Ahangama is just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from PALM. There are often tuk-tuks waiting at the gate, ready to take you on your next adventure. If one isn't available, we can arrange one for you within 10 minutes. Tuk-tuks can either wait for you during your adventure or you can easily find one on your way back.
PickMe and Uber tuk tuks and cars often undercut local tuk tuk rates, which can create tension with village drivers around PALM.You’re of course free to arrange your own transport via the apps, but we recommend using a local tuk tuk for journeys to and from the hotel where possible. It costs only a little more and directly supports drivers in our community.
If you prefer to use PickMe or Uber, we suggest setting Nakanda Junction as your pickup or drop-off point and covering the final 2 km by village tuk-tuk.
For longer journeys, we recommend hiring a car with a driver. For more details, view our transfer planner
AHANGAMA BEACH
The social one. Smoothie bowls, beach bars, music, karaoke and a little more going on.
KABALANA BEACH
A long, sweeping beach with a great beginner surf break. Good for learning, easy for kids to play in the sand, and beautiful at sunset.
WELIGAMA BEACH
The most developed beach in the area, with countless surf shacks, cafés, restaurants and bigger hotels. A bit of everything, and plenty to do and see.
THE COVE
A picturesque little cove, home to Kaffi and Soul & Surf. An intermediate break out back, with sheltered swimming and snorkelling in the bay.
Beware of rough seas. There are no lifeguards at most beaches, and even calm-looking coves can have strong rip currents. Always check with locals or nearby businesses before swimming, and take extra care during the monsoon.
Bike Tours
With all the beautiful ocean sunsets, many forget the beauty of Sri Lanka’s backroads. Grab a bicycle and discover the hidden paddy fields, lakes, and its hidden wildlife along the backroads of Ahangama @jungleridesbyaja or Unawatuna @idlebikes.
White Tea Plantation
Not enough time to go to Sri Lanka’s hill country? Get a guided tour of a tea plantation and factory just 15 minutes from PALM at the Handunugoda Tea Estate. The tour is USD 2 per person, and you can stock up on a selection of tea to take home.
Turtles + Rock Pools
You can opt to see turtles at one of the “sanctuaries” in Koggala or you can often spot wild turtles by both Dalawella and Thalpe Beach. And if they’re not there that day, don’t worry, it’s not a day wasted as a swim in the rock pools is an experience in itself.
Galle Fort
Galle is the closest big town to PALM and its Portuguese and Dutch built fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the cobblestone streets, watch the sunset from the ramparts, do a little shopping. Beware, the Fort gets hot during day, so either go in the morning or in the late afternoon.
Hiriketiya
The most perfect palm fringed horseshoe bay – drive up in the morning, go for a surf or swim in the ocean, have some lunch at one of the many restaurants, and grab a sunset drink at a beach shack. Don’t miss the award-winning cocktails at Smoke & Bitters @smoke_n_bitters.
Lunuganga + Madu River Safari
A bit further afield, about 1 hour from Galle towards Colombo, find serenity and inspiration at the spectacular 12-acre Lunuganga gardens created by the architect Geoffrey Bawa as his personal country estate over a period of 40 years. By guided tour only – restaurant open to the public by booking only. Combine with the Brief Gardens or a boat tour of the Madu river.
Elephant Safari
Both Yala and Udawalawe can be done in a daytrip from PALM. Whilst you can see elephants in both national parks, leopards can only be spotted in Yala. However, Yala can become extremely busy during the high season, with jeeps outnumbering animals, therefore we generally recommend the (also closer) Udawalawe national park. We can organize a daytrip to Udawalawe for you, come and chat to us.
Sri Lankan Handicraft
Sarana brings together artisans, storytellers, and curious travellers through hands-on workshops and seminars that celebrate Sri Lanka’s living traditions. Each session opens a window into a different aspect of the island’s rich heritage. Workshops include: Sri Lankan batik, traditional mask painting and carving, indigenous medicine for women and cane weaving. Workshops can be booked via Bookwhen. Use code Palm for 10% off.
@saranasrilanka
Beauty, Hair and Nails
Pop down to Kokomo, our favourite ocean side beauty and hair salon. Hair style + colour, barbering, waxing and nails all under one (very hip) roof. All PALM guests get 10% off their first treatment with promo code PALM10: Book Kokomo
Sailing
Discover the beauty of the South Sri Lankan coast line from the ocean. From the months of November to April, Sail Lanka offer daily 3 hour cruises for sunset leaving from Mirissa. More information here.
Bus Stop
Shacky beach front restaurant and bar at the far end of Ahangama bay, best for sunsets. Our favourite dish is the jackfruit quesadilla. @thebusstop__ahangama
Casa Tikiri
Newly opened boutique hotel with spectacular attention to detail and restaurant open to the public (by reservation only) in Kabalana serving delicious, authentic Italian food. @casatikiri
Ceylon Sliders
Beachfront restaurant, bar and surf shop with steps, tables and sun beds spilling out onto Ahangama beach. They also rent high quality boards (including longboards) and have an AC indoor space for hot or rainy days. @ceylonsliders
Hakunda Matata
Cute beach shack a little outside of Ahangama town offering a private cove and the most beautiful sunset views @hakuna_matata_ahangama
Kalage
Heritage Boutique Space serving Sri Lankan cuisine including an All You Can Eat Rice and Curry special for lunch every day. @kalage_ahangama
Lighthouse
Hands-down the most popular sunset spot amongst the locals and you’ll know why after climbing the 4 flights of stairs and spotting the 180-degree views of the ocean. @lighthouse_ahangama
Malabar Hill
Luxury resort reminiscent of Rajasthan, overlooking paddy fields all-round and the ocean in the distance, about 20 minutes from PALM near Weligama. Personal favourite for a romantic meal or an occasion. Booking essential. @malabarhillsrilanka
Mukti
Mukti is our go to for slow made clothing, pure linen dresses, organic cotton, surf town simplicity fused with local craft. They also stock a great line of imported swim and surf wear. @studio.mukti
Olive Yu
Jewellery hand crafted on site with a view over the ocean, natural gemstones, meaningful motifs (sun, moon, stars), all made in a small workshop just off one of our favourite beaches, Kabalana. The best part? They offer jewellery making workshops where you learn a skill and take home your self made souvenir. @oliveyujewellery
Secrets of the Sun
Cute boutique stocking a wide range of local designers as well as pre loved items by @the.vintagecartel. Think clothing, accessories, jewellery and skin care, all with a sun kissed island feel. @secretsofthesun.lk
Sisters Away
Not to miss brunch spot in Kabalana serving delicious home-baked bread by Turkish sister duo. @sisterssrilanka
Soul & Surf
Coolest surf and yoga retreat with their “canteen” open to the outside public for cocktails and fresh bites, in a small cove overlooking stilt fishermen and the tropical sunset. Have an afternoon boogie during their family friendly Sunday Sessions. @soulandsurfsrilanka
The Kip
Cutesie garden café serving mindful all-day breakfast celebrating the slow life 10 minutes from PALM. Don’t miss their little boutique stocking local designers. @thekipsrilanka
Uncle's
Little sister to coolest Colombo cocktail bar, “Hotel de Uncle” is right on Ahangama beach, also serving tasty short eats. @hoteldeuncles
Zippi
Midigama’s new matcha latte and focaccia hotspot with a cute boutique and industrial island vibes.
@zippi.midigama
