Octopus Reef Koggala : Fun, Comfortable and Affordable
While unfolding the unexplored beaches Down south, we stopped by just 14 kms from Galle to discover a town which was once dominated by a pair of military themed constructions including a military airbase, built during World War II.
Koggala is the home to one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable and authentic folk museums which belongs to the famous Sri Lankan author Martin Wickramasinghe while the Koggala lagoon is just around the corner.
While exploring the archaeological monuments in Koggala, we commuted an additional 3 kms to discover an interesting property with an artsy touch, complemented by ancient artefacts, in a town called ‘Kabalana’.
According to the folks in the area, "Kabalana" is famous for surfing and body surfing, while the Top Surf is located just in front of the Villa, during the season. If you are a water sports enthusiast, Octopus Reef Beach Villa is the perfect destination for a swim, snorkel and surf holiday at the beach in the comfort of an antique styled house with a deck.
Ensure you’ve got yourself a camera to capture stilt fishermen, surfers and the sun setting in front of the villa, you will never be bored as you watch nature unfold in front of your eyes.
The Villa
The villa is built with two large air conditioned family rooms with a loft in each room leading to the deck outside. The attached bathrooms are modern with solar hot water.
For your meals, the chef will cater to whatever you desire in food, including a BBQ to grill the fresh seafood caught in the vicinity consisting of calamari, fish, prawns etc.
Why choose ‘Octopus Reef’
The Reef Pool makes it safe to swim all year round. It attracts small fish which in turn attracts big fish to make it perfect for snorkelling during season. You could be a part of a picturesque scenery and life revolving around a 'reef pool', get physical with outdoor activities in the area or simply indulge in the privacy and luxury of a private villa.
Antique fittings lend it a unique colonial style fused with local (Pol Athu) roof & ceiling, with spacious family suites, (each with a loft). The two level large rooms are unmatched in size and privacy. The simple but strikingly stylish interiors with large bathrooms are popular with locals as well as foreign tourists.
Affordable
The chef will prepare Western or Eastern, depending on your palate. Signature dishes include "Sea Food BBQ" and Oysters from the Koggala Lake.
When booking the whole property you get to enjoy this great villa to yourself. There are the 2 rooms, a dining table downstairs and the food will be served from the kitchen.
Must Dos
Swimming & Body Surfing – The beach on your left (in front of Sky Idyllic, 600 metres) is the best. You can walk into the ocean in waist deep water for 200 metres. However, the sea can be rough and currents could drag you, so stay waist deep and get back if the sea is rough.
Alternatively walk 100 metres to your right hand side past the boats and you will find a sand bottom channel for boats, perfect for swimming if the sea is not too rough. Rock pool is great for kids, but please avoid if fishing is in progress.
Snorkelling – The rock pools in front (30 metres to your right) are the best spots for snorkelling. For the professionals, you can ask a fisherman to accompany you to the other side of the Reef, on the open ocean side.
Surfing – Kabalana is rated among the top professional surf sites in Sri Lanka. Beginners start on left & pros surf in front of “the Rock”.
Photography – Try the colours at sunset, seen at the ocean on your right.
Fishing – The Rock pool has been famous for fishing long before the hotels came. Do not climb the stilts (poles) without permission of the
owner. However feel free to fish on the reef.
Folk Art Museum - You will be pleasantly surprised at the charming museum consisting of village folk art, chariots, tools and equipment. It was built in memory of “Martin Wickramasinghe”, a native of Koggala who is regarded the father of “Sinhala” literature. He drew mainly from the village environment. Ideal family visit (entry Rs. 200 per person, Opposite Fortress Hotel in Koggala, 2.5 km).
Mirissa & Unawatuna are very cool beach spots with restaurants, cafés and entertainment. Unawatuna can be crowded.
Galle Dutch Fort is a World Heritage site and a rare “living Fort” with cafes, museums and a church.
Temple Art – “The Kathaluwa Temple” is an ancient temple with rare classical Buddhist art still visible despite age. Walking distance from the villa.
Boat Rides – Koggala Lake is one of Sri Lanka’s largest natural lakes with many islands. A boat ride in the evening is breathtaking, but get there before 5 pm to enjoy the scenery.
Whale watching in Mirissa (30 min drive) is an experience of a life time. Be there at 6.00am.
By Keshiya Leitch
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