Oz to AbaY overland: drivingoz2uk2.com

Published on 30/10/2011 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Traveler's Reports, accomodation, cabanas, front page, people and the bay. 0 Comments

….it’s been an exception here (at Arugam Bay) and we’ve been a bit more sociable and met loads of nice people from all over – Poland, Germany, Israel, UK et al Weirdly enough we…….

It was sad to leave Ella again but Andrew was chomping at the bit to get to Arugam Bay before the (surf) season was well and truly over. So after a last curd and honey we drove out past the Rawana Ella falls and eastwards towards the coast – the temperature climbing as we drove

After we hit Pottuvil a little Muslim town on the coast we drove on through the edge of the Lahugala National Park where we were really lucky to have our own ad hoc safari! First we saw a cobra -when we almost hit it when it reared up at us from the middle of the road, then we saw elephants in the wild – Continue reading ‘Oz to AbaY overland: drivingoz2uk2.com’

Daily News

Published on 26/10/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Environmental, Money Matters, Security & Safety, accomodation, bars, cabanas, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, press coverage, restaurants and the bay. 3 Comments

Arugam's second 'Tsunami'

….. several illegal constructions in Arugam Bay were demolished last week……

Illegal constructions out in coastal belt

Disna Mudalige

* More powers to CCD by new law

*Demolition costs to be recovered from offenders

The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) has decided to take strict action against illegal constructions in the coastal belt using the new powers vested in it under the amended Coastal Conservation Act approved by Parliament recently.

CCD Director General Anil Premaratne told the Daily News that court cases will be filed against owners of these illegal buildings and a fine not less than Rs 5,000 and not more than Rs 25,000 will be imposed on them at the first conviction.

He said that if the offenders who maintain the illegal constructions continue the same offence disregarding the court decision, the amended Act has the provisions to impose a fine not less than Rs 1,000 and not more than Rs 5,000 per day on them.

He said that unauthorized constructions in the coastal belt have resulted in accelerated coastal erosion and pollution and therefore the CCD has decided to strictly implement these laws.

Premaratne said that the unauthorized buildings which are built very close to the sea will be demolished and the expenses spent on them will be recovered from the offenders. He said that several illegal constructions in Arugam Bay were demolished last week and this process will also be carried out in other coastal areas.

He observed that the coastal stretch in the Southern Province comprises the majority of illegal constructions.

He also explained that legal action will also be sought for the illegal fillings of water bodies and sand mining. The amended Act has also made provisions to arrest an offender without a warrant for violating its laws and regulations aiming for an efficient coastal conservation and coastal resource management.

source:

http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/10/26/news26.asp

Link to  Facebook page “Save Arugam Bay”:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003041452272&ref=ts

New A/c Bus Service. A Logic logistic Idea

Published on 16/10/2011 in Ideas, Security & Safety, front page and services. 7 Comments

Luxury Bus Service to Arugam Bay

At long last!
The air conditioned bus service, which we last proposed back in 2007 (see article below) has become a reality.

Shown the Yellow bus. Parked nr. Muslim School @ AbaY

Two new purpose build coaches serve the Colombo – PottuVille (Arugam Bay) sector every day now.
Departure: 21:00 daily at SLT office, Punchi Borella, nr. Maradana, Colombo10. This is near the Immigration Dept.
Arrival at Arugam Bay:  approx. 04:00 am

Return:
Departure 21:00  PottuVille  Town Cente,
Arrive : Back in Colombo before sunrise.

Price: Rs./ 750 per journey

Clean interior, airy, with a TV & sound

Phone numbers are shown. Other contact given is: 0773 864 656

Just for the record, here is an extract of our ideas 4 or 5 years ago:

Published on: Mar 19, 2007 @ 6:33

Apart from security concerns the main problem facing the Bay is the distance from the only International Airport, Colombo. And the high cost of getting across the island.

To hire a taxi, van or minibus to take you over 320km of bumpy roads today cost you even more than a flight ticket to Bangkok ($110).
So far, there is no comfortable, reliable bus service connecting the Bay.
AbaY Tourist Bus Service
Arugam.info thinks that a good, say 60 seater air conditioned, second hand Tourist Bus could be purchased for about the same price as one of the houses (nobody really wants anymore) is being put up in the back woods of the Bay, i.e. 1.4Mill. rupees (14,000$).

By removing half the seats, fitting the bus out well, including a good sound and vision system and with a team of 4 drivers on rotation shifts this service could travel EVERY day:
06:00 Airport- 08:00 Colombo/Galle Face- 18:00 Arugam Bay
20:00 Arugam Bay- 06:00 Airport- 08:00 Colombo/Galle Face

With the new Southern Highway a motorway a stop off at Hikkaduwa should  also be possible. Making this a very interesting and highly lucrative bus route linking the Nation’s capital City with the island’s two main Surf resorts. We are certain, that even locals would love to use this kind of service in future.

Furthermore, Arugam.info would totally paint the Tourist bus all round with nature motives of the Bay and Yala East for three reasons:

  • 1.) To promote Arugam Bay and make the resort known in the capital
  • 2.) To demonstrate that regular, daily travel presents no problem
  • 3.) To show checkpoints that this is a TOURIST Bus by such it will make control easier

Indeed, if the operator, drivers  and conductors would be security trained: Continue reading ‘New A/c Bus Service. A Logic logistic Idea’

Arugam Bay reaching out as a water sport destination

Published on 16/09/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, front page, press coverage and surf. 0 Comments

….. Arugam Bay is becoming a global surfing destination …..

By Naushad Amit

Sri Lankans only see surfing, the fascinating sport where an individual can be seen battling huge waves on a board, on the television from time to time. But as at this year many a local know what surfing is and how the sport is being leveled.

Sarah Mason of New Zealand in action in the semi-final of the 6Star Women’s World Tour against finalist Lakey Peterson of the USA. (Pix by Amila Prabodha)

The SriLankan Airlines Pro Surfing competition held last week and the initiative in 2010 in Arugam Bay has made a huge impact in promoting the water sport in the country. But even during the period of then war surfing was evidently a great attraction for the locals in the tourist areas such as Bentota and Hikkaduwa in the southern coastal belt and in Negombo towards the northwest. Sri Lankans would have never thought that surfing will have a massive global interest, especially in Arugam Bay in the eastern coast. Arugam Bay is a place that was battered by the three-decade long ethnic war. The area was further hampered by the devastating tsunami in 2004, making the location even vulnerable.

Almost a decade ago, the tourists took the risk in visiting the location with their heavy packs which included a surfing board though locals feared to travel to Arugam Bay. These visits by the foreigners who regarded Arugam Bay as a perfect location for surfing opened doors to the youths in the area who were traditional fishermen.

A young set of youngsters, eight years back from now formed the Arugam Bay Surf Club (ABSC) scenting surfing had the potential to build up their lives. The surfers of Arugam Bay still do fishing for a living for six months and during the off period of the year which turns out as the best for surfing they engage in the water sport in different way; helping out the tourists and at the same time competing at local tournaments.

Victorious Duane Desoto being carried by his friends soon after the final duel against Taylor Jensen of the USA.

“Even during the war lot of tourists came to Arugam Bay and the people of the area were engaged with tourism throughout the year. Today tourism is the main income source for people in Arugam Bay Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay reaching out as a water sport destination’

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Arugam Bay should retain its charm and character

Published on 08/09/2011 in From our own Correspondent, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, Traveler's Reports, front page, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

By Harischandra Gunaratna
Michelle Mitchelle and Natalie Loos Moutou, two sisters of Sri Lankan origin living in Sydney,Australia were on holiday in Arugam Bay and they were mesmerised with its bounden beauty, the sandy beaches and calm waters.

Sri Lankan emmigrants returned to base

But they had a word of caution “Arugam Bay should retain its tranquility and rustic charm and the authorities should not allow unnecessary development such as high rise buildings and overcrowd the area. Such action would ruin the pristine beauty for which Arugam Bay is known internationally.”

Michelle and Natalie are the daughters of Claudette and Patrick Loos, a Sri Lanka couple who migrated Down Under in the 70s and made Sydney their home.

Michelle and Natalie (from Down Under)

Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay should retain its charm and character’

Arugam Bay. “The Health Resort”

Published on 08/09/2011 in Historical sites, Traveler's Reports, front page and stop over Ideas. 0 Comments

The Automobile Association Handbook (1935 !) advises:


AAC's Travelers guide to Ceylon. 76 Years ago.


“Arugam Bay: EP (=’Eastern Province’) . 68 miles from Batticaloa on the east coast road. This is a health resort for residents in the malarious inland areas, (such as the Moneragala planting district), with its fine sea front and facilities for sea-bathing; while there is good sport to be had in the vicinity.”

. I dedicate this article to the memory of my maternal grandfather Arumugam Thiyagarajah (1910-1982)

Rest Houses and Shooting Tips (circa 1935)

Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay. “The Health Resort”’

Surfs Up

Published on 01/09/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, front page, parties, people, press coverage, surf and the bay. 11 Comments

(Surf is up)

The ’Sri Lankan Pro’-surfing contest commenced in the Arugambay coastal belt today.  This is the largest Beach Pageant held in the Indian Ocean Region.

Arugam Bay. Is popular with Lady Surfers

More than 100 foreigners are set to take part in the contest.
Surfers from several countries will participate  in the ‘Sri Lankan Pro’ contest which will be held until next Sunday.
A large number of locals too have gathered for the function with several other attractions in the area.

Among them are the Magul Maha Viharaya, Muhudu Maha Viharaya, Kudumbigala Forest Sanctuary, Bird Sanctuary and Crocodile Rock.
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/10421-surfs-up.html

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Jumbos wreak havoc in Hulannuge (nr. AbaY)

Published on 26/08/2011 in front page. 0 Comments

A herd of elephants that roamed into Hulannuge village caused extensive damage to a house and destroyed home garden crops, at 13th mile post on Siyambalanduwa- Potuvil road, residents said.
(This location  is about 15 Minutes due West of Arugam Bay on the main road to / from Colombo)

an earlier incident

One of the jumbos had pulled down a wall and had gulped a stock of paddy and Kurakkan, a resident said.  The owner of the house said the damage caused to the house was estimated at more than Rs. 200,000. The residents of the area had made a complaint in this regard to the Wildlife Conservation Office at Lahugala.

By U.Wijesinghe

THURSDAY, 25 AUGUST 2011 00:19

http://print.dailymirror.lk/news/provincial-news/54174.html

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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Arugam Bay and the Arugam Bay Surf Club

Published on 31/07/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Surf Federation News, Traveler's Reports, front page, guesthouse, people, restaurants and surf. 2 Comments

…..” Then he told me about a strange building above the bay called ‘the castle’:
‘It’s thirty years old – very old.
It was made by an English guy called Richard” …..

Arugam Bay and the surf point

Arugam Bay has been known as a top surfing area for many years now. During the season, from about May to November, it is easily the most popular destination for foreign visitors to the east coast. It’s a working fishing beach and there is quite a lot of rubbish on the sands, compared with the southern beaches, and is perhaps not the best place to come just for a beach holiday: most foreigners I met were there for the surfing. Many locals want to clean up the beach, however – see below – so this may change. For now it’s still very pretty, and quiet, if you want a place to gather your thoughts, and you can visit nearby mangroves on Pottuvil lagoon, or go to Kudimbigala Forest Hermitage to see Buddhist shrines. The Lahugala-Kitulana National Park is 16km inland from Pottuvil and large herds of elephants move there during the dry season (July and August).

Fishermen on Arugam Bay

The road from Arugam Bay is now completely open so you can travel south to Okanda and visit Yala East National Park. This park was Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay and the Arugam Bay Surf Club’

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Close to Home in … Arugam Bay

Published on 29/07/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page, surf and the bay. 0 Comments

Close to Home in … Arugam Bay

…We were lucky enough to pair up with the Arugam Bay Surf Club to have them show us a few waves around the region and on our first surf one of the local surfers busted out his beloved Rusty Surfboard!……

Text and Photography: Brody


3 hours drive to Los Angeles. 17 hours from LA to Bangkok. 16 hour layover in Bangkok. 4 hours to Columbo, Sri Lanka. 10 hours drive across the country- seas of three wheeled moto-taxis (called tuk-tuks), cars, tractors pulling cartloads of people, herds of buffalo, and families on bicycles- all merging semi-seamlessly with a symphony of horn beeps and blares. Finally we had arrived, in what felt like the furthest I could possibly be from home.

For a few hours Sri Lanka seemed like another world. Different tastes, customs, rituals, and new waves to explore. We were lucky enough to pair up with the Arugam Bay Surf Club to have them show us a few waves around the region and on our first surf one of the local surfers busted out his beloved Rusty Surfboard! After all of that travel to get so far from home, our Rusty Surfboards were an instant conversation starter and the feeling of being “so far away” melted with the first exchange of waves. Continue reading ‘Close to Home in … Arugam Bay’

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Badulla-Arugam Bay

Published on 28/07/2011 in Blogs, Traveler's Reports, accomodation, front page and guesthouse. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

…..Finally we reached Arugam Bay, a beachfront collections of shacks and hotels, stretching around the bay……

….Apparently, after dusk the road to Arugam bay becomes chock-a-block with insomniac elephants who decide to wander the roads. Hence, travelling there is dangerous…..

"Watermusic" @ Arugam Bay

Part 1: They Mostly Come Out At Night, Mostly

We strode out of Badulla station, and I was still for pushing on right through to Arugam Bay.

There was a solitary minibus tout and he offered to drive us for $50. Each.

Llyw quickly shot this down, at which point the fella, who exuded dodginess from every pore, explained why a night time voyage was so expensive-

Nocturnal elephants.

Apparently, after dusk the road to Arugam bay becomes chock-a-block with insomniac elephants who decide to wander the roads. Hence, travelling there is dangerous. Continue reading ‘Badulla-Arugam Bay’

Surf, Temples, Surf, Elephants, Surf, People, Surf Nice little Clip !

Published on 09/07/2011 in front page. 0 Comments

Living Dreams

Published on 08/07/2011 in Blogs, Traveler's Reports, accomodation, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, restaurants and wild life. 0 Comments

….. Curiously Lahugala has no boundary fences or entrance fees allowing visitors to simply stroll into the park at will whilst elephants stroll right through the little hamlets and villages at its boarder and are often seen roaming around Arugam Bay at dusk…..

A Stay in the Bay

The ride to Arugam Bay is not without incident; a few minutes in to the journey we narrowly avoid colliding with a rather large lorry, sending our hearts racing and our stomachs reeling! As we descend down the winding road to the plains below the landscape changes from lush jungle to dry bush and the roads become heavily potholed; an hour in and there’s a large bang- a flat tyre- so we pull over and Polly replaces the wheel while driver and Sam lift the tuk-tuk. We’re soon driving through the ‘Elephant Corridor’, a long straight road that cuts through the wilderness of Lahugala National Park, and sure enough, to our amazement, we spot a herd of wild elephants Continue reading ‘Living Dreams’

ASP @ Arugam Bay August 30 – September 4

Published on 08/07/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, front page, press coverage, surf and the bay. 1 Comment


“Arugam Bay is such a great wave for both competitors and spectators,”

Aragum Bay © ASP

Sri Lankan Airlines Pro

ASP 6-Star women’s event
ASP World Longboard men’s event
Arugum Bay Sri Lanka
30 August – 4 September 2011

World First At This Year’s Sri Lankan Airlines Pro

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 7 July, 2011 : – - Coolangatta – Sri Lankan Airlines and the ASP are pleased to announce the addition of the 2011 Sri Lankan Airlines Pro to the ASP Tour calendar. This year the Sri Lankan Airlines Pro will see an exciting world first by combining an ASP 6-Star women’s event and an ASP World Longboard Title (WLT) men’s event.

The Sri Lankan Airlines Pro will return to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka after last year’s event saw consistent, pumping waves running down the famous right-hand point for the duration of the waiting period. ASP Australasia General Manager Dane Jordan is excited to see Sri Lanka on the ASP Tour in 2011.

“Arugam Bay is such a great wave for both competitors and spectators,”
Jordan said. “Last year the men (6 star event) scored almost perfect waves every day and now it’s the women and the longboarders’ turn. Sri Lanka is such an exotic destination for surfers and to have a World Title event at Arugam Bay is great for the sport worldwide and within Sri Lanka. Continue reading ‘ASP @ Arugam Bay August 30 – September 4′

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To the cries of sadhu, sadhu a pinnacle is placed

Published on 03/07/2011 in Culture, Historical sites, Religious, front page, press coverage and wild life. 0 Comments

…… The villagers in remote Hulannuge close to Lahugala (famous for elephants roaming around at any time of the day) on the Moneragala-Pottuvil (-Arugam Bay) Road, were gathered for a rare pinkama. They were to participate in a pinnacle-laying ceremony of the newly-constructed chaitya……

The kotha being taken to the top of the chaitya

The remote village of Hulannuge turns into a hive of activity as villagers prepare for a rare pinkama, says D.C. Ranatunga who was present

As dusk fell they made their way to the village temple in their numbers. A festive mood prevailed. Little ones were attracted to the balloon sellers. The women were taking a close look at the posters on Buddhist themes. The men pulled out their wallets and parted with a few rupees for the cash collection. The names were announced over the sound system and merit offered. A ‘viridu’ singer with a ‘rabana’ in his hand recited verses fit for the occasion.

The villagers in remote Hulannuge close to Lahugala (famous for elephants roaming around at any time of the day) on the Moneragala-Pottuvil Road, were gathered for a rare pinkama. They were to participate in a pinnacle-laying ceremony of the newly-constructed chaitya.

The pinnacle atop the gleaming white chaitya

In the rocky terrain, the hilltop was an ideal site for the chaitya which could be spotted from a distance. It was years of hard labour. Transporting bricks, cement, sand and other building materials was no easy task. It was the shramadana effort of the illagers, the generosity of a few businessmen and well-wishers and above all the determination of Kurundugolle Saarananda Thera that saw the project through. Continue reading ‘To the cries of sadhu, sadhu a pinnacle is placed’