Tag Archive for 'Arugam'

AbaY – LIVE Music events. Daily!

Times are changing, and even Arugam Bay now has many
“Come and see my laptop: LIVE”
events.

However there are also DAILY Bands and Musicians performing in the more popular venues.
Supporting local talents, and they charge NO admission at all.

The Old Siam View Hotel (Brew & Music Pub) has a long tradition and hosts only LIVE performances.
Indeed, Every night during the week: There NEVER is a dull day – and this old concept still seems to be popular. Often ending up in Open Mic sessons where Guests join Inn.

Below is the initial program to kick off the Supen High Season September:


Rohantha and his band will be on
Today (Monday 2nd, 4th & 6th)

Awesome Mr. Dain will be on stage. And in between.
And whenever needed.

Both great artists played at the Old Siam View before (with great success)
But that was almost 20 years ago:
We are Happy to see them Back Home!

The Best to work as a digital nomad

Globally is Sri Lanka!

This is the cheapest country to work as a digital nomad

Photo taken in front of the AbaY Digital Nomads High Speeds Co-working Center (Est. 2001)

While working on serene beaches or by tranquil pools was once a dream for many, it’s now very much a reality.

Working remotely is surging in popularity and, as a result, a growing number of countries are now offering digital nomad visas to entice people over.

For those not clued-up, these particular visas allow remote workers to live and work in that country for a specified period, while being employed and earning an income from a business based outside of that country.

And new research has analysed the cost of living in the countries offering these visas, to reveal the best for remote workers to get the most out of their earnings.

So, if you’re considering packing up and working elsewhere, there are certain cheaper spots that should be on your radar.

According to the Digital Nomad Rich List created by Flamingo App, Sri Lanka is the country where your money will go furthest.

Based on the average UK salary, the data found that cost of living in Sri Lanka comes to just £492 per month (on rent, food, transport and utility bills), so the average Brit is expected to pocket around £2,282 of disposable income.

Argentina, Colombia & North Macedonia, Indonesia and Malaysia also ranked within the top five cheapest countries for digital nomads – according to this report.

Cheapest places to live as digital nomad, according to Flamingo App:

  1. Sri Lanka
  2. Argentina
  3. Colombia & North Macedonia
  4. Indonesia
  5. Malaysia

High speeds (200Mbps), UPS, Generators, Air Conditioning, attached Bathrooms, Membership options:
All at the Old, Original AbaY Nomads Nonworking Centre (WhatsApp +94702042271)

However, the most expensive countries to work remotely in were also named, with Bermuda scooping the top spot, followed by the Cayman Islands and Iceland. The UK also placed eighth on the most expensive list.

David Hehenberger, the founder of Flamingo App, said: ‘The findings of our Digital Nomad Rich List are eye-opening, highlighting that the average Brit can increase their disposable income by choosing to work remotely from over 40 countries, freeing up financial and mental space to explore and enjoy life. If you can work from anywhere, why not pick a place that enhances your life?

‘Whether it’s the warm beaches of Indonesia, the cultural hubs of Argentina, or the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

‘Remote work doesn’t have to be confined to our familiar surroundings; it can be the gateway to global experiences, cultural immersion, and financial empowerment. The world is your office.’


Most expensive place to work as digital nomad, according to Flamingo App:

  1. Bermuda
  2. Cayman Islands
  3. Iceland
  4. The Bahamas
  5. Norway


The photos in the original article are copy sadly protected.
And have been replaced with our own freeware.


Source:
https://metro.co.uk/2023/09/12/this-is-the-cheapest-country-to-work-as-a-digital-nomad-19486895/

‘Arugam Bay’ to be transformed

….. into high-income tourist destination

 President Ranil Wickremesinghe who toured Arugam Bay yesterday greets a tourist

  • President announces plans for 10-year strategic roadmap encompassing two distinct phases of development strategies aimed at positioning region as a premier travel and leisure hub
  • Urgent measures to address land title challenges for businesses

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday announced the swift implementation of a comprehensive plan to elevate the Arugam Bay tourist zone into a highly desirable destination for both local and international tourists, with the potential to generate substantial revenue.

The President emphasised the importance of meticulous planning in identifying areas that necessitate development, with the intention of executing these initiatives systematically. The President further highlighted the prospect of achieving significant income by promoting water sports such as water skiing, which holds popularity along the Arugam Bay coastline.

Wickremesinghe conveyed these rema-rks during a meeting held with key stakeholders in the tourism industry within the Ampara district. The gathering brought together Government officials and industry professionals, aimed at addressing pertinent challenges that have emerged within the tourism sector.

The President underscored that global reports predict tourism to contribute 10% of the global gross domestic product by the year 2035. He stressed that Sri Lanka should proactively prepare for this shift and highlighted the tourism sector’s potential to directly address the nation’s financial challenges.

Wickremesinghe also outlined a two-phase development plan for the tourism industry in the Eastern Province, with the ambitious goal of completing it within the next decade.

Furthermore, during his ongoing tour of the Eastern Province, President conducted an inspection of Arugam Bay and Peanut Farm beaches in the Ampara district. The President personally assessed the areas’ shortcomings and engaged in cordial conversations with the tourists present there.

Following the site visit, President Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions with the local business community to gain insights into the challenges faced within the tourism sector in the area. This comprehensive engagement reflects the President’s commitment to actively addressing the needs and potential of the Eastern Province’s tourism industry.

In the process of developing the Arugam Bay Coastline into a prominent tourist destination, a proposal was put forth to relocate the existing fishing port to an alternative location, equipped with necessary facilities for fishermen. This proposal was conveyed to the President by MP W.D. Weerasinghe. In response, the President emphasised the urgency of transforming this region into a dedicated tourism area while taking swift action on the proposal.

The President’s attention was also drawn to the challenges arising from the absence of permanent property deeds for business premises within the local tourism industry. President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of promptly submitting a comprehensive report detailing these issues, with an expectation for viable solutions to be presented.

Another key concern addressed was the availability of drinking water for both business establishments and visiting tourists in the area. Recognizing that the construction of the proposed ‘Hada Oya’ drinking water project might take several more years, President Wickremesinghe directed officials to explore the installation of establishing water treatment plants at existing natural water sources, with assistance from the Navy to address these multifaceted challenges in the pursuit of transforming Arugam Bay as a premier tourist destination while ensuring the well-being of the local community and visiting tourists.

source:
https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Arugam-Bay

AbaY’s Links & Groups

Arugam Bay is blessed by having many awesome, useful and highly specialized Groups, Pages and Social Media Platforms.
Indeed, this, the original Web Site (arugam.info) has been around far longer than any other Home Page on this island – dating back to end 1999. Only much later Government and Tourist Board pages appeared.

Below is a – non exclusive – list, with useful links and short descriptions.
To help you to find the precise Information you are looking for.

Do YOU wish to add your / other Links to this initial List?
Please send your submission to us!
And we will add suitable links at once.
write to:

arugam@arugam.com

********************************************************************

Feel FREE to join. Any or all of them.
Look around and interact as you wish.

www.arugam.info
This mainly is an online History album now.
And this Old Page has documented all major local events since the beginning of the Century.
Use the page “Search” function if you are looking up any special topic of interest.

www.arugam.asia
www.arugam.com
(Both for now re-direct to arugam.info – but domains are available for development)
**********************************************************************

Social Media:
Traditional Websites are no longer relevant.
Because they a static, and social media is far more powerful and up to date.
Allowing input (Photos, Videos, Comments) from Guests and the wider Public.

On What’s App:
Arugam Info
The above is THE leading, oldest and very active WhatsApp Group
Giving you day-to-day General Information about AbaY relevant topics

Further useful Links:

  1. www.arugam.info          (web site)
  2. www.arugam.com         (web site)
  3. www.arugam.asia         (web site)
  4. www.stefan-loose.de    (web site)
  5. Footprint Travel-guides (web site)
  6. Arugam Surf                       (Facebook page)
  7. Arugam Bay                        (Facebook page)
  8. Arugam Bay Surf Club        (Facebook page)
  9. Arugam Bay Beer               (Facebook page)
  10. Lovely Arugam Bay            (Facebook page)
  11. Arugam Hostel YMCA        (Facebook pages)
  12. Old Arugam                        (Facebook page)
  13. Old Ceylon                          (Facebook page)
  14. Journey to the East           (Facebook Page)
  15. Siam View Projects           (Facebook Page)
  16. Living in the AbaY area     (Facebook Group)  
  17. AbaY Tourist Information   (Whatsapp Group)
  18. AbaY Restaurants              (Whatsapp Group)
  19. AbaT Transport                  (Whatsapp Group)
  20. AbaY Events                       (Whatsapp Group)
  21. AbaY Now                           (Whatsapp Group)
  22. AbaY Sports Club               (Whatsapp Group)
  23. AbaY Humor                       (Whatsapp Group)
  24. AbaY What’s On                 (Whatsapp Group)
  25. AbaY Food Court               (Whatsapp Group)
  26. AbaY Power, Gas               (Whatsapp Group)
  27. AbaY Community              (Whatsapp Group)
  28. Arugam                              (Twitter)
  29. Arugam                              (Instagram)
  30. Arugam                              (YouTube Channel)
  31. Arugam Surf                      (YouTube Channels)
  32. AbaY SriLanka                  (Instagram)
  33. Arugam Surf Club             (Instagram)
  34. Arugam Bay                      (TikTok)
  35. Arugam Bay                     (Printertest)
  36. Siam View Projects         (Facebook Page)
  37. Surf Point Apartments    (Facebook Page)
  38. http://www.facebook.com/groups/arugam (Latest 2023 Group for Opportunities)


Amazing AbaY

Arugam Bay is a true ALL-Year-Round Destination.

True, the resort is mainly known as S.E. Asia’s and Sri Lanka’s prime Surf Destination.
And indeed the waves are best April – November in the East of our island.

But there are a lot more things to do – even if you are not a Surfer!

In fact:
More and more visitors have discovered that winters are the BEST times to enjoy the
Mild, not hot – not Cool.
But there is a very Dry Climate in Arugam Bay = November -to- April.
AbaY = The Weather Wonder of Asia: 340 days Sunshine / year!
No other report can offer such an amazing weather pattern.

Furthermore:
The Best, the perhaps most popular Arugam Establishments remain OPEN all Year round.
And as such AbaY never has an “Off- Season”. The resort never shuts down as such.

contact: Ms. ANNIE +94 767335764
(Best via WhatsApp)

Credit for the article and the posters go to
Ms. Annie herewith (+94 767335764)

FiFa Low Budget Package Tours.

Come to Arugam Bay.
To watch every single FiFa Qatar game in style.
Basic All-in Transfers from Colombo are only:
Rs./ 12,500 (or 35$) per person
Local accommodation is now very, very cheap in AbaY

Siam View Sports Pub

We are inviting All Low Budget Travelers and Football Fans.
To enjoy every single game with us in Arugam Bay.
Why?
A.) NO Power Cuts
B.) Lowest possible room rates
C.) 3 Huge Screens & 2 TV’s
D.) 500++ Channels
E.) Backup Systems
F.) Security
G.) Open all Night

Because we are offering December Specials:
“Come to AbaY to watch the World cup Tours”
We will:
1.) Meet our groups in a Colombo Sports Pub
2.) Watch afternoon games. Like in “Cheers”)
3.) Enjoy their amazing Happy Hours (up to 7pm)
4.) Transfer to Maradana – Madonna Bus stand
5.) 3 Luxury air-con sleeper coaches to chose from
6.) Save hotel costs by overnight trip to Pottuville, E.P.
7.) 4am Transfer to say, Nomads (or similar being open) for a Coffee
8.) Early check in to any of our participating hotels / guest houses
9.) Lunch / Dinner to be arranged
10.) Watching Every single Game on Siam View Sports Screens (FREE)

This offer will be valid for December up to 20th .
Watching those games in Good Company creates a great atmosphere.
Transfers back are also arranged of course.

Those entire packages are aimed at LOW Budget people.
With a very, very basic price tag.
But:
Once here, add ons, Safaris, local spending, Surf Lessons, Swimming.
National Parks etc. are always on offer.
It’s THE best time of year (for non surfers) to visit the East:
Mild, Not Hot, Sunny, No rain!

Reservations / Inquiries:
Every one will receive an answer.
arugam@arugam.com
or
Whats App:
+94702042271

For daily News and offers Join our popular Groups:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/J5OTGKvFjNW8FpC7HfaKJm
or
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LKfcofXDxr44HDsE4N6umJ

Arugam’s Ganja Monkies nabbed

(Archive. 1st published 31/03/2011)
After the end of the war, long existing laws are now strictly enforced at remote Arugam Bay.


The East Coast has been largely left alone.
For many years.
With still no wine or liquor store for miles around and the odd shortage of “Gold Leaf” some desperate residents and visitors turned to natural marihuana consumption.A? Sadly, tame as well as some wild monkeys also got the taste and enjoyed the weird feeling.

Arugam Bay Special Narcotics squad arrested 4 addicts last night

NABBED!
“BiXXbo & Co.” Shown here in the local Police lock-up.
At
Arugam Bay

Sadly, many more seem to be addicted to this illegal practice.
But they are still on the run.

Order rogaine for women Purchase silvitra reviews

Spotted at AbaY’s traditional Full Moon Party. Nov. 2010, Peanus Fm.

Cheeky! Openly flaunting the law of the Land!

Shocking! He is not even one year old. And already addicted.

The WHO, the RSPCA and other ENJOY’s have been requested to assist.
To support Arugam’s “Community Based Sustainable Junkie Rehabilitation” Program (CBSJRP). Some former NGO members volunteered at once, which is encouraging.

Desperate for a smoke, this monkey grabbed a ‘Cold Leaf’ from a diner sitting on Arugam’sA? SVH “Flower Power Terrace”

To avoid detection, some clever chips adopted pipe smoking methods

Dehiwala zoo officials are also concerned

Nabbed! Shown here in the Loco Tourist Police lock up. Beachfront Tourist Police, Arugam Bay.

Other addicts have learned to camouflage themselves to escape arrest in Arugam’sA? jungles. Filmed here by undercover navy Security personnel near their new Panama Camp

The STF as well as the New Navy ‘Detachment’ at Panama has been on high alert to catch these subversive creatures


Generic requip Footnote by the Science Select Committee:

This graph is interesting. It shows the actual harm done (to the user as well as society) by the use of various substances. Published by a basket of the world’s leading experts

Adopt an AbaY dog

Originally published 10/01/2010 (5 years ago)
But this issue is now even more urgent.

At remote Arugam Bay, a few hundred homeless dogs are waiting to be adopted by caring animal lovers. Please help to save them.

Adopt an Arugam Bay dog !

A sponsor has already been found to provided a suitable, safe A?vehicle.
To take them to Colombo or elsewhere on the island.
All animals will be collected, fed, treated and transported with the outmost care & respect
All the Community needs is an address to deliver them to.
Please, animal Lovers:
Please do come forward and let us know where to send them to.
Before even more are run over by speeding and careless drivers on our new fast roads!
The Social Networks are buzzing.
With appeals and online petitions to stop a rumored animal cull.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-the-sri-lankan-government-from-killing-millions-of-stray-dogs/
We support this initiative!
But. What to do?
At Arugam Bay four costly A?sterilization programs have been carried out, since the 2004 Tsunami.
In our A?remote Bay residents and visitors are unsure if any success can be reported.
Many people are simply too scared to walk on the beach or indeed the road, specially at night. Due to large packs of hungry dogs around.
Below is a copy of one of the stories we covered 5 years ago.
The writer of this article has personally observed that one A?particular, disabled bitch alone has had a litter every year since and produced 60 or so pups, most of which appear to be unwell or/and A?mentally unstable …..
Something has to be done – This situation is out of control.

The article below was first published 6th Marc, 2007:
The Tsunami Animal People Alliance (TAPA) has, in the true sense of the word: emBarked on a dog sterilization program at Arugam Bay How much nolvadex post cycle .
Ponstel costs Operation Theater
Vets at work @ SVH
In total 300 – 400 dogs are being treated locally.
Arugam.info is informed that about 10,000 have been spayed island wide already.
It is said to be the best and most humane method of controlling stray and infected animals.
The visiting, all Sri Lankan team consists of 4 qualified vets and 7 assistants, a van, and a mobile clinic.
Arugam.info is informed that a budget of 18$/dog has been secured by foreign donors, most of which (10$) will be used for quality drugs and medicines.
Take a look at the work in the attached photo album. Continue reading ‘Adopt an AbaY dog’

Nostalgia at AbaY

Update 04/ July 2015:
AbaY is developing.
Fast:
1.) The CEB now provides pretty reliable Power (Electric)
2.) The SLT now has two fiberglass Internet connections
3.) The a/c buses do not run anymore. :-((
4.) The water supply costs double now.

Otherwise:
Purchase norvasc Arugam Bay is still OK, romantic and beautiful.
Back to the original article:
***********************************************

Nostalgia at AbaY

Coming from the re-vamped modern City of Colombo to Arugam Bay is like a trip into the past.
Escape the progress!

Millions spent on uplifts

Millions spent on uplifts

However. Once you reach the poor East Coast and the Bay of Arugam. You will find:
Daily. And often All Weekend Powercuts.

Daily Power Cuts

Daily Power Cuts

So What?
It’s a perfect setting. For a romantic candle lit dinner by the beach. Under the clear star-studded sky.

A trip back to last century

A trip back to last century

Water supply cut off every day?

USAIDS Water supply

USAIDS Water supply

No problem!
Cool down and have an inviting ‘sea bath’ in the clear, blue ocean in front.

Plenty of clear water available

Plenty of clear water available

No street lights

No street lights

No Street lights? Even on the brand new USAID 14 Mill. $$$ bridge?
Mind your way – avoid the open drains

All drains are open

All drains are open

Internet disruptions?

Unstable Internet at AbaY

Unstable Internet at AbaY

A perfect opportunity to talk to fellow travelers!

Most places have Free Wifi in the Bay. But often the connections are poor

Most places have Free Wifi in the Bay. But often the connections are poor

Luxury Bus Service not coming?

Usually 20:30 departs

Usually 20:30 departs

Ideal! To remain in the dark ages.
At Arugam Bay. After all, this is our island’s most promising, Government declared, tourist Resort!(1)

Fishing boats, Arugam Bay

Image byA?james_gordon_losangeles Order generic buspar
Arugam Bay is on the list of the top ten surf points in the world. Situated on the SE coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay receives the same Antarctic winter swells that hit Indonesia. The best surfing conditions are between May and November when the predominant wind is offshore for at least the first half of the day.

Boats on Arugam's Beach

Due to its location and southerly swell direction the area is dominated by right hand point breaks. Three of the point breaks Arugam Bay Point is a ten min. walk from town, Pottuvil Point and Crocodile Rock are within a half hour tuk tuk ride from Clindamycin cost rite aid Arugam Bay. There are several other surfing points that are within an hour tuk tuk ride, Panama and Okanda are south of Arugam Bay.

Nilanthasa?? Tuk tuk Service provides reliable transportation to and from any of the surfing destinations at a very reasonable rate. Nilantha also has ….. Continue reading ‘Fishing boats, Arugam Bay’

Vacancies

Arugam Bay

is now entering it’s perhaps “Highest Season” ever. Right now, there are plenty of vacancies. But: Mainly in the low budget accommodation range

Arugam Bay is a GREEN resort. So far….

The few better class and specially air-conditioned rooms are very much in demand. It is HOT in the Bay! Book NOW!

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Jet Ski trials at Arugam Bay

Order calan sr 240 mg Navy The S.L. Navy recently entered the lucrative Tourist market. In a big way, with cruises, boat trips, hospitality and whale watching,

Army The Army also has been taking keen interest in the sport of Surfing. Locally based, Commissioned Officers are said to have been observed to Surf Arugam Bay.

Air Force Jet Ski trials at AbaY

STF – Special Tusk Farce The STF is already actively engaged in life-saving duties and Fishery protection excercises

Fishy protection Duties

Air Farce Not to be outdone, arugam.info has learned that SLAF is now also set to enter the lucrative Tourist sector. So far, none of the Armed Forces appear to be profitable. As jet.

Recently, secret trials were held in the area. Just West of Arugam Bay.

Rigorous training program. Earlier attempts were promising

Jokey Club Furthermore, it is understood that other organisations are considering to jump on the popular Surfing “Band Wagon” Cheap crixivan/indinavir

Even the Sri Lanka Jockey Club seems to be considering to divert into some off shore activities:

Jockey Club training session @ Arugam Bay

AbuDubai Race Horses Rulers from the UAE have also spotted Arugam’s potential. Already they have send some of their best Race Horses to be conditioned and trained in the clean air of Arugam’s beaches. Apparently, the humidity and the heat will give Arab based horses a distinct advantage over European competitors in forthcoming races in Dubai’s high Tech race course.

Dubai Horse Race training & conditioning at Arugam Bay

Chinese Interest The Chinese meanwhile have copied popular Jet Ski Designs by Yamaha, Suzuki and Bomadier. Seen here on HD sea trials at AbaY

Ps.: NAAFI? Navy, Army & Air Forces Institutes in action at Arugam Bay 1st April, 2012

Combined Forces. At work in AbaY

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Badulla-Arugam Bay

The range of Adidas clothing goes from T-shirts and sweats for men, to children’s and even baby sports clothing. Football Baby Clothes at great prices from baby Sports Shop.

…..Finally we reached Arugam Bay, a beachfront collections of shacks and hotels, stretching around the bay…… ….Apparently, after dusk the road to Arugam bay becomes chock-a-block with insomniac elephants who decide to wander the roads. Hence, travelling there is dangerous…..

"Watermusic" @ Arugam Bay

Part 1: They Mostly Come Out At Night, Mostly Coumadin od treatment We strode out of Badulla station, and I was still for pushing on right through to Arugam Bay. There was a solitary minibus tout and he offered to drive us for $50. Each. Llyw quickly shot this down, at which point the fella, who exuded dodginess from every pore, explained why a night time voyage was so expensive- Nocturnal elephants. Apparently, after dusk the road to Arugam bay becomes chock-a-block with insomniac elephants who decide to wander the roads. Hence, travelling there is dangerous. Continue reading ‘Badulla-Arugam Bay’

Tourism at Arugam Bay should be sustainable

By Gamini WARUSHAMANA

The surfing season in Arugam Bay starts in May and the thousands of people who are dependant on the tourism industry in this Eastern coastal village in Sri Lanka eagerly await the arrival of the highest number of tourists this year. The tourism industry in the country is booming after the end of terrorism in 2009 and Arugam Bay is now ready to regain its full potential.

Arugam Bay i How much unisom to overdose s one of the world’s top 10 surf locations, known for its fantastic waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. The best time for surfing here is between May and November when strong winds are offshore for at least the first half of the day.

There are only a few tourists at Arugam Bay

However, some small scale hoteliers, tour guides and shop owners are disappointed because still there are only a few tourists at Arugam Bay. Continue reading ‘Tourism at Arugam Bay should be sustainable’

Arugam Bay Freedom

Be FREE @ Arugam Bay !

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Arugam Bay “Freedom Beach” Cabanas

These family run cabanas have recently been refurbished. They are sporting new tiled bathrooms, ceilings, mosquito nets and verandas. The garden now has grass and feels so good underfoot.
Come and enjoy a touch of family life in Arugam Bay. Beautiful home cooked traditional Sri Lankan food as well as western dishes for those desiring a touch of home. Sunday Roast on request. Party BBQa??s and Buffet Dinners for those wishing to celebrate a special occasion. Birthday Cakes made to order.
The family also provide Tuk Tuk Hire, Taxi Bookings, Wildlife Safaria??s, Boat Trips, Surf Lessons and Surfboard Hire. This is truely a family run business by one of the original families from Cheapest xenical in uk Arugam Bay. So remember Freedom Beach Cabanas, Samanthia??s Restaurant and Thaththaa??s Tea Shop for all your holiday needs in Arugam Bay.

Email – FreedomBeachCabanas@hotmail.co.uk or
FreedomBeachCabanas@gmail.com

source:

http://www.paddle4relief.co.uk/blog/index.php?s=Arugam+Bay&searchbutton=Go!

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Arugam Bay and beyond

– Land of the Lotus Eaters

Arugam Bay Order danazol for endometriosis is the amalgamation of the Tamil word for six – Aru and the Sinhala word for village – gam. Juliet Coombe discovered the area has a lot more on offer than surf, sand and sea, when travelling with 2nd Partner – a tour company with a difference. What is the price of augmentin antibiotics


Arugam Bay is a long way from everything, and in the early years when there was no bridge to the area, this was part of the attraction to the a??reala?? adventure traveller, who discovered this spot of the island in the 1970s. Known for its love gurus, nude bathing and nirvana lifestyle it fast became the spot to surf the waves by day, and the area by night looking for fun times. However, today, this a??Shangri la,a?? tipped to be the next best thing is a rather sad strip of hotels and restaurants that makes Hikkaduwa in comparison look like the South of France. The food is at best terrible, and the only place worth hanging out in is Siam, according to the first film crew, SBS from Australia who have just been filming My Sri Lanka with world famous chef Peter Kurivitas. They are the first crew to go through the area in 30 years and only Siam was worth eating at, where a dude called DJ Nihal calls the shots and the food is the best on the strip. Not really on the surface worth an eight to 10 hour trip from Colombo depending on the weather and traffic conditions.

However step out of this artificial boomtown and discover amazing places like Kudumbigala Monastery (11 miles from Panama), which is the only cylindrical stupa in Sri Lanka. Surrounded by 200 caves in the area that used to be used by monks, they have paintings older than the ones of the girls painted on the Sigriya rock Fortress palace. Appu Hami, a 64-year-old village elder, held in high esteem and the best jungle guide in the area comes from Panama, which dates back as a settlement to 1818. His face is a gnarled as the trees from the jungle, eyes as sharp as a hawka??s, and has a lifetime of stories to tell.

Appu Hami – a legend
in Arugam Bay Appu Hami advocates that before any trek you should eat well from the local indigenous vegetables which include seven different types of yams and two types of Lotus plants which are pulled by the roots from the lakes, famed for their beautiful water lilies. Lotus eating is good for the heart, blood sugar (diabetes) and other things that he says, brings a sparkle to onea??s eyes. It seems women also mix the lotus seeds together and make facial scrubs and the pulled up flowers are used as offerings at the Buddhist temples.

The lakes have always been fished in and this is how the people of the Bay discovered the benefits of the Lotus. Until the 1960s no money exchanged hands, and the community-bartered goods instead, and everyone was much better off. The average wages were only Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay and beyond’