F.a.Q at Arugam Bay Information

F.a.Q

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To help us to begin, Please, Please let us have YOUR first Question(s)!
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45 Responses to “F.a.Q”

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1 van der Welt
20/04/2008 at 23:02

I hear of forthcoming Eastern Elections.
Q: Is it still safe to come on a holiday to Arugam Bay?
2 AbHa
21/04/2008 at 10:51

Provincial elections are due in 3 weeks; true.
Rest assured: A strong and impartial warning will be here, on the front page of http://www.arugam.info within minutes if there is the smallest hint of danger locally. Arugambay is and always has been VERY quiet and peaceful!
There is a growing expat community in the Bay right now – and they wouldn’t stay at Arugam with their little kids and newborn babies if they felt unsafe. Take care in Colombo though!
3 Fred
30/04/2008 at 11:01

Hi James!
If you really land at 10:00 a good taxi can just make it (non stop) to the Bay before sunset. It will cost you about 100 Euro. But you will arrive fit for your first surf break that evening…
If you wish, the sharing option can be advertised. Maybe you’ll find other guys.
The Bay is ultra safe, even these days.
But I would not advise travel by bus. Not on;y for the security (bombs), but endless check points, where all the local guys have to ‘get down’ and have their ID’s and stuff checked.
It will take 12 hrs. or so…..
If AbHa or anyone else has a van (taxi) in the airport area around 27th May: Shall we ask them to wait? A return trip should be around 9,000 Rs./ only, less when shared.
4 James Slade
01/05/2008 at 20:56

Ah thanks Fred,
That sounds great, would definately be up for organising a taxi. Yep, my flight actually arrives at 9.15 so with any luck should be through baggage by 10am. The non-stop option in time for a morning surf the next day is far too appealing to be farting around on the bus, before security is even taken into account.
I will start advertising on various surf sites if thats ok? 9000 Rs. is absolutely fine. Cheers again, James.
5 Maya
14/08/2008 at 07:52

Hi,

i’m arriving into colombo on the 20th of August. and we’re going to be in sri lanka for 11 days. i have to visit arugam bay after all i’ve read. but we’re not making any advance plans or bookings and trying to keep our travel flexible. i’m worried however that i won’t get a place to stay. should i reserve a hotel in advance at arugam or will we be able to find a room?
6 Maya
14/08/2008 at 08:08

Also, let me add that I would tentatively be in Arugam between the 24th and 27th.

Thanks in advance for whoever spares the time!!

cheers!
7 AbHa
15/08/2008 at 20:45

Dear Maya!
Don’t worry!
The Bay is ready, waiting for you and happy to have attracted some interest.
Regarding accommodation there is no problem at all:
There may be around 150 guys in town at any given date and Arugam Bay has a room/bed capacity of about 3,500.

There is a lot of competition and prices are keen; visitors few these days
In other words the choice is yours, only governed by your budget and preference of location.
However, if you are looking for an air conditioned room rather than low budget accommodation only three places spring to mind and advance reservation might be a good idea.
As far as we know, only #32TriStar, #50Siam View Hotel and #62Palmgrove Holiday Inn offer such rooms.
If you need further assistance contact:
VisitArugamBay@Gmail.com
If you need a taxi/transport/transfer write to:
ArugamTaxi@Gmail.com
Cheers indeed,

We hope that you are not too disappointed by the lack of progress in the Bay!
Arugam Bay Hotel Association AbHa
8 Maya
17/08/2008 at 14:04

Hey AbHa (i’m guessing whoever posted this response has a different name!!! )

Thanks a ton for your help! we’ll be there on August 22nd and hopefully have a great weekend in Arugam!!

Seeya soon!
9 Thomas
18/08/2008 at 06:19

AbHa stands for Arugam Bay Hotel Association, Maya.
I follow this site which they maintain since 1999 or so.
see you in the Great Bay!
Thom
10 mathika
21/08/2008 at 04:49

What is best time to visit arugam bay
11 Meez
05/10/2008 at 23:51

What is the best time to visti aru???
i hear it raining over there as the north east monsoons have started!
planing on coming there next week!
12 Fred
08/10/2008 at 11:36

Arugam Bay is a true All-Year-round destination.
The Bay is blessed with 330 or so Sun Shine Days per year, and it’s remarkable that it does not rain too much in the Bay, even in our winter.
Surf conditions are best March to November.
Kite and wind surf at other times.
The wild life, wider area and safe swimming however are always possible to be enjoyed.
13 Dilu
29/10/2008 at 22:25

wow i reali appreciate what you guys are doin to promote such a place keep up the good work
14 Sachintha
08/12/2008 at 13:46

Hi, this is a recent convo I had with AbHa and it’s got good info on the current situation of Arugam Bay and I’m sure It’d be useful.

Hi, Big fan of Arugam Bay here. I was planning on a trip to Arugam Bay maybe around April 2009. What are hotel rates expected to be like and what are they now? I need a range that covers almost every type of hotel. Also, when are the highest tourist arrivals and events expected to take place? Other than surfing, what activities could I be part of? Also, what are the best spots to go around the area? Nature and parties interest me. Let me know soon,
Cya in a while,
Sachintha Abeyarathne

Dear Sachintha,

As it happens we are online – so you receive a very swift reply from us.
Good to know, that you are a fan / friend of the peaceful Bay!
We will try to make you happy, when you come across.
The season starts around March/April in Arugam. This is due to the waves of course.
However, no big crowds are expected – the war and the high flight costs are taken guys elsewhere these days.
The choice of accommodation is yours alone!
There are very basic cabanas offered for less than any Sri Lankan would expect to pay in his own Country: Like 200 Rs./ night.
On the higher end there are just 3-5 better class hotels going up to about 6,000 Rs./ for an a/c room.
The cheapest air con rooms are around 3,000 Rs./, but just 2 places seem to have a good system working right now (Tri Star and SVH)
Of course there are loads of rooms in between: About 3,500 beds in the bay at present. Far too much, as the maximum count of visitors has been around 400 at any given time, in the high season (Mid summer)
There will be parties, but due to the few guests it will be a while until they return to their former glory.
Like mid 2004 when they were near 1,000 at one Full Moon Party alone (but this event was coupled with a wedding, band, life music etc.)
Nature is very good all around the Bay!
Take a look at various web sites and photos!
Okanda, Kumana are great, but all around you will see similar wild life which is long gone in the rest of the island (apart Wilpattu maybe.)
Feel free to write or call if you have any further questions!
Also we invite comments and questions as well as any post on our home page; as below.

Cheers,
Kind regards
AbHa
Arugam Bay Hotel Association
15 jordan
05/01/2009 at 08:01

I just saw that the war is close to finish ,

which makes me wonder what will all these army people
will do if and when it will be over,i guess there are
so many of them in srilanka that it gonna be a real
national problem ,or maybe a good reason to keep
on with the war ,just an idea ,
cheers and may peace
will flow around the world
16 Danu
23/02/2009 at 13:18

Hi..

Ive recently taken up surfing nd am totally hooked. Been to hikka a couple of times and loved the mambo’s beach party last year. However for a change I want to come up to arugam bay. Ive found a lot of useful information here. However most of the ppl here posting messages seem to be from out of sri lanka. Makes me wonder how welcome a local would be! I dont have many friends who share my enthusiasm for surfing but am desperately trying to get my friends interested. Anyways I plan to organize a group of abt 6 and come up there from colombo in april just before the sinhala and tamil new year. I guess till then i’ll gather information on hotel rates and try and find more ppl to join me on the trip.

cheers
Danu
17 Duncan
07/03/2009 at 07:26

Hi, im coming to Sri Lanka in April for two weeks to surf. I really like the look of Arugam Bay and have heard great things about it. With the war thats going on, was just wondering how safe it is to travel to Arugam Bay and how safe it is once your there. Please let me know.

Cheers
Duncan
18 Fred
07/03/2009 at 12:15

Hi, Duncan,
Your concern is understandable.
But please be assured that all is well and very safe in the Bay as well as on all approach roads.
In fact, this south eastern part of Sri Lanka has never seen any troubles and all we hear from the ongoing war is from news coverage,just as you do.
In any event it is a fact that foreigners and visitors are not at all targeted unlike Bali, Egypt or elsewhere.
No foreigner has come to harm due to the conflict.
Indeed, Your presence can be seen as a contribution to the peace.
All sides recognize the neutrality and value tourists and surfer bring to our island.
Please do come.
And we are sure you will have a wonderful, peaceful time and space to let other know your impressions when you return home.
Your own account would be of higher value than my reply as an expat long term resident with a young family.
I would not remain here with a small baby if I felt it is unsafe.
19 Duncan
07/03/2009 at 23:42

Hi

Thanks for the info, I was pretty sure that the bay was conflict free. Its just that the FCO advices against travel to eastern provencies, but i guess they have to give warnings. Think i will defently come and visit, i will be there for about two weeks. Generally whats the surf like in late april? Is there usually a good crowd there or does it remain quiet? Also whats the best way off getting over to Arugam bay, I heard there’s a direct bus from colombo to poutivill? Thanks for your advice!

Cheers
Duncan
20 Kenneth Hoiem
21/04/2009 at 17:23

Hi, I’m planning to come and visit Aragum Bay for 3 months or so arriving in may. I hope to do some work online during my stay so I need a reliable wireless high speed internet connection (using my own laptop), is this available in Aragum Bay and where and at what cost? (I hope to find simple cheap accommodation). The alternative would be to hook up to a mobile modem, do you know if this is readily available in Sri Lanka and roughly how much it will cost and would it be available to a foreigner without a local bank account etc? (I need to be online uninterupted 8-10 hours a day). Also how much would i expect to pay for for a simple bungalow/room with bathroom?

Would really appreciate your input on this, thanks!

Cheers
Kenneth
21 Fred
22/04/2009 at 09:05

Hi Ken,
At present there is no real broadband Internet connection at Arugam Bay.
The #50 Siam View installed and maintained the only high speed lease line as far back as 2001.
Their WiFi still exists, but the signals no longer cover the entire Bay, as it did all these years, free of charge.
The private system was abused by NGO’s, and no support has been given to this service.
So it is restricted to the SVH now.
However, Dialog, Mobitel, Suntel all offer dial up modems.
The coverage is good, but the speeds nowhere near as claimed by them.
There is no G3 etc. so far.
You can expect no more than last Century fax speeds right now, i.e. 14kbs or so download, 4-5kbs upload.
Things will change soon, we hope!
22 Kenneth Hoiem
22/04/2009 at 17:20

Hi Fred,
Thanks so much for the detailed information, it is very useful for me. What kind of place is the #50 Siam View? I will look it up myself but it is always good to get an insider’s take on a place!
Thanks again!
Kenneth )
23 Kenneth Hoiem
22/04/2009 at 17:36

Hi again Fred,
Just found some info on #50 Siam View and as I understand it is your place or at least you are involved in running it -it also seems like a fine landmark and great traveller’s hub in Aragum Bay. So, i might as well ask you -how much are your rooms and do you have monthly rates? Also, I assume that your internet connection is still up and running -how reliable is it and what kind of speed would I expect to get via my laptop if i live at your place? Lastly, is the current unrest affecting Aragum Bay and the vicinity -have seen some very sad and desperate reports on the news here in the last few days.
Thanks
Kenneth )
24 Fred
24/04/2009 at 17:42

You are correct, Kenneth.
But I no longer take part in any day to day affairs; I am retired so to speak.
The #50 SVH is still there, OK, but like everyone else we have had better times….
Don’t worry about anything – all will fall into place when you are here.
There are loads of cheap rooms everywhere, and few visitors, due to the ongoing war up North.
With your Internet I am your man; I established the first Internet connections here, designed the first Home Page in Sri Lanka (15 years back or so) and I am sure we will find a suitable, cheap connection for you.
Just drop in; you can’t miss the only British Telephone box in S.L. – it stands right outside my office.
Maybe we’ll have a chat and a sample of our Natural home brew; fresh and cool on tap?
Cheers
Fred
SVH
Arugam Bay
PS.: There No security problem at all here or on all our approach roads!
25 Kenneth Hoiem
24/04/2009 at 18:50

Thanks Fred,
-that is good information, I’ll probably see you in a week or so, I’m looking forward to sharing a glass or two of that home brew!
Cheers,
Kenneth )
26 michelle
10/06/2009 at 03:50

We are looking forward to our holiday in Arugam Bay this July. We hope to get the train from Colombo. Does the train operate from Colombo on Sundays? And How will we get from the drop off station to Arugam Bay?
Thanks Michelle
27 dilsiri
10/06/2009 at 10:37

hey michelle, not sure if there is a train. we are trying to get a van and split the cost between us. july 2nd to 6th. let me know. dil
28 Elise
16/07/2009 at 05:49

Hi Fred,
Great site thanks!! We will be in abay from 19th october and was just wondering if its possible to hire motorbikes in town for a little exploring?? Also do you know anything about kudakalliya the house near crocodile rock? was thinking about spending a couple of nights there. We will definately be swinging by for some of that home brew too sounds awesome. Once again thanks for a great site. Elise & co Australia
29 Jack
19/07/2009 at 13:16

Gday Fred
Great site. Intend to visit next June for 3-4 weeks. Just wondering whether it is possible to hire boards, as not keen on bringing my own. Also is there any snorkelling available.
Thanks
Jack
30 Dilsiri
22/07/2009 at 17:47

hi jack,

plenty to hire in arugam bay. there’s richard at main point or saman at the sun n surf and a couple of others.

you could howeverbring your board and perhaps sell it off in sri lanka and return home with less baggage.

in terms of snorkelling – i am no quite sure – there are however spots further up the coast in passikudah, trincomalee – but ofcourse thats another trip in itself.
31 Chris Clark
25/08/2009 at 23:18

Is it difficult to hire or buy boards in Abay? I read the previous reply about bringing a board and selling it before leaving. Is that the best option?
32 dilsiri
27/08/2009 at 10:56

Hi Chris,

Its not difficult to hire boards.

I would be happy to buy the board of you – but lets me know in advance what the specs are
33 Whacko
16/10/2009 at 11:48

Hi we’re planning on packing it to arugam bay posibly in a week. Plan to spend a few days there. could you help us out with some info on surf lessons, and interesting places to visit? possibly things ike hiking trails etc?
34 mahesh
24/10/2009 at 03:46

hey,

im planning to visit arugam sometime between Dec 26-30. i hear thats the monsoon season in the e coast, but is the bay affected cuz its fairly south ? im not a surfer so it doesnt matter what the waves are like – just wanna know if its worth making the trip in terms of the weather ?
35 Fred
26/10/2009 at 11:16

There is very little rain at and around Arugam Bay.
We have 325 sun shine days/year.
This is due to some natural phenomena like Monaragala mountain range and turbulences above vast lagoons, Both cause the clouds to rain off before reaching the Bay.
It will rain around Christmas. But usually only for an hour or so.
36 cullernd (Thorntree)
26/10/2009 at 11:21

Cycling in Sri Lanka Xmas 2009
Having done some cycle touring in Vietnam, Kerala , Cuba and Ireland I’m giving Sri Lanka a go for 3 weeks from 18th December 2009 coming from the UK.
Has anyone any experience of cycling in Sri Lanka which might be useful particularly about road and traffic conditions. I am planning to do the cultural triangle , central highlands and then South Coast. Does anyone know if it is possible to cycle along the coast south of Arugam Bay down to Bundala National Park area.
Any info. greatly appreciated as I’ve been unable to find anything much in print.
37 noelbike2 (Thorntree)
26/10/2009 at 11:22

Last time I cycled to Aragum Bay (admitedly in the 1970’s) it was a track only on the South side. I think it is just jungle there.
38 Fred
26/10/2009 at 11:28

It’s not the jungle tracks which are your problems.
It mainly is the Yala park rangers – who were not active in the 1970’s (until recently actually). They will not allow you to transit on your bike.
Further: How good are you at building a raft?
To cross the two rivers, which are wide and rapid at times; no bridges.
I’ve done it twice, and an Irish man once – to my knowledge that’s it (since 1980 or so)
Come via Buttala is my advice to you.
Or team up with dynamic guys. Like Dil….
39 Dilsiri Welikala
26/10/2009 at 12:20

hey cullernd,

if you are cycle give me a buzz. just bought a new mountain bike and itching to do a tour on it ok maybe i might need to modify i am to do 300KM

dil
40 Nadira
15/12/2009 at 19:46

I want to book a good hotel room with all facilities like internet, AC and meals for the first week of Jan 10.
Please assist…. telephone nos, website (if possible) and advance booking etc.
Thanks!
41 Chris Clark
18/12/2009 at 09:57

I was there in September Surf n Sand. The website is thesurfnsun.com. It is not on the oceanside of the main road, but only about 70m to the water. The family that owns the property are very attentive, helpful and friendly. There is a small restaurant with fantastic food as well. Top notch!
42 Alex
26/01/2010 at 22:32

Guys, I am not into surfing, me and my girlfriend just wanna swim in the ocean without big waves. Is it possible in Arugam bay in March-April? We do not like popular beaches like Uvanatama, etc…
43 Karren Lehew
17/02/2010 at 13:12

Really fair info on the issue. I checked your site while browsing yahoo. I entirely loved the read.
44 Brian Pieris
22/02/2010 at 10:21

colleen & I have been looking forward to visiting A.B. for some time now.
we are coming over in April,I spoke to someone who came over in January but said he was disappointed how dirty it was and not fit to swim in and people were using the beach as a toilet.Is this true or is he exaggerating.
45 dilsiri welikala
22/02/2010 at 15:10

hi brian,

i visit abay for the first time in april last year and was dissapointed. its actually a bit too early in the season – there is still rain and the place is not at its prime. i would recommend a visit in june/july when its amazing. i truly consider heaven.

yes, the fisherfolk still use some of the beach as a toilet. i know that the people are trying hard to change this. i know this issue is not there during the peak season – june, july, august, september etc.

anyway, do visit the place, even though swimming might be tough, there is tons you could do there. visit the ruines/national parks. good food. good company etc etc etc….surfing also is possible in april – i know, i did it

dil
http://www.faith-kiteboarding.com