peacock bass fishing in Malaysia
Royal Belum Temenggor (Air Ganda / Beris Lake / Kenyir Lake)
Boat based lure, fly and bait fishing.
- Fish species: Toman (Giant snakehead), sebarau (hampala barb aka jungle perch), giant guorami.
- Distance from KLIA: 420 km
- Distance from KL city center: 370 km
Why is this a top spot?
Royal Belum and Temenggor in the state of Perak lake are some of main fishing spots for giant snakehead in Malaysia. Air Ganda also in Perak, Beris lake in Kedah and Kenyir lake in Pahang are also popular destinations.
More about fishing in Royal Belum Temenggor lake
Sabah
River fishing for mahseer, sebarau (picture above), brackish water fishing for Borneo black bass, barramundi, mangrove jack, and other estuarine fish, and inshore saltwater fishing.
- Capital and main airport: Kota Kinabalu
- Location: North of Borneo island
Why is this a top spot?
Sabah is famous for its scenery and nature. Also well known for Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks of Southeast Asia, the orang-utan, Pygmy elephants, Danum Valley, Kinabatangan River and proboscis monkey. The state also has good river conservations.
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If you have questions or need more information about fishing in Malaysia, leave a comment below or contact us.
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