It’s a sea side resort with beautiful sea landscape. Unfortunately, although it’s very popular place with foreigner tourists, its accommodation facilities are often not much developed. We swum in the sea of the main beach, but the waves were little big. Maybe more suitable for those who like surfing. In the evening, we struggled to find place to have dinner because it was crowded with people everywhere.

One of the most tourist attracted beach in the world .... Great for surfing and have fun... You can find eateries, groceries and all the other necessities for bathing .....

This Beach is one of the best surfing spots in Sri Lanka. The waves are perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. The beach has a lively vibe, friendly locals, and beautiful ocean views. A must-visit place for anyone who loves surfing and beach life.

Maybe it is because my heart is here, maybe it is because of the amazing flat where I have been placed. 70 M2 plus bathroom for a 55 USD a night @surf access Guest House and Apartments . Pretty amazing though

Arugam Bay is a very lively and busy beach, popular with both locals and tourists. It’s well known for surfing, boat rides, and its naturally beautiful surroundings. The waves can sometimes be gentle and friendly, but at times they become quite big, which makes it exciting for surfers. There are usually two or three lifeguards on duty, which creates a safer and more child-friendly environment. I personally enjoyed the waves during my visits, and the atmosphere is always fun and energetic. The beach area has plenty of restaurants, food stalls, and hotels nearby, as well as bathing areas. Parking is available with a small ticket fee. A great spot to relax, surf, and enjoy the lively coastal vibe.

Has to be one of the best destinations in Sri Lanka. Baby point beach was great for beginners surfing. We used Star Rest and they were great making sure all 5 of us were up and standing in no time. The whole place has really relaxed surf vibe with fabulous cafes and restaurants. As a young family we paid the extra for a place with a pool. The waves do crash with force at the beach, apart from the south end of the resort (baby point). The beach is somewhat littered at the back by the huts but I wouldn't say it was really noticeable or off putting. Litter is a widespread endemic problem across populated areas of India and Sri Lanka. We spent 4 days there before heading to Ella. This was enough to have fun on the beach, the highlight away from the surfing was joining locals and tourists in a few volleyball games. A Tuktuk ride to watch the sunset at Elephant rock was nice. We left before 20mins before to avoid the carnage of 100's trying to leave in the dark.We watched the sunset from the road back to Arugam.

​A truly beautiful beach! The scenery is stunning, and it’s especially good for surfing. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great wave or just a gorgeous place to relax.👍💞

The food at Stay Golden is amazing! I tried several dishes — the Power Bowl is a must, and their Energy Balls are perfect before or after yoga. The atmosphere is so welcoming, with friendly staff who always greet you with a smile. It’s a great place to eat, do yoga, or just hang out by the pool or beach. Whether you’re staying for a meal or the full experience, I’d highly recommend it!

Amazing food! We have tried everything from breakfasts, through lunch/dinner to desserts - and everything was soooo good! Also they do not use plastic and don’t waste too much which is very very good for the environment. 100% recommended

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner was impeccable. The chefs were very accommodating and happy to adjust where required. There was a variety of dishes, keeping it authentic and modern. Service was great and the restaurant also offered different types of seating for whichever suits your comfort.

Stay Golden has been my go to eatery while staying in Arugam Bay. The location is right of the beach in the quiet side of the town. There are beach cabanas, as well as chairs and tables by the pool. The food a d drinks are superb. They have a plethora of fresh and healthy drink and smoothie options, as well as cocktails and beer. The food range on the menu is great with both western, middle eastern, and traditional Sri Lankan varieties. I opted for the starter plate with hummus, beet root salsa, guacamole, bruschetta, feta cheese and olives with fresh cucumbers and carrots. It was perfect and refreshing bursting with flavor. The chefs make healthy food flavorful and enjoyable. For dinner I had the sesame chicken with roasted baby potatoes. The sauce was sweet and bursting with flavor. They also have good Sri Lankan kombucha and refreshing non alcoholic mixed drinks that are not overly sweet. Servers are friendly and the overall environment is warm and inviting.

Everything we ordered here was perfect. Just take a look at the photos - the food is as good as it looks like!

Amazing Sri Lankan omelette and smoothie bowl in a super tranquil location and the yoga classes here are really nice too!

The food here is excellent. Everything tasted really fresh and delicious. I especially like the fruit porridge and the goddess bowl. Their coffee is great. It has a really relaxed vibe with excellent service.

This is paradise. The rooms are next to the beach, large room with air conditioning. The stuff are so nice and trying to make all your wishes come true. The food is very good. Everything is happening on the best location on the Arugam Bay beach. I have been in this hotel for 2 weeks and it was the best vacation I could dream of.

It’s a bit on the pricey side, but considering what they offer, it’s fair enough. The place has a billiards game and free sun-beds, which is a nice touch. The service is quick, and there are plenty of staff, so you’ll never have to wait long to get served. I absolutely love coming here - grab some drinks and have a game of billiards!

My favourite place to chill :) i really enjoy resting in hammock and drinking their pineapple juice. The food is great for having a meal on a beach. The stuff and surf instructors are very kind and will always try to help you. And great place to party too!!

I had surf lessons with Saneth Dishan which where absolutely amazing! He was very helpfull and knew the waves through and through which made me feel safe all the time! Very friendly and supportive, definitely recommend taking the surflessons here!! 🤩🙌🏼 You can lay down free on the beds which is also a plus. One downside is the restaurant. It takes a very long time before you get the food and it is a bit expensive, the staff is not perse friendly, not rude, just very ‘plain’. We had ordered two drinks and some fries. The party on Saturday was nice! Good music, good vibes. We paid 2000Rs to get in.🕺🏼

Had a really nice time at Mambo’s Arugambay. The DJ was great with good music all night and the place had such a fun vibe. Perfect spot to relax, enjoy, and spend time with friends. Definitely one of the best places in Arugambay for good vibes and music.

Some people complain about this place being “racist” with locals, at first I was a bit upset about that, but after seeing a good percentage of male locals being overwhelming female tourists constantly I kinda get why they are being a bit more restrictive with them.

AVOID! Simple breakfast took over 45 mins to arrive, and the restaurant was really not busy (only 3 tables with people). Weirdly you can't order coffee before 10.30am. Seems like they're definitely making the most of the location at Baby Point.

Even if you not surfing or surfing good it's nice to sit and see others, doing it well

This is one of the famous places in Arugam bay. A surfing spot and a bathing spot among local and foreign travellers. It has shallow waters where you can enjoy your swim and a little bit further you will find the best waves for a nice surf. crowded in the afternoon. Morning is nice for a cool surf.

Awesome place 😍😍I really love this place.Some facilities are not available for locals 😣

The crowded surfing sessions I ever been in. The locals gives you no chance to surf quietly, and make sure that you gonna know their locals (they have zero style btw). If you a beginner and you want to take some lessons watch out from the local instructors (warning for the ladies) I often heard complains that they touch and growp students, it happen in the city also, they just can't leave their hands for themselves. Better to go surf in the points that are far from the city, but it's still an all around problem. I'll never go back there for sure.

Situated in the southeast coast of the island, Arugambay is vibrant and colorful with a chill-out vibe and relaxing atmosphere. In the early days, Arugambay used to be a sleepy township that was only functioning during the ‘tourist season’ with small guest houses. However, since the recent past, this beautiful destination has transformed into a paradise with unique hotels offering a multitude of experiences. While surfing continues to be a strong draw to Arugambay, where the waves are superb from April to October, there are many other interesting things to do, thus making Arugambay a place to enjoy throughout the year. Over the years visitors seeking experiences have been drawn to this unique paradise include young families, couples and groups of friends seeking a wonderful time. Many journey to Arugambay directly from the airport staying for more than a week or so and at times leading up to two months, where they stay their entire holiday in Arugambay. The people of Arugambay are friendly and welcoming. Many are multi-lingual and they enhance the experience of this beautiful beachside destination. When on holiday you become part of the Arugambay way of life, and enjoy a novel experience while just being yourself. The ocean is mesmerizing and inviting. Being one of the best surfing destinations in the world, Arugambay has numerous surfing points that are ideal for surfing according to your level of experience. Beginners can learn the ropes at Whisky Point or Arugambay Baby Point, each having their own distinctive types of waves. Surf training is available so that during a holiday one could learn to surf and thereafter progress towards the various other surfing points. Arugambay Main Point, Lighthouse/Green Beach, Crocodile Rock/Elephant Point, Pottuvil Point, Okanda, Panagala and Panama are more suitable for experienced surfers. It is indeed wonderful to watch the surfers riding the perfect waves until they reach the shore to yet again paddle and maneuver the surf again. Imagine the glorious sun shining and the golden beaches with beautiful turquoise waves – picture perfect!

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. Due to its popularity among low budget tourists, the area has managed a slow recovery. By private initiatives only. The main road through town has still not been repaved. Work is in progress to improve road access to the area. But in Arugam Bay itself, little has changed. As late as May, 2009 no help has been received from any official source or international organizations. An exception is uncoordinated support for fishing folk as well as many school rebuilding programs, resulting in a continuation to provide only separatist schools for each community.

Great if you SURF or watch

Had an overall pleasant experience. The food was decent, aligning with the regular prices you'd expect in this area. While the taste wasn't particularly remarkable, the variety and quality were consistent. However, I must note that I wasn't a fan of the coffee; it was too sour for my liking. One of the highlights is the excellent location, right in the center of Arugam Bay, making it easily accessible. Additionally, they offer super cool options for breakfast, which was a nice touch. Overall, it’s a good spot for a meal, especially if you’re in the area looking for a convenient and reliable brunch option.

Our first meal in Arugam Bay was at Squeeze me and we’ve returned multiple times. It’s been consistently good and never disappoints. The food and service is good! My favourite thing on the menu is the peace bowl 🙏🏼

Breakfast here was excellent - beautifully presented with generous portions, which is exactly what you’d hope for at this price point. The service was quick and attentive, and when they noticed how warm it was, they immediately switched on a fan which made all the difference. I’d especially recommend the avocado toast with crispy mushrooms - absolutely delicious! A solid 5/5 ⭐️

Delicious vegan food and smoothies! Totally recommend as I was comming here everyday and ate almost everything on the menu. Everything is absolutely delicious. The staff is awesome, really professional and they greet you with a smile on their face even if I am just passing by in the street. I will miss the place as for me was the best in Arugam Bay

I was in arugam bay for 2 and a half weeks and ate at squeeze me almost every day. The food is amazing. I’ve tried almost everything on the menu and loved everything. The staff is nice and the music/atmosphere is great. It’s in a great location. Food takes a bit of time to prepare but everything is so fresh and delicious it’s worth it. My favorite was the noodles and the fish and chips. It’s a great place for anyone who is looking for a fully vegan restaurant as they are sometimes hard to find in Sri Lanka. It was the only fully vegan one I could find in arugam while I was there

We loves this cafe! The food what delicious and fresh. Everyone was very happy:)

Very good spot for lunch. Tried avocado toast (nice portion), Banana Pancakes and Protein Bowl. All are good and tasty. My fav is the pancakes 🥞

We loved this place so much we came for breakfast all 3 of our mornings in arugum bay! The food is sooooooo good, especially the Hummus Plate and the Turkish Eggs. The coffee is incredible too- so nice to have a proper coffee after a couple of weeks in Sri Lanka. I’ll be dreaming of their hummus plate for a long time. Thanks guys!

We came here few times for brunch! The food is very delicious, the setting is very nice with a wonderful view of the bay! The staff is very kind and welcoming! Despite other restaurant this one is more expensive, bite the food is really delicious!

this is a beautiful cafe with comfortable seating with a view of the beach. The coffee was excellent and the food delicious. we ordered the banana bread, croissant and french toast and they were all lovely.

I’ve been coming to this restaurant for 4 years now and it never disappoints – whether it’s breakfast or dinner. This time was absolutely amazing: a high-quality burger, perfect tacos, and the best meat platter I’ve had in all my years in Sri Lanka. The food is always outstanding and the service is excellent – a must-visit spot!

Having consulted the musings of certain well travelled food writers, I was led to Salty Swamis for a late morning repast, and I must report that it did not disappoint. The flat white, so often a treacherous undertaking in distant lands, was here executed with aplomb. It was by far the finest cup I have encountered in Sri Lanka, both well crafted and handsomely presented. For sustenance I ordered the hummus bowl, supplemented with grilled chicken. Though hummus is no native dish of this island, I reasoned that with an abundance of chickpeas in the local cuisine it would be done justice. My instincts proved sound. The hummus was smooth and pleasing, if not quite to the lofty standards of North Africa, yet more than respectable in this corner of the world. The eggs were properly runny, a small triumph, and the chicken was moist and well cooked. I should have liked a touch more basting with herbs and spices to elevate its flavour, though it was nonetheless agreeable. The establishment itself is most pleasant, perched with a view of the surf where one may sit and watch the waves break upon the shore. The seating arrangements are varied, from floor-level pods to conventional tables, each furnished with a large fan that kept the air moving in the tropical heat. The flies, persistent though they were, must be regarded as part of the natural order and no fault of the house. To one side lies a small shop, not the usual parade of gaudy trifles but a collection of curiosities and surf attire of rather more character than the generic offerings along the high street. Salty Swamis, in sum, provided an experience both civilised and restorative, a place where one might pause, refresh, and take comfort in the knowledge that even in the far reaches of the island, quality and taste are not only possible but assured.

Having eaten in Salty Swami’s in Hikkadua several times, I knew exactly what to expect. The menu is the same, so is the high standard of food. The setting is idyllic and the staff are wonderful. I ate here four days in a row. The first day I had the French toast with a cappuccino and an Americano. The following day it was avocado toast with poached eggs, crispy bacon, vine cherry tomatoes with salad and the same coffee choices. The third day was the granola fruit bowl with cappuccino. Then on the fourth day, it was avocado toast. The ambiance is chilled, music not too intrusive and the view over the beach you never tire of. They are pricey for Sri Lanka, however you truly get what you pay for. 3% charge on all card payments.

WE LOVE SALTY SWAMIS. We stayed in arugam bay for 5 days and we came here 4 mornings in a row, the only place I’ve found in Sri Lanka that does a good matcha! We also ate here a few times and can recommend the pesto sandwich, fish tacos and the banana bread (although it is quite sweet if that’s not your thing). All of the staff are lovely, right by the beach so you can go for a quick dip and there’s a freshwater shower inside the cafe area.

ich war mit meinen freunden im August 2024 dort! 100/10 - die besten leute vor Ort und der inhaber Jack einer der tollsten menschen, die ich kennenlernen durfte! wünsche allen nur das beste und hoffentlich bis ganz bald! Rating: 100/10 We stayed at the Tandoori Hut in Arugam Bay with my friends in August 2024, and honestly, it was an unforgettable experience. We were more than satisfied with both the restaurant and the accommodation. Everything was perfect – from the warm hospitality to the cozy, welcoming atmosphere. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and love for this place, for the incredible team running it, and especially for Jack (I believe he was the owner, or maybe still is!). He is truly one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Their dedication, kindness, and attention to detail made our stay absolutely magical. Every moment we spent there is a memory I will always cherish. I wish all of them nothing but the very best, and I hope to return someday soon. If you ever find yourself in Arugam Bay, this is absolutely the place to be!

Not a good experience. Food below average. The nan bread was soft and the garlic flavor was too strong. The main dishes were not hot, so the food was clearly heated and not prepared on order. I asked for shrimps who were frozen (something strange as we are next to the sea and you have fresh shrimps everywhere). Service was really slow. The only place I went for dinner in Arugam Bay that was a disappointment. While in here go to fresh fish restaurants - The Sketch, Mr Fisherman, Serendib, …

Really delicious food, and cool restaurant in a treehouse style! We ordered the aubergine curry & the butter chicken and both were super yummy! The sides and unlimited naan is also great! Recommend for anyone looking for a good Indian in Arugum Bay

Food was amazing. Service was even better. A little hidden from the main road, although they have managed to make an upstair wooden structure to enjoy your meals blending with the breeze. It was a lovely experience with my friends to have a chat and enjoy some Indian cuisine. Food was perfect and worth the price. Would definitely go again and recommend to anyone visiting Arugam bay.

Jack, the manager, is a very good and kind man. The food is delicious. You can order Sri Lankan and Indian dishes. They also have an anti food waste policy: you get extra if your tummy is not full. The other staff is also very nice and the atmosphere is great. I would recommend this place when you visit Arugam Bay

Really mediocre experience. Food was incredibly poor - madras curry had an absolutely bizarre taste to it and butter chicken could have been a microwave meal. Chicken clearly not cooked with the sauce and small/tough pieces. Unlimited rice/naan was true, but also neither were good so not the best deal. Toilet horrific, not worth describing the state of it. Service and vibes were ok but not enough given the tourist price point and poor food.

Best butter chicken I have ever had!!! You must try the mango lassi too. We so enjoyed our time at Tandoori Hut, Arugam Bay tonight. It’s nice it’s away from the Main Street too, made for a more relaxing dining experience. The restaurant is upstairs surrounded by beautiful trees. The food and staff were so great! The owner was chatting away to us about our travels to Ella and Weligama next. He spent about fifteen minutes with us, it was so appreciated. They offer free naan and rice with all dishes. No service charge either. If we weren’t leaving tomorrow, we would have definitely made another visit. Thank you for a wonderful meal for our last night here.

We have been to Mr fisherman restaurant twice. The first dinner we've ate combo fish, it's a big portion with tuna, calamari and rice, delicious! The second day he prepare for us good grilled fish with prawns, tuna, lobster with red souse on the top and some potatoes..was amazing! we've to have a dinner on the beach but it was raining and for that we ate on the restaurant! Mr fisherman it's a special man, very nice, cheerful, good company.. We passed a really good night with him!! Thank you!!

Best seasoned seafood I’ve ever had! Maybe because of Sri Lanka’s amazing spices. We shared the mixed seafood platter (2P) with rice & were pretty full afterwards. Definitely recommend!

Great spot for fresh seafood and fish. We tried some other local spots and this one is one of our favourites. We ordered a fish/seafood platter. It came with one full snapper, calamari, prawns and because they didn’t had fresh crab they served us a lobster. It came with fried vegetable rice with very good portions for two. Lobster was cooked to the point. Calamari and prawns were very flavory and the snapper a little more dry. Although we come from Portugal so we usually have our barbecue fish cooked more tender in the inside. Very tasty though. Juices with coconut water were delicious. We had a papaya and a mango&passion fruit one. Staff is very friendly.

The best and most fresh seafood restaurant we went to in our 2 weeks travelling around Sri Lanka. We were able to pick out the tuna and prawns we wanted from the iced tray out the front and had them grilled with a side of noodles and rice. Good value meal.

We very much enjoyed our evening here. I chose a very large fish which was served with vegetable rice and a delicious fruity salad. It cost 5000 rupees which represents good value for money considering the size of the fish and compared to other restaurants. We enjoyed cold beer and meeting Mr Fisherman who we saw the next day with his fishing boat on the beach. Service was efficient and friendly. Recommended if you're looking for a fish restaurant in Arugam Bay.

Mohammed’s restaurant has been our favourite spot in Arugam Bay. Amazing vegetable rotis, amazing (and affordable!) curry, and the donuts are INSANE! We have been here every morning and most afternoons to eat. Mohammed and his family are kind and provide excellent service. Will really miss this place when we go, highly recommend paying him a visit 😊

We went to Mr Fisherman for dinner. We had grilled tuna, calamari and jumbo prawns with some nice fresh juices. All very good, very fresh for great prices. The staff is also very friendly. It's definitely a great place for fresh fish.

Some of the best fish we ate in Sri Lanka. We had red snapper which was caught on the same day - it was amazingly fresh and cooked in a delicious sauce. The staff are really friendly and the prices are reasonable, would definitely recommend!

Very nice place in Arugam Bay, the owner was a fisherman himself for many years before he fulfilled his dream with this restaurant. The staff is super friendly and helpful, we felt a bit overwhelmed with the whole fish but they helped us. Thank you so much for this amazing dinner! If you like fresh fish, you should definitely go here. Highly recommended, 10/10.

We had went here in Mirissa and had to come back in Arugam Bay! Over the 2 days, we went 3 times and every time I was so delighted with my meals. As far as trendy western cafes go, it was actually decently priced with an americano only 500 rupees. Staff are super friendly too.

SO glad this place has reopened!! Absolutely my favourite brunch spot like EVER! Incredible avo with so many different toppings. Delicious food, lovely staff and great atmosphere

The food and drinks here are fresh and so tasty and beautifully presented! Very good value for money, with a nice chilled out atmosphere with lots of shade and lovely staff. One of the best restaurants in Arugam Bay!

Best place for breakfast in Arugam Bay! We came here 4 times and it was always amazing! Turkish eggs, oatmeal pancakes and chia pudding are my tops. Keep in mind that the portions are quite big.

Shady Lane Café quickly became one of my go-to spots in Arugam Bay. The food is fresh, healthy, and full of flavor — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. It’s one of the best places to relax in the shade (just like the name says), especially during the hot days here. The service is always excellent — the staff is super friendly and welcoming, and they even remember your name and your favorite order. It feels like home. I’ve tried all the matchas around Arugam Bay, and Shady Lane’s matcha was by far my favorite! Also, don’t miss the Mango Tango — it’s one of the best, most refreshing drinks I’ve had. Next door, there’s also a small boutique with clothing designed by the Shady Lane team, local Sri Lankan products like incense and essential oils, and beautiful handmade art. The entire space is carefully curated and tastefully decorated. What I love most is that it’s tucked away from the noisy main road, in a quieter part of Arugam Bay that’s becoming the new go-to area. Highly recommended — for the food, the atmosphere, and the overall experience!

Absolutely loved the food here! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming from the moment we walked in.

Love this place! Such good vibes, so delicious food, especially the smoothiebowls, and definetly best coffee I had on the island ✨Uditha is an amazing barista who can do such good latte art even with oat milk. Can recommend so much!