Archive for the 'taxis' Category

Arugam to get Rail- & Motorway connections

Published on 03/12/2011 in Historical sites, front page, press coverage, taxis, the bay and wild life. 2 Comments

Hambantota - Panama - Arugam Bay. - Batticaloa?

New road and rail line to connect Sri Lanka’s Southern port city to surf city in East Dec 02, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has decided to construct another expressway to connect the rising Southern port city of Hambantota to the popular surfing destination in the East coast, Arugam Bay. Hambantota district parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has revealed in the parliament Friday that the government has taken a policy decision to build a direct expressway and a rail line parallel to the road. Situated to the 310 kilometers east of Colombo, Arugam Bay is a fishing village in the dry zone of Sri Lanka’s southeast coast. It is known as a popular surfing and tourist destination for its best surf. The government is developing the Southern port city of Hambantota as a metropolis away from the capital Colombo. The second international airport currently under construction near Hambantota is expected to be operational by the end of 2012.

Progress. Unstoppable

source: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11B/Dec03_1322852510CH.php

Arugam Airport News

Published on 17/08/2011 in Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Share Transfer, Traveler's Reports, front page, taxis and the bay. 3 Comments

The first Commercial Flight took off from the Arugam Bay lagoon this lunchtime

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Visit AbaY by Train

Published on 07/06/2011 in Ideas, Share Transfer, Traveler's Reports, front page, services, stop over Ideas, taxis and tuk tuk. 0 Comments

It’s very easy.
It’s very convenient
It’s very safe
It’s very cheap, too!

Arriving fresh & rested in the East

Travel to Batticaloa courtesy of  Sri Lanka Railways.

And connect to Arugam Bay along  the beautiful East Coast
Below are time tables & prices:

Eastern Line to Batti & back

Intercity Express to Batti & back

http://www.railway.gov.lk/index.php

Batticaloa is just 100 km North of your favourite Bay.
The A4 coastal, main road is perfect these days.
Frequent buses connect Batti with PottuVille

On request, a private  AbaY shuttle bus or taxi will wait for you at the Main Station when you get off

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“Arugam’s” Int. Airport opens next year

Published on 25/04/2011 in Environmental, front page, press coverage, services and taxis. 2 Comments

……. 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

Continue reading ‘“Arugam’s” Int. Airport opens next year’

And we are back! On Facebook!

Published on 04/11/2010 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Culture, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Fun, Historical sites, Humour, Ideas, Kitesurf, Literature, Money Matters, Music, Share Transfer, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, Traveler's Reports, Wind Surf, front page, parties, people, press coverage, presse-deutsch, services, shops, stop over Ideas, surf, taxis, the bay, tuk tuk, weddings and wild life. 0 Comments

Done! Super Happy ARUGAM !

We managed to resurrect our popular Facebook page “Arugam Surf”.
Which was knocked off the net exactly 2 months ago.

Arugam Surf

Please join, participate, submit YOUR photos, videos. Let’s make this page even more popular.
Please understand that we had to add additional security features to avoid access to our hacker ‘friends’ in future.

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Canadians and the AbaY Tuk Tuk scam mafia

Published on 16/09/2010 in Blogs, Humour, Money Matters, front page, people, services and taxis. 0 Comments

We attempted to find a short cut from Arugam Bay to Tissamaharama by heading along the coast through Yala National Park, a bite-sized chunk of parkland out of the South-East corner of the map of Sri Lanka; but we could discover no means of transit and were advised that there were towns approaching it that were still militarily impassable.
(editor’s note: This is incorrect. There simply is no road, and no town at all)

:

3 wheelers need to tidy up their mode of ethics

Consequently our journey became a six-hour bus ride in searing heat, particularly when one added the heat from the constantly overworked engine and gearbox of the bus, and the heat thrown up from the black asphalted roads. We knew it would be an exhausting day, but we’re getting pretty used to this and can always console ourselves with the thought that things could be worse—we could be travelling by train! Before our bus ride could begin, however, we had a few little snags to overcome.
No matter who we asked, we got a different answer about what busses were leaving Arugam Bay and at what times. Absolutely no official information! We were up early enough to make a leisurely start; but by the time we were out at the roadside, a very convincing tuk-tuk driver lied and said we’d missed the direct bus from Arugam Bay. Sakura Guest House With Hosts

Sakura Guest House With Hosts

He convinced us that we needed to cross the causeway into Potuvil, which was a short enough journey, so we let him take us. As we arrived at the bus stand in Potuvil, a bus pulled out and roared off. A dozen tuk-tuk drivers howled in convincing chorus that it was the only bus of the day to get us to Tissamaharama.
One tuk-tuk driver convinced us (against all logic) that he could catch the bus if we hopped in his tuk-tuk quickly. After a few kilometres of falling further and further behind, we told him to return us to Potuvil. Despondently, we disembarked and were trying to pull ourselves together to consider our options when another bus went screaming by. This time a tuk-tuk driver who was quickly on the ball pulled up beside us and urged us Continue reading ‘Canadians and the AbaY Tuk Tuk scam mafia’

A regional Airport for Arugam Bay?

Published on 22/08/2010 in Arugam Surf Club, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Share Transfer, front page, taxis and the bay. 2 Comments

The discussion about a new, proposed regional airport serving vibrant Arugam Bay continues.
Is this the possible site for the new Tourist hub?

'Gprdon Boss' former Prawn Farm. A perfect lagoon fronted landing strip?

Flights to Arugam Bay, Pottuvil: Ampara airport a vital hub

by cerno
There is a lot of talk about opening up the treasures of Sri Lanka’s neglected east coast (such as Arugam bay/Pottuvil) to the wider world. However one of the biggest obstacles to such a process it getting there. Currently Arugam bay/Pottuvil is a 8 hour drive from Colombo – which doesn’t compare well with the 10-11 hour flying time from Colombo to London. The combination of regular domestic air services to Ampara airport and local entrepreneurs can remove this major logistical hurdle to developing this area.

Ampara airport (Air Force Base) is not exactly new door to Arugam bay. Yet it is the closest runway accessible via the existing road network. Current transport services such as the AbaY Taxi – which currently specialises in travel from Colombo airport to Arugam Bay – are well placed to make the air bridge viable.

The end of the war has highlighted the pent up demand for domestic aviation services in Sri Lanka. Continue reading ‘A regional Airport for Arugam Bay?’

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Arugam Bay. From Bridge to Bridge

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. 1 Comment

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:

AbaY Walk 2010 part1

If you like, compare it with last years walk thu the village:

Arugam Bay Walk 2009

Or, if you are still not fed up, here is 2008:

AbaY Walk 2008

And here is our 2007 walk through Arugam Bay:

AbaY Walk 2007

Earlier years on application; some images need to be scanned.

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No rules for bus cowboys of East

Published on 22/06/2010 in Money Matters, front page, services and taxis. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

By M.I.M.S. Anwar, Digamadulla Corr.)
Commuters complain that the private bus owners of the coastal areas of the Batticaloa and the Ampara districts are not bound by the rules binding the bus operators in other parts of Sri Lanka due to lack of competition from the CTB.
The bus owners here charge as much as they can from commuters and the passengers meekly pay up as they have no other alternative.
There is no authority here to enforce the law on these errant private bus owners of these two coastal districts. Even the Police here who are aware of the problem are turning a blind eye.
A one way trip from Kalmunai to Colombo via Batticaloa in a CTB bus costs Rs 325/- with the booking charge of rupees 20/-, via Randanigala, Kandy rupees 285/-, and via Moneragala, Ratnapura Rs. 310/-, but the private bus owners charge Rs 450/- via Batticaloa and Rs 600/- via Mahiyangana, Kandy. Continue reading ‘No rules for bus cowboys of East’

ARUGAM BAY SURFING INTO THE FUTURE

Published on 05/06/2010 in Blogs, Environmental, Money Matters, front page, taxis and the bay. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , .

Could you tell us about the Arugam Bay Tourist Association? What is its role in promoting tourism in Arugam Bay?

Mr.M A H Rahim

Regarded as one of the best surfing destinations in the world, Arugam Bay is increasingly attracting both local and foreign visitors to its shores. Plans are now underway to develop a quaint village, located in Pottuvil in the Ampara District to offer enhanced services and facilities to the tourists. However, M H A Raheem, Chairman of the Arugam Bay Tourist Association, believes that such plans could have drastic consequences if they fail to take into account and protect the local community and the natural assets of Arugam Bay.

By Madhushala Senaratne | Photography by Mahesh Bandara

Lengthy Interview with Mr. M H A Rahim. Read the full text:

The tourism industry was destroyed as a result of the tsunami and the community did not know what to do. Thus, we got together and formed a small team to work with the NGOs who were coming into support Arugam Bay. For example, when the USAID Mission Director came to Arugam Bay following the tsunami, they were committed to implement any major project in the area and inquired into our needs. Although many asked for funds, the Association had the foresight to request that they build roads, bridges and water schemes. Consequently, they constructed a bridge and a water tank for the area.
When we started this Association, we had only 15 members. Gradually, it has evolved into a larger umbrella organisation for tourism in Arugam Bay. Currently, we have nearly 16 societies working together, including the Farmer’s Organisation, the women development societies, Pre-School societies and the Cattle Farm Association. In turn, we are working with all the government and local authorities, Tourism Ministry and NGOs. Continue reading ‘ARUGAM BAY SURFING INTO THE FUTURE’

Arugambay is just too good to let go! Be sure you’ve been there!!

Published on 02/05/2010 in Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Historical sites, Money Matters, Traveler's Reports, accomodation, front page, hotels, people, press coverage, services, taxis, the bay and wild life. 0 Comments

Arugambay

…… on the East Coast of Sri Lanka used to be a laid back, dreamily indolent sort of locale where fishermen pursued their trade far from the madding bustle of urban zestfulness and commercial excess…………. It still is that way!

photo used by ATaT

But it certainly has jumped into the tourism map of the world with the outstanding holiday experience that it offers.  For one, it is ranked one of the Top 10 surfing beaches in the world. Arugambay Point, Pottuvil point, Peanut Farm, Kormari and Panama are now buzzwords (buzz places!) among the avid of surfers’ community worldwide.

However, Arugambay is a great deal more than bronzed physiques in motion raising the crystalline sand or cruising perilously over the ocean swells. Imagine the sheer joy one feels encountering Dolphins in their cheering habitat!!  For that is exactly what becomes possible to visitors in the season of September.

On shore and inward from the coast, the allure of the wild continues to delight……

For here, the inner yearning of the human spirit to know the confluence it possesses with nature’s bounty in birds in their natural space by the lagoon and to observe elephants as they roam nonchalantly in front of Crocodile Rock, finds fulfillment. Indeed, Arugambay nestles on the edge of a verdant forest reserve.

While on the subject, not far away in Uda Walawe Continue reading ‘Arugambay is just too good to let go! Be sure you’ve been there!!’

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Arugam Bay is a heavy one ….

Published on 22/12/2009 in Blogs, Traveler's Reports, front page, people, press coverage, surf, taxis and the bay. 0 Comments

Sri Lanka, A Country in Transition

After 12 hours in a dilapidated bus, cramped by suitcases and boardbags and 25 others, there is only one thing preventing us from our destination: a young soldier thumbing through our passports, the trigger of his gun close enough for me to touch. He eyes us carefully and motions to another soldier to search our luggage. We nervously hold our breaths as they begin to pull out our carefully constructed wall of suitcases from the back of the bus. This could take hours. At some point though, the soldiers decide no additional searching is necessary and send us on our way.

Our bus ride began in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. I am slightly on edge, especially since Colombo is often the site of terrorist bombings. I keep an eye out for Tamil Tigers, guerilla soldiers listed by the EU and the US as a terrorist organization, but I am told that if I see one, I won’t live to tell about it.

We make our way to Arugam Bay, a surfer town on the eastern coast of the country. Our bus driver, I begin to suspect is blind in his right eye, Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay is a heavy one ….’

Tea for Two at AbaY

Published on 07/12/2009 in Blogs, Culture, Traveler's Reports, front page, people, press coverage, stop over Ideas, surf and taxis. 2 Comments

Tea for two in Sri Lanka, the emerald isle with the sunshine coast

By Jenny Coad

Sleeping in the back of a Sri Lankan taxi is no easy task. Buses roar into view, their smiling drivers beeping blithely. Bicycles ignore cars brushing their backsides, pedestrians saunter across the road and dogs lie in the middle.

Exotic: The beach at Unawatuna, near Galle, Ski Lanka

Exotic: The beach at Unawatuna, near Galle, Ski Lanka

A bus aptly emblazoned with, ‘Jesus save us’ passes within a whisker. But the hair-raising driving is not the only reason to stay awake.

The ever-changing scenery provides more thrill than fear, from congested Kandy with its temples, great white Buddha and daring tuktuks, to the textured tea plantations in the Bogawantalawa Valley, a quilted landscape with sheer drops, lush vegetation and barrow loads of king coconuts.

I was last in Sri Lanka in 2002 with my friend Jess, who was studying in Kandy. We surfed in Arugam Bay, cycled the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, took long bus journeys and drank lots of milky tea (a ‘hug in a mug’). The people and the place left an impression. Continue reading ‘Tea for Two at AbaY’

Arugambay Travels and Tours in Colombo

Published on 04/12/2009 in Blogs, Ideas, Money Matters, front page, people, press coverage, services, taxis and the bay. 1 Comment

Promo file photo

Promo file photo

(Colombo Lankapuvath December 03) –Arugambay Travels and Tours (Pvt) Ltd have opened a new office at a prime location in the heart of Colombo’s commercial area yesterday (02). Since the operations started in 2004 the company was involved in promoting Tourism to the East which is the prime intention.

Although the plans were delayed due to the situation of the country during the past few years now they are pleased to have been able pursue with the targets.

They are fully geared to serve from the new location at Deal Place Colombo 03. May it be local or foreign tourists; Arugambay will serve all of them with more emphasis on introducing new and exotic locations to visitors.  Continue reading ‘Arugambay Travels and Tours in Colombo’

Arugam Bay, There and dragged back again

Published on 23/11/2009 in Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Historical sites, Ideas, Traveler's Reports, front page, people, press coverage, presse-deutsch, stop over Ideas, taxis, the bay, tuk tuk and wild life. 2 Comments

An excellent video clip!
and great, fitting sounds.

Produced by talented young Sri Lankans

It looks like Jerry’s clip (http://thejester100.wordpress.com/). The guys in the clip are me (www.indi.ca) and Halik (http://abdulhalik.wordpress.com/). I posted my impressions here:
http://indi.ca/2009/11/south-along-the-east-coast/

We love A-Bay very much, thanks for what you’re doing

Remark from all of us at  arugam.info:
Thank YOU – for your contribution and kind words!

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UK Tuk-Tuk Tours

Published on 07/11/2009 in Money Matters, front page, services, taxis and tuk tuk. 0 Comments

Rattle and roll on the Lanka Challenge tuk-tuk race

What do you get when you put 70 foreigners in charge of 25 tuk-tuks? Charles Starmer-Smith finds out as he leads Team Telegraph on a wild and wonderful 10-day ride across a devastated land that’s slowly regaining its tourism feet – and its winning smile.

Night had well and truly set in by the time we reached the village of Dambana, 150 miles east of the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. With just a single flickering beam from our tuk-tuk – a motorised rickshaw – to guide us, we could barely make out the potholed road ahead. But for a few gaslights hanging from the corrugated shacks clustered along the forest edge, the village was cloaked in darkness. People appeared to lurch forward out of the gloom, their faces momentarily illuminated but their shouts drowned by the whine of the engine. My two team-mates had fallen silent in the back as my grip tightened on the wheel. We were lost. Continue reading ‘UK Tuk-Tuk Tours’