Archive for the 'the bay' Category

SCOTT & LILA – S. L. Music Video

Everyone in the remote Bay of Arugam
Remembers fondly this amazing Duo!
They performend nearly every night in various AbaY Establishments.
And delighted audiences specially in the 
Old Siam View Music Pub. 

Here is their new music release.
Thank you so much for your help!

Hi everyone, we would like to share a new song and music video of our duo SCOTT & LILA
 
“Told You Once” Music Video in Sri Lanka
https://youtu.be/5wX8U8I3_7Q
Simple Link:
https://ampl.ink/x6y8z
Follow those two awesome, talented Musicians Here:
https://linktr.ee/SCOTTandLILA?utm_source=qr_codeh
Hope you enjoy, and thank you all for the support
?
__________________________________________________

Sponsor a Beach Clean Up!

Sponsor a beach Clean Up

Waste Less AbaY

“ASQ” in AbaY ! – From 1st. April

2021 High Season, Arugam Bay!

Hello Yellow Again!
“Safe & Secure”


In order to revive the badly damaged tourist industry wise authorities have announced sweeping plans to assist all Tourist Board approved  enterprises.


Just in time for the East Coast Main Season, as from the 1st. April the entire Arugam Bay area has been declared to be a designated Tourist Quarantine Bubble. Also known as ASQ.


Below is a summary of the main innovations and concessions:

  1. Tourists must land at designated Mattala Rajapaksa Airport
    It’s just just 2 hours from AbaY
  2. No stops allowed on route to AbaY
    It’s just just 2 hours from AbaY
  3. The Military will re-establish the Old Bridge Control Point
    a. Between the Muslim town of PottuVille and AbaY
    b. The only way in or out of our remote resort = Safe & Secure!
  4. All passengers will be tested and checked in at this point
    a. PHI – Public Health inspectors from PottuVille will attend
    b. PHI – PS| They done an outstanding, excellent job in this area. Not one single C-19 case here!
    c. If negative: FREE entry to the AbaY region will be granted
  5. Tourists are then welcome to stay in ANY establishment in the Bay
  6. Tourists and surfers can freely move around and socialize at any time
  7. No Masks or Muzzles requirement will be enforced
    = As this realistically can not be monitored in a Surf, Fishing and Farming  Community anyhow
  8. To boost Tourism even further
    a. Liquor Licenses will be issued automatically. Free of charge
    b. Duty free shops will be opened in the Bay itself. Unlimited purchases for foreigners!
    c. Parties and events will be allowed at all times. No permits required
    d. Visas are offered to all suitable and interested  surfers and Visitors until end 2021
    e. Special Seasonal East Coast Beer will be supplied. At discount prices.
    f. To create worldwide attention and act as FREE a global promotion:
    g. The Old CORONA is Out – Caruna Extra  is Inn !
    see link below

    Traditional East Coast Beer

    New Non Lion Beer launched just for Arugam Bay (2010)

PS|
A small technical irritation needs to be resolved.
That is what to do when visitors eventually – if or when after a year or so – they decide to leave glorious Arugam Bay?
Departing back to their homeland, once tested negative (for C-19..;-) presents no issues.
But what to do if they wish to remain in Sri Lanka, or are Nationals of this amazing Nation:
A quarantine period of 14 days in …Colombia might be unavoidable 😉

Winter: The Best Season in AbaY !

Arugam Bay is known for the Best Surf on this island.
True.
But little is known that as from November our Wild Life is even more awesome to admire.
KUMANA of course is famous for migrant birds.
But did you know that even from the Arugam Bay Bridge – walking distance from any hotel -:
You can admire Wild Elephants?

Truly Wild Elephants all around AbaY

Un

View from the AbaY Bridge

like Pinnawala or Udawalawe and other Parks it comes 100% FREE.
Free in Nature, Free animals, Free as NO entrance Charges!”
Name one other destination being as blessed as remote Arugam Bay!

Where to Surf and Where to Hang Out

What has been Recommended in Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay was a modest fishing village, known for its scenic coastline. What many didn’t know though, was that its ocean had some of the best waves in the world for surfing. This began to change in the 70s, when the first surfers started arriving in the area.

The locals, warm-hearted and friendly, taught these tourists about the lay of the land and made them feel part of the community. In turn, the locals got the chance to learn about its surf culture. And a vibe of learning and sharing grew organically, which gave life to the Arugam Bay we know and love today.

The East coast surf season begins as the North Eastern monsoon ends nearing May, and continues until October. If what you are looking for is a mellow experience with fewer crowds, early on in the season, between late May and July, is better suited for you. If you are a more weather-beaten surfer looking for crankin’ waves, as someone familiar with the lingo might say, then the best months for you are from July to September. This is when most of the breaks are working.

Here are four surf spots, apart from the main surf beach in Arugam Bay, that you absolutely must explore!

Surf spots

Elephant Rock
https://lakpura.com/elephant-rock-point

Nestled about 4 km away from the main point in Arugam Bay, Elephant Rock used to be a lesser-known surf spot in the East Coast.

Its waves break to the right from the vantage of the surfer. These waves are known as a right. They are also pointbreaks, meaning that they wrap around the protruding rock before rolling along the coastline. The height of these waves ranges from 2 to 6 feet.

Its gaining popularity now – not only because of the waves but also because of the views. You can climb the rock to immerse yourself in a stunning sunset, and maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of the elephants freely roaming around.

A word of caution: avoid the lagoon nearby, because it has crocodiles.

Peanut Farm
Image from https://whiskeypoint.info/

Urani village is the home of the Whiskey Point, the second most sought after surf point in Arugam Bay. It is about 15 km North from the Arugam Bay beach and takes about 30 minutes in a tuk-tuk.

Its right-hand, pointbreak waves can reach between 2 to 6 feet in height and are perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. During the months of May and October, the village becomes animated with surfers bustling about. In the evenings, music permeates the shoreline as many of the surfers mingle.

Lighthouse

Found along the Komari beach stretch, about an hour’s drive away from Arugam Bay, Lighthouse is a less crowded spot reserved for veteran surfers. Its waves break to the right and come to life in the months of July, August and September. Even if you aren’t a pro-surfer, it is a must-visit, simply because of the spectacular coastal vistas.

A 15-minute walk further to the north from Lighthouse will get you to Green House, another surf point you might want to explore.

Surf schools and hangout spots

The experience of anyone absorbing the surf culture of the East Coast is incomplete without knowing where to learn to surf and where to unwind after a long day or surfing. It’s part and parcel of the “surf culture”! So here are a few spots you don’t want to miss out!

Surf n Sun

This family-run joint is just a few minutes’ walk away from the main surf point in Arugam Bay. It has very humble beginnings and a history that spans three generations.

In the beginning, surfing for them was a way of escaping the war. As time went by, they started surf guiding and showing their visitors some of the secret points they knew.

Today they have ISA qualified surf instructors, all of whom are locals from the village who have been surfing in the local spots since their childhood.

Hideaway

This is another spot that is nearby the main beach in Arugam Bay. This was built in 1979 as a holiday home by the Tissera family and is still run by members of the family. They have gathered unique local knowledge over the years and have many contacts that will enable you to have one of the best experiences of the East Coast.

The fusion and traditional Sri Lankan cuisine they offer is often prepared using organically-grown and locally-sourced produce. Hideaway Blue, their café, has amazing coffee. Oh! And Hide & Chill Bar is one of the most renowned watering holes in the region.

Sababa Surf Cafe

This is an underground, minimalist restaurant, bar and chill-out spot facing the beach at Whiskey Point. You will not find it on social media, but on a Friday, which is the party night at Whiskey Point, Sababa Surf Café is the place to be! And you are sure to have a memorable experience, with DJs playing full-on electronic music till hours way past the dawn.

Lighthouse Beach Hut

Lighthouse Beach Hut, as the name suggests, is located at Lighthouse Point. It is an eco-friendly, simple joint run by Ranga. On one side, it faces the beach, and calming greenery envelops all other sides.

Their restaurant is an excellent hangout spot where you can meet surfers from all around the world, and their rice and curry is prepared using freshly delivered fish, seafood and produce sourced from their very own organic farm.

There are also many other small joints that add to the momentum of the peak of the East Coast season. So go off the beaten path, do a bit of exploring on your own, and uncover colourful secrets of the Arugam Bay culture that only a few may know.

Source:
http://www.pulse.lk/travel/east-coast-surf-culture-where-to-surf-and-where-to-hang/

Sports revenue to reach US$ 1 bn within five years: Namal

Sports will be made a US$ 1 billion revenue-generating subject within the next five years, said Minister of Youth and Sports Namal Rajapaksa.

He was speaking at the launch of the Lanka Sportreizen organised Open/National Surfing Championships which will be held on September 26 and 27, at Arugam Bay.

The Minister said that his plan to convert Sri Lanka Sports to a US$ 1 billion includes the local manufacture and export of sports equipment, sports apparels, and services to the world.

He is also said that hosting water and adventure sports events can also woo high spending tourists to Sri Lanka and hope to work with the Ministry of Tourism in this regard. “It will also be a good destination marketing tool for Sri Lanka.” He also said that professionalism should be introduced to sportsmen and women.

“Today parents specially in rural areas consider a child taking to sports as a burden to the family. This should and will be reversed. The sportsman in a family should not only bring honour to a family but also revenue. The fabric in sports will be changed in this manner,” he assured.

He also said that professionalism would be introduced to sports bodies as well and they will also look at the financing aspect of sports associations.
Lanka Sportsrizen is a leading Destination Management Company in Sri Lanka which has been in the forefront of promoting Tourism through Sports and Adventure has organised the event.

“In fact, we were planning with the World Surf League to conduct a similar event in September in the East which did not happen due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic which brought Worldwide activities including tourism and sports to a standstill, said Chairman LSR Tilak Weerasinghe.

He said this event is organised in order to revive both sports and tourism on the advice of Namal Rajapaksa, Minister of Youth and Sports, who himself is a keen surfer.

This event will be conducted with the blessings of the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka to coincide with the World Tourism Day which falls on September 27.

This Event is expected to reawaken the interest that the sporting fraternity has on surfing since the period from January 2020 has not seen any event taking place in the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Furthermore, stakeholders in the Eastern Province who have been starved of business with the break of the virus will be able to sigh a relief about the future of their livelihoods with the conduct of this event.

New! Party and Event Calendar Group

We are Happy to inform you.

That the mellow, our very own peaceful Party and Event Life is continuing in and around Arugam Bay.

 

OPen – Liberal – Music nights for everyone to perform @ for example The Old Siam View

To make it easier, and to coordinate events.
And to allow our guests to plan accordingly, we created a new Group.
It’s on What’s Up of course, as we move away from Web Sites and even Facebook
To join us and receive  Daily Updates.
Just click the link below

AbaY Events, Parties etc.

VISIT Now – For a Safe Holiday

This article is intended to inform concerned travelers of the risks involved to visit Sri Lanka.
And in particular travel to remote Arugam Bay (and, for example Kalpitiya).

Whilst there is nothing ever 100% risk free: 
The conclusion is that an island Nation, with just one single point of entry (Colombo Airport) is as safe as it can possibly be.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka now is a very secure island, and all authorities are working together very well, since the Easter outrage last year.
There is tight control everywhere, and all arrivals are checked properly.
The Health System, which struggled, but managed and coped well in a long civil war, the 2004 Tsunami and and many emergencies manages very well. They are equipped and trained much better that most other Nations. Plus it’s a true FREE National Health Service!
In addition, very remote destinations such as our Arugam Bay are far away from any other towns, 50km from any Industry, and again:
Arugam Bay is like another island, on an island.
Why?
Because once you reached the Bay through thick Jungles there is only one single road, via a long bridge in and out of the resort:
Arugam Bay is a true Dead End (i.e. Cul de Sac if “Dead End” sounds ill placed here 😉
There is NO passing – through – traffic at all.
For that reason there perhaps is no known Malaria, No Dengue and No Rabies in the Bay itself . Unique!
Just like the endless sunshine with 340 days/ year.
Further: With average temperatures around 30C:
It seems that the new Virus does not survive well
(As in colder climates; like influenza)

Obviously this is intended to promote Arugam Bay.
And would LOVE to attract you to come to us.
Summers are our High Season.
Our main visitors are from Israel, Australia, South Africa.
We hardly see Chinese or Russian Tourists  = maybe because those Nations are not known good Surfers?
This fact is perhaps fortunate for us…at this time…
Truthfully we really believe that if anyone wishes to travel, and be as safe and secure abroad:
Here highly recommend to you Arugam Bay (and Sri Lanka itself)
One of very Few minimised risk destinations you should look at.

Unique, Safe, Secure and with little of NO risk to catch this new infection.

Arugam Bay: New Books published.

Arugam Bay 
Must have something.
 Very Special. Even magical.
 
 Because we know of few resorts, which have the honour to have half a dozen or more Books and Novels, travel Reports and History Documents Published in Book Form.
 We refer to International publications; not Travel Guide Books.

Only recently, the  best seller “Der Krokodilfelsen” (The Crocodile Rock) was finally translated from it’s original two German editions into English:

This establishment above is also featured
And you may buy or borrow the book from there.

The Travel Novel is based on true facts, set in 1983 in Arugam Bay.
It gives a perfect insight into the Bay as it was then. 
And follows events all the way to Hawaii.
Highly recommended to buy and read!
Local  outlets are expected to stock it, but a link to Amazon will be published by the aithor herself in due course.
Frau Claudia reacted at once.
Here is the order link:
Order Here. From Amazon directly

Below a summary:
Sri Lanka 1983: For the first time, the young German backpacker travels alone to South Asia. In the fishing village of Arugam Bay, she meets the charismatic Tamil Sooriya with whom she bonds in a special relationship.It is a time when civil war begins ravaging the tropical island. Sooriya finds himself increasingly in danger. In a situation tense with political intrigue, they arrange for Sooriya to leave the country.Years later, destiny reunites them. Sooriya is now living in Hawaii where he has become an acclaimed copper artist and the spiritual leader of Mouna Farm Arts and Culture Village. Back in Sri Lanka, he is respected as a holy man.In 2016, Sooriya Kumar got the award of “Living Treasure of Hawaii.” In 2017 the Love Peace Harmony Foundation and the United Nations Association of Hawaii honored Sooriya as an “International Peace Builder.”

Great Beach(es) for awesome Winter Sun

Arugam Bay Beach

Sri Lanka

November through March is a great time to visit Sri Lanka, but it can get crowded.

Arugam Bay, on the southeast coast, is a far cry from the busier resorts on this teardrop-shaped island’s west side, which are packed at this time of year.

With its chilled, hammock-swinging vibe, excellent beachfront restaurants (don’t pass up the fish curries at Ranga’s Beach Hut), and superb surf, Arugam Bay is a wonderful place to escape the crowds and get a taste of Indian Ocean life.

Source:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/12-great-beaches-for-winter-sun/ar-AAHnZ5n?li=BBnbklE

World surfs in Sri Lanka

World surfs in Sri Lanka
‘So Sri Lanka Pro 2019’ in Arugam Bay from September 23 to 29:
M.A. Phakurdeen -Addalaichenai Group Correspondent

The upcoming ‘So Sri Lanka Pro’ professional surfing event set for Arugam Bay, popular for its magnificent surf, has been extremely well received by professional surfers from all over the world.

The international professional surfing competition is to be held in Arugam Bay from September 23 to 29.

With entries still coming in, already around 120 surfers from 24 countries such as Australia, Indonesia, France, Venezuela, Israel, the USA, Portugal, New Zealand, Mexico, Spain, Great Britain, Brazil, South Africa, Costa Rica, Argentina, Japan, Ireland, Chile, Belgium, Peru, India, the Maldives, Malaysia and Sri Lanka have entered the event.

“It is fantastic to see that contestants from many different nationalities have already entered into So Sri Lanka Pro,” said World Surf League (WSL) Contest Director for the event, Will Hayden-Smith. “The event is extremely important for all these surfers with essential qualification points aligned to the world rankings. With great waves also very likely to greet these surfers, they have shown their approval for the event with entries coming in from all over the world.”

Many of these surfers are well known within the world professional surfing ranks and many are serious contenders to represent their nations in the 2020 Japan Olympic Games, where surfing makes its Olympic debut.

One such surfer is the fast-emerging Rio Waida from Indonesia. The powerful youngster was placed third in the WSL World Junior Championships in 2018 and he is already identified as the future star of the sport.

“I am very excited to be coming to Sri Lanka for this great event,” said Waida. “I have heard great things about the waves in Sri Lanka and it is always fantastic for us to have the opportunity to compete in quality surf. I can’t wait!”

So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 will also play as a huge opportunity for some of the local surfers to take on the international professionals as wildcards in the event. This opportunity is something that has been made possible through the WSL and the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

The world-famous tourist resort in Pottuvil, Arugam Bay is going to be a hive of activity as a series of events have been organised from September 23 till the end of the month. This world-qualified ranking event in surfing and World Tourism Day have been planned to be celebrated there.

The ranking event in surfing has been organised in conjunction with the Sri Lanka National Surf Federation under the guidance of the World Surf Federation and elaborate arrangements have been made to accord a warm welcome to surfers from various parts of the world.

The event for local surfers has been scheduled for September 23 and 24, where 32 surfers from various parts of the country have already submitted their entries while the world-qualified ranking event is to be worked out on September 25 and 29, where more than 130 surfers are expected to take part in this event.

A progress review meeting to finalise arrangements and to entrust assignments to respective organisations and personalities held at the Arugam Bay Tristar Hotel auditorium was presided over by District Secretary D.M.L. Bandaranayake with the participation of Additional District Secretary A.M. Latheef, Eastern Province Tourism Bureau Director General A.S.M. Faiz, Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat D.R. Thiraviaraj, Divisional Secretary M.A.C. Nazeel, Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman M.S.M. Waseeth, Chamber of Tourism and Industry President A.M. Jaufer, Arugam Bay Tourism Association Chairman M.H.A. Raheem and high-ranking officers of Tri Forces.

Lanka Sportreizen Chairman Thilak Weerasinghe and President of the Sri Lanka Surfing Federation Hiran Ukwatte briefed the arrangements being made for the event. Officials in charge of electricity, water supply or drinking water, hotel and accommodation for invitees, parking areas, security arrangements, temporary police posts, first aid services, transportation, volunteering, invitees and invitations, solid waste and garbage management, carnival site arrangement, beach cleaning, sanitary facilities, refreshments, media campaign, and promotion and publicity were also discussed at length.

Arugam Bay Tourism Association Chairman M.H.A. Raheem said that there are 226 hotels in Arugam Bay with a capacity of 3,000 rooms to accommodate more than 7,500 tourists from various parts of the world.

“If necessary, additional accommodation facilities too could be arranged. Bookings have already been made and some of the competitors have already arrived and are practicing. This is a good sign,” he said.

“So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 will also play as a huge opportunity for some of the local surfers to take on the international professionals as wildcards in the event. This opportunity is something that has been made possible through the WSL and the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka. It will be amazing to have the WSL come back to Sri Lanka,” said Sri Lankan Surfing Federation President Hiran Ukwatte.

“We cannot wait to witness a world-class event and watch the positive effect it will have on surf sports in our country and on surf tourism to the area. Arugam Bay is a world-class wave with some fantastic local surfers such as D.A. Lakshitha from Weligama, Praneeth Sandaruwan and Lesitha Prabath from Arugam Bay to name a few. These surfers are looking forward to the opportunity to compete with surfers from all over the world,” he said.

“They will have the opportunity to compete with wildcards in the So Sri Lanka Pro event, which will be an incredible experience for them. At present, the three top surfers of Sri Lanka are competing at the2019 ISA World Surfing GamesinMiyazaki, Japan, which is an Olympic qualifying event. Finally, the tireless efforts of the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka have made this event happen and I truly believe the event will make the Federation grow in many ways and become an integral part of sport development in this country,” Ukwatte said.

“Meanwhile, beaches are also being cleaned by the Arugam Bay Development Forum (ADF). Members of the ADF, Tri Forces personnel and the public too are participating in shramadana. A large number of foreigners too are voluntarily engaged in this task,” ADF President Hajith said.

Arrangements are also afoot to celebrate World Tourism day on September 27 in Arugam Bay with colourful and cultural events. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Tourism Bureau of Eastern Province together with the Chamber of Tourism and Industry of Sri Lanka have drawn up all programs.

Eastern Province Tourism Bureau Director General A.S.M. Fayis told the Daily News that the highlight of the day would be the sail and cruise ship from which one could watch whales and dolphins.

Foreigners and locals are allowed to board the ship for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Meanwhile, Chamber of Tourism and Industry President A.M. Jaufer has made all arrangements to give away the awards and certificates to the winners who won the art competition on the theme ‘Creating employment opportunities in tourism’; an Eco Tourism Award will also be presented.

At the same time, the National Youth Services Council has planned a few cultural events with the objective of strengthening communal amity, inter-communal harmony and co-existence.

source:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2019/09/18/features/197202/world-surfs-sri-lanka

(0)

So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 surfing from Sept 25 to 29

World Surfing League Qualifying Series 3000, also referred to as So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 is all set to be staged at the world-class point break of Arugam Bay from 25 to 29 September, with the participation of over 122 surfers from 24 nations.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau announced that the surfing event has been extremely well-received by professional surfers from around the world while many have expressed their keen interest to participate and witness the qualifying rounds in Sri Lanka.

The Bureau noted that while entries are still being received, nearly 122 surfers from 24 nations have entered the final list. This impressive line-up includes participating countries such as Australia, Indonesia, France, Venezuela, Israel, USA, Portugal, New Zealand, Mexico, Spain, Great Britain, Brazil, South Africa, Costa Rica, Argentina, Japan, Ireland, Chile, Belgium, Peru, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. World Surf League (WSL) Regional Manager Asia and Global VNR Producer Steve Robertson remarked, “We are here to deliver positive stories about Sri Lanka to the world. This is all about a magnificent surfing event and a global promotion about Sri Lanka. All Sri Lankan media is encouraged to engage with World Surf League. We want to work with the domestic media as well. It’s been a great journey, and we are looking forward to the event. We want to bring out a superb event, where everyone is a winner, and we want to keep coming back here, and just to reiterate of how great Sri Lanka is as a destination.”

“It will be so amazing to have the WSL come back to Sri Lanka,” said Sri Lankan Surfing Federation President Hiran Ukwatte. “We can’t wait to witness a world-class event and watch the positive effect it will have on surf sports in our country and on surf tourism to the area. Arugam Bay is a world-class wave with some fantastic local surfers like D.A. Lakshitha, Praneeth Sandaruwan, and Lesitha Prabath to name a few. These surfers are looking forward to the opportunity to compete with and surf with surfers from all around the world,” he expressed.

Many of these surfers are very well-known within the world professional surfing ranks and many are serious contenders to represent their nations in next year’s 2020 Japan Olympic Games, where surfing makes its Olympic debut. One such surfer is the fast emerging Rio Waida from Indonesia. The powerful youngster placed 3rd in the WSL World Junior Championships in 2018 and he is already identified as future star of the sport.

“I am very excited to be coming to Sri Lanka for this great event,” said Waida. “I’ve heard great things about the waves in Sri Lanka and it is always fantastic for us to have the opportunity to compete in quality surf ? I can’t wait!”

The So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 will also play as a huge opportunity for some of the local surfers to take on the international professionals as wildcards in the event. This opportunity is something that has been made possible through the WSL and the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Kishu Gomes remarked that the event will amplify Sri Lanka’s position as a major surfing and tourist destination. “Over 700 visitors are also expected to be present, in addition to the 122 surfers who would be in the country. The surfers and visitors are scheduled to spend at least 10 days in the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay,” he said.

The So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 Men’s QS3000 will run from 25-29 September, and the ground arrangements will be handled by Lanka Sportreizen. Head to www.worldsurfleague.com or the WSL App for more information. Click here for more information on Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

source:
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_19B/Sep15_1568525691CH.php

Arugam Bay – Surfers’ paradise

Arugam Bay in the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat Division in the Ampara district is one of Sri Lanka’s tourist hotspots.

Arugam Bay is a famous surfing spot that attracts tourists from all over the world.

The tourism industry, which suffered a severe setback after the Easter Sunday attacks, is still recovering after the relaxation of travel advisories by many countries. Lonely Planet, one of the most popular travel magazines in the world, still lists Sri Lanka as the top destination for 2019 despite the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Arugam Bay is one of God’s greatest gifts that enhances the beauty of Sri Lanka, to the extent that it can be described as a ‘tourist’s paradise’.

 

Arugam Bay is located on the southeast coast, 320 km from Colombo and can be reached within seven hours via Moneragala. Arugam Bay beach, a wide sweeping sandy beach around the village of Ulla, is an attraction all year round.

The beach is not the only attraction in the area. The surrounding countryside encompasses the loveliest scenery that spans mangroves, jungle, lagoon, river, paddy fields and dunes, all of which are popular with tourists.

Thousands of local and foreign tourists visit Arugam Bay each year. The area is also reputed for its rich cultural heritage and famous places of worship such as Muhudu Maha Vihara, Magul Maha Vihara, the Kudumbigala archaeological site and Aukenda Temples. The Kumana National Park and the sand dunes are other attractions.

The surfing season in Arugam Bay starts in April and ends in October. During the season, the wind is predominantly offshore. Two kilometers inland from Arugam Bay is the scenic Pottuvil Lagoon. Local fishermen offer tourists boat rides on the lagoon.

The season for offshore dolphin viewing at Arugam Bay is from April to October and falls within Arugam Bay’s high season. Twelve kilometres south of Arugam Bay is Panama, the last inhabited village before entering the Yala East National Park. Panama lies inland, but intersects with lagoons and is rich in bird life

Twenty kilometres south of Panama is the village of Okanda that has a popular surfing spot. The village is home to a famous shrine located at the point where God Skanda is believed to have landed on the island.

Kumana National Park fed by a channel from the Kumbukkan Oya is the focal point of Yala East National Park. About 20 km into the park is the Kumuna Reservoir where mangroves host a wide array of aquatic birds, many of which nest in May and June. Among the birds, the painted storks, herons, egrets, Indian darters and little cormorants are common. Black-necked stork, one of the rarest birds of Sri Lanka, also finds a habitat in the park.

A few kilometers inland from Okanda lies the Kudumbigala forest hermitage. About 15 km inland from Arugam Bay (on the Siyambalanduwa – Pottuvil road), the main road that passes through the scenic Lahugala Park draws a herd of about 150 elephants during July and August.

Just east of Lahugala lies a cluster of ruins of the ancient Buddhist temple Magul Maha Vihara, built by King Dhatusena.

source:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2019/08/14/features/193919/arugam-bay-%E2%80%93-surfers%E2%80%99-paradise

We need YOUR help !

Arugam Bay is truly a beautiful place on Earth.
We like to keep it that way.
And also weed out frauds and land thefts.
Please sign our new Petition!

Just a click or two below will assist us !

Don’t Change The Old Siam View

AbaY remembered

Nate Berkus And His Husband Have A Beautiful Way Of Honoring Natea??s Late Partner

In 2004, Natea??s partner was killed in the devastating tsunami during their visit to (Arugam Bay) – Sri Lanka. But he is a??definitely a part ofa?? Natea??s marriage to Jeremiah Brent.

In 2004, it may have seemed hard for Nate Berkus to imagine happiness making its way back into his life. That year, the interior designer had lost his beloved partner, photographer Fernando Bengoechea, when the two found themselvesA?literally swept awayA?by the devastating tsunami that struck Sri Lanka, where they were vacationing. More than 30,000 people in Sri Lanka died in the natural disaster; though Nate survived, the pain of losing Fernando was all-consuming.

a??I have the grief to contend with,a?? NateA?told OprahA?shortly after the tragedy. a??But I do believe that I survived so that I would have a greater understanding both of what Ia??ve had, what Ia??ve lost and what I still have to gain.a??

Slowly, Nate did begin to heal, and even found ways to honor Fernandoa??s memory through the years. And perhaps no one is a bigger supporter of honoring Fernandoa??s memory than Natea??s own husband, Jeremiah Brent.

At their 2014 wedding, Jeremiah Brent told husband Nate Berkus that he honored every part of his past and everything hea??d been through, bringing many guests to tears.

NateA?marriedA?Jeremiah, a fellow interior designer and the host of a??Home Made Simple,a?? in 2014. Oprah was a guest at the wedding, where Jeremiaha??s vows to Nate included a nod to Natea??s past relationship.

a??Thata??s a part of our love story. Therea??s no two ways about it,a?? Jeremiah tells a??Oprah: Where Are They Now?a??. a??Yes, wea??re married this time, but [Fernando is] definitely a part of it.a??

He continues, a??I oddly feel connected to him. I honor that story.a??

Nate Berkus and Fernando Bengoechea were both swept up by the 2004 tsunami during a trip to Sri Lanka. Fernando died in the disaster.

Jeremiah is also determined to keep Fernandoa??s memory alive for young Poppy, who Nate and JeremiahA?welcomedA?via surrogacy in 2015.

a??Our daughter will know who he was,a?? Jeremiah says. a??We have pictures of him in the home.a??

While Jeremiaha??s approach seems to be one that comes with relative ease, Nate says that his own reconciliation of the past was more of a struggle.

a??I didna??t know how to articulate what I needed from a new relationship,a?? he says. a??I didna??t know how to articulate how to keep that and honor that, but still move forward without any guilt or any fear.a??

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 24: (L-R) Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent attend the 2014 Good Shepherd Services Spring Party at Stage 37 on April 24, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Brian Killian/WireImage)

a??I worry about anything happening to [Jeremiah],a?? Nate admits. a??I worry, obviously, because Ia??ve had such great loss. I dona??t want to go through that again ? no one does, whether youa??ve had it or you havena??t.a??

Turning to his husband, Nate continues.

a??You were the first person to come into my life and not be threatened or afraid, not afraid to poke the damage and say, a??That happened. Leta??s talk about it. Leta??s figure it out, and how can it be part of our world in a way thata??s healthy?a??a?? Nate says. a??And so it is.a??

Nate and Jeremiaha??s full interview airs on this weekenda??sA?a??Oprah: Where Are They Now?a??, on Saturday, Jan. 23, at 10 p.m. ET on OWN. Cheap bupron side

A previous version of this article stated that 400 people died in the tsunami. In fact, that number referred to the people in the Arugam Bay and Pottuvil region, where Berkus and Bengoechea were staying. The total death toll from the natural disaster was more than 30,000.

source:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/nate-berkus-jeremiah-brent-honoring-fernando_us_56a15f52e4b076aadcc5f6b1

Full Moon

The original article has been published 1/2/2007.
This week, with the great ATMAN TRIBE Festival rocking the Bay
People ask: What happened to the old FULL MOON PARTIES ( FMP) ?

Answer:
Due to strict Government rules Arugam Bay does no longer host a proper, traditional Full Moon Party.
Sorry!
But here is the background:
collage.jpg

The Full Moon Day or ‘Poya Day’ (like today) is not only a very special day on Koh Pang Ngan, but also has a certain relevance to Arugam Bay.
(btw: the 26th December 2004 also was a Poya Day….)

Whilst famous places like Goa and Thailand are (still?!) much more popular, attracting 10,000 or so followers, the monthly events held in Eastern Sri Lanka are almost certainly much older. If you consider the few 1960’s drop outs who came to worship the Full Moon long ago on our nearby most Easterly point of the island.
Going back in history, an official religion was registered in the Netherlands in 1966.
Critics claim that the ‘Full Moonie’ Sect Purchase pletal dosage may have been formed to avoid a clamp down by the local authorities at the time. And thereby followers could continue to enjoy the expression of their prescribed rituals which religious freedom guarantees under most Nations constitutions.

In brief, the founder members believed that the Full Moon possesses a certain power over mind and body. This is often been put into popular movies and there may be some element of truth in it if you observe animal behavior during such nights. The Full Moonies believe this energy should be used to meditate and to try and free ones mind – at least once a month to stay in good health.
In order to achieve this ‘cleaning of all evils’ from ones soul followers are not permitted to sleep until the sun rises. Other religions stipulate similar body control such as not eating during the day light hours etc.
As staying awake alone might prove difficult for some, stimulants and loud music as well as moderate drink (to free the mind) should be provided by the hosts:
So the first FMP was born in Europe.

In the late 1970’s two founding members decided that the open, fresh, ozone air, the open sea and most important an uncluttered view of the sun rising in the East would add to the spiritual experience.
All this proved rather difficult in marijuana polluted Holland due to cold weather. Also there is little in the way of an Eastern Sea front and the Mini European Nation has not too many palm fringed Bays either…
So a piece of land was purchased on the most Easterly point of Sri Lanka – guaranteeing warm weather, no authority interference and a clear infinite view of the open sea (all the way to Antarctica in fact).

In the beginning, just a handful of followers, first only with guitars and song, then with a car battery and mini sound system staged the ritual 12km North or sometime South of the Bay – in total privacy in one of the the open Bays dotted around Arugam Bay.
Like in Okanda Bay, Peanut Farm and Green Room or The Point at the time.
A camp fire is also a must.
Later, mainly keen surfers from Israel joined the sect as ‘free; members and small generators and better sound systems were added.
Often the music style reflected Trance or Techno as well as Ambiance and Psychedelic sounds – to assist in the holy ritual. Soft Chill-out music always followed towards the end of the session, around sun rise (see below) and Reggae was shunned.
This Century has seen a few changes. For the first time the area received mains electricity and a mini, casual police farce. The believers staged bigger and more professional events – all of which are of course to this day open and totally FREE for anyone to attend. Maybe the organizers hope to convert some dull or troubled, or too serious people to experience the benefit of strict physical exercise, like wild dance, which the medical profession agrees is actually very good for you?
(Like in any religion there are always the lazy ones, the hangers on, who abuse required rituals: At a many recent FMP a fair number of guys only tend to exercise their right arms and their bladders….:-) But it is the will to attend which counts.
Maybe one day Arugam Bay will be as popular as Goa?
Or the Thai islands?
Some say the Bay are too far from the airport. But so is Goa and Koh Samui – and it takes even longer to get there from Bangkok.
Rigth now the political situation as well as our law makers are more of an obstacle to gain wider popularity.

Some dwellers are worried of certain “Sound Pollution”.
The organizers answer: It’s only once a month and not 4 times every day, it is good to attract tourists. Full and even half Moonies are actually very high spenders!
And more so it is after all a very serious RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL.
Everyone in the Bay and the Country will see the benefit, also financially, eventually.
What else do we have to attract loads of visitors? There is a lot of stiff competition from much more stable Nations all around us. In every way.
As some see it, there is no difference between terribly loud Church bells, all night Temple Chants or frequent Mosque calls for payers:
Under the Sri Lanka Constitution religious freedom is said to be fully guaranteed. To anyone.
And who is to say what one should be allowed to believe in?
As long as the main principles are to love each other, be a good person and remain strictly non- violent?
Make LOVE – Not War! was one of the old slogans of the Early 60’s…..Has it totally lost its relevance in Ceylon?
In respect to the Buddhist Nation and local law, AbaY parties are never on the actual Nexium sold over the counter Full Moon Day itself. The Ceremony or ‘Party‘ finishes officially at sunrise on the morning of the actual Poya day. This is because in Asia this is the moment (about 06:00 am) when a new DAY begins.
In the mind of a converted Full Moonie the DAY does not begin in the middle of the NIGHT. They call it Midnight. In their refreshed mind the rising sun signals the beginning of a NEW Day. Do they have a point??
Flood light Beach SVHUllai Girl Dance Groupcimg0857.JPG

To avoid any possible confusion:
The liberal, happy and relaxed Full Moonies have as much to do with the controversial Korean “Moonies” as Half a Rupee with a Full Schilling:
There is NO connection what so ever with a Unification-, Fornication-, Fortification- or any other Cheap amantadine dosage Church.
Just to demonstrate, again, scenes from the ancient rituals, taken around MIDNIGHT:
collage1.jpg

Final Comment:
Some regard it as a miracle. None of the hundreds of FMP guests, organizers or DJ people suffered any kind of casualty or serious injury on Tsunami Poya Day – although the site was of course right on the very sea front, in the worst affected area of Sri Lanka, at Arugam Bay washed out by 15 Meter waves. True Full Moonies regard this as a protection from high above and inspiration to continue the holy rituals.