ARUGAM BAY – SRI LANKAN SURF PARADISE

HEADING TO ARUGAM BAY

Getting to Arugam Bay from Trinco wasn’t the easiest trip in the world. We’d have to get a series of buses and these buses were beyond packed. Passengers were literally hanging out of the side of the bus and clutching on for dear life, or at least I would have been. The locals seemed to take it in their stride.

It made the tube in rush hour seem like a walk in the park.

The route we took was first a 5 hour bus from Trinco to Kalmmunai; then another 40 minute bus from there to Akkaraipattu – this was the one that was ridiculously packed.

We were then told we’d need to get another bus to Pottuvil and then a short tuk-tuk ride from there to Arugam bay.

Sick of buses at this point we skipped the last bus and got a tuk-tuk direct to Arugam Bay. Small blessings.

 

THE VIBE OF ARUGAM BAY TOWN

Wandering around Arugam Bay had a feeling similar to that of Canggu in Bali, but a little more stripped back. There was a huge surfing influence here, westernised bars and restaurants and plenty of backpackers. Probably the most backpacker inhabited place we’d visited in Sri Lanka.

After some of the places we’d visited in Sri Lanka it was nice to have a slightly more Western experience. Even the phone boxes here made me feel at home.

Here’s a few more snaps from the town:

 

THE BEACHES!

Obviously the main thing about visiting Arugam Bay is the bay itself and the beach areas. And I can see why.

The beaches here are beautiful.

From where we were staying, the first spot we hit was a beach frequented by the locals and especially the fishermen.

Walking along the beach area here I could see instantly why it was renowned for being a surfing haven. Pristine stretches of sand, clear waters and, in places, the biggest waves I’d ever seen.

Further up the beach we came to an area that was where the serious surfing was at. It was here that I noticed something I’d never seen before. Waves that were converging together from sweeping in at different angles. I don’t know whether it was the curve of the bay that causes this, but it was definitely unique.

It was strange to see that this part of the beach seemed to be exclusively used by foreigners, whereas the earlier beach was exclusively used by locals.

A strange sense of segregation.

Except for these renegades who were happily integrating and surfing at the ‘locals’ beach.

Leaving the beach area and heading back to the hotel I spotted this dusty leaf monkey. They do say that you’re not supposed to eyeball the monkeys as they take it as an act of aggression, but who cares?

Well, this monkey cared. He didn’t seem too happy with me.

 

CROCODILE ROCK

On our last day in Arugam Bay we headed for a walk out to Crocodile Rock. This area has become a bit infamous in the last few weeks as a British guy was recently killed by a crocodile here while attempting to wash his hands in the lagoon. Horrendous!

We decided to throw caution to the wind and check it out anyway. Sorry mum.

The walk towards Crocodile Rock was interesting. It took us through small villages, where we could see a different way of life to the tourist trap of Arugam Bay and we could interact with the locals, who were surprised to see us venturing out this way.

I assumed that was for fear of being killed by a crocodile.

We ventured on.

I noticed, as we got further along the track, that there were many buildings in various state of ruin.

It occurred to me that this must be the remains of what was left after the devastating tsunami hit on Boxing Day in 2004.

After around 30 minutes walk down these dusty tracks we arrived at the beach area near Crocodile Rock.

The beach here was beautiful and is a well known surfing spot; ideal in the fact that there are large waves and that the beach is deserted.

Opposite this beach was the infamous lagoon.

Not a crocodile in sight, from what I could see, but I didn’t risk putting my hands in!

We wandered up towards the rock.

It was incredibly peaceful at the top of the rock and I imagine a great place to view sunset, although we were there too early for this.

We spent an hour or so sat up here, looking out at the views over the bay, the lagoon and nearby fields. Constantly on watch for crocodiles, but we didn’t see any.

We left crocodile rock and made it back to Arugam Bay with all of our limbs intact.

LEAVING ARUGAM BAY

This was the last stop in our Sri Lankan adventure, and what an amazing time it had been.

We headed back to Colombo via taxi and Holly flew back to the UK the next day.

I stayed for a few more days in Colombo and spent most of my time at the Bally casino. The largest casino in Sri Lanka and it was great. All the food you could eat and all the booze you could drink, without needing to spend a penny. The casino even rolled out free taxis to take you back to your hotel.

To top it off I made around £1,500 profit from my visits to the casino, which pretty much paid for the whole Sri Lanka trip. Result.

With a wedge of dollars in my pocket I was moving on again.

Next stop, India!