Arugam Bay: Top 12 awesome things to do in paradise!

Are you looking for the top things to do in Arugam Bay?

After a couple of hot and humid days in Kandy, arriving in Arugam Bay felt like finding paradise. I think I ended up liking it so much because it reminds me of what Bali used to be. A calmer version of Canggu if you will, but with a much nicer beach.

Think sand for miles, palm trees, colorful boats and laid-back restaurants. The atmosphere is young and fun, so it’s an ideal place for backpackers and solo travelers to meet like-minded people.

A-Bay was definitely one of the places I liked most in Sri Lanka, so I decided to do a roundup of all the best things to do in Arugam Bay.

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How to get to Arugam Bay

The easiest way to get to Arugam Bay from Bandaranaike International Airport is to hire a driver. They will wait for you in the arrivals area at the airport and take you straight to your hotel. The drive takes around 7 hours.

If you want to explore the mountains and take the train from Kandy to Ella like we did, you can book this transfer to Arugam Bay. It is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

Another option is to join a tour like this one departing from Kandy. Rather than just drive between the two points, you’ll experience many Sri Lanka highlights along the way, from the rock fortress of Sigiriya to Minneriya National Park.

🌟 Check price & availability >> Transfer from Colombo Airport to Arugam Bay

The best time to visit Arugam Bay

May to September is the best time to visit Arugam Bay, while the high season runs from June to August. In other words, when we visited in September we arrived just in time to soak up the last rays of summer.

However, many of the restaurants had already closed and there wasn’t much going on at night. The locals told us that starting in October it would be pouring down for months.

Top 11 things to do in Arugam Bay

1. Learn to surf 

Arugam Bay is a surf town for sure. So if you aren’t a surfer already, learning is definitely one of the top things to do in Arugam Bay. During our visit, there were more people in the water than on the actual beach.

On smaller days, Main Point is a great place to learn to surf, though it gets super crowded.

Peanut Farm, about 15 minutes south, also has a great beginner break in addition to a more advanced one. It seemed to be the spot of choice for the surf schools, at least there were a lot of soft boards in the water.

If you are a more seasoned surfer you should also check out Pottuvil Point, Whiskey Point and Light House, all north of the bay. Further south you’ll find Elephant Rock and Okanda.

You can book your surf lesson online in advance or walk down the main street and ask around for prices. Safa Surf Camp is supposed to be awesome!

2. Go beach hopping 

The main beach is looong and super nice, but only a small part is really swimmable due to big waves crashing onto land. That spot is close to Main Pont surf break, so it gets super crowded up that end of the beach.

Of course, you can go in the water wherever you want, but please be careful and time your exit or else you will probably end up face-down in the sand.

All the surf spots mentioned above also have some great beaches worth checking out even if you don’t surf. My favorite is Peanut Farm Beach, pictured below, where you’ll also find a quaint cafe serving some basic food and drinks.

3. Sustainable Arugam Bay tour

After some time on the beach and in the water, this sustainability tour is the best thing to do in Arugam Bay. You get to visit both WasteLess Arugam Bay and Rice & Carry – two pioneering businesses that combine waste management and women’s empowerment.

Not only do you get an experience you’ll remember forever, but you also support the local community. And you can even make your own souvenir from recycled materials if you want to.

4. Buy a tailor-made bikini

Walking down the main street on our first night in the Bay, I was quickly drawn to this window full of bikinis. Inside there was an older guy making swimwear to order.

It turned out I was lucky, the guy was closing shop for the rainy season the next day, so of course, I had to put in an order straight away.

He has a lot of fun fabrics and styles to choose from, I went with a retro, purple pineapple pattern. For only 4500Rs / $30 I got both a souvenir and something I will wear a lot.

5. Go on a safari

Visit Kumana National Park, about 50 minutes south of Arugam Bay. Many different companies are offering different kinds of packages, some short and some whole-day adventures.

Our hotel manager set the whole thing up for us and arranged for the car to pick us up at the hotel. I think we ended up paying 12.500Rs, which included entry to the park, a guide and the car all to ourselves. These days it’s easy to just book online.

We saw elephants, crocodiles, deer, lots of different birds, water buffalos and different small furry creatures, but sadly not the shy leopard. Remember to eat a big meal before you go, as you’ll be gone for at least six hours. And bring water, lots of water!

🌟 Book your safari here >> Kumana National Park & Kudumbigala Monastery

6. Eat your heart out

There is a great mix of local and trendy restaurants in Arugam Bay. As I mentioned in the Unawatuna restaurant guide, the local cuisine is both delicious and cheap. We tried to eat Sri Lankan food at least twice a day and then splurge on dinner at one of the fancier restaurants at night.

Below you can see the chicken tacos we enjoyed at Hideaway Resort Restaurant. Delicious, though quite expensive for the area at 700Rs/$5 for just the one dish.

That’s twice what we paid for an entire meal, including noodles, roti and drinks, at one of the local spots along the main road. So as you can see you’ll find places to eat that fit every budget in Arugam Bay. 

Another restaurant we really liked is Food Nest. Their pizzas made in a wood-fired oven are super tasty and they make a killer pineapple mojito. Yum!

7. Do yoga 

Start your mornings with yoga, nothing will make you feel more energized and ready to take on the day. Driving through town I saw many signs and posters for different yoga classes, so you should be able to find something for every level.

I’ve heard especially great things about Wave Flow yoga at the Stardust Beach Hotel. They offer lots of different therapies and classes, even one especially for surfers where you work on your balance and breathing.

You can also do yoga at Stay Golden where I stayed during my time in Arugam Bay. They have built a light and bright yoga shala overlooking the ocean, and you can also use their pool after the class.

🌟 Check price and availability >> Adaptive yoga class for all levels

8. Lagoon boat trip 

The afternoon is the perfect time to go for a relaxing and scenic boat ride in Pottuvil Lagoon just north of Arugam Bay. It’s not the most exciting activity in the world, but it’s a great way to support the locals. If you’re lucky you’ll see some wildlife coming down to the water’s edge.

9. Party party!

Arugam Bay is known for its relaxed beach bars and cafes where you can unwind, enjoy live music, and socialize with fellow visitors. And as I mentioned above, there are a lot of young travelers in Arugam Bay, so there is usually a party going on somewhere.

These establishments often host themed nights, open mic sessions, and cultural events, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

When we were in town, Hideaway Resort threw a super fun bash that kept going into the early hours. Look for posters scattered around town announcing parties or just follow the music, A-bay isn’t that big of a place.

10. Climb Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock, a small outcrop supposed to resemble an elephant, is a very popular surf spot for beginners, located only 4km away from Arugam Bay.

It is less crowded than the other beaches due to the lack of road access. You have to take a tuk-tuk out of town, get dropped off at the main street and walk down.

But even if you aren’t interested in learning to surf, I recommend making the journey down to climb the rock for beautiful views across the Golden Bay. The locals advised us to never go there alone as there are active crocodiles in the lagoon and wild elephants will pass the area often in the morning.

11. Kudumbigala Monastery

On the outskirts of Kumana National Park, about 30km south of A-Bay, you’ll find Kudumbigala Monastery. It was built in 246 BC as a refuge for Buddhist monks who wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

The view from the top alone is worth the hike, just be aware of the wild animals. You could encounter elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and even bears. The best time to visit is early in the morning, as the heat in the middle of the jungle gets unbearable later in the day.

12. Explore on your own

Arugam is one of the places we visited I would feel totally safe driving a scooter by myself. The roads are good and the traffic isn’t too crazy.

Driving by yourself you’ll notice so much more of your surroundings and have the opportunity to stop and explore whenever you feel like it. It’s also nice not to have to explain and arrange with a driver who often misunderstands what you’re saying.

Just remember that surfboard racks are not allowed in A-Bay, probably so the tuk-tuks will get more work. So if you’re going back and forth to the surf breaks every day, it can get expensive. It might be beneficial to rent your own tuk-tuk, especially if you can share the cost with someone.

FAQs Arugam Bay

Here are some quick answers to the questions I see most often about Arugam Bay.

Are there any historic attractions in Arugam Bay?

Yes in addition to the monastery I mentioned above, you can also visit the ancient Buddhist temple of Muhudu Maha Viharaya, which is located up the coast near Pottuvil. This historical site dates back to the 2nd century BC and is believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha.

Additionally, the nearby village of Panama is home to the Panama Tank, an ancient reservoir that reflects the region’s historical irrigation systems.

Can I see wildlife in Arugam Bay?

Yes, Arugam Bay’s proximity to natural reserves and sanctuaries allows you to experience the beauty and biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s wildlife up close. In addition to Kumana National Park, you can also see wildlife in Lahugala National Park known for its population of elephants.

Pottuvil Lagoon and its wetland ecosystem provide a habitat for a rich array of birdlife and crocodiles, making it an ideal location for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.

Is it safe to swim in Arugam Bay?

While the bay itself is generally considered safe for swimming, it’s essential to be mindful of strong currents, big waves and changing tides, especially during the monsoon season. The currents are often stronger than they look from the shore.

I also recommend swimming in areas where lifeguards are present, keeping an eye on warning signs posted on the beaches, and avoiding going in the water alone if you’re not a strong swimmer.

Can I go shopping in Arugam Bay?

In Arugam Bay, shopping opportunities reflect the town’s relaxed and bohemian vibe, offering a variety of unique and locally crafted items.

You can explore vibrant markets and quaint shops to discover an array of souvenirs, including handwoven textiles, traditional batik clothing, yoga wear and jewelry.

There are also boutiques and beachside stalls where you can find a selection of surfboards, surfwear, beach accessories, and handicrafts.

Are there any festivals or events in Arugam Bay?

Arugam Bay hosts concerts and music events during the busiest months, as well as several local ceremonies.

Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is a significant and widely celebrated festival in Sri Lanka. It takes place during the first full moon of the ancient lunar month of Vesakha, which usually falls in May or early June.

The festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha and is marked by various religious and cultural observances, including the decoration of homes, streets, and temples with colorful lanterns and lights.

Can I drink the tap water in Arugam Bay?

No, it is not recommended to drink tap water in Arugam Bay or in most parts of Sri Lanka. Drink bottled water or even better, bring a reusable bottle with a filter. I swear by my LifeStraw bottle on all my travels.

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