Baththalangunduwa Island
A small, flat island off Kalpitiya with white sand, a seasonal fishing camp and no hotels, one of the most popular beach camping spots in Sri Lanka.
Baththalangunduwa, also spelt Bathalangunduwa, is a small, flat island off the coast of Kalpitiya, and one of the most popular beach camping spots in Sri Lanka. There are no hotels, no roads and no shops in the usual sense, just white sand, twisted trees, clear water and a seasonal fishing camp, where fishermen live and dry their catch during the fishing season.
The appeal is simplicity. Days are spent swimming, walking around the island, watching the fishermen at work and relaxing in the shade, and the sunsets are spectacular. At night, with no lights for miles, the sky fills with stars. Many camping trips also include a boat stop at Uchchimunai and sometimes a dolphin watching detour on the way.
Boats leave from Kalpitiya, and the crossing usually takes around two to three hours, depending on the boat and the sea. Most visitors go with a camping operator who brings tents, food, water and basic toilets, and this is the easiest option. There is no clean drinking water on the island, so you must bring everything you need, at least three to four litres of water per person per day.
The sea is calm from around December to April, the best time to go. From around May to November, crossings can be rough or may not run at all. Please respect the fishing community, ask before photographing people, and take every piece of rubbish back to the mainland, since the island has no way to deal with it.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Boat transfers and camping are paid to the operator. Agree what is included, such as water, food and tents, before you go.
- Opening hours: Boats usually leave Kalpitiya in the morning, in season
- Time needed: 1 night
- Best time: December to April, when the sea is calm
How to get there
By boat from Kalpitiya, around 2 to 3 hours depending on the boat and the sea. Most visitors book a camping package that includes the boat.