…..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’
Published on
22/05/2011 in
accomodation, front page, guesthouse, hotels and press coverage.
Tags: Arugam, Arugam Bay, Arugambay, arugamsurf, hotel rooms, Investments, Tourist Board, Tourist Minister.
By Gamini WARUSHAMANA
The surfing season in Arugam Bay starts in May and the thousands of people who are dependant on the tourism industry in this Eastern coastal village in Sri Lanka eagerly await the arrival of the highest number of tourists this year. The tourism industry in the country is booming after the end of terrorism in 2009 and Arugam Bay is now ready to regain its full potential.
Arugam Bay is one of the world’s top 10 surf locations, known for its fantastic waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. The best time for surfing here is between May and November when strong winds are offshore for at least the first half of the day.
There are only a few tourists at Arugam Bay
However, some small scale hoteliers, tour guides and shop owners are disappointed because still there are only a few tourists at Arugam Bay. Continue reading ‘Tourism at Arugam Bay should be sustainable’
Published on
19/05/2011 in
Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, accomodation, front page, guesthouse and restaurants.
Tags: Arugam, Arugam Bay, arugam bay main point long runs, Arugam Bay Surfers, arugamsurf, Surfcam Arugam Bay.
Be FREE @ Arugam Bay !
- Arugam Bay “Freedom Beach” Cabanas
These family run cabanas have recently been refurbished. They are sporting new tiled bathrooms, ceilings, mosquito nets and verandas. The garden now has grass and feels so good underfoot.
Come and enjoy a touch of family life in Arugam Bay. Beautiful home cooked traditional Sri Lankan food as well as western dishes for those desiring a touch of home. Sunday Roast on request. Party BBQ’s and Buffet Dinners for those wishing to celebrate a special occasion. Birthday Cakes made to order.
The family also provide Tuk Tuk Hire, Taxi Bookings, Wildlife Safari’s, Boat Trips, Surf Lessons and Surfboard Hire. This is truely a family run business by one of the original families from Arugam Bay. So remember Freedom Beach Cabanas, Samanthi’s Restaurant and Thaththa’s Tea Shop for all your holiday needs in Arugam Bay.
Email – FreedomBeachCabanas@hotmail.co.uk or
FreedomBeachCabanas@gmail.com
source:
http://www.paddle4relief.co.uk/blog/index.php?s=Arugam+Bay&searchbutton=Go!
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Published on
31/03/2011 in
front page.
Tags: Add new tag, Arugam, Arugam Bay, Arugam Surf, Arugambay, arugamsurf, Facebook, first april, full moon party, Herbs, Wildlife.
After the end of the war, long existing laws are now strictly enforced at remote Arugam Bay.
The East Coast has been largely left alone.
For many years.
With still no wine or liquor store for miles around, and the odd shortage of “Gold Leaf” some desperate residents and visitors turned to natural marihuana consumption. Sadly, tame as well as some wild monkeys also got the taste and enjoyed the weird feeling.
Arugam Bay Special Narcotics squad arrested 4 addicts last night
NABBED! Continue reading ‘Arugam’s Ganja Monkies nabbed’
Arugam’s 2011 season is going to be a blast!
Just a few more days before High Season starts.
On this occasion, below are a few facts & figures.
Arugam.info web Mistress informs
Arugam.info
Is perhaps Sri Lanka’s oldest web site.
We have been on line for more than 15 years – well before anyone else know what Internet was and what it can do – here on this island.
Now we are well connected and teamed up with all modern social networking sites.
We have embraced Facebook, Twitter and YouTube a long time ago.
Because all of them offered totally free services to promote our remote little Bay.
We are happy to publish the following facts:
- 200,707 Visitors to this site (since 2010) on Arugam.info
- 100 registered readers (guys who get a short summary into their email)
- 1,300 unique Posts
- 1,600 Comments
- 400,000 spam messages and posts. All intercepted and blocked
- 12 Scheduled posts (Important articles which will automatically be published)
- 470 Tweets on our Twitter site
- 117 Followers on Twitter
We are amazed how well our associated Facebook page has done:
- 25,640 Friends on “Arugam Surf“
- 51% FEMALE FB friends !!
- 43% Male users
- 12,000 of our ‘fans’ are from Sri Lanka
- 6,000 from Indonesia
- 2,000 from the Philippines, etc. down to:
- 107 Germans ….. only.
- 300,000+ page views
dulip:
How did Arugam bay and Komari get their names?
How did this beautiful Bay get its name?
The story is based on the arrival of Princess Devi, claims that she was first spotted at a village near PottuVille but when the king arrived at the spot the craft carrying the princess had drifted to the ocean and the disappointed king questioned the villagers ‘Ko Kumari?’ which eventually gave the village its name ‘Komari’.
Later the princess drifted ashore at Arugam Bay and the villagers told King Kawantissa that the princess had landed at ‘Ara Gama’ which later changed into ‘Arugam’ Continue reading ‘How Arugambay got its name’
Another great photo travel report by Lakdasun.
With the reopening of the Kumana national park early this year it had been on our priority list for quite some time and finally we managed to make that dream come true. The camp sites were booked more than three months in advance as there is no other accommodation south of Arugam Bay. Wildlife department is trying to rebuild the destroyed circuit bungalows and hopefully we will get to use them before long.
Having never been to the east coast before, we wanted to have a glimpse of the rising sun from the east coast and planned the trip so that we will be at Pottuvil by sunrise. So we left Colombo late night at 10.30PM and drove through the night Continue reading ‘Exporing Arugam, Kumana and beyond’
Published on
27/12/2010 in
Arugam Surf Club, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Historical sites, Traveler's Reports, cabanas, front page, guesthouse, hotels, press coverage, restaurants, surf, the bay and wild life.
Tags: Arugam, Arugam Bay, arugam bay main point long runs, Arugam Surf, Arugambay, Elephant, Facebook, Lahugala, Tsunami.
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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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
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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Good morning!
I am back from Arugam Bay and as you’ve probably noticed my blog has been down for a while, that is because there was zero internet where I was staying.
Actually that is a lie – there was an internet cafe, but I was too busy chasing peanut to stop and pay 1000 rupees for a duff connection.
Photos and full report to follow, however in short, how to describe Arugam Bay....it is gorgeous.
Every year, a new lagoon develops at Arugam Bay. Forming a perfect, calm paddling pool next to an exiting surf break: Fun for All!
However it is small, so unless you’re there for some serious surfing, you will be twiddling your thumbs over a bottle of arrack.
Much love and thanks to the crew out there who made this trip amazing in no particular order Charlie, Jarly, Liz, Ranil, Asela, Upul, Zahn, Ranga’s dad Ram and his excellent cooking, James, Fred, Laila and the whole crew at Siam – great food and good world cup parties and of course the Mambo dancers whose side knots and trance shapes I wouldn’t have missed for the world. XXX
source:
http://heavenonsurf.blogspot.com/2010/07/arugam-bay.html
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Published on
07/07/2010 in
Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Surf competition, front page, people, press coverage, surf and the bay.
Tags: Arugam, Arugam Bay, arugam bay main point long runs, Arugam Surf, Arugambay, arugamsurf, competition, Surf Contest.
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Arugam Bay Champion of Champions winners
Alan Stokes at Arugam Bay
The weeks Sri Lanka Champion of Champions Surf Contest saw two new champions, some great weather and perfect conditions. UK Pro Surf Tour Champion Alan Stokes from Newquay and Welsh Champion Beth Mason showed stunning form in 3 to 4 ft conditions to take the top spots on the podium at one of the year’s most prestigious contests.
Organised by the UK Pro Surf Association (UKPSA), the event saw one of the largest ever entries with over 50 contestants travelling from all over the world to bid for this major title at Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka. Continue reading ‘Alan Stokes and Beth Mason win the Arugam Bay Champion of Champions’
Published on
04/07/2010 in
Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, front page, people, press coverage, surf and the bay.
Tags: Arugam, Arugam Bay, arugam bay main point long runs, Arugambay, arugamsurf, surf, Surf Contest.
by Nilma Dole
The Coolum-born 21 year-old Australian endured many a wave and stride to come out clean with a good score of 14.33 that saw him win over 19 year-old American Nat Young in the Sri Lankan Pro Surf Tournament 2010 held in ARUGAM BAY
THIS IS THE SPIRIT OF ARUGAM
Hailing from a family where surfing runs through their veins, Julian is a down-to-earth surfer with a wave of a charisma that shows that you don’t need a big surfboard to win big. He said, “Sri Lankan surfers do have the potential to make it big because the Arugam Bay waves are first-class and are great to practice on.”
2010 Winner. Best Surfer Julian
Winning Sri Lanka’s first ever 6 star rated Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) SriLankan Airlines Pro tournament in awesome style, the surf went up 4 to 6 feet surf on the day of the finals. Continue reading ‘When they surf expressed!’
Published on
30/06/2010 in
Surf Federation News, Surf competition, front page, people, press coverage, surf and the bay.
Tags: Arugam, Arugam Bay, arugam bay main point long runs, Arugam Surf, Arugambay, arugamsurf, competition, Surf Contest.
…. continue below to admire short YouTube highlights of every day of the recent ASP Surf Competition, including the exciting final
Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay Highlights Day 1- Final Sri Lankan Airlines Pro 2010′
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