5 reviewed party hostels · from €0.03/night · Hostelworld rated
Arugam Bay runs on surf, sunset beers, and a pace of life that makes it almost impossible to leave on schedule. The main strip along Bay Road is where everything happens: beach bars, wood-fired pizza joints, and surf shops spill out towards the sand, and by early evening the plastic chairs fill up fast. Sooriya Bar and Mambo's are regulars on the crawl route, drawing a crowd of surfers, long-termers, and first-time Sri Lanka visitors in roughly equal measure. The hostel scene is small but well-suited to backpackers, with most accommodation within easy walking or tuk-tuk distance of the break. High season runs from May to October, when the left-hand point break is at its best and the social scene around the bay picks up considerably. Come low season and you'll have the place largely to yourself.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Hangover Hostels Arugam Bay epitomises the ultimate party crashpad with its perfectly named reputation for good times. This modern hostel creates magnetic social vibes where surf-stoked travellers gather to share epic stories and plan wild nights out. With comfortable AC dorms providing the ideal recovery sanctuary, you'll wake refreshed and ready for another round of Arugam Bay madness.
Hangten SurfSkate Hostel pumps out non-stop party energy with its legendary skate park doubling as the coolest social arena on the coast. Beer pong battles rage alongside spontaneous dance-offs, whilst their famous family dinners transform into raucous celebrations. The super social atmosphere attracts party warriors who love mixing adrenaline-fueled days with unforgettable nights under the tropical stars.
Indigo Summer Hostel pulses with electric energy in its vibrant common spaces where party-hungry backpackers plot their next adventure. Positioned perfectly in Arugam Bay's beating heart, you're mere stumbles from the wildest beach bars and underground party spots. The lively atmosphere creates instant connections, turning strangers into lifelong mates ready to paint the town red together.
The Long Hostel is a fun social hostel with amazing and helpful staff. The hostel is perfectly located, just a short walk from the beach and area crowded with local bars and restaurants. The hostel features a cool on-site coffee shop and restaurant, perfect for meeting other travellers. There are lots of fun group activities like Tuk Tuk Safari, games nights, group dinners, etc.
A great hostel located on the beach, with a central common area that facilitates a social and relaxed atmosphere. It has a bar open throughout the day, we offer activities such as tours, surf lessons and wildlife safaris
How Arugam Bay's nightlife zones break down
The spine of Arugam Bay's social scene, Bay Road runs parallel to the beach and is lined with bars, surf shops, cafes, and guesthouses. Most of the nightlife venues and hostels sit within a 500-metre stretch, making it easy to walk between spots. This is where you'll spend most of your evenings.
The nearest proper town, about 3 km north of the bay along the A4 road, Pottuvil has ATMs, a market, and bus connections east and west. It's quieter than the bay and largely residential, but useful for stocking up on supplies. Most travellers pass through rather than stay here.
Heading south from the main beach road, the coastline stretches past a series of quieter breaks to Elephant Rock, a popular day-trip spot where elephants sometimes wade into the sea. The area has a handful of laid-back guesthouses and is far less busy than the main strip. Expect a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from Bay Road.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
Mambo's is the closest thing Arugam Bay has to a proper beach club, with tables right on the sand and a sound system that gets louder as the night goes on. It draws a young backpacker crowd and hosts regular DJ nights during high season. Beers are reasonably priced and the kitchen stays open late.
One of the longest-running bars on the strip, Sooriya is where surfers end up after a long day on the water. The vibe is relaxed and sociable, with cold Lion beers, a simple food menu, and a crowd that mixes locals with travellers. Gets busy from around 7pm onwards.
Set slightly back from the main road, Hideaway offers a quieter alternative to the beachfront bars without losing the social atmosphere. Cocktail prices are fair by beach-town standards, and the staff are well-practised at recommending good combinations. It fills up late, usually after the main bars have had their fill.
A-Bay Bar sits near the main surfing beach and attracts a mix of long-stay travellers and surf instructors. The fire show on the beach on certain nights draws a crowd, and drink prices are among the more affordable on the strip. A solid spot to kick off your evening before moving elsewhere.
Spice Trail doubles as a restaurant by day and a lively bar after dark, with seating that spills out onto the sand. The cocktail list leans into local flavours, with arrack-based drinks worth trying. Live acoustic sets feature regularly during high season.
Positioned near the famous left-hand point break, Point Bar is a favourite post-surf stop with board racks out front and cold drinks waiting inside. The crowd is surf-heavy and the conversation tends to revolve around that day's swell. Sunsets from here are some of the best on the bay.