Archive for the 'press coverage' Category
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AbaY:
"Walking the Walk"
open letter Arugam Bay Surf Club to Paddle4Relief:
Dear Tim,
How are you i am doing well here.
The happy news i like to inform you our surf club have been registered under the sports ministry of Sri Lanka.
This is the register number 142018.
I feel my big responsibility reached the moment.i try since 2006 but yesterday reached.
i hope from this year we can do better works.
Kind regards.
FAWAS Lafeer (Chairman).
Arugambay Surfing Club,
Main point Road,
Arugambay,
Pottuvil,
Sri Lanka.
Mail:abay_surfers@yahoo.com
Web:www.arugambaysurfclub.com
Mobile:+94(0)771759620/779 552 268
source:
http://www.paddle4relief.co.uk/blog/index.php?s=arugam&searchbutton=Go!
(0)……. Tourists who will arrive there will also have the minimum transit times to holiday destinations such as Nuwara Eliya and Arugam Bay……
Billed to be South Asia’s only environmental friendly airport :
‘Mattala airport to be tourism, cargo hub end 2012’
Foundation stone laying ceremony for main passenger terminal today
Ravi Ladduwahetty
The $ 209 million Mattala airport, will be converted to a tourism and cargo hub for Southern Province which will be a boon to the tourism and export industries.
Areo View of the new Airport runway
Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa will lay the foundation stone for the construction of the main passenger terminal building today while Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne and Hambantota District Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa will also be present.
Artist Impression of the New Southern Airport
Coastal conservation and management a must:
Disna Mudalige
The southeast coast of Sri Lanka gleams with new vigour and light with the dawn of peace. This area which people dared not to go for decades due to terrorist threats is now wide open for both local and international tourists. It has become a tourism ‘hotspot’ with its wide array of tourist attractions. However, the need of a well planned coastal zone management is strongly felt with the tourism expansion in this coastal stretch.
The coastal stretch from Pottuvil to Panama includes bays famous for surfing and bathing, coastal waters rich with fish resources, lagoons providing ideal niches for prawns, crabs and lobsters, rich mangrove stands, wide sandy beaches for beach lovers and tall sand dunes for those who seek adventures.
The Beach at Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay
The tourist season in Arugam Bay in the Southeast coast starts in March with the favourable windy atmosphere for surfing. Arugam Bay is one of the best surfing areas in Asia. As estimated about 100,000 tourists visit Arugam Bay during the season which extends till October. Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay, a tourism hotspot’
Media get an opportunity to witness issues related to ecosystems with special reference to tourism development in the southeast coast of Sri Lanka
media tour Photo: IUCNSL
The coastal stretch from Pottuvil to Panama on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka is blessed with a wide array of tourist attractions. . These include bays famous for surfing and bathing, coastal waters rich with fish resources, lagoons providing ideal niches for prawns, crabs and lobsters, rich mangrove stands – a heaven for aquatic fauna and birds, wide sandy beaches for beach lovers and tall sand dunes for those who seek adventures.
Arugam Bay is one of the best surfing areas in Asia, and has been a popular destination for surfers even at times of civil disturbances.
These attractions draw a large number of local and international tourists to the area making it a tourism “hot spot” and with the dawn of peace in 2009, visitation by both local and international tourists to places of attractions has increased significantly. The resulting unplanned development activities are expected to increase which will contribute to habitat degradation. The area is also famous for traditional fishing. Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay – Panama Media Tour’
Traditional Fishing activities. A colourful old ox cart adds vibrant life to Arugam Bay beach
Arugam Bay fishing community should not be neglected over tourism- ABTA Chief
Immediate measures should be taken to address concerns of the fishing community in Arugam Bay, as they contribute towards developing tourism in one of the world’s top surfing destinations, said M. H. A. Raheem, Chairman of the Arugam Bay Tourism Association (ABTA).
A busy beach. Specially in the morning
Since the very beginning, Arugam Bay has been known as a fishing village, and the fisheries sector has become a major income generating source of the area. Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay Fishing -v- Tourism issues’
Are you an avid surfer?
If so, you may instantly recognize the name Arugam Bay. Even if you are not, you may be interested to learn more about this popular tourist attraction.
- The Surf Boards can be rented at many outlets at Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a sleepy little hamlet 320 km due east of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city and is ranked among the top ten surf destinations in the world. In this article I am going to tell you 5 good reasons you should make a visit to Arugam Bay.
Arugam Bay is not your typical surf destination with modern facilities. It is more a community based destination, where little guest houses and the odd star rated hotel lie side by side. This does not make it any less attractive to regular visitors who make repeat visits every year. Although this destination was devastated by the 2004 tsunami and the conflict, the enterprising community of Arugam Bay have brought the destination back to its old glory.
- Brilliant roads. by Maga, Photo by: Lovely Arugam Bay on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=108552872497906
Much improved roads, which have reduced travel times by almost an hour and a half and the return of peace has made Arugam Bay a destination you should not miss visiting.+
Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Arugam Bay:
- It is the third highest ranked among the world’s top ten surfing destinations. So, if you are a surfing enthusiast or are interested in learning to surf this is just the location for you. You need not even bring your gear along, as you can hire surfing gear from local outfits, who also provide training for newbie surfers. It boasts of over 10 surf points and the waves are great between April and October and it also is the scene for local and international surfing competitions staged during this period.
10 Surf Spots. Ideal for beginners. And professionals
- During November to April the sea is fine for swimming and snorkeling and conditions are just right if you are looking for a quiet get- away. The prices for accommodation can get pretty low and you can find a pretty decent room with basic facilities for around $15 per night.
Romantic Bungalows. To suit all budgets. Here is one of "Hideaways" best
- If you are a wild life enthusiast your excellent wild life sanctuaries are just minutes away from this destination. The Lahugala sanctuary famous for elephants is not more than a 20 minute drive from here. You may even pass some of these majestic beasts if en-route if you take the inland route to arrive here. The Kumana bird sanctuary lies just 10km south of Arugam Bay and birds from as far as Siberia are known to migrate to this location to escape winter.
Truly Free & Wild Elephants. Right next to the road. No fence!
- The sand dunes at Panama allow you to wander around an unspoilt stretch of land, and even go on a jeep safari to the dunes. The Pottuvil dunes are much closer, but it is situated in the midst of a busy little town, but none the less attractive in its own little way.
A shephard cowboy in the Panama dunes or the Wild East
- The area close to Arugam Bay also boasts a host of ancient monuments. The Kudumbigala archeological reserve is host to monastic caves dating from around the 12th Century AD. The ancient Okanda temple dedicated lord Skanda situated on a rocky outcrop south of Arugam Bay is believed to be featured in “Sinbad the Sailor’s tales”. Monuments related to the Southern kingdom of Magama almost a thousand years old are found in Pottuvil town, by the dunes and within the Lahugala sanctuary. They are said to be built to honour the mother of the warrior king Dutugemunu of the Anradhapura kingdom.
Ancient Temples and shrines. Adore the area all around Arugam Bay
The attractions of Arugam Bay are so, numerous and cater to visitors with different interests. It is just amazing that so many attractions should lie so close together. Coupled with the extremely friendly service by the villagers who run the facilities, I would strongly recommend that you visit here especially if you are on a tight budget.
- Friendly local management (Of the SVH and Hideaway shown here)
AUGAM BAY IS AN ALL YEAR ROUND DESTINATION.
With the best and most predictable climate in Asia!
The only dry and sunny place on the island this entire November 2010
A typical winter in Arugam Bay
http://ezinearticles.com/?Arugambay—5-Reasons-To-Visit-Arugambay-Surfers-Paradise&id=5523244
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Arugam's New Road. Previously "Mercy Corps" had a fast growing tree planting program. Under the power lines
The SWITCH-Asia team took the greening message to 44 hoteliers in the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka on 16 November 2010It was a special invitation extended to the project team by M. H. A. Raheem, the Chairman of the Arugam Bay Tourism Association (ABTA) which was aimed at making the hoteliers aware about the project and its deliverables, namely, enhancing the environmental performance of Sri Lankan hotels through improvement of energy, water and waste management systems.
The participants were enthusiastic about reducing the cost of operations of the hotels at this world famous Surfers’ Paradise.
The hoteliers were keen about the outcome they would receive by participating in the programme which will give them the opportunity to brand and market their hospitality establishments as ‘low carbon foot print hotels’ and thereby increasing the market acceptance among the growing number of eco-conscious tourists. Continue reading ‘Greening Project goes to Arugam Bay’
“….The Kumana (south of Arugam Bay) crossed tusker, who became a victim of a poacher…”
Well-known wildlife photographer Vajira Wijegunawardane recalls his encounter earlier this year, with the magnificent tusker that died tragically last Tuesday, while being translocated by the Department of Wildlife Conservation
“There are few elephants that can literally take your breath away. ‘Parakrama’, named after King Parakramabahu the Great, is one of them. It was the fourth day, and the last opportunity to get a glimpse of this elusive but magnificent tusker. We had gone on foot with great trepidation, through scrub jungle, on information given by villagers, along an elephant corridor.
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“Through dense jungle we arrived at an open area, where, in the distance was a tank with hardly any water. From the bund, I could see an elephant hovering within the thick jungle canopy. My only hope was that it would be the tusker. I hid behind a tree. Due to weight constrains for the hard trek, I was armed only with a 70-200mm f2.8 lens. Within a few minutes the elephant emerged. It was indeed the tusker.
“My heart stopped, as I saw the magnificent tusks shining dully, their full length hidden by the foliage. This was undoubtedly the largest tusker I had ever seen in this country. I felt so fortunate to see this animal. It was amazing how he had survived all these years, but was pleasantly reminded that its elusiveness and difficulty to track, was the very reason it was still alive.”
This is what I recorded earlier this year. On Wednesday, I heard the tusker was to be relocated, but never did I expect another call early the following morning, to hear of its death. The very fact that a majestic creature like this was roaming the jungles of Sri Lanka, was something all Sri Lankans would have been proud of, as its tusks were longer than even most African elephants’. I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to photograph this elusive elephant.
The tusker population in this country is minimal, and this particular tusker was no ordinary one, just like the Kumana crossed tusker, who became a victim of a poacher. Animals like this are irreplaceable, and, as nature lovers, all we can ask of the concerned authorities is to come up with a mechanism to ensure the remaining tuskers that are still roaming the jungles in our beautiful isle, be protected, as they are indeed national treasures. Continue reading ‘Rare in life, rarity in death’
Impressions of Arugam Bay's formerly much more FREE year's Party scenes
Arugam Bay comprises of beach accommodation that follows the Panama road. Surfers can have a blast here, since Arugam has the best surfing waves on the entire island between to months of April to October.
However, even those who are not too much into the adventurous spirit can enjoy here with a wide range of options for seafood and partying.
Even the off season here is great for those who want some peace and quiet. Besides this, tourists can view birdlife, crocodiles and elephants in the nearby areas very easily.
However, even those who are not too much into the adventurous spirit can enjoy here with a wide range of options for seafood and partying.
Even the off season here is great for those who want some peace and quiet. Besides this, tourists can view birdlife, crocodiles and elephants in the nearby areas very easily.
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- Impressions of Arugam Bay’s formerly much more FREE year’s Party scenes
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- AbaY: Your relaxed, happy, international melting pot of all races & religions
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- Happy? Relaxed? Safe? At Arugam Bay: Yes!
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- Arugam Bay welcomes Lady travelers. Not just Surfers!
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- Having a good Time? At Arugam Bay?
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- Happy People at an AbaY venue mid 2010
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- A good male-to-female ratio @ AbaY parties (Better than in any Colombo Club!)
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- A mellow Party Scene # Arugam Bay
Q: Where are the best places to surf that few people know about?
Arugam Bay. Renowned for its surf & backpacker heaven
By Rod Gilmour 4:01PM GMT 24 Nov 2010
Answer:
Further afield try Arugam Bay on the southern tip of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its surf, it is a haven few backpackers know about and is back on the map following the devastating tsunami.
The British Surfing Association estimate that there are around 500,000 regular surfers in the UK. With popularity gaining every year, those hardy souls who crave wave after wave are finding their territory spoilt by a multitude of weekenders. If you want to surf in relative peace then searching Britain’s coastlines for those secret waves is the answer. It also means days away. Sandwood Bay, about as far North as you can venture on the Atlantic west coast of Scotland, is one of those places. After leaving the car 4.5 miles from the beach, the first challenge is the walk with the surf boards and tents (don’t forget your map). Once there, you will be amongst only a handful of souls on one of the most isolated and picturesque beaches Britain has to offer.
Further afield try Arugam Bay on the southern tip of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its surf, it is a haven few backpackers know about and is back on the map following the devastating tsunami.
Arugam Bay Tourism Association organises handicraft programme for women and youth
Arugam Bay Beach Bag. A new ODEL product (not AbTA's)
The Arugam Bay Tourism Association (ABTA) was established in 1999, and was formally registered in 2005. The association, which began merely with 15 members, now serves as an umbrella organisation for tourism in Arugam Bay. As of today, the Association consists of 400 community members and 16 societies working hand in hand under the Pottuvil DS Division. A significant aspect of the organisation is that it brings together Sinhalese, Muslims, and Tamils, and lays emphasis on working closely with all ethnic groups of the community.
Many designers are already cashing in on the unique "Arugam" name and label.
The Association organised a four-day Handicraft Programme for women and youth of Arugam Bay. The aim of the programme was twofold. While empowering community members and encouraging participants to engage in income generating activities and develop new skills, it also sought to address the issue of the lack of souvenirs for tourists visiting this popular beach town. “Souvenirs, such as ornaments and other gift items on Arugam Bay, were a long-felt need. With tourist arrivals expected to increase in the coming months, we believe that items will be an added boost to the industry and the people,” explained M. H. A. Raheem, Chairman of ABTA. Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay Handicrafts’
And Arugam Bay? Sri Lanka’s number One (Surf & Wild Life) destination !
MagicSeaweed.com (file photo)
Germany also has relaxed travel advisories to German nationals visiting Sri Lanka.
The German Embassy said that a long standing travel advisory had been eased enabling German tourists to visit Yala National Park and Arugam Bay.
“The Island of Sri Lanka is a small universe; it contains as many variations of culture, scenery, and climate as some countries a dozen times its size . . . I find it hard to believe that there is any country which scores so highly in all departments – which has so many advantages and so few disadvantages. Lovely beaches, beautiful landscapes, impressive ruins, a vibrant culture and charming people.”
Sir Arthur C Clarke
Tripped ‘Outstation’
- “Abyss” – A Smoker’s Research Trip
Since the 9th of November I’ve been out of my mind so much it’s insane. From one intoxication to another, bouncing around different locations, I still can’t believe it. Smoking pretty much every strain of grass available in this country, from KG to Manali hash to Ukraine skunk, it’s nuts.
The other day we headed off to Mirissa and stopped by at Hikka on the way. We never thought the grass we bought would be so good till we smoked it and found it hard to get off the bed. Mirissa was just mindblowing, just like the first time. This time was better since we got boogie boards and pretty good treatment from the guys at the Surf Bar. I’ve even got myself a Continue reading ‘Smoker’s Research Trip to AbaY’
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A house damaged by a wild elephant
(Arugam Bay, Lahugala & PottuVille are part of the Amara District)
Electric fences built to prevent Elephants from entering villages have been broken in many areas in the Ampara District endangering lives of people, with government paying scant attention to the problem.
Several areas including Samanabadda, Abhayapura, Buddangala in the Uhana Divisional Secretariat area under the threat of wild Elephants due to broken electric fences. Although Ampara Provincial Council Continue reading ‘Wild Elephants take lives of villagers in Ampara.’
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