Quick Links
- Where to Find the Nearest Doctor or Hospital
- Where to Buy Alcohol in Arugam Bay
- How is Arugam Bay During the Off Season
- How to Buy Land in Arugam Bay
- How to Rent a Scooter in Arugam Bay
According to Google here are some other common questions asked about Arugam Bay:
Is there an ATM?
Yes, there are two, one on the road in front of the Pacific Hotel and another next to Water Edge Resort. In high season, July to September, they tend to run out of money on the weekend and it is necessary to go to one of the banks in Pottuvil. The tuk tuk drivers will already be queuing next to the ATM for you!
Is there a Bank?
No, the nearest banks are in Pottuvil, 4km away.
Is there an Internet Cafe?
Yes, there is a small local internet cafe opposite the Pacific Hotel. You can also print and photocopy documents here.
Is there a Gym?
No, but the Blue Wave hotel has a small fitness room.
Can I Rent Kitesurfing Equipment?
No, there are no kitesurf rental places in Arugam Bay.
Is there an Airport?
No, the nearest international airport is at Mattala. There are domestic airports at Ampara and Batticaloa.
Is there a Train to Arugam Bay?
No, you need to take the train to either Ella or Batticaloa and then travel by road. See Getting Here for more details.
Is Arugam Bay Safe for Women?
Most attacks on women are by locals known to the victim, occur after dark, on the beach and involve the use of alcohol.
Quick Links
- Where to Find the Nearest Doctor or Hospital
- Where to Buy Alcohol in Arugam Bay
- How is Arugam Bay During the Off Season
- How to Buy Land in Arugam Bay
- How to Rent a Scooter in Arugam Bay
If anyone has any more questions, please use the comments box below.
Searching for a Hotel? Read the Ultimate Guide to Arugam Bay Accommodation 2019
I have 10 days in Sri Lanka late dec-early January.
I’m doing a few days in Ella then heading south to Tangalle and Mirissa.
Is it worth spending a few days in Arugam bay at this time? Is it ridiculously windy? I’m interested in laying on the beach, swimming and exploring the local area while my partner is an intermediate surfer…
Any advice??
ThAnks
Hi Chloe, see the page Off Season for more info. Your partner is very likely to be disappointed with the surf at this time of year as it is not consistent. The weather is changeable. See the Weather page for more detailed info.
Thanks for your reply. I have checked both those pages out but wanted to know how windy it got more so than rain. If you have any advice or info that would be wonderful.
Thanks
There can be wind in Arugam Bay at any time of the year but it is not normally so much that you can’t sit at the beach. Of course if there is a storm then the wind can be damaging but that does not happen often, even during off season. There is a good chance you will come and have perfect weather. Many people stay in Arugam Bay over Christmas and New Year without a problem.
Hi there, I need a baggage storage for a few days ( Joining the Pada Yatra pilrimage to Kataragama ). Any ideas? Thanks!
Hey Christina, first I would try whichever accommodation you are staying with before or after the event. If that is not an option try one of the bigger hotels, they may do it for free otherwise there will be a small charge. Please let us know how it goes on the pilgrimage. Maybe you can leave a comment on this page after you finish. Have fun!
Hi there, Beautiful website. This is so helpful. I’m a solo traveller looking to make the most of my time in June in Sri Lanka and all people say Arugam has the best weather. 1) What’s the best social place for a non-party person travelling alone? 2) Is WiFI common to find in this region? 3) Do you have any suggestions for other beautiful places to just relax on the East Coast? I’m worried about travelling from end of May-July since most major sights in Sri Lanka seem to be rainy. Any advice is so helpful. Thank you! Cheers
Hi Daniel thanks for the compliment! Do you mean a social place as accommodation or to go for a few hours for a coffee or a juice? WiFi varies. Most mid-range hotels will offer free WiFi which will be unlimited. The contracts are expensive so although many places advertise as having WiFi you often find that the high speed GB are finished quickly at the start of the month and then it reverts to slow speed. Passikuda and Nilaveli/Uppuveli are places to consider if you are wanting the beach. Anywhere outside of the main tourist centres will be very undeveloped… Read more »
Hi
My partner and I are comming to Arugam Bay for 2 weeks and also want to explore Eat coast for surfing can anyone advise if you can hire scooters or Tuk Tuk self drive? Thanks Michelle
Hi Michelle, yes you can, but there are a few things to consider… You should by law get an International Driver’s Permit from the Department of Motor Traffic in Colombo. However, there will still be people who will rent you what you need without this. My advice is to arrive and ask around, you should be able to negotiate a good price for 2 weeks, 1000LKR per day is a good starting place. Also, be advised that the police in the local area make a lot of money out of fining tourists and there are a lot of potential scams.