Times are changing, and even Arugam Bay now has many “Come and see my laptop: LIVE” events.
However there are also DAILY Bands and Musicians performing in the more popular venues. Supporting local talents, and they charge NO admission at all.
The Old Siam View Hotel (Brew & Music Pub) has a long tradition and hosts only LIVE performances. Indeed, Every night during the week: There NEVER is a dull day – and this old concept still seems to be popular. Often ending up in Open Mic sessons where Guests join Inn.
Below is the initial program to kick off the Supen High Season September:
Rohantha and his band will be on Today (Monday 2nd, 4th & 6th)
Awesome Mr. Dain will be on stage. And in between. And whenever needed.
Both great artists played at the Old Siam View before (with great success) But that was almost 20 years ago: We are Happy to see them Back Home!
We are finally in the village of Arugam Bay. There are no real luxury hotels in the town, but that’s a part of the charm and some would say an opportunity waiting to be seized. It’s a big long weekend on the island and many city folk will descend on ABay to party. The tourists also come from around the world
Arugam Bay is the most popular tourist destination in the east of Sri Lanka and is a premier surfing and chill location for the young at heart. For me, it is a good three-day visit only, but I don’t surf, sunbathe or spend much time on beaches. Oh yes, I’m over fifty years old and don’t want to wrinkle.
Berlitz Pocket Guide covers “Abay” in only 65 words. I have spent a week in the area and made about ten short visits to this hippie-style location .
We set off at seven a.m. from Colombo and expect a six-hour journey to the ABay. It would, however be a couple of hours longer across the west to east of the country. We get on the expressway heading south till it finishes, then a short dual-carriageway. Then a fast empty road, all with changing scenery from arid areas, then a green lush landscape with lakes. With the changes come the herds of goats, then buffaloes walking in the water, and lots of thin white cattle in the middle of nowhere. This part of the road is so straight, the trees are planted in uniform spaces to create a guard of honour for the traveller. It reminds me of France with rows of plantanes [ trees ] said to give assistance to Napoleon’s troops moving in different weather conditions. These trees today are thought to be responsible for one in eight road accidents in France.
We are finally in the village of Arugam Bay. There are no real luxury hotels in the town, but that’s a part of the charm and some would say an opportunity waiting to be seized. It’s a big long weekend on the island and many city folk will descend on ABay to party. The tourists also come from around the world, it’s common to see lots of Israelis who have just completed some military service and time to surf. They like the surf, beaches, the low cost of living, laid back style, with few rules and not a policeman in sight.
The first time I was here was two weeks before the Tsunami in December 2004, and I recall staying at Stardust Hotel and canoeing along the river. Sadly, the hotel and the town were hit quite hard by the Tsunami, both losing lives.
The town is now a thriving tourist location in the surfing season.
Look out for the red British telephone box, ask for Fred, in the building behind. You will get the whole history of the town from wartime to the latest locations and things to do locally. I have had the opportunity to launch two of my books in the town. At the allotted time to start, I had about ten people at the book launch. One hour later, there were fifty hitting over eighty. Everyone is laid back, even the people who live there. It appeared that unbeknown to me, at my book launch, was a Russian female karaoke performer and a fully tattooed character was also strutting his stuff. Welcome to Abay! I had catered for forty people. The night goes on, and I find myself as the impromptu conga player in an ad-hoc band till the early hours of the morning, playing with a bunch of strangers .
The next day we have the opportunity to visit Kumana National Park, but I’m keener to enjoy some of the sea views and visit a few nearby temples than visit a bird sanctuary. It’s also about thirty kilometres from the hotel, my beach is in front of me, and my first temple, which is dated as 2nd BC, is 4 kilometres away. The location is on a very wide beach, and its history is linked to Princess Devi being washed up at the location and a temple being built. This is one of a few locations around Sri Lanka of such incidents .
Jezzabel, the wife, finds some friends who are staying nearby in another hotel, and they take a jeep and head to the park. Jokingly, on their return, I make a jibe about “How were the birds?” I’m bombarded with how great their safari was. This included sightings of two different leopards, an elephant charging their jeep, and many other non-bird species.
There are always some new openings, bars, restaurants, shops and hotels to try on the strip at Abay. On our next trip, we are taking some foreign foodie nuts who want to have cooking lessons. I may take some of my wines and do some imaginary pairing.
One thing we never say is, “It is the off-season.“ It’s true that there is the surfing season between May to September, the shoulder months however have good weather and then the wettish so-called monsoon season. This is when Abay is at its quietest. There may not be the hustle and bustle, and some shops could be closed, but it’s still worth putting on your tour of this amazing island if you have the time.
A few weeks ago, a line for direct flights to Sri Lanka began operating. The island nation located between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea and south of India, has become a very popular destination among Israeli tourists especially in recent years.
So what do you need to know if you are planning a trip with your surfboard and where are the small letters? Is Sri Lanka suitable only for young people or does it also have many attractions and activities for families? To answer these questions, we consulted the expert on tourism in Sri Lanka, Naa Aryeh, on behalf of the FLYEAST tourism group, and compiled everything you need to know about the magical country, just before you book your flight tickets.
How do you get there and what is the difference between the airlines?
As mentioned, direct flights using a chartered flight started recently, but there are several airlines that reach the destination, among them: Fly Dubai, Etihad, Gulf Air and Emirates. If you want to take the surfboard with you from home, you should pay attention to the differences between the companies which are very significant. The airlines in regards to transporting surfboards have different limitations such as different pricing on sizes.
So what are the surfing destinations in Sri Lanka?
Surfing on the island’s beaches is possible throughout the year, but you have to pay attention to the area you want to go to. The southwest coast is recommended in the months of March to November (when the east coast is in the heart of the monsoon season), while surfing on the east coast is recommended in the months of May to September, a period when it is not advisable to spend time on the other side of the island.
On the southeast coast, the town recommended for surfing and very popular among surfers and young people is Arugam Bay. This is a beach that is considered one of the most attractive places for surfing in the world with excellent weather, good waves, surf shops, hostels, restaurants and more. The town is about 350 kilometers from the airport but since the roads in Sri Lanka are not in ideal condition, the travel time is between 7 and 8 hours. To get to Arugam Bay you have to take a taxi or coordinate in advance with a driver who can also take the surfboard.
Not just surfing
Besides surfing, there are many attractions and activities that can also be done on a family trip to Sri Lanka: the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is suitable for a trip for the whole family and the children can also feed the elephants from a bottle. Sigiriya Rock Fortress offers a climb of 1,200 hatches where you can see murals on the way to the top and enjoy an amazing view of the landscape at the end.
It is also possible to take a tour to get to know the way of life of the locals in the Village tour in Hiriwadunna and there is also an option to taste the local food and take a boat trip to the area. Dambulla Caves (Dambulla Cave Temple) which is a beautiful complex declared as a UNESCO site where a large number of Buddha statues can be seen.
Minneriya National Park offers jeep safari tours where you can see a large number of species of elephants, birds and other animals. At the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, you can visit and see how the locals bring an offering to the Buddha.
Another interesting place is the botanical gardens (Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya) which contain about 5,000 different species of plants and trees. In the tea factory and plantation you can see the production processes and at the end of the visit you can taste different types of tea. Another fascinating attraction is a train ride to ELLA, to enjoy spectacular views on the way.
Another recommended trip is a trek in the Horton Plains (HORTON PLANE) of about 8 kilometers on a flat route where you can see waterfalls and reach a view point called the end of the world. It is also recommended to take a cruise on the Madu River between mangrove bushes and go to the Yala National Park, the most famous safari in Sri Lanka, where you can see elephants, tigers, wild boars and a wide variety of other animals.
Our remote, South/South Eastern Resort is a true All Year Round Destination.
The weather is unique, Swimming is fine at all times; there are no dangerous currents. In the Winter our wild Life is amazing, Kumana National Park is nearby The population mainly speaks TAMIL (& English). Indian/ Tamil Nadu Visitors will feel specially welcome! Below are some of our areas most loyal Establishments, pledged to remain open 12 months / year:
Establishments who remain open all year:
1.) Way of the Bay 2.) AZURE Swim Store 3.) Riva de Sole 4.) GECKO 5.) Paddyway Resort & Restaurant 6.) Hideaway Resort 7.) Oasis Bay 8.) Wateredge Hotel 9.) Beach Wave 10.) Whisky Point Resort 11.) Atteriya Chill 12.) Sand Dune Beach Villa 13.) East Surf Cabanas 14.) Spice Trail (incl. Kaffi, LBK) 15.) Sandy Beach 16.) Hakuna Matata 17.) Popoyo Surf Resort 18.) Bay Vista Hotel & Restaurant 19.) Cresent Bay 20.) Oruwa Boutique Villa 21.) Surf & Sand Hotel 22.) Rams Resort 23.) Oceano Beach Villa 24.) Another World 25.) Surfers Park 26.) Star Rest Beach Hotel 27.) Flymoon Hotel 28.) Lazy Bay Surf Camp 29.) Sweet Home Villa 30.) Hotel Alaskabay 31.) The Surf Access Guest House 32.) Mermaids Village Restaurant 33.) Dream Garden Resort 34.) Shim Beach Resort 35.) Comfort Beach Hotel 36.) Cili Pizza and Room 37.) Sunset View Beach Hotel 38.)Beach Cab Resort 39.) Surf Beach Hotel 40.) Happy Bay Guest House 41.) Zimbay Guest House 42.) Family House 43.) Tropicana Home Stay 44.) PIZZA Hub & Dosa Station! 45.) Clear Point Super Market 46.) Arne’s Place 47.) Blue Wave Hotel 48.) SVH Thai Restaurant 49.) Arugam Bay Hostel 50.) Siam View Brew Pub
Plus some of the additions we received after the initial deadline: 51.) Danish Villa 52.) Artist Village 53.) m. Meena local Bar
Use Google Maps to look up and locate any of the above Places Prices, Photos and Reviews are shown and will assist you to chose the Best for you.
Friday, 24th November 2023 Source : Bill Barnett Last week, I made my first post-pandemic trip back to Sri Lanka, the trip was to look at the latest trends in the property and tourism sectors. The country remains a personal favorite, despite its many up and downs over the past 30 or so years. There is little doubt the prolonged political crisis has spurred an outbound migration of many talented hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs. With elections coming next year, the path forward is unknown. But there is a mounting return of tourists especially to the Southern Coast. I met up with longtime tourism personality Jack Eden who runs the respected Eden Villas out of Galle. For luxury rentals, 2023 has seen sustained demand in the South. Some of the notable markets are Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. While viewing the upcoming winter season through March, many properties are booked out. While Russians have yet to be major property developers, they are renting and becoming a strong long-stay market. Sri Lanka now has pushed out the 30-day visas for Russians to 180 days (6 months). Another option is a one-year business visa. The South Beach areas are becoming popular for small-scale investment for Eastern Europeans especially Hikkaduwa and emerging areas past Galle. Walking around Galle Fort, the vibe has continued to improve, and even some new boutique hotels such as The Charleston. Some old icons such as Sun House in the hills above Galle are just reopening under new management. A new band of part-time and full-time overseas residents is now growing from Unawatuna through Ahangama to Welligama. These are not only Russians but a wide variety of nationalities. Heading further to Hiriketiya and beyond is seeing new investors in the area. I was able to meet up with Lanka Real Estate’s Buddhima Perera to talk about luxury villa sales. There have been a few notable trades along the coast at the USD5 million dollar level.
While Sri Lanka’s risk profile for investment has some uncertainty, where in the world does not these days? The visa regime of business and retirement visas is positive, despite high bank interest rates. For those looking for an amazing place under the sun in Asia, Sri Lanka’s South Coast remains a strong contender. If you haven’t visited lately, my advice is to get there soon. Bill Barnett, Hospitality & Real Estate Advisor / Tech Entrepreneur / Sustainability Advocate / Writer & Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks Company Limited 9 Lagoon Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket, 83110, Thailand (Office located at the entrance of Laguna Phuket) T: +66 (0)76 271 535 / F: +66 (0)76 271 536 source: https://www.4hoteliers.com/news/story/24035
This is the cheapest country to work as a digital nomad
While working on serene beaches or by tranquil pools was once a dream for many, it’s now very much a reality.
Working remotely is surging in popularity and, as a result, a growing number of countries are now offering digital nomad visas to entice people over.
For those not clued-up, these particular visas allow remote workers to live and work in that country for a specified period, while being employed and earning an income from a business based outside of that country.
And new research has analysed the cost of living in the countries offering these visas, to reveal the best for remote workers to get the most out of their earnings.
So, if you’re considering packing up and working elsewhere, there are certain cheaper spots that should be on your radar.
According to the Digital Nomad Rich List created by Flamingo App, Sri Lanka is the country where your money will go furthest.
Based on the average UK salary, the data found that cost of living in Sri Lanka comes to just £492 per month (on rent, food, transport and utility bills), so the average Brit is expected to pocket around £2,282 of disposable income.
Argentina, Colombia & North Macedonia, Indonesia and Malaysia also ranked within the top five cheapest countries for digital nomads – according to this report.
Cheapest places to live as digital nomad, according to Flamingo App:
Sri Lanka
Argentina
Colombia & North Macedonia
Indonesia
Malaysia
High speeds (200Mbps), UPS, Generators, Air Conditioning, attached Bathrooms, Membership options: All at the Old, Original AbaY Nomads Nonworking Centre (WhatsApp +94702042271)
However, the most expensive countries to work remotely in were also named, with Bermuda scooping the top spot, followed by the Cayman Islands and Iceland. The UK also placed eighth on the most expensive list.
David Hehenberger, the founder of Flamingo App, said: ‘The findings of our Digital Nomad Rich List are eye-opening, highlighting that the average Brit can increase their disposable income by choosing to work remotely from over 40 countries, freeing up financial and mental space to explore and enjoy life. If you can work from anywhere, why not pick a place that enhances your life?
‘Whether it’s the warm beaches of Indonesia, the cultural hubs of Argentina, or the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.
‘Remote work doesn’t have to be confined to our familiar surroundings; it can be the gateway to global experiences, cultural immersion, and financial empowerment. The world is your office.’
Most expensive place to work as digital nomad, according to Flamingo App:
Bermuda
Cayman Islands
Iceland
The Bahamas
Norway
The photos in the original article are copy sadly protected. And have been replaced with our own freeware.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe who toured Arugam Bay yesterday greets a tourist
President announces plans for 10-year strategic roadmap encompassing two distinct phases of development strategies aimed at positioning region as a premier travel and leisure hub
Urgent measures to address land title challenges for businesses
President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday announced the swift implementation of a comprehensive plan to elevate the Arugam Bay tourist zone into a highly desirable destination for both local and international tourists, with the potential to generate substantial revenue.
The President emphasised the importance of meticulous planning in identifying areas that necessitate development, with the intention of executing these initiatives systematically. The President further highlighted the prospect of achieving significant income by promoting water sports such as water skiing, which holds popularity along the Arugam Bay coastline.
Wickremesinghe conveyed these rema-rks during a meeting held with key stakeholders in the tourism industry within the Ampara district. The gathering brought together Government officials and industry professionals, aimed at addressing pertinent challenges that have emerged within the tourism sector.
The President underscored that global reports predict tourism to contribute 10% of the global gross domestic product by the year 2035. He stressed that Sri Lanka should proactively prepare for this shift and highlighted the tourism sector’s potential to directly address the nation’s financial challenges.
Wickremesinghe also outlined a two-phase development plan for the tourism industry in the Eastern Province, with the ambitious goal of completing it within the next decade.
Furthermore, during his ongoing tour of the Eastern Province, President conducted an inspection of Arugam Bay and Peanut Farm beaches in the Ampara district. The President personally assessed the areas’ shortcomings and engaged in cordial conversations with the tourists present there.
Following the site visit, President Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions with the local business community to gain insights into the challenges faced within the tourism sector in the area. This comprehensive engagement reflects the President’s commitment to actively addressing the needs and potential of the Eastern Province’s tourism industry.
In the process of developing the Arugam Bay Coastline into a prominent tourist destination, a proposal was put forth to relocate the existing fishing port to an alternative location, equipped with necessary facilities for fishermen. This proposal was conveyed to the President by MP W.D. Weerasinghe. In response, the President emphasised the urgency of transforming this region into a dedicated tourism area while taking swift action on the proposal.
The President’s attention was also drawn to the challenges arising from the absence of permanent property deeds for business premises within the local tourism industry. President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of promptly submitting a comprehensive report detailing these issues, with an expectation for viable solutions to be presented.
Another key concern addressed was the availability of drinking water for both business establishments and visiting tourists in the area. Recognizing that the construction of the proposed ‘Hada Oya’ drinking water project might take several more years, President Wickremesinghe directed officials to explore the installation of establishing water treatment plants at existing natural water sources, with assistance from the Navy to address these multifaceted challenges in the pursuit of transforming Arugam Bay as a premier tourist destination while ensuring the well-being of the local community and visiting tourists.
Officials at the press conference in Colombo. Pic: Nissanka Wijerathne
The Miss World Tourism 2023 will take place in Sri Lanka for the first time in July. The pageant is set to showcase the country’s scenic regions and tourism hotspots as 40 contestants from around the world will compete for the Miss World Tourism title.
The pageant will be launched on July 20 and take contestants to Sigiriya, Kandy, Arugam Bay, Yala and Hikkaduwa, wrapping up on the 11th day for the main event at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre.
The participating countries are: Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Ghana, Guinea, Hungary, India, Italy, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, London, Macedonia, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, The Netherlands, the UAE, Ukraine and Zambia.
In an ambitious move to boost tourism and address neglected issues across Sri Lanka, the Miss World Tourism Sri Lanka pageant is set to captivate the nation’s attention. Departing from the traditional focus on superficial beauty, this groundbreaking pageant aims to harness the potential of its contestants to effect positive change in their home countries while promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism globally.
Under the innovative format, each country will send its finest representative to compete in the final stage of Miss World Tourism Sri Lanka. These nine winners will not only vie for the prestigious title but will also be entrusted with a significant responsibility. Their role will encompass the development and execution of a project tailored to address specific issues that have long been overlooked in their countries.
By emphasising purpose and social impact, the pageant organisers seek to foster a sense of dedication and responsibility among the contestants. Rather than merely aspiring to win a beauty title, these suitably qualified winners are encouraged to embrace the opportunity to make a tangible difference in their communities and elevate the standing of their provinces.
Throughout a considerable period of time, the crowned winners will dedicate themselves to their projects, demonstrating their personal growth, compassion, and the ability to effect positive change.
This approach not only showcases the contestants’ capabilities but also serves as a testament to their commitment to society and the nation as a whole. Beyond the glitz and glamour, Miss World Tourism Sri Lanka is a catalyst for promoting tourism in the country.
By leveraging the contestants’ influence, the pageant aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s global recognition as a premier tourist destination.
Through their participation and personal projects, these exceptional women will showcase the diverse attractions and unique cultural experiences that Sri Lanka has to offer, enticing travellers from all corners of the world.
The Miss World Tourism Sri Lanka pageant embodies a new era of beauty pageants, one that transcends traditional notions of beauty and empowers contestants to become agents of change.
With a focus on provincial development and a commitment to transforming neglected issues, this groundbreaking event aims to put Sri Lanka firmly on the global tourism map while leaving a lasting impact on the communities it touches.
Arugam Bay is blessed by having many awesome, useful and highly specialized Groups, Pages and Social Media Platforms. Indeed, this, the original Web Site (arugam.info) has been around far longer than any other Home Page on this island – dating back to end 1999. Only much later Government and Tourist Board pages appeared.
Below is a – non exclusive – list, with useful links and short descriptions. To help you to find the precise Information you are looking for.
Do YOU wish to add your / other Links to this initial List? Please send your submission to us! And we will add suitable links at once. write to: arugam@arugam.com
Feel FREE to join. Any or all of them. Look around and interact as you wish.
www.arugam.info This mainly is an online History album now. And this Old Page has documented all major local events since the beginning of the Century. Use the page “Search” function if you are looking up any special topic of interest.
www.arugam.asia www.arugam.com (Both for now re-direct to arugam.info – but domains are available for development) **********************************************************************
Social Media: Traditional Websites are no longer relevant. Because they a static, and social media is far more powerful and up to date. Allowing input (Photos, Videos, Comments) from Guests and the wider Public.
OnWhat’s App: Arugam Info The above is THE leading, oldest and very active WhatsApp Group Giving you day-to-day General Information about AbaY relevant topics
True, the resort is mainly known as S.E. Asia’s and Sri Lanka’s prime Surf Destination. And indeed the waves are best April – November in the East of our island.
But there are a lot more things to do – even if you are not a Surfer!
In fact: More and more visitors have discovered that winters are the BEST times to enjoy the Mild, not hot – not Cool. But there is a very Dry Climate in Arugam Bay = November -to- April. AbaY = The Weather Wonder of Asia: 340 days Sunshine / year! No other report can offer such an amazing weather pattern.
Furthermore: The Best, the perhaps most popular Arugam Establishments remain OPEN all Year round. And as such AbaY never has an “Off- Season”. The resort never shuts down as such.
Credit for the article and the posters go to Ms. Annie herewith (+94 767335764)
Come to Arugam Bay. To watch every single FiFa Qatar game in style. Basic All-in Transfers from Colombo are only: Rs./ 12,500 (or 35$) per person Local accommodation is now very, very cheap in AbaY
We are inviting All Low Budget Travelers and Football Fans. To enjoy every single game with us in Arugam Bay. Why? A.) NO Power Cuts B.) Lowest possible room rates C.) 3 Huge Screens & 2 TV’s D.) 500++ Channels E.) Backup Systems F.) Security G.) Open all Night
Because we are offering December Specials: “Come to AbaY to watch the World cup Tours” We will: 1.) Meet our groups in a Colombo Sports Pub 2.) Watch afternoon games. Like in “Cheers”) 3.) Enjoy their amazing Happy Hours (up to 7pm) 4.) Transfer to Maradana – Madonna Bus stand 5.) 3 Luxury air-con sleeper coaches to chose from 6.) Save hotel costs by overnight trip to Pottuville, E.P. 7.) 4am Transfer to say, Nomads (or similar being open) for a Coffee 8.) Early check in to any of our participating hotels / guest houses 9.) Lunch / Dinner to be arranged 10.) Watching Every single Game on Siam View Sports Screens (FREE)
This offer will be valid for December up to 20th . Watching those games in Good Company creates a great atmosphere. Transfers back are also arranged of course.
Those entire packages are aimed at LOW Budget people. With a very, very basic price tag. But: Once here, add ons, Safaris, local spending, Surf Lessons, Swimming. National Parks etc. are always on offer. It’s THE best time of year (for non surfers) to visit the East: Mild, Not Hot, Sunny, No rain!
Reservations / Inquiries: Every one will receive an answer. arugam@arugam.com or Whats App: +94702042271
arugam.info Launched and first published in 2002. This page has been online ever since. Happy Anniversary, arugam.info!
100% Privately funded – without any donations or support. This page is the very first Tourist Information web site Sri Lanka ever had. However: During the past few days we encountered an unforeseen issue and our sites went off line. Hosting, web space etc. has to be paid abroad – and our few Sri Lankan Rupees are no longer valuable to be changed into Euro it seems. Therefore we are a bit stuck and ask for the advice or assistance herewith. Also, the creator of this page is 72+ now. And we are looking for a new, more dynamic and modern Web Master /Web Mistress or administrator. Please respond by email to: arugam@arugam.com or What’s Up: +94702042271
(Archive. 1st published 31/03/2011)
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.A? 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!
“BiXXbo & Co.” Shown here in the local Police lock-up.
AtArugam Bay
Sadly, many more seem to be addicted to this illegal practice.
But they are still on the run.
Spotted at AbaY’s traditional Full Moon Party. Nov. 2010, Peanus Fm.
Cheeky! Openly flaunting the law of the Land!
Shocking! He is not even one year old. And already addicted.
The WHO, the RSPCA and other ENJOY’s have been requested to assist.
To support Arugam’s “Community Based Sustainable Junkie Rehabilitation” Program (CBSJRP). Some former NGO members volunteered at once, which is encouraging.
Desperate for a smoke, this monkey grabbed a ‘Cold Leaf’ from a diner sitting on Arugam’sA? SVH “Flower Power Terrace”
To avoid detection, some clever chips adopted pipe smoking methods
Dehiwala zoo officials are also concerned
Nabbed! Shown here in the Loco Tourist Police lock up. Beachfront Tourist Police, Arugam Bay.
Other addicts have learned to camouflage themselves to escape arrest in Arugam’sA? jungles. Filmed here by undercover navy Security personnel near their new Panama Camp
The STF as well as the New Navy ‘Detachment’ at Panama has been on high alert to catch these subversive creatures
This graph is interesting. It shows the actual harm done (to the user as well as society) by the use of various substances. Published by a basket of the world’s leading experts
The road to Arugam Baya??. A surfera??s paradise. This story ran in Gulf aira??s inflight magazine, Gulf Life. The images have also been used by CNN Traveller and by the Metro newspaper. Ita??s an arduous journey to Arugam Bay. Even after making it to Sri Lankaa??s capital Columbo, ita??s a further twelve hours along dusty roads.But this is a small price to pay for the amazing scenery and wildlife youa??ll see.
Famous for its glorious west coast resorts and elephant safaris, Sri LankaA?is a firm tourist favourite. But the east coast of Sri Lanka representsA?uncharted waters for most. Home to pristine beaches and a laidbackA?lifestyle, Arugam Bay is carving out a niche for itself as a surfingA?paradise. Natacha Butler visits the countrya??s latest safari hotspot to catchA?a few waves
Ita??s a little after sunrise on Sri Lankaa??s east coast and at Arugam Bay theA?first surfers are out. Tousled-haired local boys and wave-chasing touristsA?breeze across the golden sand with well-worn surfboards tucked underarm.A?They head to the end of the long beach, to Main Point, where six-foot wavesA?rise and roll to shore.A?a??Ia??ve been surfing for 12 years, twice a day, everyday,a?? says Fawas Lafeer,A?the 26-year-old head of the Arugam Bay Surf Club. a??I love it,
I cana??tA?imagine life not surfing, which is why Ia??ll always live here; the waves areA?really good.a?? The waves are not just good, they are some of the best in theA?world, which is why surf-lovers have been making the journey to thisA?far-flung sleepy community on Sri Lankaa??s east coast for decades. In theA?1960s and 1970s they would set-off from the capital Colombo on an arduousA?nine-hour cross-country car journey on a barely-there road. Most wereA?Australians and Europeans chasing the thrill of an Indian Ocean ride.
Entranced by the breaks and a sweeping curved beach lined with palm trees,A?several ended up staying, helping to transform a poor fishing village intoA?the nationa??s top surf spot.A?a??Back then people came from everywhere,a?? says Anglo-Dutch civil engineerA?Fred Netzband-Miller, who arrived at Arugam Bay to surf in 1977, fell inA?love with the place and decided to call it home. He now runs the localA?hoteliersa?? association. a??It was the combination of quality waves and aA?beautiful beach.A?Although therea??sA?not much rain ita??s a very lush placeA?because of the rivers. Ia??ve travelled the world, but Arugam Bay is unique. a??The bay became such a hot destination in surf-circles that travellers neverA?abandoned it despite the shock of the devastating 2004 tsunami, whichA?battered the Sri Lankan coast on 26 December claiming more than 30,000A?lives, including one in ten people in Arugam Bay. They also defied nearlyA?three decades of deadly civil conflict between Tamil Tiger rebels and theA?Sri Lankan military. a??During the war surfers still came, they did not stop,they were not afraid,a?? explains Lafeer. a??You know surfers only think aboutA?surfing,a?? he laughs. Continue reading ‘THE NEAREST FARAWAY PLACE’(0)
Update 04/ July 2015: AbaY is developing. Fast: 1.) The CEB now provides pretty reliable Power (Electric) 2.) The SLT now has two fiberglass Internet connections 3.) The a/c buses do not run anymore. :-(( 4.) The water supply costs double now.
Otherwise: Purchase norvascArugam Bay is still OK, romantic and beautiful.
Back to the original article:
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Nostalgia at AbaY
Coming from the re-vamped modern City of Colombo to Arugam Bay is like a trip into the past.
Escape the progress!
Millions spent on uplifts
However. Once you reach the poor East Coast and the Bay of Arugam. You will find:
Daily. And often All Weekend Powercuts.
Daily Power Cuts
So What?
It’s a perfect setting. For a romantic candle lit dinner by the beach. Under the clear star-studded sky.
A trip back to last century
Water supply cut off every day?
USAIDS Water supply
No problem!
Cool down and have an inviting ‘sea bath’ in the clear, blue ocean in front.
Plenty of clear water available
No street lights
No Street lights? Even on the brand new USAID 14 Mill. $$$ bridge?
Mind your way – avoid the open drains
All drains are open
Internet disruptions?
Unstable Internet at AbaY
A perfect opportunity to talk to fellow travelers!
Most places have Free Wifi in the Bay. But often the connections are poor
Luxury Bus Service not coming?
Usually 20:30 departs
Ideal! To remain in the dark ages.
At Arugam Bay. After all, this is our island’s most promising, Government declared, tourist Resort!(1)
The range of Adidas clothing goes from T-shirts and sweats for men, to children’s and even baby sports clothing. Football Baby Clothes at great prices from baby Sports Shop.
…..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, MostlyCoumadin od treatment 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’
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Therefore, all views expressed and posted here are the opinion of the individual author.
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Arugam Bay:
Nobody can simply 'just'
GO TO ARUGAM !
YOU first have to EARN it.
After coming thru our jungles, Dodging Wild Elephants,
Crossing crocodile infested lagoons & rivers,
Passing Old Check Points and
Burned down Houses:
You will have a sense of achievement
When you reach remote AbaY!
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We attempt to publish and re-publish every article and every report ever written about our small, remote village.
The idea is to make it easy and simple for you to decide, if this is a resort for YOU.
An upcoming and most promising, beautiful Bay with a lot of untapped potential:
This is what we wish to share with you.
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