Hi Kylie,

We hear conflicting stories, so not sure what to advise.

For sure, Arugam is the safest area in the East Coast - much better than e.g. Nilaveli/Trinco. Main reason is that is almost 100% Tamil, less struggles with Muslims and Sinhalese there.

But the whole East Coast is under fluctuating security risks. Maybe call an Arugam Bay hotel yourself, or let that do for you once you're in Lanka?

Much wisdom wished,

<Erik> & [Sandya]

Hi Kylie

We have spent a while looking into this ourselves. We plan to visit Arugam Bay at the start of the August.

We have been checking the British FCO web site which gives good up-to-date information. They still say that Arugam Bay is ok, but they do not recommend going any further north up the East Coast.

I believe that Arugam Bay is often used as a safe haven by many of the aid agencies when trouble flares up further north.

One of the problem you may find is that some tour companies are not prepared to travel to anywhere on the east coast, including place like Arugam Bay. We are using Jet Wing as our tour company and they are ok about travelling there - but some won't.

We plan to stay at a Hotel called the Siam View Hotel which was badly affected by the tsumani but has a few rooms available. It's quite a Internet 'switched on' hotel (they have a broadband Internet facility) and you might be interested in the quote from their latest internet newsletter (no guarantee about it's complete accuracy)

" Newsletter from Arugam Bay

June 2006

Security Considerations

We are the first to admit that our biggest problem is the reputation of the Nation as an unstable Country.

Recent violence has done tremendous damage as the peace talks are stalled or even cancelled....

However, should you still be 'brave' enough to consider a holiday in the East we assure you that you will be safe & happy here.

The entire world has gone crazy since 9/11; but frankly we can't think of many destinations globally where it is more peaceful than here, the Bay is of no importance to anyone but surfers, party - and other wild animals.

Further, Sri Lanka is one of the few Nations where visitors and tourists are never a target!

Everybody sees YOU, the visitor, as a real contribution to the peace effort.

Surf and weather

The surf has been fairly low so far this year, but as good and clean as ever.

There are a lot less guys in the water this year, which is fun of course.

There have been just 5 days rain since January this year.

It is warm, sunny, beautiful and in fact ideal holiday weather, every day"

Hope this helps

Regards

Ken

Have you thought that there may not be any surf there in Arugam Bay in July/August. Thats the season for the south west monsoon when there's usually good surf in places like Hikkaduwa, etc. on the south west coast.

I've been to Trinco on the east coast during that time of year and the sea was flat. Great for scuba but not for surfing.

Last year, in August , there was terific surf running over the six week period that I ws there all along the south west area. Tangalle, Dikwella, Mirissa, Welligama and Hikkadua.

I've been around the south west coast for a few years now, during the northern hemisphere summer and there's allways been good surf. So much so that my wife won't venture into the sea although she swims reasonably well.

Rod.

Hi Kylie,

Hmmm...with due respect to all the above, I suggest that you keep away from Arugam Bay for a while...sorry but this is for security purposes.

Hope this helps.

Treshi, Colombo, Sri Lanka.