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The Arugam Taxi Initiative
Updated: 13 October, 2008
To Arugam Bay:
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See below
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Sat. 11th October, 2008: Dual air con van has been hired by 2Pax for a rapid transfer to Arugam Bay. Call 0773 200 201 to meet up with the driver, Mr. Rana- Wed. 15th October, 2008: Josh is being picked up at 08:15am. Anyone wishes to join this trip? If Josh agrees that is.
From Arugam Bay:
See below
Sun 12th October, 2008: Dual A/c mini bus is leaving the SVH in the morning for the South/West Coast. Be there to join & save costs
Thursday, 16 Oct. 2008: Air con Mini bus returns to Colombo. Contact the SVH to book this vehicle
Leaving AbaY: Any time and date YOU wish.
The earlier we can post your requirement - the greater the chances of getting a few travelers together!
Individual requests to share a ride are:
- None at present
Please help us to convince the locals, when you are here at Arugam Bay, that the idea to avoid empty runs makes sense, and it also protects the environment!
Some can’t see the overall benefit of the idea:
Only TOGETHER we can save fuel, save costs, attract more tourists who have more spending cash and avoid empty runs of any vehicle on the Colombo - to Arugam Bay journey. It is VERY difficult to try to unite people in this part of the world - we really do need YOUR help! Current Taxi schedule:
Please let us know if you wish to join any of the above transfers!
Not all are confirmed, but just in the planning stage so far.
arugamTaxi@Gmail.com
Always call: 0094-773 200 201 to re-confirm any arrangement made on the Internet.
This is due to the fact that we are at times unable to connect to the web in remote Arugam Bay.
arugamtaxi@gmail.com
or
leave a comment below

Arugam.info advises to avoid buses, trains & public services, for now.
To take you to and from the secure, peaceful Bay to the Airport and to the West/South
Investing in a secure, knowledgeable Taxi could be your best advice
(Operated by a somewhat more modern version of the above ‘Mini Bus’ of course!)
Hotline: 0094 773 200 201
visitarugambay@gmail.com
arugamfoto@gmail.com
To contact any establishment in Arugam Bay:
Simply use the direct links to all hotels #001 to #69 on the right side
scroll down to display their own street sign and info.
Should your desired contact not be listed:
arugamsurf@gmail.com
(we will hand deliver any message within the Bay free of charge)
Emergency hotline contact, safety and travel information:
0094 773 200 201







hey guys..
me again a few of us are planning to head over to beautiful Arugambay again (yey!!) on the 11th 12th 13th & 14th hows that time in terms of weather & security ?? let me know we’r planning on taking the bus & then a 3 wheeler from siyambala anduwa…. let me know
cheers
Good to see you here again, Salla!
It’s nice to see your comments, too.
There are frequent buses from Monaragala all the way thru to PottuVille - so you should not need to invest into a Tuk-Tuk ride - unless you want to do so.
Weather and security are as good as guaranteed to be fine, don’t worry:
It will not rain, the swell will be good, there are plenty of cheap beds around and most of all you will be very safe here in the remote little Arugam Bay
Have a great trip!
Cheers
Fred, SVH Team
is it safe? thinking of heading there this weekend…would you know anyone coming up? is salla - aka - arrrrvinda?
thanks for the info fred
Hey guys I are planning on spending a month in Arugam and would love to book a seat on taxi on 17th July from Colombo to Arugam.. I arrive in Colombo 14th July …. cheers
High Beardie!
Your request is noted and we have added it to the main schedule above.
Andrew,
Arugam Bay Taxi Initiative
PS: Is there anyone out there who can supply us with a proper Taxi booking program or software?
Maybe we can use an external, specialized site?
None of us are professionals!
Andrew, thanks for reply I would prefer if I could book taxi for 15 th July if available. cheers Beardie
fred, i will come after august 10th
after my exams!!!!!
Fred, If I could arrange a taxi from airport Mon 14th July as my flight arrives at 8:15 am. That way hopefully be able to score waves tuesday morning!! I are also wishing to leave Arugam on 7th of August.
And what is the rate for taxi from Colombo to Arugam? Cheers for info….
Fred,
I have managed to get lift on the 14th with friend from aus brother in law .
thankyou for the info and hope to see you soon.. Take care Beardie
@Andrew
It’s a very good job you do with this coordination of taxi service.
I suggest you try the opportunity of GMAIL (or another provider) where you can manage a calendar tool. Everybody can look inside and give you direct feedback.
Maybe this could be a low-budget instrument for you?
Roland
@Roland
We considered this option.
But:
Can users without a Gmail account access this info and the Google calender?
We have the same concerns about Picasa!
Can ANYONE see the content?
Pse let us know if not!
Andrew,
Arugam Bay Taxi Initiative
@Andrew
Yes that’s possible!
One doesn’t need a Gmail account for access.
See here:
http://www.google.com/support/calendar/bin/answer.py?answer=41208&topic=13409
I’m very lucky with this Google-tools like Picasa and Calendar because nobody needs to register in advance!
Roland
Hi Guys,
not sure if my last post made it to your server - I’m at sea on a sat connection and it’s not always great.
Just in case it didn’t make it; We’re (me and my wife Victoria) looking for a Taxi share for the 24th July. Anyone going to be in Colombo that day looking to get to Arugam Bay?
Could you also give me an idea of the cost of the taxi, should we be unable to find additional passengers.
Thanks heaps in advance. See you then!
Matt.
Hi Matt,
I`m keen to join in with your taxi on the 24th of July if it`s still happening?
Where is it picking you guys up/did you find out a price?
Cheers,
Guy
Guy,
yep it’s still on. I don’t have an exact price but reading around I figure the total cost will be roughly $100US. Split three ways so about £17! If anyone else wants to be the fourth - let us know….
The plane arrives in Colombo at 08:30, what time will you be arriving?
Matt
Matt,
I`m arriving on the 21st, but there are a few things that i want to see on the west coast before i head east, so the 24th works for me.
i guess i could meet you guys at the airport when you land and get the taxi from there..
Guy
Guy,
that’s sounds cool. See you there! Here’s my email - matt.d.jenkinson@gmail.com - drop me a note and I’ll send you our description or photo or something.
ANYONE from ABAY TAXI reading this - will you be in Colombo that morning?
Cheers
Matt
Hi, Guy,
Hi Matt!
WE are happy to see that you are making use of our Taxi Sharing link on arugam.info.
Do exchange e-mails and contact phone numbers!
That is the best way forward and direct contact is best.
We are sure all will work out OK for you both!
If you need our services, i.e. a vehicle and driver just send a mail to us:
arugamtaxi@gmail.com
The costs for the entire (8-9hrs., 330km long) trip is around 16,000Rs./ (100Euro) usually.
But if we can combine it with an airport drop off none of you should pay much more than 10,000 Rs. (100$) for the entire trip and van/car/taxi.
If divided by the number of passengers it should work out quite economical for all concerned.,
Our contract taxi operators make a bit more money
And we save fuel and the protect the environment.
That is our aim at
Arugam Taxi Initiative,
Arugam Bay
Hi Matt,
I sent you an email the other day, just in case you didn’t get is, here is my email:
whos_thatguy@hotmail.com
See you on the 24th.
Guy
Hi guys,
I need a seat to go to A-bay from Colombo Airport on 29th July.
Please let me know if there is a seat for me.
And I have a long board with me.
Jesse
mauijesse@hotmail.com
Arriving am on 1st Aug & looking for a cab share to Arugam. I have with me soft board racks that fit any car.
Eehhh Folks!
It’s got to be said:
What I like about this site is that it is right up-to-date!
Unlike old stagnant web pages
And the idea of saving fuel and empty runs also makes sense to me.
Keep it going, man!
Dudley
Hey guys,
its more than 6 years that I’ve been to Abay the last time so I thought I gotta come back. I’m arrivin August 14. at 04.20 am together with 2 friends - is there anybody that can pick us up please?
cheers ‘n greetz
Ronnie
Hello , my name is severin, I arrive in colombo wednesday 13th august at 22h45, and I would like to go as fast as possible in Arugam Bay, I prefer to not spend too much time in Colombo. Open to share a taxi or minibus.
thanks
see you
Hello Ronnie,
actually I think I could wait for u guys and share the 4 of us a minibus straight to Arugam bay.
What do you think?
Cheers
severin
Hi Severin,
sounds good to me and makes it cheaper for all of us
we are arriving with flight RJ0194 at 04:20am and want to go to A-bay as fast as possible too. Any idea where you are going to wait for us? Colombo Airport is not too big as far as i can remember so i think it will be hard to miss three guys with surfboards… anyway if you have an idea where you are going to wait just let me know
see you at the airport
greetz Ronnie
Dear Severin,
Thanks for your inquiry, your mail, your comment on arugam.info and your call to our Dr. Fred at Arugam Bay.
I am Andrew, and I am happy to coordinate your transfer.
If you wish, and agree it with
Mr. Ronnie who arrives just a few hours later than you:
Just call us and we will have a fine taxi and a safe driver waiting for you in the arrivals lounge.
Simply look out for an “Arugam Bay” sign in the hand of a local driver in that case.
Kind regards
Arugam Bay Taxi Initiative
Perfect , see you soon
severin
Hi,
Anyone heading up to Abay 2nd week of September? Fred, is it still season in September? Is there good wind for Kitesurfing? Hmmm.
Dilsiri
We are a couple and wish to travel to Kandy this weekend; Friday oir Saturday.
Any offers of a cheaper lift?
Contact Steve at Rocco or Fred at the SVH
Hey, we arrive at Colombo on the 1st of September, and want to travel to Abay on the 2nd not before 12 a.m. We are 2 looking for the best and cheapest way to travel. Anyone wants to share a taxi? Is someone from Abay taxi will be here?
Thanks in advance,
Mag
Dear Mag,
We published your request on our web site (www.arugam.info) and usually we are pretty successful in matching people up with the most economical way to transfer to and from the Bay.
An exclusive Taxi (van, mini bus or car) will cost you 100Euro (16,000Rs./) for the round trip.
If you/we find additional passengers, it will help you all by dividing that amount between all of you.
It looks at present that one of our (contract) taxis will drop someone off in the West so there is a chance that you can catch the same vehicle back here.
Be advised at at times the main road is closed for traffic at around 19:00.
So the earlier you leave in the same day, the better.
Kind regards
Andrew,
Arugam Bay Taxi Initiative
hi mag,
i am trying to see if my company would let me take ‘leave’ from work. so you plan to leave on tuesday….when do you plan on returning to colombo?
would anyone like to leave Fri Night and come back to Col maybe on Tuesday?
Dil
I need to stay in Colombo the 2nd of sept in the morning to make my indian visa extension, then I’ll be able to go to Abay. That’s why I can only leave Colombo at the end of the morning! I plan to go back in Colombo the 14th of September, to go back to Delhi. Anyone interested?
Mag
Hello Fred,
I was given youre contact details by a friend who met you in may. He tells me youre the man to talk to about arranging a taxi from colombo to arugam bay. I arrive on wednesday the 3rd of september at 08:15. Please let me know if this will be possible.
Thanks,
Pat
Hi Pat,
If you wish to order a taxi we are certainly happy to have a good vehicle waiting for you upon arrival.
Simply let us have your flight number and arrival time.
The driver will welcome you in the airport greetings hall.
Look out for an “Arugam Bay” sign.
The costs will be 16,000Rs/ (100Euro).
If you are on a budget and don’t mind to wait until next morning the costs can be reduced, as we are dropping 5 guys off at the airport on Thursday early morning.
Please advise us by calling: 0094 773 200 201 or send mail to:
ArugamTaxi@gmail.com
Hi Mag,
Do you mind to wait for the above connections?
Maybe join forces with Pat?
Cheers
Fred, for
Arugam Bay Taxi Initiative
hey..
Me & a friend are thinking of organising a party over at Arugambay… think it’s a good idea.. if you are interested give me a buzz 7 lets worl somethng out…
0777004390
Cheers
Arrvinda
High! Arrvinda,
At present the waves are good, so everyone is busy in the surf at Arugam Bay.
Also, there is a bit of Live Music and sing-a-song most nights at the SVH.
Weekends, like Saturdays, Mambo hosts a party or two.
Same on Full Moon Days/nights of course.
Up to the end of October we expect this (mini-) season to last:
So you and your mates are most welcome, at any time.
If you need transport, we have a van or two in Colombo every week.
Cheers
Fr4ed,
Siam View Team
Arugam Bay
Hello is anyone travelling from Colombo to Arugam on Sunday, 21st of September. Would be nice to share the trip! Best wishes, Stef
#Stef
Simply call 0773 200 201 when you are ready to leave Colombo.
We will be in the city that weekend for sure.
I always drive myself (No local driver = quicker thru check points etc.!)
We are happy if you wish to join us.
Fred & Somlak,
SVH, Arugam Bay
hi fred, might actually be interested. stay for a week there….hmmm
Hay ya all !!
my name is eldad im going to abay in the 13th to september is there a taxi that going to be there at the same time?
regards
eldad
hi, i would also be interested in getting picke up from colombo. What sort of price am i looking at? It would sometime on the 23rd of spetember.
any info will be good. ta
i just noticed theres a ride from columbo on th 21st, i land about 2 on the 22nd….would it be possible to wait a day? I’d like to do it as cheap as possible. When i was last in abay i heard of a local bus that does this run, does anyone know anything about this? Is it safe with recent events? thanks very much.
What’s your budget, Nat?
Quicker & safer than with us you will not reach AbaY; the CTB bus is cheaper of course, but takes ages, not at night and not so safe I’d say.
We are happy to wait for you if you chip in a little to cover the diesel costs.
Simply call me on 0773 200 201 when you are ready to leave for the Bay.
The girls are with me - so they are happy to extend their shopping trip; No worries for Monday or even Tuesday.
Tks for you #60 Lahiru Comment!
This is the kind of interaction we are looking for.
Cheers
Fred & Co.
hi, thanks for your reply and info, i won’t land in columbo till noon on the 23rd now, are any other pick ups arranged for this date? if you get a few what are the likely costs? i am an extreme shoestring traveller, but bomb stuff is puttin me off getting on the beautiful and cheap train to badulla and then a bus!
thanks again!
give me a price!!
The taxi Initiative thing works well.
Only one thing is still missing:
A proper Dharma VW Camper - Hippy - Surfer van.
Sorry, Nathalie!
We couldn’t wait for you - we all just landed in the Bay to catch the good swell & vibes.
Colombo simply couldn’t compare.
Mat & fellow passengers
Airport to Arugam bay drop assistance.contact 94722159719.
Arugam Bay Hotel Association (AbHa) can recommend the services of Mr. Shana.
He is an accredited tourist and taxi guide based within the airport arrivals hall.
He has assisted our passengers for many years with no complaints to date.
We certainly are happy to expand our mutual cooperation to safe costs, offer an even better service and to minimize fuel consumption by avoiding empty runs across the island.
Call AbHa on 94 773 200 201 or Shana direct on 94 722 159 719 as indicated in the previous comment.
In response to the two guys looking to share taxi and transfer costs to Arugam bay on Wed 15th of October. My girlfriend and I arrive on Wednesday at 8.15am and may be interested in linking up with you guys. Please post more details or send me an email at jbyrnemango@live.com
hi! hoping to go there for the comin long weekend… want to really experience things, so decided to bus it!
anyone know from where to get it? and maybe wat time it leaves from colombo?? hoping to leave 10th oct. Thanks!!
planin on goin 2 aru on 10th o 11th.
lookin 4 a ride 4 three.
i’m going to arugam bay the 11th,we’re two,if anybody wants to join us share a taxi contact me asap at re10002@hotmail.com.i’m living in 24h..getting to negombo sunday morning.peace.
by the way…i spoke to a driver i met in a previous trip,he’s askin’ for 160usd.is anyone knows if that’s the price?
The rate is OK and normal.
If we can find returning passengers it will be cheaper for all of you.
To double check,you can also call another driver, Mr. Rana on 0777 904 380.
He has a very good mini bus, drives safe and speaks good English. He is in Colombo today.
thanks for the info,i’ll call him.
if anyone wants to join us,we’re two,contact me here or via email or we can just meet at the airport sunday morning around 5am.
Fred
I would like to book a pick up and transfer from Colombo to A-Bay on Wednesday 15th October. My flight arrives at 8.15am.
Cheers
I agree to other people joining the trip. If there is any interest shown I would be happy to wait around for at least a couple of hours depending on the movements of other interested parties. What is the cost of the trip?