Published on
29/07/2010 in
Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Culture, Historical sites, Money Matters, accomodation, bars, cabanas, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, press coverage, restaurants, services and wild life.
Tags: Arugam, Arugam Bay, Arugam Surf, arugamsurf, Board of Investment, hotel rooms, Investments, Kitesurfing, Tourist Board, Tourist Minister.
Daily News. by Philip Fernando
…… Places like Kalpitiya, Pasikudah, Kuchchaweli, and Arugam Bay-the surfing haven, Yala, Wilpattu, Koneswaran temple in Trincomalee or Unawatuna beach-just to name a few- are entering the tourist lexicon like Banda Aceh or Pattaya Beach…..
Underpinning the tourist revival is the fact that Sri Lanka is emerging a popular destination for many seeking to fill their leisure amidst the country’s idyllic setting. The laid-back and the debonair are being increasingly lured to our shores as an assured place for respite or revelry.
Golden beaches and tropical climate, main tourist attractions. File photo
More importantly, the country’s stunning diversity embodying cultural sites, historical treasures, the sun-drenched beaches and trendy urbane hotels promises it to be a captivating destination.
It is also a fact that professionalism inherently linked to tourism, the new tier in social networking had been well-articulated by Sri Lankans practising this trade. Its vexing demands are met quite competently by thousands who are in it for good.
Sri Lankans seemed quite adept at it now. The long drought brought on by the terror war did not dim their hopes. Continue reading ‘Travel industry poised for a spirited upsurge’
Published on
25/07/2010 in
Blogs, Traveler's Reports, accomodation, cabanas, front page, guesthouse, people, press coverage, restaurants, surf, the bay and wild life.
By M. Naushad Amit
Sri Lanka, as a global tourist destination, has many wonders on offer to its visitors who come with different plans during their stay in this beautiful pearl shaped island situated in the Indian Ocean. Within Sri Lanka itself, there are many holiday destinations which are popular among local and foreign tourists alike. But the unspoiled beachfront of Arugam Bay is a beautiful location yet to be explored by holidaymakers.
Arugam Bay. A popular Surf Destination
Though Arugam Bay is gradually picking up in popularity among the locals as an infrequent getaway, it has been a surfing haven for foreigners for three decades. Even during the peak of the 30-year long ethnic war that affected tourists arrivals, Arugam Bay catered to many foreigners, especially surfers, who found the waves there a special treat to their surfing ‘needs’.
Arugam Bay, which is located near Pottuvil in the country’s east coast, is rich in bird life and wildlife in the surrounding jungles, wetlands and lagoons nearby. Being an area with links to ancient kingdoms, there are many remnants in the jungle from old Buddhist culture. Just outside Pottuvil, behind the dunes, are excavations of a 2000-year-old temple, the Modu Maha Vihare. About 3,500 people live in and around Arugam Bay. It consists of three small villages, where fishing and farming are the main livelihoods. Since Arugam Bay is reputed to be one of the world’s best surfing points, the number of foreign surfers to visit the location has increased. To meet the demands, many in Arugam Bay have shifted their interest and trades into tourism. Though the area lacks luxury hotels, the limited number of beachfront resorts and cabanas provide the best in tourist hospitality.
Ranga of Beach Hut fame
Comfort Zone
One such resort with a difference is ‘Ranga’s Beach Hut’, where guests get to enjoy a totally new experience in hospitality. Ranga’s Beach Hut which is located at two different places neighbouring each other, is owned by Continue reading ‘Ranga’s ‘Shorepiece’’
Published on
17/07/2010 in
Arugam Surf Club, Blogs, Culture, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Ideas, Literature, accomodation, bars, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, restaurants and the bay.
Tags: Arugam, Arugam Bay, arugamsurf, Facebook, hotel rooms, Siam View Hotel.
Quotes from an Arugam Bay Beach Bar
“We are perceivers. The world that we perceive, though, is an illusion.”
“Cast aside all clinging and the essence will at once emerge.”
A menu with a difference @ The SVH, Arugam Bay
“Even if only in your imagination, it is still good to escape the sadness of everyday life and spend some time in another world.”
“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world. One should see as a new butterfly.”
Shalita, New Mexico
source:
http://rainehailorshine.blogspot.com/2010/07/beach-bar-quotes-arugam-bay.html
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Published on
11/07/2010 in
Blogs, Ideas, Money Matters, Music, Traveler's Reports, bars, front page, hotels, parties, people, restaurants and services.
Many Football fans are happy to have followed every single Football World Cup match on vacation, and not at home.
Special License times at AbaY. Fun for All
Enjoy the Finals in a similar setting, with the ocean behind at Arugam Bay!
At Arugam Bay everyone enjoyed:
Uninterrupted coverage, Free attendance, good company, nice music, cheap booze!
And a fantastic backdrop with the blue ocean behind
Now, there is just the Grand Final to be shown.
Below are the dates and times, relevant for Sri Lanka:
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Enjoy the Finals in a similar setting, with the ocean behind at Arugam Bay!
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Happy Birthday, Tea (8th July)!
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Tense moments as Germany loses
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Semi Final’s last moments
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Happy Birthday, James!
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Special License times at AbaY. Fun for All
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Great sounds until sunrise
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SVH. Home of the Happy people
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Offshore Life prep times
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Wild Elephant promotion
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Makeshift chill out places on the beach front
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Three well known DJ’s entertained
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SVH Beach Bar.
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Beach Front Bar at night
The Grand Final is on:
Sunday night (11/12th July)
The game will be at MIDNIGHT
The party will only finish at Sun Rise with a BIG Splash into the clear Indian Ocean Waters!
Published on
04/07/2010 in
Blogs, Culture, Historical sites, Literature, accomodation, books, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, restaurants and wild life.
(extract quotes) ……Hideaway in Arugam Bay for the best rice and curry I have had in a very long time – very fresh, very hot.
K: Kudumbigala monastery near Arugam Bay/Panama-a fantastic setting for a 1st century BC site
Lahugala in April with millions of butterflies…..
| Together on and off stage |
| By Smriti Daniel |
 Ranmali and Kumar have known each other since they were 16 – they first met on the set of Richard de Zoysa’s and Rajiva Wijesinha’s dual productions of ‘Romeo & Juliet’.They shared the stage again for several plays, including Steve de la Zilwa’s ‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’. “I suppose you can say we ‘met’ on stage and the drama continues!” says Ranmali, of their 18-year marriage.
Unfortunately, acting hasn’t been a priority of late. As Manager Programme Delivery, Ranmali is responsible for all the arts related programmes the British Council delivers in Sri Lanka. An integral part of the team that created www.writeclique.com, she is also working on several new projects that will nurture and showcase young Sri Lankan artistes. Continue reading ‘Hideaway in Arugam Bay, Lahugala, 1st Century Monastery south of Panama’ |
Published on
01/07/2010 in
Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Ideas, Traveler's Reports, accomodation, cabanas, front page, guesthouse, hotels, restaurants, services, taxis and the bay.
Arugam from Bridge end to Bridge end
Every year, since 1999 a virtual walk all the way through the little hamlet called Arugam Bay takes place in mid year. Always around the 1st July.
Hideaway. In Arugam Bay
Only armed with a small camera, every single visible sign is photographed.
Staring at the PottuVille (Northern) end of town up to the bridge at the other, Southern end where the road opens up into unspoiled Countryside, paddy fields leading to Panama.
A nice, New 7/11 shop at Northern end of the Village
Since 2005 or so this album is digital, on line for all to see changes in this remote village.
click on the image to see years changes here:
If you like, compare it with last years walk thu the village:
Or, if you are still not fed up, here is 2008:
And here is our 2007 walk through Arugam Bay:
Earlier years on application; some images need to be scanned.
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Published on
25/06/2010 in
Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, bars, front page, hotels, people, press coverage, restaurants, surf and the bay.
Tags: Arugam, Arugam Bay, Arugam Surf, arugamsurf, competition, Facebook.
ASP Winner Julian Wilson enjoying a cool blonde after his victory
Julian and his supporters
The real party kicked off after the departure of the ASP winner Julian and lasted until sunrise. Sadly, our hero had to catch a flight the same night following his epic win at Arugam Bay
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Published on
23/05/2010 in
Blogs, Culture, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, Traveler's Reports, bars, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, press coverage, presse-deutsch, restaurants, services, shops and weddings.
The Siam View Hotel (SVH) as been voted to be The Best Pub / Bar in Sri Lanka
By the Daily Telegraph, London, UK
Best Pub / Bar Award
The Siam View Hotel is now not only classed as the best Pub / Bar in Sri Lanka, but is now in with a chance of becoming the Best in the World.
continue to read the background of this nomination… Continue reading ‘“Best Pub in Sri Lanka” Award goes to Arugam Bay’
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The Arugam Bay Hotel is the new name for the Tsunami Hotel in Arugam Bay, a beautiful beach in Eastern Sri Lanka with some of the World’s best surfing.
LOGOS test:
Yala National Park is just to the South, with leopards, elephants and other exotic wildlife, tours available daily. Of course A-Bay is famous for its water sports – a clean, glassy faced 300m rideable right hand point break, often stated as #6 worldwide in surfing circles; wind and kite surfing. Boasting a pristine local ecology unrivaled in Sri Lanka; a fresh daily catch of seafood; fine weather, beautiful views, clean air, stunning sunrises, amazing bird and animal life, a vibrant local culture and very friendly local people; healthy pursuits like yoga, swimming, surfing and meditation, make it easy to de-stress and relax; and magnificent unspoiled beaches and walks where you’ll experience all nature’s elements and feel alive….
The Tsunami Hotel opened 1999 in the heart of Arugam Bay, we were almost completly destroyed by the asian tsunumi in 2004 and have rebuilt. You can visit our original site here. We currently have 11 rooms in evergreen shaded grounds, right by the warm Indian ocean.
For Bookings and information call Naleen on 077 664 2991
http://www.thearugambayhotel.com/
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Published on
04/03/2010 in
Blogs, Environmental, Security & Safety, accomodation, bars, cabanas, front page, hotels, people, press coverage, restaurants, stop over Ideas and the bay.
Magic stopovers on the way to Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka’s highest awarded resort brand KumbukRiver has just introduced a special rate package that allows more locals to spend a private holiday at its celebrated eco resort on the edge of Yala. The resort which sells at US$ 250 per couple for a night, now offers special rates from Rs.3500/- per person full board especially designed for locals who appreciate a holiday at one with nature’s splendor.
KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire (www.kumbukriver.com), awarded as the world’s leading eco-lodge by the coveted World Travel Awards, is a private getaway nestled on a 16-acre nature enclave in gem-rich Okkampitiya in Buttala. The spritely Kumbukkan Oya meanders through the resort offering unparalleled privacy as the resort entertains just a single party at a time despite its vastness. KumbukRiver borders the Yala wildlife sanctuary and features the world-famous Elephant Villa, a 40ft high, 2-story villa which adds a touch of class to eco holidaying. The eco resort also features two other chalets and all in all presents several well-appointed bathrooms and lounges among other features which create a unique holiday for the whole family.
“The Elephant-shaped villa is our centre-piece. Continue reading ‘Magical KumbukRiver unveils a special package for Sri Lankans’
Published on
01/03/2010 in
Blogs, Environmental, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, Security & Safety, Traveler's Reports, accomodation, bars, books, cabanas, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, press coverage, presse-deutsch, restaurants and services.
Producer Marijke van der Meer was holidaying in Sri Lanka when disaster struck in December 2004. Her personal report from one of the country’s devastated towns told of the harrowing situation there and the desperate need for aid.
Award winning (Re-) Broadcast on 1st March, 2010
In the southeastern Sri Lankan coastal town of Pottovil – a town with an ethnic mix of Singhalese and Tamils, Muslims and Buddhists – a golden statue of Buddha stares serenely over Arugam Bay. The bay was a Mecca for surfers, who stayed in guesthouses with names such as Chill Space Surf, Hideaway, Aloha and even the Tsunami Beach Hotel. The statue of Buddha is one of the few fully intact constructions in this demolished town where a thick layer of muddy dirt covers the ground.
Destruction and death
Arugam Bay after Tsunami 2004
Soldiers look on as bulldozers shove aside trees and bricks from destroyed dwellings. The bodies of some 1,000 people – killed within a few seconds of the tsunami – have been recovered. But there are many others missing and many families who have no roofs over their heads and are in so-called ‘collection centres’.
The medical situation is critical in this isolated district, where several people are saying that they feel neglected by the authorities because Continue reading ‘Classic Dox – Adrift in Sri Lanka On air: 5 February 2010 13:20 – 1 March 2010 13:20′
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A new project is under construction near PottuVille Point.
PottuVille Point is being developed
It seems that a new hotel/restaurant is being build on this beautiful coconut estate.
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, facing the Bay of Arugam.
According to local contractors and workers, #01 Stardust owners are branching out to this new location. Other say, an English family are behind this development.
Great spot! Where else on this island could such a fine, unspoiled location be found?
Published on
02/01/2010 in
Blogs, Environmental, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, Security & Safety, accomodation, cabanas, front page, people, restaurants, services and the bay.
New Year's fire at Arugam Bay beach
Arugam Bay New Year‘s celebrations were peaceful, quiet and romantic.
However, residents and visitors were shaken by a totally unexpected fireworks display late on New Year’s day.
The fire started in some fishing huts in the middle of the Bay.
The popular “#38 Cafe del Mar” next door was engulfed soon and the blaze looked like Continue reading ‘New Year’s Blast at Arugambay’
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Surf Forecast for Arugam Bay
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