Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay
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4.0
437 reviews
Excellent
224
Very good
131
Average
39
Poor
21
Terrible
22
Donna S
29 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
whilst all the restaurants/ shop people are lovely the place itself is over run by predominantly young Israelites.
Sadly very little respect for anyone and definitely no respect for locals or their customs. Surf at the moment is mediocre at best. .but you can't control the weather. This is my second time here. whilst there are some awesome new cafes... I wish them well. It's not for us now and won't be returning.
Sadly very little respect for anyone and definitely no respect for locals or their customs. Surf at the moment is mediocre at best. .but you can't control the weather. This is my second time here. whilst there are some awesome new cafes... I wish them well. It's not for us now and won't be returning.
Written 20 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brana
Trebnje, Slovenia72 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
A long coastal town spread out along the sea and beaches. I can say that Arugam Bay is a very relaxed surfer town, I could say that it pulls on the hippie scene. They have beautiful beaches, excellent spots for surfing, near the Yalaa Park and get to the other. We were there during the season, it was happening every day, you have beach parties, restaurants with excellent food... Don't be surprised if you see people walking barefoot around town with a surfboard under their arms and a smile on their face, this is Arugam bay
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
544max
Colombo, Sri Lanka2 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
As I read here there are many people having had trouble renting a board at Hasan surfshop so I decided also to share my experience. Seems to be Hasan's business strategy to charge people extrem high prices for board repair in case of damage to a rented board. I was charged 3000 for a 1 cm scratch and my friend 7000 for a small cut as well. When we tried to negociate he became very agressive saying that if we dont pay now we should repair it on our own and if the board wasnt ready the next morning he would charge an extra day board rental. He did not even want to give the passport back in the end. There are many otherboard shops so dont rent your board at this location! You are never sure not to damage a rented board and hasan will try to make you pay even for superficial scratches. He also tried to charge a guy in my hostel for a damage that was done by another person before who also had already payed for it. Just mind this shop to keep free from trouble!
Written 5 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
835chuckieh
South Africa98 contributions
June 2016
If you like over crowded breaks, local surfers who have no concept of surf culture or etiquette, learners with Mini-Mals sitting at the peak bailing their boards, reef cuts that get infected from disgusting bacteria ridden water and the fattest laziest wave you'll ever surf, then Arugam Bay may just be the spot for you.
On my first night arriving at my hotel I was offered Marijuana and Cocaine and if that was not enough of a shock, the all night parties on the beach with thumping dance music that goes on until 7am in the morning (despite only a few locals remaining) sure did the trick.
Its hard to find anything good to say about Arugam Bay, other than that the food is cheap and there are some genuinely nice locals (those that don't surf or operate in the local Tuk Tuk mafia).
Take my advice if you have any sense between your ears, take your hard earned money and spend it on another country and go somewhere decent, this place is overrated and a complete crap hole to surf.
On my first night arriving at my hotel I was offered Marijuana and Cocaine and if that was not enough of a shock, the all night parties on the beach with thumping dance music that goes on until 7am in the morning (despite only a few locals remaining) sure did the trick.
Its hard to find anything good to say about Arugam Bay, other than that the food is cheap and there are some genuinely nice locals (those that don't surf or operate in the local Tuk Tuk mafia).
Take my advice if you have any sense between your ears, take your hard earned money and spend it on another country and go somewhere decent, this place is overrated and a complete crap hole to surf.
Written 6 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SunMountains111
Colombo3 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Hasan Surf House in Arugum Bay charged me 9,000 rupees for damage to a surfboard. When I said that was way too expensive he started threatening me. When I said I would go to the police he threatened me even more ... saying it would cost me much more and that he know how to get money from me because he is Sri Lankan. When I appealed to the Australian owner of the shop he just cursed at me and said he does not deal with people he let's his manager do that (threat and extort). Please be careful.
BTW, the prices for food and lodging are way too expensive for what you get there.
BTW, the prices for food and lodging are way too expensive for what you get there.
Written 2 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare F
London, England, United Kingdom3 contributions
June 2012 • Friends
I travelled from Colombo - Negombo - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains - Arugam Bay(stopping in Ella for the fantastic view!) - Galle - Yala National Park (Overnight safari) - Galle - Colombo in 16 days. (I spent one whole week in Galle though)
Things I would HIGHLY recommend:
- Taking the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - I could have stayed on it all day - the view was INCREDIBLE!
-Stopping in Ella - but you really only need a stop for lunch to appreciate the stunning views.
- Staying at 'Hideaway' in Arugam Bay. BY FAR the best place I stayed on this trip (apart from my friend's Villa in Galle - but unless we have the same friend you won't find anywhere more welcoming/clean/friendly and helpful as this place. On a travellers budget, of course. Although saying that I did stay in some high end hotels and I still would put 'Hideaway' up there!) We had an air conditioned room, which was perfect. The staff were so very friendly (not overly so though - afterall, I am English! ;-)). The food was excellent! It is run by a Sri Lankan lady who appears to know exactly what the good things in life are. Somewhere chilled to relax, clean and with great service. I am a real foodie, so that fresh food was a real hit for me. She also gave us some excellent tips.
-Safari - we saw a leopard - I was over the moon! This however can be really hit and miss.
I drew on quite a lot of reviews before I went travelling so wanted to provide something vaguely useful too.
If I were to do this trip again I would probably miss out Negombo and spend a bit more time in the Hill Country. I enjoy a good view and a nice beach and this holiday had exactly that.
In a bid to manage your expectations however be ware that Sri Lanka is not easy to travel around. The best way is to hire a driver. But you do need to haggle. This is an expensive way to travel, and often hair-raising - apparently the best time to over take on the road in Sri Lanka is on a corner!!
Try:
Hoppers
String Hoppers
anything coconut related
all curries
Fruit on the train
Beware:
Street food (just take extra precaution)
Enjoy!
Things I would HIGHLY recommend:
- Taking the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - I could have stayed on it all day - the view was INCREDIBLE!
-Stopping in Ella - but you really only need a stop for lunch to appreciate the stunning views.
- Staying at 'Hideaway' in Arugam Bay. BY FAR the best place I stayed on this trip (apart from my friend's Villa in Galle - but unless we have the same friend you won't find anywhere more welcoming/clean/friendly and helpful as this place. On a travellers budget, of course. Although saying that I did stay in some high end hotels and I still would put 'Hideaway' up there!) We had an air conditioned room, which was perfect. The staff were so very friendly (not overly so though - afterall, I am English! ;-)). The food was excellent! It is run by a Sri Lankan lady who appears to know exactly what the good things in life are. Somewhere chilled to relax, clean and with great service. I am a real foodie, so that fresh food was a real hit for me. She also gave us some excellent tips.
-Safari - we saw a leopard - I was over the moon! This however can be really hit and miss.
I drew on quite a lot of reviews before I went travelling so wanted to provide something vaguely useful too.
If I were to do this trip again I would probably miss out Negombo and spend a bit more time in the Hill Country. I enjoy a good view and a nice beach and this holiday had exactly that.
In a bid to manage your expectations however be ware that Sri Lanka is not easy to travel around. The best way is to hire a driver. But you do need to haggle. This is an expensive way to travel, and often hair-raising - apparently the best time to over take on the road in Sri Lanka is on a corner!!
Try:
Hoppers
String Hoppers
anything coconut related
all curries
Fruit on the train
Beware:
Street food (just take extra precaution)
Enjoy!
Written 26 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chamindu Weerasinghe
Sri Lanka32 contributions
Most cherished of all my memories had attached to the last trip we made to arugam bay with my family.
The best place for surfing is not the arugambay, best one is called peanut farm. If you wish to go to peanut farm better ask from local tuk tuk driver. It is located 1km away from arugambay, towards panama side. There is700m off road ride, but my hybrid prius made it without any damage. Better to unload all passengers and drive. My advice is to go there with your own vehicle. Don't take tuk tuk. They are unreliable and take 15-20USD. it is not fit for that price. If you want to see pictures. .. you can contact me or check my Facebook. .. If you are planning to go eastern part of sri lanka, this is a place to not to miss.....
The best place for surfing is not the arugambay, best one is called peanut farm. If you wish to go to peanut farm better ask from local tuk tuk driver. It is located 1km away from arugambay, towards panama side. There is700m off road ride, but my hybrid prius made it without any damage. Better to unload all passengers and drive. My advice is to go there with your own vehicle. Don't take tuk tuk. They are unreliable and take 15-20USD. it is not fit for that price. If you want to see pictures. .. you can contact me or check my Facebook. .. If you are planning to go eastern part of sri lanka, this is a place to not to miss.....
Written 22 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa P
20 contributions
Serious safety incident
June 2018 • Solo
Happens in arugam bay between the main point and elephant rock.
be careful this message is to warn that what happened to me happens 3 days ago because it's just terrible. I was alone, just going to walk on the beach between the main point surf and elephant rock and i was literally attacked by a naked man on the beach. he appeared from the bush I realized that he was naked, and he began to masturbate in front of me and pushed me into the sand. I struggled with all my forces, screaming, but nobody was near. I managed to save myself, I do not know how. the fear of my life. never walk alone in this part. more people from the village unfortunately and the police etc. try to hide everything. this village was great until this moment i was in love with the place. NEVER go alone girls and wherever you go be vigilant. men are not all good. I have been traveling for 9 months I never thought it could happen. in broad daylight at 1:30. in short, be very alert and stay where there are people. I even tried to talk to a rescuer when I joined a part of the beach where there were people and he ignored me despite panic, crying, trauma etc. be careful
even in the popular part of the beach a sheet seller started to touch me seeing me pass on the beach.
Becaful a lot.
be careful this message is to warn that what happened to me happens 3 days ago because it's just terrible. I was alone, just going to walk on the beach between the main point surf and elephant rock and i was literally attacked by a naked man on the beach. he appeared from the bush I realized that he was naked, and he began to masturbate in front of me and pushed me into the sand. I struggled with all my forces, screaming, but nobody was near. I managed to save myself, I do not know how. the fear of my life. never walk alone in this part. more people from the village unfortunately and the police etc. try to hide everything. this village was great until this moment i was in love with the place. NEVER go alone girls and wherever you go be vigilant. men are not all good. I have been traveling for 9 months I never thought it could happen. in broad daylight at 1:30. in short, be very alert and stay where there are people. I even tried to talk to a rescuer when I joined a part of the beach where there were people and he ignored me despite panic, crying, trauma etc. be careful
even in the popular part of the beach a sheet seller started to touch me seeing me pass on the beach.
Becaful a lot.
Written 19 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma-lee P
Sydney, Australia27 contributions
June 2017
Ladies, I have found a place which stocks tampons! As I've been travelling for a few months it's become apparent that tampons are very rare. So to help the women out that are in desperate need, arugam bay in the centre has a supermarket, called food (something) can't recall but they stock tampons. Of course for an extortionate price (980 Rupee) but, if in need this will be your life saver haha. Hope fully this helps!
...It's in the centre across from a hostel, next to an Aussie swimwear store. They are near the counter.
Cheers
...It's in the centre across from a hostel, next to an Aussie swimwear store. They are near the counter.
Cheers
Written 12 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siv_and_Keddy
London, UK92 contributions
Serious safety incident
Sept 2018 • Couples
My partner and I have visited Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka a few times as he is a surfer. We found the town very commercial, very catered for tourists - which is fine. There are some lovely restaurants with great local food dishes and some really nice (basic) rooms. Many facilities here are overpriced because of this being a tourist hotspot, but that is to be expected.
Tuk Tuk drivers can be very full on - and annoying - when they don’t take ‘no’ for an answer and they overcharge horrendously. Most places are in walking distance so don’t give in to the pressure unless you need to go out of town. It’s cheaper to hire a bike or moped for those journeys.
What is truly awful, however, is I was groped on the main part of the beach by some young local lads. They came over, looking like they want to shake hands and welcome us. One shook my hand and then grabbed my chest, before laughing and walking away. It was disgusting, I was shocked and distressed and didn’t know what to do. They were old enough to know better and at the end of the day, they just freely sexually assaulted someone in broad daylight!
I was already feeling uncomfortable as the men tend to leer and watch tourist women very closely - and I’m not meaning when they’re in bikinis or swimwear. Just generally. So this is a warning to girls and women - please take care, avoid being out alone and especially walking on the beach or when it’s dark. It really isn’t a pleasant experience and is treated as a joke by the men doing this.
Tuk Tuk drivers can be very full on - and annoying - when they don’t take ‘no’ for an answer and they overcharge horrendously. Most places are in walking distance so don’t give in to the pressure unless you need to go out of town. It’s cheaper to hire a bike or moped for those journeys.
What is truly awful, however, is I was groped on the main part of the beach by some young local lads. They came over, looking like they want to shake hands and welcome us. One shook my hand and then grabbed my chest, before laughing and walking away. It was disgusting, I was shocked and distressed and didn’t know what to do. They were old enough to know better and at the end of the day, they just freely sexually assaulted someone in broad daylight!
I was already feeling uncomfortable as the men tend to leer and watch tourist women very closely - and I’m not meaning when they’re in bikinis or swimwear. Just generally. So this is a warning to girls and women - please take care, avoid being out alone and especially walking on the beach or when it’s dark. It really isn’t a pleasant experience and is treated as a joke by the men doing this.
Written 14 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi I am visiting Arugam Bay in August as a solo female surfer. Could anyone please recommend some different accommodation options? Nothing top of the range but somewhere nice and relaxing where I can chillax after a day surfing. Also, is it likely to be booked out or can I book 3 days then wing it when I arrive? Cheers :)
Written 2 May 2019
Good day. Most likely, my information will no longer be relevant, I have not come here for a long time.
But still I share, suddenly useful information.
1. Water Edge Resort - Nice place with amazing views.
2. Bay Vista - Good breakfast, with a good hostess. Sometimes she holds master classes on cooking kari.
3. Surf N Sun - I really liked the territory of the hotel, you can walk along it. Also, very tasty smoothies and seafood soup.
4. Gecko Rooms - Cool place to sit for lunch. A lot of board games and drinks. But the kitchen is average.
5. Bites Arugam Bay - Place for chill out :) Cozy. Delicious coffee (this is for coffee lovers) and a lot of different drinks.
6. Kaish Restaurant - Do not look at the appearance. There is TASTY. Shrimps and tuna, as well as roti and fruit salad with ice cream.
A place where you can get a good surf and instructor, if needed
Banana Surf Shop - led by Iflas
I hope something useful. Have a nice vacation.
Written 31 July 2019
alekssus
Surgut, Russia
Guys, tell me, was there anyone in Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka? In April, how is the weather? And in general, as a place standing as a whole, not only because of the waves, I mean
Written 1 February 2019
Hi, it's a good idea to stay at these area at the start of February?
Written 26 January 2019
Hi, I plan to visit Arugam Bay for surfing this Octorber (might be 9th Oct). Is it an off season in Arugam Bay now?
Written 1 October 2018
Hey linh
Right now A Bay still have people and working some surf spots main point,whisky point and peanut point also you can surf there. If you are intermediate the waves so good .cheers IBU.
Written 4 October 2018
Hi there,
Are there possibilities to go Deep Sea fishing in Arugam Bay?
Thanks,
Thomas
Written 8 August 2018
Chathuri
Colombo, Sri Lanka
1 contribution
Is it safe for a native sri lankan to wear bikini at arugambay ?
Written 1 June 2018
Yes. I would wear something more modest in the street, but it’s fine on the beach.
Written 15 July 2018
Hi all. Planning to spend the whole of June in Arugam Bay. Please can anyone confirm how fast the download speeds on wifi networks in the guest houses/hotels are. Digital nomad here and need fast and reliable internet connection, and hoping I will find it in Arugam Bay. Thanks and much love :)
Written 26 May 2018
Late to the party, but we just spent a month in Arugam Bay. WiFi varies a lot. At first it was super speedy at our accomodation, but then the allowance ran out and it was unusable. We've relied a lot on tethering to 4g (Dialog which is 100% reliable and pretty cheap) and going to cafes with good WiFi. The most work friendly we found is Karma Gardens (1 world cafe is OK, but the music is loud so not great if you need to make calls or really concentrate). Ahimsa is another one, but not many seats (very good fresh food though).
We also created a guide with info for anyone visiting the Bay, which might be useful. chloeandgeorge
Written 28 July 2019
is there any boxing/MMA/ gyms in Arygam Bay? Planning to be there for a few days of surfing and boxing (if there is)
Written 21 May 2018
Salam Ahamed
No boxing /MMA in arugambay
You can find the gyms center in bule wave hotel
Written 27 May 2018
Travelling solo...
May be heading to Arugam Bay in my own for a few days from Dubai.
1. Is it safe?
2. Will a taxi from Colombo be the best travel option (long but all the flights seem to head there!)
3. Best place to stay??
Thank you!!
Written 3 February 2018
1. It is safe like every other place in Sri Lanka.
2. Cheapest option would be getting a non AC bus from colombo to Panama and hiring a tuk tuk from there. But it bill be a 7+ hour long journey on an uncomfortable and crowded bus.
Else you can go to Ampara or Kalmunai by an express AC bus from Colombo and hire a cab from there.
hiring a taxi from colombo will be the expensive option, but also will be the most comfortable option as you have the control over the route, start time and where to have a break.
3. Since this is the off season for surfing, you will be able to find many good places just on the beach for comparatively lower price.
Written 7 February 2018
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