21 EPIC Things To Do In Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Nestled on Sri Lanka’s eastern shores lies the rugged tropical paradise of Arugam Bay.
Arugam Bay is one of Sri Lanka’s many surfing hotspots that is loved by surfers from all over the world.
But it’s not just surfing that you can find at this coastal gem.
Arugam Bay is home to some of the prettiest beaches on the island, excellent beach cafes, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also a wildlife haven, with monkeys, crocodiles, and wild elephants freely roaming through the nearby villages.
Arugam Bay Beach truly has something for everyone.
The town comes alive between mid-May and September, and it’s by far the best coastal town to visit, weather-wise, if you’re heading to Sri Lanka during this period of the year.
Having visited Arugam Bay three times and fallen head over heels for its palm-fringed beaches and vibrant atmosphere, I’m excited to share with you all of the best activities and my favourite things to do in Arugam Bay!
Here’s everything this enchanting beach town has to offer!
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Prepare For Your Trip To Arugam Bay
🛏️Accommodation: Make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com to book your accommodation! If you’re on a budget, then make sure to check out Hostelworld.
🎟️Activities: I always book my tours through Get Your Guide and Viator so make sure to check them out as I’m sure they’ll have the perfect tour for you.
🦋Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip to Sri Lanka. I used SafetyWing during my time in Sri Lanka (and I had to claim 3 times). I can’t recommend them enough!
📱Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. I recommended download SIMs from either Airalo or Holafly. I have used both in Sri Lanka and they both work super well.
Top Things to Do
The main reason most people visit Arugam Bay is for the surf scene or the beaches, and while I LOVE the beach here, it’s all the other things to do in and around the village that kept me coming back time and time again!
1. Go Surfing
Surfing is the most popular thing to do in Arugam Bay and for good reason. I’ve surfed here a few times (and very badly, might I add) and whether you’re paddling out for the first time or chasing barrels, there’s a break for every level.
The main street is lined with surf shops offering affordable board rentals and one-off lessons. I’ve personally booked a few one-off lessons through these shops, and most are run by friendly locals who are happy to give you honest advice about the day’s swell and where to surf.
If you’re looking to really improve your skills, I recommend booking into a surf camp. Banana Surf Camp and Safa Surf Camp are two of the most established options, offering full-day packages with meals, theory sessions, and video analysis (great if you’re serious about progressing). I’ve met a few travellers who raved about their experience with both.
If you’re keen to know about the best surfing spots in Arugam Bay, I have listed them below:
- Peanut Farm (best for beginners)
- Whiskey Point
- Panama
- Elephant Rock
- Main Point (best for experienced surfers)
- Lighthouse
2. Practice Yoga
After surfing, yoga is the 2nd most popular activity in Arugam Bay. Again, there are lots of yoga classes taking place throughout the town, but my top favourites have to be the following:
Stay Golden
Yoga classes at Stay Golden are, in my opinion, the best in town.
Not only do they offer a wide variety of yoga classes running seven days a week, but their yoga shala also boasts the most gorgeous ocean view.
There really was nothing better than being able to do a yoga class whilst listening to the sound of waves in the background.
They also occasionally host breathwork sessions. Yoga classes at Stay Golden cost 3000lkr.
Hideaway
You’ll find yoga at Hideway, located in a peaceful garden oasis. Their classes run seven days a week, and they offer mainly Vinyasa and Hatha classes.
They also run cacao ceremonies and sound healing sessions here. Yoga Classes at Hideaway cost 3000lkr.
Want more yoga options?
Check out yoga at Waypoint and Deepsea, too.
3. Chill at the beach
It would be criminal to come to this beautiful beach town and not have a lazy beach day. There are many restaurants along the main part of Arugam Bay beach that offer free sunbeds for customers.
I personally recommend either sunbathing at Arugam Bay Surf Resort or Hangout.
The waves at Arugam Bay Beach can be quite strong at times, so if you’re looking for slightly calmer waters, then I would recommend choosing to sunbathe at Hangout.
4. Eat at all the incredible restaurants
One of my favourite things to do in Arugam Bay was to try out all of the restaurants, as the foodie scene here is extremely impressive.
For such a small town, there are so many incredible restaurants to choose from.
Here are some of my favourite places to eat in Arugam Bay:
- Mothers Kitchen – For the best local food
- Shady Lanes – For the best pancakes and waffles
- Meoris – For the best coffee in town
- Salty Swamis – For some incredible sandwiches
- Buffet Arugam Bay – For the best rice and curry buffet
- Hopper Man – For the best authentic hoppers in town
There are so many more amazing food spots in town, so make sure to read my full guide to the best restaurants in Arugam Bay.
5. Live Music Nights
As someone who doesn’t really like to party anymore, but still likes to go out for an evening, going out for live music nights was one of my favourite things to do in Arugam Bay and I spent many nights at Hideaway, Hideout and Fins enjoying some chilled evenings.
There are so many live music nights in Arugam Bay (and again, you can find out when these are on just by walking through town, as there will be lots of adverts and fliers).
Some of the best live music nights are hosted at:
Looking for more Sri Lanka inspiration? Check out my other guides here.
6. Have a Pool Day
If you want a respite from the hot sand and powerful waves, then opting for a pool day in Arugam Bay is a great choice.
There are 3 main places in town that will allow you to use their pool even if you’re not a guest at their hotel.
Stay Golden
To use the pool at Stay Golden, just order from their restaurant. I’ve done this a few times and can confirm it’s one of the more peaceful spots to lounge for the afternoon.
They recently updated their menu with fresh, healthy additions. My go-to is the cheese and tomato jaffle with a peanut butter smoothie (a surprisingly elite combo when you’re craving something light but satisfying).
But if you’re still looking for a place to stay in Arugam Bay, the pool and daily yoga sessions make it a great option.
Paddyway Resort
Just down the road, Paddyway Resort offers the same relaxed policy, no pool fee, just order from the restaurant.
It’s a little lesser-known, which means the pool is often quieter. I recommend their peanut butter smoothie too (yes, I was on a mission to try them all across the bay), and the shady lounge chairs make it easy to spend a few hours here.
Spice Trail
If you’re after something a bit more upscale, Spice Trail charges a 3000 LKR entrance fee for their pool, but this includes a welcome drink and access to one of the nicest pool areas in town.
It’s stylish, clean, and ideal if you’re celebrating or want a treat-yourself moment. Unlike the others, there’s no requirement to dine beyond the entry fee, but their food is worth a look if you stay longer.
7. Invest In Tailor-Made Swimwear
Chaminda is the sweet man who owns Apsara Tailors, offering tailor-made swimwear and surfsuits.
To get a custom design, you’ll need to bring an idea with you, such as screenshots from Pinterest or Instagram.
Then you can pick a fabric colour or pattern, and if he doesn’t have the one you want, he might be able to source it for you. After getting measured, you’ll wait for your design, which can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks, depending on how busy he is. Bodysuits cost 14,000 LKR (£36/$45) and bikinis are 8,500 LKR (£22/$29).
Chaminda is incredibly talented and has such a passion for his job. We found out that he makes all the swimwear using a 75-year-old sewing machine that has been passed down from his grandfather. I originally went in for 1 bikini and left with 4!
You can find Chaminda/Apsara tailors in Arugam Bay between May and October. Between November/December and May, you will find him in Weligama.
8. Grab a fresh juice
Usually situated on the side of the road close to the “Tesco” supermarket and opposite the “Avatar Surf” shop is this juice man (see picture).
I walked past this stall every day, and each time the owner would call me over to try a juice, and every single time I would say “maybe tomorrow” Eventually, I gave in, and I’m so glad I did!
He mixes up THE BEST fresh passionfruit and lime juice for only 100lkr. If you see him around, I highly recommend stopping to try some of his juice.
Not only is it honestly the most refreshing drink for those hot Sri Lankan days, but it’s also a great way to support a local business in Arugam Bay.
9. Visit Muhudu Maha Vihara
Looking to immerse yourself in history and culture? Head over to the Muhudu Maha Vihara Buddhist temple.
This temple, located next to Pottuvil Beach, is believed to have been built over 2000 years ago by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna. On site, you are able to see the ruins and remains of ancient stupas.
10. Admire the local fisherman
Arugam Bay has a huge fishing industry. If you walk along Arugam Bay Beach, you will see fishing boat after fishing boat.
One of my favourite things to do in the morning and the early evening was to watch the fishermen go out to sea and come back onto the shore.
The fishermen are super friendly, and if you want to, they will also happily take you out fishing with them.
11. Rent out bicycles for the day
One of the top things to do in Arugam Bay is to hire bicycles for the day to go out and explore some of the surrounding countryside areas.
You’ll find bike rental shops along the main road, and prices start from around 1000lkr. I highly recommend heading out in the direction of Peanut Farm Beach.
You’ll pass through some lush green rice fields and get to see a whole host of wildlife along the way.
If you go out for either sunrise or just before sunset, you might get lucky enough to encounter some wild elephants along the way (don’t worry, the elephants stay among the fields, so you don’t have to worry about attempting to cycle past one).
Please also make sure that you don’t get too close to stagnant bodies of water and rivers, as there are crocodiles in this area.
This is such a cheap and wholesome day out, so I’d definitely recommend adding this to your itinerary.
12. Go out partying
If you’re in the mood for a party, then Arugam Bay is the place to be.
There is pretty much an Arugam Bay beach party every night of the week, but the two big ones have to be Sababa at Whiskey Point on a Friday night and Mambos on a Saturday night (and these go on till at least 3:00-4:00 am)
During the rest of the week, you can find parties and Ocean Sky, Funky De Bar, and so many more places.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure about what’s going on or on what day. There are always people handing out fliers in town promoting their nights, so you won’t miss a trick.
13. Watch the sunset at Elephant Rock or Crocodile Rock
Elephant Rock and Crocodile Rock are two of the best places to catch the sunset in Arugam Bay. They’re right next to each other on Elephant Rock Beach, and yes, they do kind of resemble their namesakes if you catch them from the right angle.
I loved coming here in the evenings. People show up with a few beers, snacks, and a speaker, and it naturally turns into a low-key hangout spot. It’s relaxed, social, and the view out over the coastline as the light fades is pretty stunning.
Just a quick note, please don’t wander too close to the rivers or into isolated areas. There are crocodiles here, and there was a fatal incident in 2017 near Crocodile Rock.
Stay in the busier areas, and aim to leave before it gets dark.
14. Visit the Aliya Hippie Market
The Aliya Hippie Market pops up all over Sri Lanka, selling trinkets and gifts as well as hosting wellness events.
When the Arugam Bay season is in full swing, you can find them here, so make sure to keep up to date with their events on their Instagram.
15. Watch the sunrise
If you’re an early bird and can drag yourself out of bed around 5:30 am, then watching the sunrise is one of the top things you can do in Arugam Bay, as it’s just so beautiful.
You can watch the sunrise directly from Arugam Bay Beach or head out to Peanut Farm Beach.
Like surfing? Then why not head to Peanut Farm for a sunrise surf and combine the two activities?
16. Get some work done
The coworking scene in Arugam Bay is still somewhat behind the south coast of Sri Lanka, but it’s starting to catch up.
If you’re looking for a dedicated coworking space, then check out the coworking space at Wavehunters.
However, if you’re a digital nomad working from Sri Lanka and not too fussed about having a dedicated space, then most of the cafes in Arugam Bay will let you work there as long as you order a drink or two.
17. Watch the surfers at Main Point
I’m not sure if this is a niche pastime, but I absolutely love to watch surfers out in the water. If you’re anything like me, then you’ll love this activity in Arugam Bay.
Take a walk along the beach to Upali Beach Cafe and Surf Resort. This is located directly opposite the Main Point surf break, so it’s the perfect place to grab a drink and watch the surfers.
The best time for this is just after sunrise and just before sunset.
18. Safari at Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park is one of the lesser-known places to go in Sri Lanka, but taking a safari here might just be the ultimate thing to do in Arugam Bay.
You’ll probably have heard of Yala National Park, and a lot of people make the trip there during their time in Arugam Bay.
However, I recommend skipping Yala and choosing Kumana instead. It’s a lot smaller, and you have a really high chance of seeing a leopard, as there are 72 in the park.
Whilst I didn’t see a leopard on mine, I did see a sloth bear, which is even rarer than a leopard. I booked this tour and we had the best time.
Book The Safari ⬇️
19. Peanut Farm and Whiskey Point Beach days
Peanut Farm and Whiskey Point Beaches offer more than just great waves for surfers. These spots are perfect for both relaxing and sunbathing.
Both beaches are situated just 15 minutes from Arugam Bay (in opposite directions). Again, if you are looking for a change of scenery or want to watch surfers in action, these beaches are both great choices.
I literally spent hours here watching the surfers and taking a tonne of photos.
20. Visit Arugam Lagoon
One morning, I hopped into a random tuk-tuk and said, “Can we go and find some animals, please?”, and that’s exactly what we did.
My driver took me on a little adventure out of town, and we went to see some crocodiles and went in search of Elephants.
Towards the end of our adventure, my driver took me to the village that sits on the banks of Arugam Lagoon, and not only did we get to see some Elephants in the distance it was also a great chance to get to meet some of the locals.
The locals also offered to take me out on a lagoon safari for just 2000 LKR so that I could get a closer look at the elephants. (I decided not to do this, but the option is there for you if you wish.)
This is one of the most unique things to do in Arugam Bay, and I felt totally safe throughout the whole expedition. So if you’re feeling a little spontaneous, then give this a try.
How to Get to Arugam Bay
In complete transparency, Arugam Bay is NOT the easiest place to get to. It’s 8-11 hours from Colombo, no matter how you choose to travel, so I typically tell people to put it in the middle of their itinerary, between Ella and the beach towns in South Sri Lanka, is the most logical. Here are your options!
Train
There’s no direct train to Aurgam Bay, but you can take the train from Colombo to Badulla (6-8 hours), jump on a local bus from there to Pottuvil (3 hours), and then grab a tuk-tuk to Arugam Bay (10 minutes). The entire journey costs around 4,000-6,000 LKR (£10-£15).
Public Bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get to Arugam Bay, but it’s also the most uncomfortable. There are daytime buses and nighttime buses (both with A/C), and they take 8-9 hours to reach Pottuvil from Colombo. You’ll finish the trip with a short tuk-tuk ride from Pottuvil to Arugam Bay.
Taxi/Shuttle
A private taxi takes roughly the same amount of time as the bus (8-9 hours), but it’s way more comfortable.
The problem is that it costs anywhere from £150 to £200. The workaround for this is that if you join a Facebook group, you can make a post explaining that you’re looking to share a ride from Colombo to Arugam Bay (or vice versa) and find other people looking to travel the same day as you.
There are also drivers in these groups with vans who will offer a price per seat (usually £30-40).
Arugam Bay FAQ’s
Where is Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka?
Arugam Bay is located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka
When is the best time to visit Arugam Bay?
The best time to visit Arugam Bay is between May and September. This is when you’ll get lots of sun, and the surf season is in full swing!
How many days should I spend in Arugam Bay?
I recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Arugam Bay in order to get the most out of this beautiful part of the country.
When can you surf in Arugam Bay?
The surf in Arugam Bay is the best between June to September.
Can you swim in Arugam Bay?
Yes, you can swim at the beaches in Arugam Bay. Although rare, sometimes crocodiles do make their way into the ocean, so make sure you follow the advice of local lifeguards.
Is Arugam Bay worth visiting?
Yes – 100%. There are many things to do in Arugam Bay, and it’s a beautiful, untouched part of Sri Lanka, so it’s definitely worth visiting.
Happy Exploring
I hope you have the most incredible time exploring Arugam Bay. It’s the kind of place that draws you in with its laid-back charm and keeps you coming back.
Even if you can’t squeeze in everything on this list, I’m certain that catching just a few of these highlights, like surfing at Peanut Farm, sunrise yoga sessions at Stay Golden, or getting sunset cocktails at Paddyway, will make your trip unforgettable.
Arugam Bay also has some of my favourite food in Sri Lanka, so don’t skip over the places to eat I mentioned (Shady Lanes, Mother’s Kitchen, and Salty Swamis).
I hope this Arugam Bay travel guide has gotten you excited about all the things to do in Arugam Bay.
And if you’re looking for other gems to add to your adventure, be sure to check out my guides to Hiriketiya and things to do in Ahangama!
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