Seahorse Inn – Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

I woke up one morning feeling lazy to do anything. I didn’t wanna leave the comforts of my snuggly bed and romantic sheer mosquito net on my four-poster bed. The rain from last night added a cooling effect to our rustic room. But then, I smelled the aroma of some freshly toasted bread and butter plus brewed coffee. I instantly jumped out of the bed, woke my buddy up and went to the garden lounge area of Seahorse Inn Arugam Bay to have our breakfast.

Sri Lanka was the third country on our two-month Beach Hop Asia 2016 backpacking trip. After exploring Malaysia and Thailand, me and my buddy headed to Colombo for an overnight transit and then moved to Sigiriya for a four-day exploration on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the area before we went to Kalkudah. We then headed to Arugam Bay for a four-day short stint at this well-known surfer’s paradise in the country.

Such a perfect day to laze around... #BeachHopAsia2016

A photo posted by blissfulguro (@blissfulguro) on May 16, 2016 at 8:42pm PDT

We arrived at Arugam Bay, after three long bus rides from Kalkudah, a little after lunch (Kalkudah to Batticaloa - LKR44 | US$0.29 each / Batticaloa to Kalmunai - LKR59 | US$0.39 each / Kalmunai to Pottuvil - LKR93 | US$0.62 each). We hired a trishaw that brought us to Seahorse Inn for LKR200 (US$1.33).

One of the owners, Monica, graciously greeted us on the reception area cum outdoor garden. She then ushered us to our room which was conveniently located at the ground level.

Downstairs Rooms

Our Downstairs Room (check for discounted rates here) was spacious with a four-posted double bed and a lovely mosquito net. The ceiling fan was actually of no use as the breeze cooled the room sufficiently. Handmade organic wood furniture added to its rustic feel. We had neither a TV nor an AC but it wasn’t a problem as we really wanted to make this space as peaceful as possible. The room also had an en suite toilet and bath with hot and cold shower.

Rustic

Mosquito nets can be this romantic...

Seahorse Inn is a mere two-minute stroll from the bay. We wanted to check out the surfing scene but our tired bods ached for some rest. We had four days in Arugam Bay and we’re not in a hurry.

The door on the background leads to our roo

Complimentary set breakfast was served at the garden. We feasted on toasts, jam, butter, coffee, tea, fresh juice and fruits, and two eggs. We always spent our early morning musings on the lounge chairs with comfy pillows and chill music. The cool vibe was made more alive by other guests who were practically there for the swell or for some nice quiet time on this side of the country.

My hefty breakie

The ideal location of Seahorse Inn provided the perfect basecamp for our daily wanderings. For four days, we had a relaxed stay at Arugam Bay, the surf capital in the southeast coast of Sri Lanka. We had a wonderful time chilling at the Main Point, the main surfing point in the area and our leisurely walk on the shore. We also had the chance to observe the day-to-day activities of the local fishermen.

What I really love about Seahorse Inn is the friendly atmosphere. Monica would check on us every now and then for our what-to-do list for the day and the staff would also do the same. There’s this community feel as it really felt like a place for convergence. The smell of pizzas from their old school wood-fired oven was also enticing. It was just too bad that we didn’t have that extra money to spend on those. Nonetheless, our stay was truly wonderful.

Sea Horse Inn Arugam Bay (check here for discounted rates)

Panama Road, Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Contact Number: (+94) 77.1722356

Email Address: seahorseinn.abay@gmail.com