Dear Guest!
We are delighted that you have selected our Boutique Hotel Turtle Bay
On behalf of the entire team at the Hotel, I extend you a very warm welcome and trust your stay with us will be both enjoyable and comfortable.
Should you require any assistance which my management could not solve or have any specific inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact me via WhatsApp +94 77 738 3396.
With best regards, D.G.Sujeewa Nishantha, Founder and Manager
A Night to Remember: The Inspiration Behind Turtle Bay
It was 9:30 PM on a full moon night in 2009. We were sitting under a coconut tree, enjoying some wine, and discussing the architectural plans for the hotel. The view from our hilltop was breathtaking: the silvery ocean below shimmered under the moonlight, offering an incredibly peaceful scene. Suddenly, we noticed a group of wildlife rangers on patrol. They were observing a nesting green turtle just 30 meters from our land.
Witnessing the nesting of a species that has evolved for over 200 million years was a profoundly moving experience. The wildlife rangers explained that while this stretch of beach is a common nesting ground, the survival odds for hatchlings are grim: only 1 in 1,000 makes it to adult breeding age due to escalating natural and human threats.
As we watched this gentle creature edge back to the ocean, a deep realization struck us. We are merely visitors to this beach, and as their future human neighbors on the hill, we have a responsibility to safeguard their well-being and survival. The very next morning, we met with the wildlife rangers to discuss how we could support their conservation efforts. Learning of their need for a scientifically managed protected nesting area, we immediately donated funds for its construction.
As a tribute to these remarkable creatures—symbols of endurance and resilience from prehistoric times—we named our hotel Turtle Bay. Additionally, we dedicated our seven rooms to the seven surviving species of sea turtles, honoring their legacy and reinforcing our commitment to their protection.
Covid Pandemic and more
The COVID-19 pandemic hit Sri Lanka hard. Beyond the tragic loss of lives, the economic consequences were devastating. Tourism, the lifeblood of our economy, came to a standstill for nearly two years. Unlike in many Western countries, there was no governmental financial assistance. As a result, countless people faced unemployment and hardship without support.
At Turtle Bay, we did our best to help where we could, but our resources were limited. In 2019, we undertook extensive refurbishments and upgrades to enhance our guests’ experience. However, the forced shutdown of our hotel, combined with the harsh marine environment, undid much of our work. Essential systems and structures—gas pipes, kitchen ovens, air conditioning units, refrigerators, and wooden panels in guest rooms—suffered significant damage, requiring extensive repairs or replacements.
The challenges didn’t stop there. By 2022, the situation had worsened. Food prices surged by 50 to 100%, gasoline and gas supplies became scarce, and the availability of imported goods plummeted by 90%. Obtaining essential items became a monumental task.
Now, in 2025, we are optimistic about the future. We have once again invested in refurbishments and are committed to continuous improvement. Rest assured, we are determined to ensure that your experience with us remains as seamless and enjoyable as ever, despite the obstacles we face.
Thank you for your understanding and support during these challenging times. We look forward to welcoming you to Turtle Bay and providing you with a memorable stay.
Thank you very much!
D.G.Sujeewa Nishantha & Team
Welcome to Turtle Bay
It is our pleasure to welcome you to Boutique Hotel Turtle Bay and its unique location. We are pleased to be your hosts and strive to provide you with a room that is clean and comfortable, with friendly attentive service.
All our rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, complimentary water bottles in the mini-bar, bathrobe, everyday cleaning including clean towels in the room.
Pls find below the most requested FAQs:
Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 10:00
The restaurant opens during the day until 9:30 pm, Room service is available at this time.
Fresh fish in whole, lobster, and a variety of typical spicy curries (fish, meat, vegetarian options) please order in advance.
We are pleased to arrange any excursions for your excitement, Car Taxi or TukTuk for your comfortable short or longer trips. Order at the front desk. Bicycles for rent are available.
Swimming and beach
The surf and currents in the Indian Ocean around Sri Lanka are most of the time strong and sometimes dangerous. Never go alone, ask a buddy to watch you. Call help before going into the sea for swimming. Some locals know places where to swim. Turtle bay will not give, due to legal reasons, any recommendation or will not take any responsibility. Enjoy your walk at the long, gold-colored lonely sandy beach, which is rich in waves and characterized by currents. Mostly lined with deep green palm trees and jungle plants. Unique sunsets, the best view from pool or 2nd level of the hotel.
Swimming pool area Opening: 9 am – 9:30 pm
Pool towels are available. Saving the environment, we kindly as to reuse if they are still clean, take them into the room and reuse them the next day.
Safety Deposit box: Guests are advised to use the safety deposit boxes located in all guest rooms for keeping their valuables.
Currency Exchange: Major Foreign currencies are exchangeable at the Reception desk.
Tap water is not poisoning but should not use for drinking purposes, use the water bottles in the room.
Wi-Fi Password on request at reception
We apologize, that our internet access is sometimes slow due to a lack of class fibre lines and directional radio. In the rural area of Kalametiya Internet infrastructure is not as efficient, as we and you would wish, we are sorry for that.
Massages: Take a look and enjoy the Spa Menu at the reception and order your relaxing massage or any ayurvedic treatment you request.
Ayurvedic Doctor consultation on request and extra charge.
Yoga: Use our yoga platform under palm trees in front of the pool area by yourself or go up to the second level – mats are available, or book your yoga instructor for individual times at the reception at extra charge.
We provide laundry service day by day, price list on request.
Stray Dogs and Our Housedog girl Patch
Stray dogs are generally not dangerous, but it is advisable to keep your distance. Do not feed or touch them, and consider carrying a stick while walking on the beach in case you need to scare them away. During the pandemic, stray dogs became a significant problem at the hotel as they grew accustomed to the quiet surroundings and lack of human activity. Despite our efforts to keep them out of the hotel area for safety and hygiene reasons, they often return, having been fed by previous guests. For this reason, please do not feed stray dogs within the hotel premises. They can cause damage to hotel equipment and may bite without apparent reason. Furthermore, they are not vaccinated against rabies, and treatment for dog bites can be challenging.
Our housedog, Patch, is an exception. She is vaccinated against rabies and sterilized, as marked by her ear tag. If you wish to feed Patch, please do so outside and only with proper dog food—no sweets or table scraps, please. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all our guests.
Tipping
There is a lot of non-visible but important staff in the hotel, getting not tipped individually. We keep a tip box at the reception, on request, which we kindly ask to use as well as individually tipping to staff members. All of them a very happy of you gesture being satisfied with the service.
Recommendation and improvements
If at any time you have a suggestion on how to improve our service to you, please just let us know. If you have a problem while staying with us, please contact me directly via WhatsApp +94 77 738 3396 so that we have the opportunity to correct the situation.
Please give us your ratings at the booking platform such as booking.com. Airbnb and Tripadvisor.
With best regards
D.G.Sujeewa Nishantha, Founder and Manager
Explore the South
Pls ask reception for availability, prices
Kalamatiya Bird Sanctury
Kalamatiya is a brackish water body fringed by mangroves and salt marshes and separated from the sea by a narrow strip of beach. Kalamatiya lagoon is home to over 180 species of endemic and migratory birds and supports a variety of smaller mammals.
Visit – 15 mins from Turtle Bay. Early morning 6 am or late afternoon 4 pm are best whilst the temperature is coolest. Don’t miss it, it’s really worth doing!
Bundala National Park
This park consists of an area of 6,216 hectares and is the most important wetlands of Sri Lanka with approximately 150 bird species, plus monkeys, and crocodiles. Migratory shorebirds are seen in large numbers which are attracted to the salt pans.
The winter migratory birds that visit in vast numbers during November to March make this the best time for sightings.
The impressive flocks of Indian flamingos can usually be seen along with the resident water birds that include terns, spot-billed pelicans, egrets, plovers, grey and purple herons, spoonbills, cormorants and painted storks.
Visit – 6:30 am to 12 noon – 5 hours duration, approximately.
Udawalawa National Park
This is an open parkland of 30,000 hectares that borders a reservoir. It is known for its herds of elephants and has an elephant transit home, where injured or orphaned elephants are cared for and then released back into the wild. The feeding of baby elephants can be seen. Herds of up to 100 or more elephants can be seen here, with approximately over 400 in the park, including 6 tuskers. There are also crocodiles, water buffalo, jackal, wild boar, monkeys, water buffalo and spotted deer, plus bird species such as serpent eagles, woolly-necked storks, pied hornbills, painted storks, peacocks, bee-eaters, ibis, Indian pitas.
Visit – 6 hours, approximately (90 mins from Turtle Bay).
Yala National Park
Yala is the best place to spot leopards as it has the world’s highest concentration. The 1,260 square kilometres park is also home to elephants, sloth bear, wild buffalo, deer, wild boar, crocodiles, primates and both endemic and migratory birds.
Visit – 90mins from Turtle Bay. Approximately 8 hours in total for the big tour
Turtle Watching
Large female green turtles return at night to the site from where they were born to lay their eggs. It is a fascinating sight and can be seen, on a beach half an hour away. You will be guided by the Turtle Conservation Project at Rekewa.
7 pm leaving from the hotel and you have to dinner before leaving the hotel some times it will take till midnight. Ask reception if there is a good chance to see turtles the day you plan to go.
Mirrisa – Whale watching
This area is blessed with a healthy population of residents and migrating blue whales and sperm whales. The concentration of whales is not seen elsewhere in the world. Spinner dolphins steal the show in between whale sightings.
Visit – Approximately 90 mins from Turtle Bay approximately 8 hours. In total.
For your comfort please wear sun protection and high factor sun cream.
Mulgirigala Rock Temple
Mulgirigala rises out of the surrounding forest and is perched on an enormous boulder more than 200m high. Ancient inscriptions carved on the rock date it back almost 2,000 years when it was a site of a Buddhist monastery. A rare Buddhist graveyard can be seen which was enforced on the monks by the British who disapproved of cremation. At the base of the rock are the monk’s living quarters.
There is a steep set of over 500 steps leading to the peak where the white Dagoba stands and here beautiful coastal views can be seen. On the way up you pass a bodhi tree believed to be one of 32 saplings of the second Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura.
The temple complex consists of ancient murals, a recumbent Buddha statue, devalayas and several cave temples all of which are found at the different levels which ascend the peak of the rock.
This is a temple visited by many devotees.
Visit – Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended when the temperature is cooler. The climb to the top can be quite tiring with its 500 plus steps.
Modest attire is recommended.
2-3 hours trip. Approximately 45 mins from Turtle Bay.
Buduraja Mahawehera
The Buduraja Mahawehera is located in the town of Wewrukannala, near Dickwella. It is the site of the second tallest Buddha in Sri Lanka. The interior is covered with 635 paintings depicting events from Buddha’s life. There is also a chamber of horrors, statues and paintings showing the punishments of sinners.
Weherahena
Wheerahena is a Buddhist temple located near Matara. It was built in the 1990s over an underground temple. The original temple was built underground in 17th Century in order to hide it from the Portuguese, who at this time ruled the area. In front of the temple sits one of the largest Buddhas in Sri Lanka, at 39 metres high.
Visit -Modest attire is recommended. A 3 hours trip.
Sithulpawwa Temple
Sithulpawwa Temple lies within Yala National Park and dates back over 2,000 years. The paintings within this rock temple are said to be older than the famous frescoes at Sirigirya.
The modern name Sithulpawwa is derived from the ancient “Cittalpabbata”, “The hill of the quiet mind”. It is said in the 1st century AD as many as 12,000 Arahants lived here, these are monks that have achieved the highest mind level of Buddhism. It was a hard life for a monk as they lived here only if interested in silence and solitude
Kataragama
Kataragama is a popular pilgrimage destination for all religions in Sri Lanka. The main shrine is devoted to Skanda, described as God with 6 faces and 12 arms whose assistance is sought for worldly ain. The history of the shrine dates back to 2nd Century BC. The annual procession held in July or August is the main event of the shrine with fire walkers and Kawadi dancers. Offering to the god are made at 4.30am, 10.30 am and 6.30 am daily.
Palpotta Pottery Village
Palpotta is a small village where for years Vilamansa and their family make curd bowls and water storage pots. These are made with the aid of simple tools from raw clay material sourced from riverbeds and finished in open fired pits.
This master potter family are extremely warm and proud and willingly invite visitors to try their hand at their craft.
Kudawella blow hole
The Kudawella Blow Hole in Hummanaya is located on a rock about 40ft above sea level. From sea, level water is forced through the hole at very high pressure. There is a sound of a low whistle as the water is blown high into the air.
Market Visits
The markets are full of colorful and unusual vegetables and fruit brought for sale from the local farmers of the region. There are two such markets close by at Tangalle and Dickwella, held on Wednesday and Saturday respectively.
Also worth viewing is Tangalle’s large fishing fleet and harbour.
Tangalle market and harbour on Wednesdays 15 mins from TB, duration 1 hour,
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Please take care if you have in mind of booking through a website with national parks names in the URL, these sites look very professional and are mostly fake, run by companies and more expensive. Governmental, public webpages are never so professional in Sri Lanka 🙂
Ask your trustful team in Turtle Bay
