There are so many cool places in & around Hiriketiya we would like to recommend you. Below you can find some of our favorites here in Hiri. Tip: take screenshots of this page so you have all the best recommendations on your phone, even when there is no internet connection.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask the staff. We’re more than happy to help you and if you’re looking for something specific, let us know – we’re here to help you and make sure you have the most amazing time in Hiriketiya!
Breakfast – $$
In high season we serve the best coffees and very affordable and good breakfast. Get ready for smoothiebowls, overnight oats and scrambled eggs. Get your coffee and drink it somewhere on the property. There is no better way to start the day, right?!
Please note: we are a small hostel and working in a very small kitchen. It might takes a bit longer than you’re used to in a restaurant. Please order at the reception. Enjoy!
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner – $$
There are always good vibes at Dots! The friendly local staff will welcome you with open arms and will put a smile on your face. They have different seating areas: the rooftop, the garden and the patio, enough choice for everyone and it’s a great location right in front of Hiri beach. The food here is really good – hummus or pizzas anyone?! Get yourself a fresh coconut or a passion fruit lemonade and sit back and relax.
Breakfast/Lunch – $
This little gem is on Hiriketiya Beach. You will have to go to the very end to find this local bar/restaurant. We recommend the roti’s, the juices and the fresh fruit platter. While you’re enjoying your food, you can watch all the surfers and take in the beautiful view of the bay!
Dinner – $$$
The best bar in Sri Lanka and in the top 50 of the best bars in Asia – there is a reason for it! It might be hard to get a table here in high season, but it’s definitely worth the wait. The food is simply amazing. We recommend sharing the podi plates with your friends, the pork belly and the chicken masala are to die for! But to be honest, everything on the menu is delicious so you really can’t make a wrong decision here.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner – $
Gavi and his family are fantastic hosts, they will always welcome you with a big smile! Every night they have a big rice and curry buffet. Not in the mood for rice and curry? They have lots of other local dishes, such as fried rice, kottu and seafood. Get a lassi or a Lion beer with and you’re set for a great dinner!
They just opened a second restaurant called Pumpkin Café almost next to the hostel and it’s yummy in my tummy!
Lunch – $ (very very cheap)
Lunch like the locals: it will be busy but definitely a not-to-miss experience! You can choose from the rice and curry buffet and it is one of the better places to get local food for a cheap price. It is often very spicy, but a bit of spice doesn’t hurt you, right?
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner – $$$
Hiriketiya has so many spots with amazing views, but this view is one of a kind! And even better, they have delicious coffee and great food – you can’t go wrong at Mond. Even if you’re not hungry, it is also a great place to just sit with a watermelon juice and enjoy the view.
Beers, Ciders & Soft Drinks – $
Order a beer, apple or ginger cider at the reception or with our social host and watch the sunset in the garden or drink while playing games at the common area. We also have soft drinks for you if you’re not into alcohol!
Don’t worry, you don’t have to pay directly, you can pay with check-out. Cheers!
Cocktails & Beers – $$$
Besides the amazing food, Smoke & Bitters is very famous for its cocktails. A lot of effort and love goes into the makings of these cocktails and yep, you can understand why they were voted the best bar in Sri Lanka! Go during sunset to sip away your cocktails while enjoying the beautiful sunset at Dickwella Beach, it won’t get any better than this. Our favorites are the Banarama & the Peniceylon cocktail.
Cocktails, Beers & Shots – $$
Dots is the place-to-go in Hiriketiya for a night out: be it for a game of pool or a party. In the high season (december – may), they host open mic nights on Tuesdays and they have live bands and dj’s playing on Saturdays. Fun times are guaranteed at Dots!
Cocktails, beers, coffee & lunch – $
The number one beach club for us for sure Belika Beach Club. It’s a 15 minute walk from Hiriketiya Beach but it’s a great spot! If you buy a drink, you can swim in the swimming pool for free! How nice!
Cocktails, beers & Pizza – $$$
The prime spot on Hiriketiya Beach is this new beach club La Playa. A very good spot for checking the waves with some drinks. Are the waves good? Down your drink and get in!
3 minute walk from the hostel
Tired of surfing and the many people on Hiriketiya beach? Dickwella is amazing for relaxing, playing beachvolleybal and swimming. By the way: sunsets are amazing over here!
6 minute walk from the hostel
The #1 surfing beach in this area! Avoid the crowd and go early in the morning or during lunch time. Have fun!
20 minute drive by scooter/tuktuk
The most beautiful beach on the south coast is for sure this beach! You can get here by bus, scooter or tuk tuk. It’s a 20 minute drive, but 100% worth it!
5 minute drive by scooter/tuktuk
Wanna spot turtles in Sri? This is the spot! Get your the gear at the restaurant Mahi Mahi in Dickwella and get in. For sure you will see them! Fill in Google Maps: ‘Mahi Mahi Dickwella’ and you will find the spot.
Also a very easy and relaxed walk over Dickwella Beach to this beach. Enter the resort at the end and after you’re at the turtle beach
30 minute drive by scooter/tuktuk
Have you been to Sigiriya? Not yet? No need to go! We have our own rock near Dickwella with a temple inside. Check this out! Don’t forget to bring some long sleeves for your t-shirt and trousers with you.
8 minute drive by scooter/tuktuk
Do you wanna see the biggest sitting Buddha in Asia and climb on his shoulders? You can do that at this temple on only a 8 minute drive from the hostel!
5 minute drive by scooter/tuktuk
An island attached to the main land. How special! If you go there, don’t forget to go the little harbour next door.
Extra: it’s a nice walk there and on the way you can make a stop at Belika Beach Club for a drink and a swim in their pool!
5 minute drive by scooter/tuktuk or walk
You will find the biggest local market on the south coast of Sri in Dickwella! It’s near the bus station and it’s best to go in the morning. It’s an easy walk to the market on Dickwella Beach.
Extra: let us know if you want a guided tour with food tasting. We have a guy who loves to take you there!
Name: Tonic Day Spa | Phone: +94 74 232 20 45
Our favorite spa in Hiriketiya, if not the whole country! It’s very good! Enjoy a massage you’re used to at home but for 1/5 of the prices you’re used to!
They offer facials, full body massages, body wraps and even have an Ayurvedic doctor during the high season! Also, they have AC rooms, so guaranteed no sweat!
Name: Massage Shed | Phone: +94 71 537 7766
Do you like to experience a local and very good massage? If so, the Massage Shed is your place to go to! You can easily take the shortcut next to Pumpkin Café for a short 5 minute walk to the Shed. Enjoy!
Name: Lucky | Phone:+94 77 34 959 57
This guy is amazing and gives you the best lesson you can imagine! Text him on WA or give him a phone call for a surfing lesson.
Name: Lackmall (Lucky nr. 2) | Phone:+94 76 583 87 53
This guy is amazing and gives you the best lesson you can imagine! Text him on WA or give him a phone call for a surfing lesson.
Name: Saroj | Phone: +94 71 209 97 55
Do you wanna rent a scooter or bicycle and explore the surroundings? Meet our good friend Saroj. Text him on WA or give him a phone call!
Name: D&D Laundry service | Phone: +94 77 377 9081
A while ago we decided not to offer laundry services anymore, because of the many fuck-ups from the laundry services. However, there are some services they can do the laundry. Here is one of them!
Name: Kanchana | Phone: +94 76 081 08 51
Do you wanna go to the airport or to any other destination in Sri and don’t wanna travel with the bus or tuk? Would you like to check and compare prices with other taxi’s? Try this guy!
Name: Ananda | Phone: +94 77 326 87 98
Do you wanna go to the airport or to any other destination in Sri and don’t wanna travel with the bus or tuk? We work together with a taxi driver. His name is Ananda. Text him on WA or give him a phone call!
The above is all on your own risk. We like to give suggestions to make sure you have a great time in Hiri! We don’t take any responsibility, we just like to support the local businesses around.