We’ve rolled into Sri Lanka’s grungy, bohemian surf mecca—Arugam Bay. Think of it as their version of Bondi, but with more coconuts, fewer puffer jackets, and a whole lot more right-handers.

Perched on the island’s east coast, Arugam lights up this time of year. It’s protected from the wind, in season, and absolutely pumping with life. The wave? A dreamy conveyor belt of easy rights, split into three acts:
• Baby Point – where groms and beginners pile on.
• Main Point – the star of the show, where most of the action goes down.
• Out the back – no man’s land, bigger and wilder, with a bit more wind wobble.

Imagine a longer version of The Pass in Byron, but stitched together by a sneaky reef (instead of fickle sandbanks) that makes the wave hold up with juicy sections. It’s got that same circus vibe too—walk-up starts, paddle-free entries, and mellow, sand-covered take-offs that invite every man, woman, mal and their mate.

And yeah… it’s hot. Proper sweaty.
Daytime hits 37°C, nights don’t drop below 28, and even the ocean feels like bathwater. All while I hear it’s mega-storming back home. Sorry!

The town’s chill but full of surprises. Food’s next level, and cheap. Waiters are barefoot, the coffee rivals Bondi’s, and the vibe? Effortless. Young travellers from every corner of the globe float around in T-shirts and boardies, bouncing between smoothie shacks, surf lessons, and beach bars. Tuktuks buzz around every corner, boards stacked on top, horns tooting every 10 metres like a weird symphony.

We’re on a small swell run—1 to 3 foot—but it’s fun and clean in the mornings. The seabreeze kicks in most afternoons, Freo Doctor style, but the main point stays relatively protected.

සුභ දිනයක් වේවා – Subha dinayak wewa!
(Have a good one.)
:: uge

P.S. The legends at @perfectwavetravel stitched together our jam-packed Sri Lankan itinerary — surf, safari, spice and all. If you’re keen to chase waves (and waterfalls) over here, they’ll sort you out 👉 perfectwavetravel.com