Adult-only hideaways, budget beachfront rooms, wellness retreats in the jungle, outdoor kitchens, and private pools—Kabalana has many hotels for every budget. Welcome to our guide on where to stay in Kabalana. We hope you find your perfect place.
As expats in Sri Lanka, we still have our holiday destinations—somewhere to get away from the same beaches, faces, and food we see so often. Somewhere that offers a bit of adventure, a different type of chill, or a different vibe.
There are a few places we always like to escape to, sometimes Ella in the mountains or Hirketyia’s beautiful bay. But when we’re looking for a pure beach getaway, we always find ourselves at Kabalana.
There’s something special about this 1km stretch of golden sand. It’s the perfect spot to settle in for a day, with a towel on the beach and nothing on the agenda.
But Kabalana is more than just laid-back vibes. With the surf pumping at The Rock, friendly volleyball socials, mesmerizing orange sunsets, tasty rotis on the beach, and easy access to Ahangama’s bars, we’re sure you’ll love the mix of adventure and relaxation.
And the accommodation options are the icing on the cake. You’ll find luxury beachfront stays with attentive service, stylish boutique hotels hidden in the jungle, spacious balcony rooms with surf views, budget hostels with social energy, and some incredible mid-range stays that offer great value.
Whether you’re staying a couple of days or for your entire holiday, on a budget, or celebrating a special occasion, this guide will cover everything you need to know—from the best neighborhoods to early booking tips and a curated list of 17 top hotels we’ve personally stayed in or visited. We believe these are the must-stays in Kabalana.
Which area of Kabalana to stay in
Kabalana isn’t a town or a city, really it’s the largest beach in Ahangama – one of the most up-and-coming bohemian surf locations in Sri Lanka. But staying in Kabalana does have a different vibe and feeling to the main town, and it’s a great option for a chilled holiday.
If you’re looking to stay at Kabalana Beach, there are 3 main neighbourhoods you should be looking for hotels:
- Kabalana Beachfront – properties right on the sand with direct access to the surf and the chilled vibes, ideal for those wanting to spend most of the time on the beach or the waves. It’s not great if you want to be close to the bars, restaurants, or shops – expect higher prices.
- Kabalana Jungle – over the rail tracks, the jungle area of Kabalana has cheaper stays or unique boutique properties. Stay here if you want to be near nature, have a quiet trip, stay in somewhere special, or find good value and still be within walking distance of the beach.
- Ahangama Town – where the hustle and bustle happens, this is the vibrant heart of the area buzzing with cafes, markets, and local life. Stay here if you love being in the middle of the action – just be ready for a bit more noise and a lively street scene. It’s a 20-minute walk to Kabalana.
Read more: Kabalana Beach, Everything You Need to Know
Average prices in Kabalana
The Kabalana area is a hot destination in Sri Lanka and the prices have been getting hotter too. Expect hotels and properties to be slightly more expensive than other popular beach towns like Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, or Unawatuna. Here’s what to expect:
| High Season | Low Season | |
| Luxury | $200-500 per night | $150-300 per night |
| High-end | $120-150 per night | $80-100 per night |
| Mid-range | $50-100 per night | $40-80 per night |
| Budget | $25-40 per night | $10-15 per night |
Top 6 high-end and luxury stays
Timeless Villa
If you’re looking for the best value high-end beachfront hotel on Kabalana then you have to stay at Timeless Villa.
This 20-room hotel is located right on Kabalana Beach and has stunning rooms with giant balconies, a pool, a restaurant, a nice chillout garden, and beachfront access.
We loved waking up early and stepping onto the balcony to wave-check The Rock every morning.
It was perfect knowing whether I should rush to get out or have a few more minutes in bed… which normally resulted in heading straight to the waves.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, twin rooms, family rooms, AC, seaview, balcony, fibre wifi
- Price – $110 – $120 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, bar, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast
The vibe of this hotel is a mix of holidaygoers, upmarket surfers, and families with kids. It’s got a nice buzz about it but if you’re looking for a quiet stay this isn’t the best place.
The social aspect of the hotel really matches the beach. Every day groups from the hotel will play volleyball and you’ll often meet your neighbours out on the breaks.
Timeless Villa is a professionally run hotel with a high level of service, your room will be cleaned daily and you can bar service from the beach. It’s a nice change from many of the smaller hotels. If you stay here, we recommend eating elsewhere as the restaurant isn’t great and there are much better options nearby.
Best place to book: booking.com
Casa Tikiri
Casa Tikiri is a complete oasis in the Kabalana jungle area. Stefano and Alice have poured their heart and soul into this little boutique hotel and it really shows.
The garden is what makes this place so special. They’ve created an awesome chillout spot with a beautiful pool surrounded by perfectly cut grass and tall palm trees. It’s the kind of place where you want to lie down, grab a cocktail, and never leave.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana Jungle
- Rooms – Private rooms, outdoor showers, AC, garden space
- Price – $150 – $250 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, bar, wifi (ok)
- Includes – breakfast, water
The aesthetics of this hotel are unbelievable. Everywhere you look is a new Instagram reel or a postcard waiting to be snapped – they’ve thought through every small detail.
The rooms are where it all comes together, every one of them is different with earthy tones, soft drapes, and intricate wicker-wrapped furnishings. And obviously, who doesn’t love an outdoor shower in the tropics?
Casa Tikiri is an adults-only hotel so the crowd is mature, the vibe is chilled, and it’s perfect for those looking to unwind. There are 6 rooms available so it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment – there is a minimum stay of two nights.
Best place to book: booking.com
Terra Resort
If you’re looking for a nice upmarket wellness retreat and resort you can’t get better than Terra in Kabalana.
This is the kind of place to stay if you want everything sorted. The hotel has an onsite restaurant, bar, yoga studio, skatepark, and ice baths. You can bundle many different treatments, workshops, yoga classes, or surf lessons into your stay. Convenience is an understatement.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana Jungle
- Rooms – Double rooms, twin rooms, family rooms, AC, garden or balcony
- Price – $120 – $200 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, bar, yoga studio, skatepark, ice baths, wifi (fast)
- Includes – everything add on
The entire property has a clean and sophisticated aesthetic with good mixes of mahogany furniture against black steel fixtures. The vibe is sophisticated too, you can expect a young crowd of early-30s couples all hanging and chilling out. But it’s also easy to escape and find your own solitude.
Terra is in the nice quiet jungle area of Kabalana and a quick 5-minute walk to the beach. They have 12 rooms and tend to get fully booked about a month before the check-in date, so it’s worth booking this hotel ahead of time.
Best place to book: booking.com
Lihinya Beach Villa
Lihinya Beach Villa is without a doubt our favourite place to stay in Ahangama town. If you’re not 100% set on staying on Kabalana Beach and you want something special this is a great option.
The accommodation only has 4 rooms which all have sea views and balconies looking out over one of the biggest surf spots in town, Animals. Every morning was just perfect opening the curtains to see the conditions, being first out hitting the waves, and then eating the best breakfast from their private chef.
The rooms were amazing with giant comfy beds, proper duvets, powerful warm showers, refillable water, giant balconies with nice seats, and high-quality furnishing. Style and comfort are the essence of Lihinya.
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama Town beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, AC, sea view, balcony
- Price – $140 – $160 per night
- Amenities – pool, kitchen, private chef, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast, water, coffee
Beyond the rooms, Lihinya is the perfect place to chill. The property has a stunning pool overlooking the beach and a quiet garden which is perfect for lounging. We normally like to explore when visiting Ahangama but we spent so much time just relaxing at the hotel – it was awesome.
Lihinya is located a short 2-minute walk from Ahangama Beach and the town center so it’s great for hopping into the restaurants or having a drink in the bars. But it’s also far enough from the main road so it’s out of the chaos and nice and quiet. It’s best to get Tuk Tuks to Kabalana Beach, it is about a 20-25 minute walk.
Lihinya has limited rooms and is always fully booked so if you want to stay here it’s best to book as early as possible.
Best place to book: booking.com
Mosvold Villa
Mosvold Villa is a contender for the most outstanding properties on Kabalana Beach. The entrance is grand. From the moment you walk in you know you’ve entered somewhere special as you stroll through the elegant walkways past the fish pond and giant plant pots that leads out into their stunning garden.
Once you’re in the garden, you’ll never want to leave. This is the perfect place to get a frozen daiquiri and chill by the white stone-lined pool whilst you watch the sunset down the beach.
This place is perfect for relaxing with the choice of canopy beds, hammocks, or sunbeds you can drag to wherever you please. There’s no where better to rack up those cocktail bills!
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, suites, bath, AC, seaviews, balcony
- Price – $250- $400 per night
- Amenities – cafe, restaurant, bar, beachfront access, pool, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast, water, coffee
This exclusive 17-room hotel is run by the Jetwing group, who are known to have some of the best service in Sri Lanka. The staff are really friendly and always attentive to your needs – whatever you want, the staff will be able to help.
The rooms are unbelievable. The style is a modern luxury twist on the traditional Sri Lankan decor with hardwood beds, drapes, paneled roofs, and twin basins. They really are beautiful and you’ll sleep well to the sound of the waves just beyond your balcony.
Best place to book: booking.com
The Sandhya
The Sandhya is all about style, chill, and ease. This place is like living in your own house but with top-quality hotel service. Well, that’s if you have one of those fancy modern Swedish-vibe houses.
The property is beautiful with flowing curved stairs hanging from the roof, floor-to-sealing windows, Swedish sofas, and one of the best gardens in the Kabalana area. Outside is where this place shines – it’s right on the bustling beach, but with it’s raised walls it’s got a very private and exclusive feeling.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, suites, bath, AC, seaviews, balcony
- Price – $250 – $500 per night
- Amenities – restaurant, bar, beachfront access, pool, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast, water
The rooms are clean with big comfy beds and mahogany furniture in every corner. Every morning is perfect opening the curtains to the view of the waves. The comfort in this place makes it easy to chill and enjoy those lazy mornings.
The food here is a contender for the best out of all the luxury hotels. Chef Christophe DuBois has a real comfort style with the ingredients coming fresh from the farm to the table. Whether you want to try fine-dining rice and curry, Italian pasta, Peking-style Asian food, or something bespoke, this al a carte dining experience is something to remember.
The Sandhya is an adults-only hotel and the vibe is very laidback. If you want a special honeymoon, anniversary, or just a fancy getaway – you can’t go wrong with The Sandhya.
Best place to book: agoda
Top 6 mid-range stays
Venus Villa
Every season, at some point, we end up staying a week at Venus Villa – it’s just got this vibe we love coming back to.
This collection of 8 private rooms surrounding a swimming pool with a kitchen and a yoga chalet is the perfect jungle hideaway.
Almost every morning you’re greeted with monkeys playing on the rooftops and stealing your breakfast whilst peacocks flash their feathers or monitor lizards crawl by, it’s got a safari-by-the-beach feeling.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana jungle
- Rooms – Double rooms, AC, garden and pool area
- Price – $70 – $80 per night
- Amenities – pool, kitchen, yoga studio, fridge, wifi (slow)
- Includes – water
The rooms are all completed to a high standard with comfy beds and clean fixtures but they are a little small. We only ever used the room for sleeping because the pool and chill-out spaces are so inviting.
Venus Villa tends to have a nice balance between privacy and social interactions. Each room has a seating area and the shared kitchen makes it easy to have passing chats with other guests. We’ve often had group beers with the people staying – it’s definitely good for those seeking a bit of a communal atmosphere.
Best place to book: booking.com
Nuga House
Owned and run by the same people as Venus Villa, Nuga House is the parent accommodation with a slightly more refined style, an awesome restaurant, and a hotel-level service.
The restaurant is built around an old Banyan tree which is where the name Nuga came from – the Buddhist term for “be a tree”. There has been a lot of care in choosing the name and that care can be felt throughout the property.
Whether it’s the mirrors framing the swimming pool or the carefully placed swings and seating areas, every aspect of the hotel has a purpose and you will love the aesthetics.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana jungle
- Rooms – Double rooms, family rooms, AC, garden
- Price – $80 – $100 per night
- Amenities – pool, yoga studio, restaurant, wifi (ok)
- Includes – water
Nuga House runs daily yoga classes and camps so the crowd here tends to be a mix of yogis and upmarket surfers. There is a little bit of a social vibe but we find it more forced than at Venus Villa, so expect to have a quieter more isolated time.
Nuga House is a popular spot and it’s regularly fully booked so make sure to grab a room way in advance if you want to stay here.
Best place to book: booking.com
Ohana Surf House
Ohana might be the best value hotel in Ahangama town, everything about this place is great!
This surf house offers big rooms, super comfy beds, private balconies, a shaded pool, a beautiful rooftop, and a great breakfast. For the price, you get top quality and we slept like babies.
Paula and Rodolfo are amazing hosts that really make the difference. They always put you first making sure you have everything you need to have a good time. They’re also very funny and we’ve had many memorable nights on the beers with them – it’s not to be missed!
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama town
- Rooms – Double rooms, twin rooms, AC, garden or balcony
- Price – $60 – $80 per night
- Amenities – pool, rooftop, wifi (ok)
- Includes – breakfast, water
Rodolfo is a great surf instructor who has been running school in Madeira for years so if you need lessons or to learn about the spots he can tell you everything you need to know.
The crowd at Ohana is a mix of surfer families, young travellers, and people coming for surf school. Whoever’s around it’s always a nice vibe to chill on the rooftop with beers or in the pool to cool down in the midday sun. We have no doubt that you’ll enjoy your stay at Ohana.
Best place to book: booking.com
Black Honey
Located 1km into the jungle and surrounded by rice terraces, Black Honey is a real hidden gem. The place is amazing with beautiful pastel walls, crisp black windows, curves in all the features, and a stunning decor – this is top quality for a reasonable price tag.
The good value comes because of the location. It is quite far into the jungle but with peaceful calm mornings, great views over the fields, and a pool, this is somewhere you should consider if you don’t mind getting Tuk Tuk to the beach or taking a 20-minute walk.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana jungle
- Rooms – Double rooms, family rooms, AC, garden
- Price – $65 – $90 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, wifi (great)
- Includes – water
Black Honey’s rooms are beautiful and create a really comfortable stay. Each room has little seating areas, private balconies and they share a beautiful rooftop. It’s the perfect place for those who want some quiet time to read a good book or chill away from the crowds.
Downstairs also operates as a coworking space with some of the best internet in the Kabalana area, perfect for digital nomads. If you’re lazy like us though, you’ll just dig into their great food, they have one of the best menus in Ahangama – fancy beans on toast, zesty cauliflower tabooli, tandoori paneer burgers, there’s no reason to leave!
Best place to book: booking.com
4suns villa
New for the 24/25 surf season, 4Suns Villa is a standout addition in Kabalana’s jungle. With its fresh, modern design and easy-going vibe, this villa offers a quiet retreat with all the comforts of home—just a short walk from the beach.
4Suns Villa brings a refreshing mix of style and value. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with big windows, little seating areas, and thoughtful touches like the wicker baskets full of toiletries.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana jungle
- Rooms – Double rooms and family rooms, all with AC
- Price – $80 – $95 per night
- Amenities – pool, kitchen, wifi
- Includes – water
The 6 rooms all surround a shared pool, perfect for cooling off in the afternoon heat. And there’s also a shared kitchen if you want to prepare some fresh fruit… or just chat over some cool beers.
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to stay that’s new, stylish, and relatively close to Kabalana Beach, 4Suns Villa fits the bill.
Best place to book: booking.com
Lum residence
Lum Residence is a real surprise find in the Kabalana Jungle. It’s a quick 5-minute walk from the sand—close enough to reach easily but tucked far enough away for some peace and quiet, and good value prices. This spot is perfect for those who want a bit of comfort and convenience without the big bills.
Lum Residence is a really high standard—the rooms are immaculate, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the pool and garden are the standout part of this hotel, the perfect place for lounging and hiding away in their shaded spots. Who needs the beach anyway.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana jungle
- Rooms – Double and triple rooms with AC, private balconies
- Price – $65 – $100 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, wifi (great)
- Includes – water
If you like lazy relaxed mornings, they have a nice restaurant on site offering fresh fruit, tasty breakfast, and good coffee. And the area has some good options for lunch and the evening, East Falafel—one of our favorite nearby spots—is just around the corner. It’s a perfect go-to for a casual meal.
Lum has a bit of a social vibe with onsite fussbol, ping pong, and a bar. The place is big enough that it’s easy to meet other travelers. But if you like hiding away there’s plenty of private space and a yoga chalet. This hotel is a great option for those who want a high-quality but affordable option close to Kabalana.
Best place to book: booking.com
Top 5 budget stays
Tharanga Surfing Villa
If you’re looking for the cheapest beachfront accommodation on Kabalana then you have to stay at Tharanga.
This locally run hotel is definitely budget – the rooms are basic, the showers are cold, and the furniture is a little old. But for the price, you can’t complain when you can stay beachfront for $20 a night with AC, a comfy mattress, a balcony, and a great breakfast.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana Beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, quadruple room, seaviews, AC
- Price – $20 – $40 per night
- Amenities – garden, wifi (slow)
- Includes – breakfast
We’ve stayed here multiple times when we’ve wanted to save some money and we’ve loved it every time. There’s nothing better than waking up early and being first out surfing at The Rock, then chilling in Tharanga’s stunning garden and eating a great local breakfast.
Tharanga only has 5 rooms and they are often fully booked… we’re not surprised at the price – so if you want to stay here make sure to book early.
Best place to book: booking.com
Mellow Hostel
Kabalana doesn’t have many hostels but the available options are great – and Mellow is a contender for the best in the area.
This place has a great social vibe with many travellers staying here who are always up for a laugh, a surf, or a party. If you’re solo traveling and want to meet people, Mellow is a great option.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana Beach
- Rooms – Double rooms, dorms, AC
- Price – $12 – $35 per night
- Amenities – garden, restaurant, kitchen, wifi (fast)
- Includes – nothing
The hostel is very clean and the dorms are big so there is enough space to live whilst sharing with others. They also have some private rooms that are pretty cheap and the quality is good.
Mellow Hostel is just over the road from Kabalana Beach. It’s a perfect location to hang out with new friends or hit the surf first thing in the morning.
Best place to book: hostelworld
Jini House
Jini House is our top budget recommendation if you want to stay near Kabalana. It’s top quality, great value, and only a short walk from the beach.
The rooms set this place apart. They have a cool funky loft style with concrete platforms for the beds, low seating areas, industrial lightbulbs, plants, and stone floor bathrooms. They’ve done a great job of the little things to make this place stand out and create a comfy homely stay.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana jungle
- Rooms – Double rooms, AC
- Price – $35 – $40 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast (optional)
Jini House is awesome for chilling. The pool is inviting and the perfect place to cool off in the mid-day heat. We’d jump straight in after our morning surf and let the next few hours drift by with a couple of beers.
This is a local family-run hotel and the owners are the best. They’ll help you with anything you need whether that’s recommendations on where to go, booking a safari, or finding a surf instructor. Beyond the advice, they’re just nice – you can feel the vibe they’ve created when you stay.
Best place to book: booking.com
The Well
If you’re looking for a hostel and Mellow isn’t your vibe then The Well is definitely your best bet. Located halfway between Kabalana Beach and Ahangama Town this hostel is outstanding, setting the standards high.
The vibe here is relaxed and unpretentious. While it’s not a luxury stay, the essentials are all here- clean rooms, comfortable beds, and Wi-Fi that actually works. The staff are also really accommodating and happy to share tips about the area, from local surf spots to the best places to grab a meal.
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama Town
- Rooms – Mixed dorms, female dorms, private rooms
- Price – $15 – $30 per night
- Amenities – pool, shared kitchen, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast (optional)
The Well has a great social vibe with travelers hanging around the pool every day or heading to the beach for some volleyball. It’s not a party hostel but you’ll definitely find a few people up for heading into town for a casual sunset beer.
The Well also has private rooms that are charged between $80-100 per night for those looking to have a bit more privacy and quality but still enjoy the social vibes. It’s a great hostel option for travellers looking to stay around Kabalana.
Best place to book: booking.com
Pineapple Surf
Pineapple Surf is a solid budget-friendly option for travelers looking to stay almost beachfront with some comfort and without the cost. Located just across the road from the sand, this spot offers a laidback, no-frills vibe that’s perfect for surfers, backpackers, and anyone wanting a relaxed budget beach base.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana Beachfront
- Rooms – Double and family rooms with fan or AC
- Price – $40 – $60 per night
- Amenities – restaurant, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast (optional)
The rooms here are basic, expect a Sri Lankan style bed, AC, a bit of space, and not much else. The rooms can feel a bit dark but that’s ok, the outdoor area and garden makes up for… and so does the 1-minute walk to the beach.
The property has a nice bar area that serves pretty good pizzas. Perfect for an evening beer and chill. It’s a great option for budget travelers who want private rooms and to be close to the beach.
Best place to book: booking.com
FAQs
Is accommodation in Kabalana expensive?
A few years ago, we’d have said the Ahangama and Kabalana area was cheap as chips. But as the town has increased in popularity, so have the prices. These days, Kabalana is one of the most expensive areas on the South Coast.
Typically you can expect to pay 25-50% more for accommodation. But the quality in Kabalana is higher so we still believe you get good value.
Cost is often relative and we like to compare what you’re getting to stays in Europe or surf towns in South America where Kabalana is often cheaper – and nothing beats the Sri Lankan vibes!
If you are on a budget, you can find cheap places under $20 a night. These will be local stays with no AC and a hard bed… but if need to save money you still have options.
How early should I book?
This depends on how fixed your plans are and if you want to stay in a specific hotel. Kabalana has become busy the last few years and there are not many last-minute options available – if you want to stay somewhere specific, we suggest booking early. Typically the high-end hotels, mid-range stays, and the unique small boutique hotels get booked early.
What is the best time to stay at Kabalana?
You can visit Kabalana year-round, but for the best weather, it’s best to visit in the dry season from November to April. This is when the ocean is calmest and the weather is sunny, making it perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and beach lounging.
January and February are the peak months when the surf is cleanest and the weather is almost always beautiful.
May to October is the monsoon season, you can still visit in this period and there will be many nice days, but you should expect a lot of heavy showers, sometimes for days. This period tends to have fewer tourists and a lot of hotels and restaurants will close. It is a great time to find the best deals.
What things can you do at Kabalana?
Beyond the waves, Ahangama and Kabalana is the perfect town to experience the surf culture and explore the South Coast. Every day you can find something different to do, here’s a little flavour of what you can get up to:
- Hit the surf – The Rock is one of the best surf breaks on the South Coast and the beach break here is perfect for beginners, if you visit you have to hit the surf.
- Explore the beaches and coves – Ahangama Beach, Kabalana, Secret Beach, and The Cove, there are 6 must-see beaches near Kabalana all with a different vibe to explore.
- Safari at Udawalwe – fancy seeing some Elephants? Ahangama is only 2 hours away from one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka.
- Swim with giant turtles – close to the town you can snorkel with some of the biggest turtles you can find in the world, you don’t want to miss it!
- Climb Devils Rock – fancy a bit of adventure? You can swim out to Devil’s Rock and see why it got its name!
Read more: 12 Amazing Things To Do In Ahangama
What food options are available in Kabalana?
Kabalana is a foodie’s heaven with more restaurant options than anywhere else on the South Coast. Here you can find everything from Local curries, Asian fusion, pizza, Moroccan, Israeli, and much much more.
There is a great mix of cheap local places where you can eat for under $2 and fancy hipster surf cafes that charge around $8 -15 per meal. We think the quality of chefs in the town is high so expect to eat some good food!
Read more: 15 Best Restaurants in Ahangama
How do I get to Kabalana from the airport?
Landing in Colombo, you’ve got a few options to get to Kabalana, which is 150km south of the airport.
The easiest and most convenient way is to pre-book a private taxi that can whip you down the coast in less than 3 hours. A private car typically costs between $60-70 and we always book with Kiwi Taxi who have the best service – if you’re bringing a surfboard just message them before. Book here
The cheapest option is to use the local buses which cost between $5-10 and take between 8-10 hours. This involves getting a bus into the center of Colombo and then changing to another that goes down south, there are several changes along the way. There is a lack of information on this route which does make it a difficult trip and we don’t recommend it if you have big bags or it’s your first time in Sri Lanka.
Another option is to get a bus or taxi into Colombo and then take a train down the South Coast. The train to Ahangama costs between $3-5 and a taxi into Colombo is about $20-25. The trains only run in the morning so if you land in the afternoon it’s better to take a taxi direct from the airport or you often need to spend the night in Colombo.
