What a week it has been! From departing my Worldpackers exchange early learning how to surf, it’s crazy how much can happen quickly.
Let’s start with Worldpackers: While the place was really cute and had a lot of potential, it just wasn’t well managed. Due to being poorly managed, it made for an uncomfortable experience not only for volunteers but also for guests and pushed people to check out early. The confusion that the owners and managers were experiencing was spilling out onto other people who were just trying to enjoy their time.
I ended up reaching out to Worldpackers to discuss their insurance options, and they were able to help refund me for the cost of moving and staying in a new place, which was incredible and exactly what I wanted because I decided that I didn’t want a new placement. If you’re interested in trying Worldpackers sign up here and receive 15 months of access to the database rather than just 12 when you sign up by May 31st. From leaving the surf hostel near Ahangama, I decided I would head to another little coastal town called Hiriketiya.
HIRIKETIYA: Described by many as the Bali of Sri Lanka. I wasn’t sure what that would mean because I’ve never been to Bali, but I arrived and was pleasantly surprised to come to this amazing little town known for incredible surfing, great food, swimming with turtles, and happiness.
Getting there: There are pretty regular local buses that will go from the Galle area to Hiriketiya. I did a route that went from Ahangama to Matara > Matara to Dikwella > Dikwella to Hiriketiya by tuktuk.
Accommodation: CLICS Coliving & Working is an incredible place, going for $10/a night in the dorm rooms and $30-$50/per night in the private rooms, depending on the time of year you visit. When I tell you, this place is amazing. I walked in and immediately felt comfortable, safe, at home, and ready to enjoy the second wave of my trip to Sri Lanka.
Beaches to visit:
- Dikwella Beach (in the main town next to Hiriketiya)
- Hiriketiya Beach (excellent for learning how to surf and general surfing
- Blue Beach Island (see stunning vistas across the Indian Ocean)
- Turtle Point Bhatigama (a great place to see and snorkel with turtles)
Restaurants:
- Kingsleys (Sri Lankan food $)
- Lemongrass (Sri Lankan food $)
- Verse (Western food $$)
- Locos Cafe (Western food $$)
- Bunch (Western food $$$)
- Dots (Mixed meals $$$)
SURFING: I finally learned how to surf in Sri Lanka, and it was incredible. The waves are calm and great for beginners (they say) because you are surfing in a bay rather than surfing in the standard ocean. The teachers are not amazing if I’m being honest, but they help you get the basics, which involve popping up and getting comfortable in the ocean. If you’re a girl, be mindful that the surf instructors will hit on you. Be firm about the fact that you can explore Hiriketiya without them and that you’re just here for surf lessons. They are totally lovely guys, but their shtick of latching onto a foreign woman is pretty obvious.
As my time in Sri Lanka is beginning to wind down, I am continuously reminded that I was led here for a reason. A lot of growth has come from traveling to Sri Lanka and moving through the things I experienced. Let’s see if I make it out of Hiriketiya to a national park or just wind up staying here until I leave for Bali! Whatever happens, I’ll know it was for the right reasons.
-Traveling Tee x
One Cup of Tee 