Rent a tuktuk in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka!

The best way to travel around Arugam Bay is by driving your own tuk-tuk. Arugam Bay is known to be the best surf spot on the island situated in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka.

Arugam Bay

Surfing, sun, and a tuktuk to get around. What could be better? The best way to soak up the East Coast of Sri Lanka is by driving around in a tuktuk (aka auto rickshaw, trishaw or 3 wheeler). Arugam Bay is the surfing capital city of Sri Lanka and a renowned oasis for travellers to chill out for anywhere between a few days and a few years!

From Arugam Bay, you can explore the entire East coast by tuktuk. You can drive south on beautiful roads through elephant territory all the way to the Yala National Park border. There are a few more secretive surf spots if you meet a local kind enough to show you.

Sights in Arugam Bay

Main surf point Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay Main Surfing Point aka “Main Point” is a world-class surf break sometimes ranked as one of the 10 best waves in the world. It’s a right-hand point break with a reef bottom that breaks along the coastline for 300 meters with 3 sections. The wave often offers barrels to the most intrepid riders and if it isn’t as photogenic as Waimea or Teahupoo, it is still a really beautiful wave and mostly an exciting and technical break for intermediate to advanced level surfers. You can find the location here.

Muhudu Maha Viharaya

Build over 2000 years ago to mark the landing place of Queen Viharamahadevi. Its build closer to a wide beach by King Mahanama. You will find ruins and other historical monuments at this location as yet. You can find the location of this legendary fort here.

Panama Crocodile Tank

Lake Panama is situated in the village of Panama located about 12 km south of Arugam Bay. It is famous for a crocodile sanctuary, a small pond, and a bird-watching area. The village itself is a wildlife spot. For the location to the lagoon click here.

Elephant Rock

The Elephant rock is about 3km south of Arugam Bay. Climbing to this amazing location will treat you to one amazing view around the coastal areas with the best sunset. Beware of Elephants who would be roaming nearby. To check the place click here.

Food & Drinks

Ranga’s Beach Hut

Ranga’s Beach hut is a well-known name around Arugam Bay for operating for over 20 years. They have some of the best western and local cuisines for an affordable price. For the location of the restaurant click here.

FLO! Restaurant

Famous for its hospitality and also for the ambiance of the location FLO has its very own reputation for homemade pizza and delicious food. For the location of the restaurant click here.

Star Dust Beach Restaurant

This amazing beachfront restaurant for everyone who wants to relax and enjoy their meal with a view will offer wonderful and delicious meals at an affordable cost. It would cost around $5 per person. For the location of the restaurant click here.

Mr. Fisherman

If you’re at the coast, then what else would you need than diving into an amazing seafood menu. Mr. Fisherman presents the best and the fresh seafood for their menu. For the location of the restaurant click here.

Accommodation

Lighthouse Beach Hut

Enjoy your night in one of their beautiful cabanas, right in front of the amazing Arugam Bay beach. It would cost around $15 -$20 per night for two people. For the location of the hotel click here.

De Perla Resort

A budget hotel to suit your pocket. Beachfront resort with a beautiful spacious environment from a hop and a jump to take a dip. For the location to the hostel click here

Whisky Point Resort

Wonderful and friendly staff with amenities for your needs, this beachfront resort gives you the best kind of relaxation for your vacation. Beach or the pool? Well, you can decide since they have both for you. It would cost around $38 per night for two people, which includes breakfast. For the location of the hotel click here.

Jetwing Surf

One of the famous hotel chains in Sri Lanka, the Jetwing Surf hotel provides you with the best of their service and amazing food. For the location of the resort click here

HOW TO GET TO ARUGAMBAY FROM COLOMBO

 

How to get to Arugam Bay from Colombo by bus

If you want to get straight to Arugam bay, the best route is by A/C bus. These busses leave near the main bus station in Colombo (Pettah). Make sure you get to the bus station early as the exact pick-up location can sometimes be a little difficult to find. You can also take a public bus from Colombo to Pottuvil (near Arugam bay), which is a bit cheaper, and an experience in itself!

How to get to Arugam Bay from Colombo by train

It’s not possible to take the train all the way to Arugam Bay, but you can take it to Ella (9 hours) or Badulla (10-11 hours). From there you can take a bus to Pottuvil (6 hours) and thereafter it’s a 10-minute tuktuk ride to Arugam Bay. You can also take a private car from Ella or Badulla directly to Aragum Bay, which will take around 4 hours (slightly longer from Badulla) and cost around US$80. Make sure to book your train tickets in advance (you can email us at hello@tuktukrental.com for help). First-class costs about Rs 940, which will guarantee you a seat (sometimes other classes are overbooked).

How to get to Arugam Bay from Colombo by taxi

 You can also arrange a private vehicle and driver to take you. This is the fastest but most expensive way to travel. It will take approximately 8-10 hours from Colombo and cost ~US$180 to $200.

How to book a tuktuk in Arugam Bay

  1. RESERVE YOUR TUKTUK.
  2. Check your mail inbox for the confirmation email.
  3. Upload your license details through the link in the email.
  4. Get ready at your requested booking time at AR Restaurant

Need more help? Email us at HELLO@TUKTUKRENTAL.COM or call/WhatsApp us on +94 772928618 and we’ll answer any of your questions!

By renting your own tuktuk you get to experience the wonder of the Arugam Bay area in Sri Lanka like a local. By renting a tuktuk through tuktukrental.com you can start and end your journey in Sri Lanka at any of our 27+ locations around the island. What’s more, you’ll be supporting the local economy and one of our valued tuktuk owners. We are a social enterprise and all of our vehicles are owned by local Sri Lankans.

tuktukrental.com Arugam Bay location details

After you make a booking, one of our driving instructors will meet you at AR Restaurant, to hand over your tuk-tuk and provide you with a comprehensive driving lesson.

AR Restaurant (Arugam Bay) – tuktukrental.com Meeting Point

AR Restaurant. Panama Road, Pottuvil We’ll be in communication with you in the period leading up to your reservation to make sure you everything has been arranged for you (including you local driving permit).