After spending three months in Ahangama, I got to experience the place to its fullest. There is literally something to do for everyone. Be aware though: most people either get stuck here or keep coming back for more because they love it so much. And I think I might be one of them. I went there without any expectations and found a home away from home. So here is my insight on Ahangama. No itinerary, just some of my favorite places. I will keep a few of them low key to avoid overcrowding the places and keep them what they are: little hidden gems you will only find if you immerse yourself fully in the whole experience.

Best time to surf in Ahangama

November till April is the best time to surf on this part of the coast. There are relatively consistent swells and offshore wind most of the time. Sadly the line up is getting more and more crowded with every year but there are still a lot of great spots to surf. The water temperature is just amazing and you most likely will see a turtle pop up next to you during your surf. Supposedly it’s also the dry season, when I was there it was raining quite a lot though. But it keeps being warm the whole time and you don’t even need a sweater at night. The vibe is definitely shorts and barefoot the whole time of the day.

Known Surf Spots in Ahangama

There are lots of different surf spots for all levels. Out of respect for the local surfers and those who kindly shared their secret spots with me, I will only mention the most known ones in this list.

• Kabalana Beach – perfect for beginners, soft white water, beach break, perfect for learning or renting a foamie, lots of surf schools around, cool fresh coconuts available

  
  

• Marshmellow – intermediate surfers, both left and right peaks, mellow waves perfect for a smooth long ride, reef break, one of the most known spots, surfboard rental right next to the beach, cool fresh coconuts available

  
  

• Gasstation – intermediate surfers, both left and right peaks, reef break, shallow reef, usually less crowded than Marshmellow, no coconuts

  
  

• The Rock – left wave for advanced surfers, reef break, A-frame, access from Kabalana Beach, cool fresh coconuts available

My favorite things to do in Ahangama (besides surfing)

• Surf Skating at Kokua Surf House - A laid back surf skate place where you can take classes, rent a board, or take your own to join the surf skate nights. Especially if you get frustrated with surfing because you feel like you are not advancing (like me haha), it’s the perfect place to go because you see immediate progress. Surf skating makes you a better surfer as well. If you prefer skating or surf skating on an empty road in the inland of Ahangama, I have another hidden gem for you that you will only get by sending me a message.
  
  

• Yoga classes - Even if you are not into surfing, you could easily fill your days with yoga, ice baths, cacao ceremonies, and sound healing. One of my personal favorite spots to do yoga is Senses. There is nothing around, only rice fields, and you can fully disconnect while being there.
  
  

• Skate night & Party at La Mana - Every Sunday and Thursday you can watch skaters in the bowl or dance along to the DJ on the dance floor next to it.
  
  

• Open Mic at Surfing Wombats on Tuesdays (Midigama) - Okay, this might not be in Ahangama directly, but it’s totally worth going if you are in the area. Every Tuesday the hostel turns into a place full of people, pizza, and talented musicians jamming together. The vibe is amazing and the food is great.
  
  

• Directly in Ahangama you can find live music almost every day in different restaurants and bars - Crust, Tahini & Friends, Pickled Pelican, Hotel de Uncles
  
  

• Workout with Nick at Loka Lanka - Off the grid workout classes outdoors in the jungle with an infinity pool and a juice bar. Nick is one of a kind, he will kick your butt and won’t let you give up. I never ever felt so motivated during a workout than with him.
  
  

• Discover the inland by scooter - no specific road, no specific direction, just hop on a scooter and explore the backroads. One of my favorite things to do to discover new places and get to know locals away from the touristic crowds.
  
  
  

Where to eat

Okay, first things first – dessert

• Kafi – every cake you order there is delicious, I really had to hold myself back to not go there every day. The coffee is great as well. The carrot cake and the Brookie are my personal favorites. The prices are more European, but I couldn’t leave it off this list.
  
  

• Rolling Pin – a local bakery that has everything you need and more. Cheap & tasty. The nut cake and the banana bread are my usual go to’s.
  
  

Local Food

• Rice & Curry buffets - Cafe Veda, Manori’s Kitchen – both local, big portions, and relatively cheap
  
  

• Kottu: Odara – fast, huge portion of Kottu, even if you take the small portion (trust me, you don’t need more than the small portion)
  
  

• Hungry Puppet – cheap local food, probably the cheapest avocado toast you will find on the entire island
  
  

• À la carte – huge variety, big portions, amazing value for money. My personal favorite was the Hawaiian salad and the grilled fish, but honestly, everything is delicious
  
  

• For my favorite Roti Sandwich eveeer send me a private message, believe me, it’s the best you’ll ever have
  
  

Honestly, there is so much more to Ahangama, and you simply have to go there yourself to experience it all.