Arugam Bay (known locally as Arugam Kudah, often shortened by tourists to "A-Bay") is a town in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It is popular for surfing, and is the location of the only international surf competition in the country.
Arugam Bay is a bay situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast. The bay is located 320 km due east of Colombo. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination. Many of the buildings were destroyed in the 2004 tsunami.
The surf season is Apr-Oct. Many businesses are closed outside of this period, because the weather in the wet season (Nov-Mar) prevents surfable waves from forming. The place gets pretty busy during the peak surf season, July & August, when the waves are at their vesy best. However, there are usually some good waves still to be had at the very start (Mar) or the very end (Oct) of the season when the crowds are much diminished.
The town is centred on Panama Road, the long north-south road which follows the beach. The road links Pottuvil to the north (all tourists come from this direction) with smaller, quieter destinations to the south like Elephant Rock, Peanut Farm Beach, the town of Panama and finally the Kumana National Park where it terminates. You will find all the typical surf town businesses along the main road, like accommodation, small shops, restaurants, bars, surf schools, yoga studios, and cafes.
Bus transport to Arugam Bay is complicated by the fact that many of the buses that claim to service Arugam Bay do not actually enter the town. Most buses stop in the town of Pottuvil (sometimes also written as Pothuvil or Putuveli), which is about 4 km to most guesthouses in Arugam Bay. Tuk-tuks will cost Rs. 1000 as of 2025. Or you could walk if no luggage; it's pleasant and flat. That said, there are frequent buses from Colombo to Pottuvil. Most are via Ratnapura, Welawaya, Buttala, Monaragala. An example is this public bus where surfboards are allowed to be brought aboard. There is another public SLTB bus which leaves Colombo Fort every day at 21:00.
In terms of private buses, 12go lists a US$14 overnight bus from Punchi Borella on Mardana Rd Colombo (departure 19:30) to Pottuvil (arrival 05:30). Bus route EX1/EX3 travels from Katunayake bus stand (near the airport) at 20:00 to Pottuvil and Arugam Bay where it terminates at 03:15. 7 hours, Rs. 2750. Private buses are much more comfortable than public buses.
From Batticaloa there are three daily buses to Pottuvil: dep. 06:00 - arr. 09:10, dep. 10:30 - arr. 16:00, dep. 11:00 - arr. 17:00. The second and third buses each day stop for 1 hour in the town of Akuraivili. Tuk-tuks offer to take travelers directly from there to Arugam Bay for Rs.1500 (this is the old price and needs updating), but you could just wait for an hour for the bus to continue and not spend any additional money.
Getting to A-Bay from Ella is also possible and cheap but there is no direct bus. Board the 7:40 bus to Wellawaya (45 mins). At Wellawaya bus station, there are good public toilets (Rs 20) and locals will tell you there are no buses to A-bay to entice you to hire their tuk-tuk. Ignore them and board the 98-1 or 98-4 bus to Pottuvil (3.5 hrs). If there are no buses coming soon on these routes, board a bus to Siyambalanduwa (2 hrs) and take a bus to Pottuvil from there. It is best to attempt this route in the morning as there are more buses.
Private taxi services can be arranged at any time of day or night. Travel time from the international airport to Arugam Bay is 7 hours for the 350 km trip (US$150 and up). Private transfers from Ella or Batticaloa should cost around US$50.
Shared taxis are also available. Check with your accommodation, travel agents, or on some of the Sri Lanka travel Facebook groups.
Since the 1960s, Arugam Bay's main surf point has drawn people here from around the world. It is a righthand reef break, famous for long, constituent runs up to 750 m.
Fishermen on the beachSurfing. Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's most popular surf spot and one of the best in Asia. There are many points, e.g. Main Point and Baby Point in Arugam Bay, Crocodile Rock (aka Elephant Rock), Panama, Okanda and Peanut Farm in the south, and Pottuvil Main Point in the north. (Note that Whisky point has been out of action since 2019). Crocodile Rock is mainly used by beginners from sunrise on. Boards can be rented virtually everywhere, tuktuks are readily available to transport surfer and board to the points nearby. Board from Rs. 1,000/hour. (updated Aug 2024)
Tuk Tuk safari, [email protected]. Several tour agencies (such as Arugambay Tours or We Joint Tours, who have their offices along the main road) offer tuk tuk safaris. They will drive towards Kumana (formerly known as Yala East) National Park, but not into the boundaries of the park. Along the street down to Panama and further on into the park you might spot monkeys, elephants, crocodiles and many other animals. As with any game drive, spotting animals is based on luck, the season, time of the day, etc. Rs. 10,000 per tuk tuk. (updated Aug 2024)
6.51305681.6877781Jeep Safari in Kumana National Park. Several tour agencies (such as Arugambay Tours, We Joint Tours and others) offer Jeep Safaris into Kumana (formerly known as Yala East) National Park. The price includes the entry to the park and the drive. There are morning tours (starting at 05:00-06:00) as well as afternoon ones (13:00) which each take 6 hours. The park is 45 minutes away, so you'll have about 4.5 hours inside Kumana. The park is well known for its birds (peacocks, storks, flamingos), but you will also spot water buffaloes and, if you're lucky, elephants and crocodiles. Have breakfast or lunch before you go and bring snacks and plenty of water.
On the way to or from Kumana, you can stop at Panama Tank, the large lake close to Panama town, which lots of crocodiles to see. Rs. 11,000 per person. (updated Aug 2024)
6.8831381.838812NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGEBoat trip on Pottuvil lagoon. Small boats leave from the southernmost point of the lagoon where local fishermen will take you on a 2-hour tour around the lagoon, showing you eagles, crocodiles, elephants and other animals. Though maybe underwhelming for kids, this is quite a nice and relaxing way to experience the local flora and fauna. As of 2025 there are even some elephants who like to frolic in the water! 4-6PM is the best time to do this tour as the boats have no shade. Tour agencies offer these trips for Rs 6000 per couple which include the 15-minute ride in a tuk tuk to the Pottuvil lagoon and back. Rs 3000 per person. (updated Sep 2025)
Lahugala Kitulana National Park. 06:00-16:30. Close to A-bay and bordering the far side of Pottuvil Lagoon, this park is worth visiting to see wild elephants without the hassle of going to Yala national park. (updated Sep 2025)
The nearby market town of Pottuvil (4 km north) has the only proper, air-conditioned supermarket (Cargill's Food City.) Other small shops are in A-Bay. The perhaps best equipped and stocked one is "Home Needs" in the centre of town. There is only one pharmacy in A-Bay but many in Pottuvil.
Shops and stalls in A-Bay are more expensive than in Pottuvil. Some shops on the main road have no prices displayed and seem to charge different customers different prices, whatever they think the customer will pay. Shop around. If you need to do a big shop, head into Pottuvil.
Most restaurants are either directly on the beach (such as Emma Restaurant or Friends Indeed) or on both sides on the main road. Many restaurants have their fish (e.g. tuna or marlin, without refrigeration) on display, but check if it is really fresh or from the day before.
6.8374681.83491Shady Lane, Sinhapura Rd, ☏ +94770825420. Popular cafe (the original branch is in Mirissa) with tourist-friendly vegetarian and vegan dishes. (updated Oct 2025)
6.8441481.830852Mama's Restaurant, Corner of Panama Rd and Ali Cross Rd, ☏ +94713839969. Try the enormous shwarma wraps. Also has a popular buffet! Open for breakfast lunch and dinner. Rs 2000. (updated Oct 2025)
6.8432181.831353Serendib, Corner Panama Rd and 100 Ali Cross Rd. Seafood restaurant with a huge selection of fresh fish. (updated Oct 2025)
6.842181.83214Salty Swami's. Upmarket cafe-restaurant with small bites and live music Rs 3000. (updated Oct 2025)
6.8412281.83235Kaffi, ☏ +94742508376. 07:00-18:30 daily. Cafe with a bakery display case full of western-style goodies that are hard to find elsewhere Rs 1500. (updated Oct 2025)]
6.8414381.831556Hideaway Resort. Restaurant in beautiful, shady garden space is open to non-guests of this hotel. Also has a bar (updated Oct 2025)
A-bay is known for its nightlife during the high season. A bar close to Galaxy Lounge plays electronic music till sunrise every Wednesday. As with elsewhere in Sri Lanka, remember that everywhere is dry on full moon days.
6.8391681.834271Fins, Lane between Main Point Rd and Uppli Rd. The bar at this upmarket hostel is always busy. Serves food, often has live music and special events e.g. ladies' night on Wednesdays (updated Oct 2025)
6.8425381.832232Funky De Bar. Open air night club that doesn't get going until around 23:00. Hosts parties Thurs-Sat until sunrise (updated Oct 2025)
Alternatively, if you want to grab some beers to enjoy on the beach or at your accommodation, there are a few bottle shops (called "wine shops" in Sri Lanka).
6.8401181.832693Subashi Beer Pub. Questionable business practices and clientelle but cheapest beers in the bay. Drink there or take away. Range of cold beers and a few wines - no spirits. Beer Rs 650 (Sept 2025). (updated Oct 2025)
Opposite the Palm Grove Holiday Inn there is another wine shop (take-away only) where the alcohol is cheaper and they have a wide selection of spirits too. However in September 2025 a woman was reportedly threatened when she questioned being overcharged.
There are around 70 hotels, hostels and homestays in A-Bay. Most are simple, family-run cabana-style low budget places. In total there are only about 120 somewhat better equipped rooms available with A/C and a few basic luxuries. The most popular hotels are, as follows, coming from the bridge/Pottuvil end: #01 Stardust, #03 Galaxy, #05 Beachhut, #15 Tsunami Hotel, #32 Tristar Hotel, #37 Hideaway, #39 Arugam Bay Surf Resort, #50 Siam View Hotel (SVH). Only the latter (SVH) is air-conditioned throughout.
6.8431681.829851Uluwatu Surf Hostel. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 11:00. The cheapest hostel in town. One huge 20-bed dorm room. Separate bathrooms. Cash only. Rs 2300. (updated Jun 2025)
6.8453481.829512Agra, Manal Rd, ☏ +94713601030. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Upscale hostel with 3 private rooms and 3 4-bed mixed dorms. Linen, towels, A/C, filtered water, and excellent breakfast included. Rs 5200 for a dorm bed. (updated Jun 2025)
6.8409881.832323Surf N Sun, 69 mile post, Panama Rd, ☏ +94632248600. Check-in: 11:00, check-out: 14:00. One of the first hotels on the strip, nicely appointed and relaxing, with different room options including (pricey) cabanas. Great meals. (updated Oct 2025)
Matara. One daily bus from Pottuvil at 06:00. Rs. 305, 7-8 hours. Note that the bus does not start in Pottuvil. When it arrives in Pottuvil at 06:00-06:30, most seats are taken; you might have to stand for 1-2 hours until the people get off at the bigger towns.
Batticaloa - there are buses more or less every hour
Ella - take a bus to Wellawaya and connect to the bus to Ella from there
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