Budget Travel to Arugam Bay: The East Coast Paradise of Sri Lanka
Who said budget travel means compromise on fun?
When prices soar high during the peak season, most travelers feel forced to choose between a tight budget or having fun. But how about doing both? Arugam Bay, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic east coast beach towns, is a very happening destination to surf, chill, and party. But during the on-season, prices soar.
We will tell you how to budget travel to Arugam Bay and enjoy this town without burning a hole in your pocket.
Where is Arugam Bay?
Hidden on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is a small beach town that has evolved into a surfer’s paradise, digital nomad haven, and offbeat traveler favorite.
Known for its chilled-out beach shacks, unforgettable waves, and barefoot boho energy, it’s got something for everyone—from solo backpackers to couples and friend groups.
You’ll find local tea stalls next to organic smoothie bars and fishermen filling their carts with fresh catch near a hippie hostel party.
History of Arugam Bay?
The town was actually a fishing village in the 1970s where local people started learning how to surf thanks to some tourists who were visiting. Slowly but steadily the culture of surfing seeped into the town, and now it’s known as a haven for surfers and a very happening Sri Lankan destination.
What is the on-Season in Arugam Bay
The on-season in Arugam Bay and the Sri Lankan East Coast is from May to September.
This is different from the west coast of Srilanka where the same time is the onset of monsoons, leading to a lot of tourists flocking to the eastern coast.
In the entire country, Arugam Bay has the best waves, buzzing nightlife, and a steady crowd of travelers during this time.
The off season or the monsoon season in the east coast of Srilanka is October to April. The prices are low, it’s raining, and there is not much activity going on.
How to Reach Arugam Bay Within Budget?
In Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay, is a little off the track, and you may not find direct public transit options, but here are some ways in which you can reach this amazing beach destination.
By Train :
Arugam Bay itself doesn’t have a railway station, but the nearest train stations are Batticaloa and Ella. From there, you’ll need to take a taxi or a few buses to reach the bay.
By Bus:
To Arugam Bay, the closest bus station is in Pottuvil, about 4-5 km from Arugam Bay.
To reach Pottuvil from central or southern part of Sri Lanka, you’ll likely have to change 3-4 buses.
However there are some buses which come to Pottuvil directly.
For example from Matara in the South, you can reach Arugam Bay in approximately 850 LKR through an 8 hour bus journey.
From Colombo as well, there are direct buses to Pottuvil which costs 4700 LKR and takes 10 hours.
By Taxi:
This is most convenient, especially if you’re carrying luggage. Taxi apps like PickMe and Uber are available in Sri Lanka, but prices can be high for long-distance trips.
For instance, a PickMe from Hiriketiya to Arugam Bay would cost you around over 25,000-27,000 LKR and a tuk tuk would cost you somewhere around 22,000 LKR.
Quick Tip: Try connecting with fellow travelers on Facebook groups such as Travel in Sri Lanka etc. We were able to connect with a travel guide that helped us save over 10,000 LKR.
Why Go to Arugam Bay?
Because it’s got the best of all the worlds.
For surfers, the waves here are world-class. The nature of waves is such that it actually helps surfing. For chill seekers, there’s yoga, beach walks, hammocks, and smoothie bowls. For party people, there’s dancing under the stars and live music every single night. And for budget travelers, it’s still one of the most affordable beach destinations in Asia—if you plan right….
Want to see what Arugam Bay is really like? Check out our Sri Lanka Travel Series episode on YouTube, where we explore surfing, nightlife, and the laid-back beach vibes of this coastal town.
Budget Travel to Arugam Bay: One Week Trip
Where to look, what to do, and how to do it smartly…. We are here to tell you all this.
Let’s break down how you can enjoy a one week trip to Arugam Bay on a reasonable budget.
STAY
Stay would cost you around: 35,000-60,000LKR /$80 to $200 for a week.
- Hostels are a good option for budget travelers. There are several hostels in Arugam Bay, catering to tourists who stay long term
- Dorm beds can cost between 3000 and 4000 LKR (US$12–14) per night. Great way to save and meet people.
- Private rooms in hostels or guesthouses range from 8000–10000 LKR ($24–28) per night.
Quick Tip: Look for places with a shared kitchen so you can cook your own meals occasionally and save.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay in Arugam Bay, we recommend The Wave Rooms & Hostel. They offer both private rooms and dorms, making it a great choice whether you’re traveling solo or with friends.
FOOD
There are three types of food scenes in Arugam Bay:
Beachfront Restaurants/Shacks
Beautiful vibe but a little pricey. Expect to pay 4500–6000 LKR ($14–18) per meal (including a drink).
Town-Side Eateries (Non-beach)
These restaurants still serve amazing Sri Lankan and continental food at a slightly lower cost—around 3500–5000 LKR ($11–15) per meal.
Local Restaurants/Street Food
The real hidden gems. A proper filling meal and a drink can cost as low as 2000 LKR ($6).
DON’T SKIP THE BACKLANES
Sure, the beach is beautiful—surfing, sunsets, and parties. But take a walk away from the main beach areas. In the alleys and on the main roads, we discovered stories, strangers, and secret spots that made us fall in love with Arugam Bay in a whole new way.
One night, we stumbled upon a cozy restaurant with live music, karaoke, and happy hour cocktails — all budget-friendly, all unforgettable.
Explore Beyond the Beach
While Arugam Bay is famous for its surf and nightlife, there’s also a quiet, wild side waiting to be discovered.
👉 Experience the magic of Pottuvil Lagoon on a boat safari – a hidden gem just minutes from Arugam Bay. Glide through peaceful mangroves as you spot crocodiles, elephants, rare birds, and the untouched beauty of eastern Sri Lanka.
Hacks to Save Money in Arugam Bay
Here are some of the ways you can save money in Arugam Bay:
Cook for yourself
It’s great to have a stay which has a kitchen where you can cook. You don’t need to cook every day, but it helps balance out your food costs.
Shop at local supermarkets:
Packet of bread: ~200 LKR ($0.60)
Instant noodles: ~130 LKR ($0.40)
Save on drinks
Don’t buy alcohol at bars every time:
Beer in a bar = 1000 LKR ($3)
Beer in MRP shop = 420 LKR ($1.30)
Stock up and pregame smartly.
Early bird saves the bucks
Go to Parties early when in Arugam Bay. If you enter a party before around 10 or 10:30 pm, it is usually free. But after that you will have to pay an entry of around 2,000 LKR.
Explore Pottuvil: the local side
From Arugam Bay you can also, go to Pottuvil, the nearest town where locals live, which is 5 km from each other. The food and accommodation there is much cheaper. If you want to save even more, walk to Pottuvil, but do so only post 4-5 pm as the weather before that is hot.
PICK THE right time to travel
Visit in June as this is the start of the season. The parties and vibe is amazing and prices are slowly rising up.
But from July onwards the prices soar. For example: A bike that costs 2500 LKR in June, may cost you 3000 LKR in July. Same goes with stay prices.
Sample costs: Budget travel to Arugam bay
Item | Cost in LKR | Cost in USD |
Stay | 40,000 | 120 |
Food and Drinks | 25,000 | 75 |
Local Transport – We spend 0 on this. | 5000 | 15 |
Surfboard rental | 7000 | 20 |
Fun/Misc | 3000 | 10 |
Total | 80,000 | 240 |
Bonus: Scenic Transfer from Ella via Yala
Coming from Ella? Why not turn your transfer into a mini-adventure?
👉 Enjoy a private transfer from Ella to Arugam Bay with a stop at Yala National Park — a rare chance to spot leopards, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, all en route to the beach.
Book this scenic wildlife transfer here
Conclusion
Budget Travel to Arugam Bay doesn’t mean boring travel. It means being creative, conscious, and curious.
So go ahead. Pack your bags for your for your trip to Arugam Bay with lots of fun and no compromises.
Looking to travel locally in the iconic Kandy to Ella Train in Sri Lanka.…we’ve got you covered.
FAQs
What is the nearest railway station to Arugam Bay?
Arugam Bay doesn’t have a railway station. The nearest ones are Batticaloa and Ella.
How is the WIFI in Arugam Bay
Wifi in Arugam Bay, like everywhere else in Sri Lanka is not highly reliable. Chose the right places to stay and check before hand if your hotel or guesthouse offers good free WIFI. You can also take a Dialog Sim which is good and costs around 3,200 LKR for a month with 100 GB data.
Is Arugam Bay only for surfers and partygoers?
No Arugam Bay is not just for surfers and party goers. While it’s popular for the activities, the town also has yoga retreats, local markets, cafes, wildlife nearby (like Kumana National Park), and chill hideouts for slow travelers and remote workers.
