Beyond the Cabin: Surf, sand and Sri Lanka

This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ Beyond the Cabin Season 2 video series, in which cabin crew unveil experiences in their favourite destinations.

Many people visit Sri Lanka for its lush plantations, which produce a wide array of fine teas. But did you know that the tropical island is also home to some of the best beaches in the world?

“Sri Lanka is nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, and for good reason – it’s a beautiful island surrounded by crystal clear waters. Visitors can enjoy beach activities such as surfing, snorkelling, sunbathing and so much more,” says Andy Chong, a cabin crew member with Singapore Airlines.

Dive into Sri Lanka’s beach scene with Andy and discover the best things to do on – and along – the water.

If you’re hoping to carve some waves, Andy recommends heading to Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s east coast. Surf aficionados relish its warm waters and mellow right-hand point breaks, which are a joy to ride. Visit between April and October for the most consistent swells.

If scuba diving or snorkelling is more your thing, Andy suggests checking out Unawatuna Bay in southern Sri Lanka. “Here, you’ll find colourful coral reefs and a wide variety of marine creatures, including sting rays and moray eels,” he says. Experienced divers can explore several shipwrecks including the SS Rangoon, an Australia-bound steamer that sank in 1871 after setting sail from Galle Harbour.

Around a 90-minute drive from Colombo lies the coastal town of Bentota, which is known for its marine reserves. Here, you can embark on a leisurely cruise along the Bentota River, which will take you through verdant mangrove forests that provide an important habitat for thousands of animal species. Keep your eyes peeled for monitor lizards, fruit bats, herons, kingfishers and more. “It’s the perfect activity for nature lovers hoping to spot a range of wildlife,” Andy says.

As an island with long stretches of coastline, Sri Lanka is, quite naturally, famous for its delicious seafood. In Mount Lavinia, a suburb south of Colombo, you can tuck into deep-fried prawns and steamed garoupa at popular beachfront eatery Barracuda. “The restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes prepared in various ways. Opt for an outdoor table for great sunset views,” Andy says.

Over in Colombo, Upali’s by Nawaloka is beloved for its hearty, homely fare. Signature dishes include the maalu oluwa (fish head cooked in a light, coconut-based curry) and the yapane kakuluwo (crab curry marinated with spices from the northern city of Jaffna). Round off your meal with some wiskothu pudima, a baked biscuit pudding layered with chocolate sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream. “It’s truly a local culinary experience,” Andy enthuses.

Lined with bars, pubs and nightclubs, Hikkaduwa Beach along Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast is a veritable nightlife hotspot. Andy’s pick is Sea Salt Society, a trendy bar and restaurant with a laid-back vibe and excellent live music. “The food is great, as is the service. In fact, one of my favourite things about Sri Lanka is its warm hospitality. It makes visitors feel right at home,” Andy says.

Andy also enjoys hanging out at Locale in the southern town of Weligama. “Overlooking the crashing waves, it’s a great place to unwind after a surfing session. The cocktails pay homage to Sri Lankan culinary culture and often feature local ingredients,” Andy shares. Try the Island Dodum Iced Tea, a mix of Old Arrack (a distilled alcoholic drink), ginger, local oranges, kithul palm syrup and orange bitters – a refreshing tipple that encapsulates the spirit of Sri Lanka.

At Singapore Airlines, we’re all about taking you places – whether that’s 30,000 feet in the air or 3,000+ attractions across the globe. Check out our travel experiences platform Pelago and lifestyle rewards app Kris+, and discover how you can get the most out of your next trip.

Singapore Airlines flies to Colombo daily.