Arugam Bay shines in Lonely Planet’s Best in Asia list 2018
View(s):For this third annual Best in Asia list, Lonely Planet’s in-house Asia experts have named ‘eclectic’ and ‘vibrant’ Busan, South Korea, as the number one destination; while the jewelled architecture and ancient cities of Uzbekistan are in second place; and in third comes Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 
Arugam Bay comes in at number 8. ‘This surf town on Sri Lanka’s east coast…has managed to retain its cool as holidaymakers swarm the rest of the country’s ancient citadels and hiker-strewn hill stations. Barefooted boarders sprawl outside vegan cafes…but if the turquoise swells can’t tug you in, Arugam has grown its on-land offering with…beachside bars and makeshift music festivals; plus a handy proximity to Kumana National Park, home to leopards, elephants and crocodiles.’
‘Asia is such a vast and diverse continent for anyone dreaming of an escape’ Lonely Planet’s Asia-Pacific Media Spokesperson Chris Zeiher says.
‘Our experts have combed through thousands of recommendations to pick the best destinations to visit over the next 12 months.’
‘From Nagasaki in Japan, to Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka’ Chris says, ‘this is a line-up to inspire a multitude of travellers – whether they’re based in Asia, or maybe they’ve already visited some of the region’s heavy-hitting destinations’.