Arugam Bay Information

Goliath Heron - File Photo Wikipedia

Observations of Brahminy Starling, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Yellow Wagtail and Malayan Night-heron are noteworthy records. Most significant observation recorded in the system was the sighting of
Goliath Heron at Arugam Bay by Salindra Kasun Dayananda on 10th March. Goliath Heron was reported only in handful of occasions in Sri Lanka and therefore considered as a vagrant. Detailed report on this observation will be published shortly.

Arugam Bay Wildlife- File photo

source:

http://srilankabirds.blogspot.com/2009/04/birds-observed-during-march-2009.html

Dove released in peace

A rare arugam.info editorial:
Congratulations!
Our  island’s  long, bloody and very painful war has been won.
It was not easy, and very costly in every way. To achieve a military and specially a  propaganda victory.
But now, after all those terrible years we have a clear winner.
There will be no more LTTE. They lost all round, incl. all remaining sympathy.
This alone should stop their feared ‘underground’ regrouping chances.
If handled well,  a realistic chance exists to win the hearts and minds of the people.
That may be an even harder task.
So far, only distant hope is expressed by folks in the East and North.
We know the emotions in the West and South may differ.
We hope, wish and pray for a united, peaceful island Nation.

News just in:
New Delhi: The Sri Lankan government plans to turn the country’s war-torn northeastern region, which boasts of some of the island’s most scenic beaches, into a tourist attraction as the decades-old conflict with the Tamil Tigers seems to be nearing its end.
“The battle between the Sri Lankan forces and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) is nearing its end, paving way for long awaited peace and development in these areas. Against this backdrop, Sri Lanka Tourism is gearing up for a post conflict strategy focusing on development of the tourist potential in the northeast,” said an official statement issued here.

“The development of the east is of specific focus for the government as the beaches there are some of the best in the island. Arugam Bay is famous as one of the best surfing destinations in the world,” the statement said. Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka draws tourism plans’

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Arugam Bay Guide 2 – Hotels and Restaurants

Arugambay is full of places to stay. None of them are super posh but they’re usually cheap. LKR 700 was the cheapest rate I was quoted and LKR 5000 was the most expensive.

To find a place to stay, we just walked along the beach south from Stardust, walking into beach front guest houses and hotels and checking them out. Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay Guide 2 – Hotels and Restaurants’

Friday, April 24, 2009

Arugambay Travel Guide 1 – How to Go

When to visit:
Arugambay is full of foreigners during the surf season (June to August) but seems empty otherwise. While surfing is good, I prefer swimming. And what makes the off season bad for surfers (no waves) makes it great for swimming. The waves break really close to the shore so if you slightly beyond, you can just float for hours. Continue reading ‘How to Go to Arugambay Pt.1′

A unique piece of Arugam Bay’s history may be offered for sale.

Fernando presumed dead 2004 at Arugam Bay

Nate survived the Tsunami at Arugam Bay 2004

Arugam.info may be forced  to offer a rare musical instrument to the highest bidder. Before placing the item on ebaY it has been decided to seek for alternatives. We are asking You! -our good Friends of the Bay.
What shall we do?
Below is some background information, a few reasons, interesting links and more. All form part of Arugam Bay’s recent history:

Certificate awarded only to pre-Tsunami Arugam Bay structures and items

Arugam Bay Fender Guitar & Case

Item:
Fender Model Stratocaster, Serial No. E 81 56 49
Year of manufacture: 1970’s (?) maybe 1988
Condition: Good, small blemishes, one string missing, spares are included
Accessories: Original hard case, extra strings, two leather straps

Fender Guitar Case with AbaY Tsu Cert.

History:
It is believed to be the only guitar which has survived the onslaught of the devastating Tsunami, which hit Arugam Bay with full force end 2004.
Locals say it belonged to a famous person who died at #01 Stardust, Arugam Bay on 26th December, 2004
His body was never found, although a huge sum was spent to locate him by the Oprah Winfrey show. Arugam.info reported at the time, when US Marines came to search for his body. (And totally ignored the plight of the suffering locals) Continue reading ‘The Arugam Stratocaster Story’

To add a splash of colour this summer, Bangalore city this weekend witnessed the launch of a flip flops from Arugam Bay.

From the magical shores of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay enters India with its new range of fashionable and colourful rubber flip flops. Arugam Bay, a beachwear brand will start marketing its colourful flip flops in Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad. The colourful flip flops were unveiled with a fashion show by none other than Bangalore’ fashion guru- Prasad Bidapa.

The brand has its name derived and inspired by the magical beach on the east coast of Sri Lanka called Arugam Bay. This beach is considered Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay now in Bangalore’

arugamfoto@gmail.com
Has received the above great photos.
We are happy to publish all relevant photos sent in to us!
Keep them coming, Please.
These days it is so easy to reach a Global audience! Simply  post to:
ArugamFoto@Gmail.com

This is what we are here for.
To Inform, To promote, and to give All of You an inspiration to:
Express YOURSELF!
Truly Internationally!l
Thanks for your contributions.

Hotel in Arugambay Sri Lanka – #03 Galaxy Lounge -

Arugambay is a lot like Hikkaduwa. The accomodation is cheap but the majority of places are holes. They have fancy names (#39 Hillton!) and big, digitally printed signboards but are still holes.

Originally, when we decided to go there for the long, long weekend, I’d booked into Ranga’s  #05 Beach Hut. When my wife found out Ranga’s had shared bathrooms, she had a fit, called me unspeakable names, names a wife should just not call a husband, and booked a place she found on the web called Galaxy Lounge. Continue reading ‘#03 Galaxy Lounge’

With 9M2, 12M2 and a 14M2 kite loaded in the car, we headed 300 odd KM’s to the Bay of Arugam. Unfortunately the weather Gods were playing tricks on us, one minute blowing gentle puffs while the next gale force winds blowing at 30 knots plus! Yohan had fun with his trainer kite until the line snapped due to the strong wind! What else to do other than Surf till you drop dead. Arugam Bay was not quite season in full swing with none of the shore breaks functioning. It was only the main point with its super sharp coral that left us sliced quite a bit – battle scars we call them. Arugam Bay is certainly a lovely place. A bit hyped too much that we actually were expecting something else. Nevertheless, now we know, and one thing is sure, the kitesurfers will be there in May, June and July when the Winds pick up!

http://kitesurfsrilanka.blogspot.com/2009/04/kitesurf-sri-lanka-goes-to-arugam-bay.html

This morning a tiny earth tremor caused no damage at all, but some concern amongst the village people of Arugam Bay.

Tsunami Warning system Arugam Bay Hill

As usual, fears of another Tsunami surfaced. Some ran away into the opposite direction. Just as they did end of 2004, towards Lahugala.
Arugam.info still maintains a highly efficient Early Warning System. Due to our own strong Thai connections we receive very quick and first hand warnings directly from the world’s most advanced centre at Silom Road, Bangkok.
There was not a hint of danger – so our sirens were not activated.
However, we are also informed that a mast (see photo) has recently been erected on the hill overlooking the Bay. It is however not known to us if this system is active and tested so far.
Our own opinion:
The next real Tsunami will come! The question is: When?
The ONLY real answer is: Build Tsunami resistant structures.
Or construct low level dwellings well away from the sea as indicated by the Government 100 or 200 Meter zone, earlier.
Do NOT reconstruct low level, low quality buildings near the sea front! As this will endanger the life and security of residents and visitors in future.  For sure.

(Text by BEVERLEY JANSZ) The sunny golden beaches of Arugambay in Sri Lanka’s East Coast, which was almost devoid of tourists for the last 20 years due to the ethnic conflict, has come alive again. It is back to sun, sea and sand for both foreign and local tourists in their numbers in the wake of the Government’s peace initiative.

Chairman, Arugambay Beach Resort, Dr. Param sothi, who built the resort over 20 years ago, but was unable to even visit it for over 10 years due to the ethnic war, was all smiles and showed signs of relief. Continue reading ‘#04 Arugam Beach Resort’

Systematic plan to develop tourist hot spots in East

Lakshmi DE SILVA

The best tourist destination in the country, the Eastern Province will be developed under a systematic tourism plan. Tourist destinations in the Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts will be developed under the Negenahira Udanaya, reawakening program, Nation Building Minister Susantha Punchinilame told the Daily News yesterday.

Surfing in Arugam Bay. File photo

Development of eco-friendly tourist resorts from Kokilai (Kukulawa) to Kumana and Pothuvil along the eastern sea coast will be developed as the first step to encourage local tourists who were deprived of entering these areas, he said.

People would get an opportunity to enjoy the best beaches in Passikudah, Arugam Bay, Nilaweli, Marble Beach and enjoy water sports and watch marine life, fish, whales, birds and enjoy their leisure after the development of tourism activities were over, he said.

It will be certainly the beginning of another chapter for the people in these areas, unlike in Hikkaduwa where tourism was not properly planned when the tourist industry was first started. Continue reading ‘Arugam will be better planned than Hikkaduwa’

Republished article. Due to fresh, good  Comment (click above box):

I just returned to Arugam Bay from Colombo. I left at 07:00am and landed around 16:00hrs. non stop in my rattling old rusty VW van. In the capital city interest in the East Coast has increased. Many guys asked to visit Arugam Bay in April. They have one full week off! Poya day (9), Good Friday (10), Easter weekend, Tamil & Singhala New year (13 & 14).
Driving along the A4 as usual I received a few calls from my new Colombo friends. The usual questions: Is it safe, what is the security situation like etc.
Therefore, here is one further word of advice:

All is VERY safe! Do come. We have NO problem here in the Bay or on its approach roads!

But: If oncoming traffic, day or night is flashing at you. Anywhere after Simbalanduwa.
No! There are NO speed checks at Lahugala!
(The last 40km are too bad for that anyhow)
It most likely is the odd elephant on or near the (unfenced) road, the main A4.
Back off. Show them respect: And all all is well.

They simply disappear into the forrest.
Above are a few shots to drive the message home
(No, the photos of VW  safari couple have NOT been taken around here!)

British Professional Surfing Association

Arugam.info has been informed that the date for this year’s event is as follows:

26 June  to  6th July, 2009

We await final confirmation and will post more details as we receive them.

National and International News are buzzing with reports that the STF have found a group suspected of attacks, mainly around Buttala and south of Panama.
Locally, however, a STB bus accident with an equal loss of life at the 10 mile post would have caused more talking points, concern and disruption to the public at large.
Arugam.info is happy to assure everyone that at NO point security to the public, visitors and travelers was endangered.
Indeed, a team from SunTel arrived in the Bay on Friday morning, and they left via Lahugala in their van towards Colombo later that day.
They did not notice anything at all!
Read more, see the local news as we see it: From the Internet. Beware of the photos.

http://www.spot.lk/article2701-stf-eliminates-ltte-killer-squad-13.html

As long promised, Arugam.info is committed to report and publish ALL security related incidents concerning our region.
This particular case was first shown in the BBC link on this very web site (here, below) within a few hours of the event taking place. BBC news are automatically updated (below) every few minutes.