TANGALLE

Executive summary by darmansjah

Sri Lanka is a truly fascinating country. The range of attraction on this relatively little island is remarkably diverse. This includes the climate, which changes dramatically as you move through the island. In the month of May and June, the southwest monsoon might be paying the island a visit but sun seekers will still have plenty of pristine beaches with calm waters to choose from. Tangalle, on the southern tip ot the island, is on the edge of the dry portion. A six hour drive from Colombo, Tangalle’s pride is a 10 kilometre long stretch of beach with white sand and palm trees hanging over turquoise waters. Mostly free from touts and other tourist traps, it’s an ideal place for those who are longing for a quiet getaway with sun, sand and sea.

Malaysia Airlines and Srilankan Airlines (srinlanka.lk) fly direct to Colombo’s Bandarnaike International Airport from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. From Singapore Changi Airport, Cathay Pacific (cathaypacific.com), Emirates (emirates.com), SriLankan Airlines and Singapore Airlines fly direct to Colombo.

Tiger Airways has also launched a new direct route from Singpore to Colombo which starts from 31 May. Tickets are available at a promotional fare with limited seats on a first come first serve basis, from US$138 one-way. The promotional fares are for travel from 31 May to 24 September 2012.

Turtle Bay is an isolated boutique hotel that is steps away from beach. No matter which room you get, you are guaranteed a view of the sea and will awaken to the sound of crashing waves. (from US$170; trutlebay.lk).