Philippines Island Hopping Itinerary 🌴🏍️🇵🇭
1 Night - Port Barton
2 Nights - @islaexperience 
2 Nights - El Nido 
2 Nights - Coron 
3 Nights - Siquijor
Have you been dreaming of the Philippines? 💭
Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to sto Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to stop the comparison. 
🧡 It can be so easy to do, especially on this app to compare our lives with other successes… but often we’re only seeing the end product, or highlight roll and not the years and months of work behind the scenes it took to get there. 
🧡So keep doing what your doing, keep chipping away and you’ll get there in the end.
💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s e 💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s early 30’s ladies having their early mid-life crisis facing all the decisions we have to make ⬇️
🔵 To quit or not to quit our jobs 
🔵 Wanting to change careers
🔵 Climbing the corporate ladder or going freelance 
🔵 Buying or not buying a house 
🔵 Having or not having kids 
🔵 And of course bucket list that’s wayyyyyyy to long 
Reel Idea  @the_unqualified_mum
🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the n 🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the new year that’s totally out of my Comfort zone, In a country I’ve never been to and a continent I’ve barely explored. 
🧡Whilst I’m filled with the fear, doubt and all the what ifs I’m also filled with excitement and doing something different and the opportunities that will come with that. 
🧡There’s also so much I need to do in between to make this possible so I’m also taking a huge bet on myself to which again is scary and exciting all at the same time. 
So this is your sign to do the thing ✨
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰
🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃
Some of these include
🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park
🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘
🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.
🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘
🐾It felt more natural 🍃
🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 
🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫
🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 
TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️
🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 
🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 
🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 
☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃
🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 
🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)
🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 
🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 
🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 
🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 
🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising
10-Day Nicaragua Itinerary 🌴🌊🇳🇮 1 nig 10-Day Nicaragua Itinerary 🌴🌊🇳🇮
1 night - Leon 🌋
2 nights -San Juan Del Sur or Popoyo 🏄🏽‍♀️
2 nights - Ometepe 🌋
2 nights - Laguna de Apoyo/ Granada 🛶
3 nights - Little Corn Island 🌴🌽
📆For those of us who are limited to 25 days of holiday a year - 10 days in Nicaragua is TOTALLY doable. You’ll be on a tight schedule and will need to spend more on transport/taxis to get to places on time …. but it’s all worth it. ✈️
⏰If you have more time, I would say stretch to 14 days and up some of the stays to 3 nights. This will give you a chance to relax in each location. 💤
Would you visit Nicaragua for 10 days?
Seychelles from the sky 🇸🇨📸🚁🌴 📍 Seychelles from the sky 🇸🇨📸🚁🌴
📍Locations
Anse Source D’Argent 
Anse Cocos
Anse Major
Deffo still need to practise being a drone pilot but one step at a time right? 😂
🐢Curieuse Island is a small island located in t 🐢Curieuse Island is a small island located in the Seychelles it’s one of the only places in the country where you will see wild tortoises roam freely. 
🐢The whole island of Curieuse is a protected marine park where more than 200 🐢🐢🐢 live out their lives in a protected paradise. 
🐢There age of tortoises on the island range from 0-90years old 
🐢You can visit Curieuse Island  on an all boat trip from the nearby Praslin Island (we booked ours through @getyourguide) 
Would you like to see these gentle giants?
Anyone else excited for Autumn/Winter but also tot Anyone else excited for Autumn/Winter but also totally lying to themselves 😂🍁🍂❄️☃️🧣
Friendly reminder that you don’t have to do what Friendly reminder that you don’t have to do what society expects of you. Live your life by your own rules 🧡
From where I’d rather be with my @dockandbay be From where I’d rather be with my  @dockandbay beach towel🌴🇸🇨🐚
If you’re going if you love swimming or are going backpacking/on holiday soon then you NEED this @dockandbay towel! 
🍃It’s extremely compact
🍃it’s quick drying
🍃it’s sand resistant 
🍃it’s sustainable 
@dockandbay have also just dropped a brand new product so go and check it out 😉
🔖For 15% discount use code CCEV51UN at checkout to get
#dbcabanaclub#gifted
Seychelles 7-day Itinerary ⬇️🐢🌴🥥🌺 Seychelles 7-day Itinerary ⬇️🐢🌴🥥🌺
Days 1-2 - Mahe Island 
🌴Beau Vallon Beach 
🌴Anse Major Hike 
Days 2-4 - Praslin Island 
🌴Anse Lazio beach day 
🌴Valle de Mai trail
🌴Curieuse Island day trip to see Aldabra Tortoises 
Days 4-7 - La Digue Island
🌴Anse Source D’Argent 
🌴Anse Cocos Hike
🌴Anse Severe
When you start throwing peace signs ironically and When you start throwing peace signs ironically and it accidentally becomes part of your aesthetics✌🏽
I blame my friends 😅
Anyone else like this? 😅
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊
🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)
South Coast (November to April) 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 
There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 
East Coast (May-October) 
🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 
Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
What’s your toxic travel trait? ⬇️ What’s your toxic travel trait? ⬇️
Not sure this applies to everyone because I someho Not sure this applies to everyone because I somehow don’t think I’m anyone’s airport crush when this is the airport aesthetic 😂😂
Some more random facts about me ⬆️☺️ Tell Some more random facts about me ⬆️☺️
Tell me a random fact about yourself 💬💕⬇️
(PS I honestly don’t know why I turn around and look shocked at the rainbow in this video. 🌈The rainbow is literally the reason I asked for a picture 😂😂. One too many seltzers I think)
🌴 Welcome to @laplaya.hiriketiya If you’re l 🌴 Welcome to @laplaya.hiriketiya
If you’re looking to spend a boujee day in Sri Lanka make sure you head to @laplaya.hiriketiya. For a cold glass of wine 🍷and some delish pizza 🍕
This was my favourite place in Hiriketiya and the music is just 👌🏽😍
🌴🍃Welcome to Anse Cocos Beach on La Digue in 🌴🍃Welcome to Anse Cocos Beach on La Digue in the Seychelles🍃🌴
😍Pretty much Every Beach on La Digue is incredible but because this one takes a little more work to get to 🥾🌋 you’ll only find handful of other tourists here (in my experience at least) 
🚴🏽‍♀️ How to get there 🚴🏽‍♀️
🍃Head to the entrance of Grand Anse Beach. Most people cycle here and you will see straight in front of you a place to park your bikes 
🍃Head down the small path and follow the trail
🍃You will hike up and over one hill and come to another beach. Don’t get too excited this is Petit Anse beach not cocos so still a bit more to go.
🍃Continue up and over the second hill (this is a little bit longer than the first) 
🍃You have arrived at Anse Cocos
🍃This will take you about 30 minutes in total 
🍹Head straight to the beach shack and grab a mango daiquiri
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Adventure around a 9-5

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Asia, Sri Lanka · June 19, 2023

13 Incredible Things To Do In Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka

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Nestled on a small, leafy green bay in southern Sri Lanka, lies the magical surf town of Hiriketiya. Hiriketiya is one of the south coast’s best-kept secrets, but not for long, the town is becoming increasingly popular, and for very good reason. 

Whether you want to unwind with some yoga and meditation, learn how to surf or simply want to party the night away, there are lots of wonderful things to do in Hiriketiya for you to choose from. 

I found out about Hiritkeya through an Instagram post, and thankfully it was one of those situations where Instagram truly did match up to reality. When I first laid my eyes on Hiriketiya Beach, I instantly felt relaxed and at home, and knew that there was something special about this town. 

The chilled-out and relaxed vibes that you can find in Hiriketiya will draw you in, so much so, you’ll never want to leave. Take it from me I loved Hiriketiya so much that I went back twice in the space of a month, and very nearly went again for a 3rd time. 

So, what are the best things to do in Hiriketiya? Read on below to find out.

Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you 

Contents show
1 Sign up to a surf camp
2 Surf Lesson
3 Get a massage
4 Try all the amazing food
5 Swim with Turtles at Batheegama
6 Watch the sunset at Dickwella Pehebiya Beach
7 Pool day at La Playa
8 Unwind with some Yoga
9 Visit Silent Beach in Tangalle
10 Go on a safari at Udawalawe National Park
11 Party and Dots and Zig Zag bar
12 Get some work done
13 Visit Blue Beach Island
14 Happy Exploring

Sign up to a surf camp

Keen to throw yourself into the world of surfing?  One of the best things to do in Hiriketiya is to sign up for a surf camp. Kima Surf Camp is one of the best camps to sign up for in Hiriketiya. During your stay, you will get to surf twice a day with some of the best instructors in the area. It’s also a great opportunity to explore all of the different surfing spots in the region.

Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka

Surf Lesson

If you’re not ready to commit to a surf camp and just want to test out whether you’ll actually enjoy surfing, then booking a one-off surf lesson is a great idea. Along the shore of Hiriketiya Bay, you’ll be able to find an abundance of stalls offering surf lessons and board rentals. Most surf lessons take place in the early morning, around 8 am and start from around £12.

Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka

Get a massage

Feeling a bit battered and bruised after all the surfing, or simply just want to chill out? One of the best things to do in Hiriketiya is to get a massage. There are quite a few massage parlours in the area. If you are looking for a cheap, no-thrills option then “The Massage Shed” is a good one to choose. However, if you are after a more luxurious option then “Tonic Spa” is the best option.

Try all the amazing food

For a beach town so small there are a tonne of incredible restaurants to try. One of my favourite things to do in Hiriketiya was to try out all the delicious local eateries from the cheap local eats to the boujee western bites.

Some of the best places to try are: 

  • Garlic Cafe 
  • Smoke and Bitters 
  • Mond 
  • Dots 
  • Dunis Hoppers 

There are so many more restaurants to try in Hiriketiya and you can read my full list of favourites here.

Malu Poke, Hiriketiya Beach

Swim with Turtles at Batheegama

Hop in a tuk-tuk for 6 minutes and head to Batheegama beach. Here you’ll be able to swim with some of Sri Lanka’s famous turtles. If you are struggling to spot them, there are a couple of beach bars on the shore and the staff here will happily help you try to find them free of charge (maybe just buy a drink from the bar to say thank you). 

The best time to come is in the morning around 8 or 9 am.

Batheegama Beach, Dickwella
Batheegama Beach, Dickwella

Watch the sunset at Dickwella Pehebiya Beach

Just a short walk from Hiriketiya bay lies the beautiful Dickwella Beach. This is the best place in the area to watch the sunset. You’ll find a lot of people tend to stay around Hiriketiya Bay to watch the sunset but they are missing a trick! Grab a drink from one of the local beach bars and watch the sun go down with a nice cold beer (or watermelon juice).

Pool day at La Playa

My favourite place in Hiriketiya to spend a chilled day was La Playa. This is a boutique bar and hotel and one of the only places in Hiriketiya with an accessible pool (as long as you buy some food and drink)  that overlooks the beautiful Hiriketiya Bay. Not only is the location and decor amazing, but the music is incredible and it’s one of the best places in Hiriketiya to get a cold glass of wine!

La Playa, Hiriketiya

Unwind with some Yoga

After surfing, one of the most popular things to do in Hiriketiya is yoga. There are lots of places in town that will offer yoga and meditation sessions, however, you’ll find some of the best classes and the following places: 

  • Salty Pelican 
  • Jasper 
  • Dots 
  • Salt House 

Head to one of these for some much-needed R&R.

Visit Silent Beach in Tangalle

Just a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from Hiriketiya lies the stunning Silent Beach. Silent Beach is a large stretch of bright golden sand next to a long line of lush green palm trees. 

Silent Beach, is well and truly silent with just a handful of small beach bars spread out across the shore. You can spend the day here at one of the local bars, soaking up the sun and drinking fresh coconuts, and truly embracing the silence. 

The waves at silent beach can get quite strong, so just be mindful of this if you’re planning on going for a swim. 
This is certainly one of the best things to do in Hiriketiya, and probably one of the most unique and beautiful beaches i have ever been too. Do not miss this one.

Silent Beach, Tangalle
Silent Beach, Tangalle

Go on a safari at Udawalawe National Park 

Ready to escape the beach for the day? Then a trip to Udawalawe National Park is in order. Udawalawe National Park is just a 90-minute drive from Hiriketiya. It’s the perfect opportunity to see some of Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife, including elephants crocodiles, water buffalos, and if you’re super lucky, even leopards!

If you are planning a day trip from Hiriketiya then you can book your half-day safari tour here. 

However, if you would prefer to stay in the area for the night then I would recommend getting a taxi to Udawalawe and staying the night at  Lizard Safari Point.

You can book a Safari tour directly through the hotel for just £40 and also get a 3-bed treehouse for just £15 per night (with a huge breakfast included). This is the option I went and it was such an incredible experience.

Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park

Party and Dots and Zig Zag bar

If you’re up for a party then make to check out Dots and  Zig Zag bar. During the week these bars take turns to host the “official” party night in Hiriketiya. On a Tuesday and a Saturday, Dots is the place to be. On a Friday night, you’ll find everyone heading to Zig Zag bar. Don’t be surprised if there is a bit of karaoke going on.

Dots Bay House, Hiriketiya

Get some work done

The digital nomad scene in Sri Lanka is on the rise and Hiriketiya is a great spot to come if you’re looking to meet fellow digital nomads, and of course, get some work done. There are 3 dedicated co-working spaces in Hiriketiya. All of which I have tried and tested and can definitely recommend. 

These are: 

  • Clics Co-Living 
  • Dots 
  • Verse Collective 

My personal favourite was Clics Co-living as it had the best Wi-Fi. However, if you want a space that also provides food then Dots and Verse Collective will be the best options for you.

Booking.com

Visit Blue Beach Island

Blue Beach Island is a great option if you are looking for a change of scenery from the usual Hiriketiya Beach. You can either catch a 10-minute tuk-tuk or if you prefer to get your legs moving, a 30-minute walk. Blue Beach Island is attached to the mainland by a small sand bar, giving it that private island feel.

The water here is super clear (and blue) hence the name Blue Beach Island. You can spend the day here chilling, swimming and snorkelling. If you are after a bit more adventure you can also scuba dive here, as well as book an overnight camping experience.

Blue Beach Island, Sri Lanka
Blue Beach Island, Sri Lanka

Happy Exploring

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring all that Hiriketiya has to offer. If you have any more questions about anything discussed in this blog post, please feel free to reach out!

Looking for more Sri Lanka inspiration? Check out my other Sri Lanka Guides.

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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of this beautiful world.

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Philippines Island Hopping Itinerary 🌴🏍️🇵🇭
1 Night - Port Barton
2 Nights - @islaexperience 
2 Nights - El Nido 
2 Nights - Coron 
3 Nights - Siquijor
Have you been dreaming of the Philippines? 💭
Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to sto Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to stop the comparison. 
🧡 It can be so easy to do, especially on this app to compare our lives with other successes… but often we’re only seeing the end product, or highlight roll and not the years and months of work behind the scenes it took to get there. 
🧡So keep doing what your doing, keep chipping away and you’ll get there in the end.
💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s e 💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s early 30’s ladies having their early mid-life crisis facing all the decisions we have to make ⬇️
🔵 To quit or not to quit our jobs 
🔵 Wanting to change careers
🔵 Climbing the corporate ladder or going freelance 
🔵 Buying or not buying a house 
🔵 Having or not having kids 
🔵 And of course bucket list that’s wayyyyyyy to long 
Reel Idea  @the_unqualified_mum
🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the n 🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the new year that’s totally out of my Comfort zone, In a country I’ve never been to and a continent I’ve barely explored. 
🧡Whilst I’m filled with the fear, doubt and all the what ifs I’m also filled with excitement and doing something different and the opportunities that will come with that. 
🧡There’s also so much I need to do in between to make this possible so I’m also taking a huge bet on myself to which again is scary and exciting all at the same time. 
So this is your sign to do the thing ✨
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