Visitor Guide

Visitor Guide to Malu Banna Hotel & Watersports 

“Bentota’s Ultimate Adventure Spot”

This is a great family-run hotel and watersports centre located on the Bentota River, offering a mix of luxury accommodation, thrilling water activities, and fine seafood dining. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a scenic getaway, Malu Banna delivers it all in an unforgettable experience.

Hotel & Accommodation
Six luxury en-suite rooms with private balconies overlooking the Bentota River. The upper floor rooms have 55 inch smart TV’s and a decent size refrigerator.

  • All rooms have luxury four-poster beds with mosquito nets, in addition to AC and roof fans for added comfort.
  • Malu Banna Hotel is very eco-conscious with solar-powered hot water and electricity in accordance with sustainable practices.
  • The penthouse-level rooms offer panoramic views of the Bentota river, Peninsula, beach and the ocean.

Perfect for: Couples, families, and travellers seeking a peaceful riverside retreat.

Watersports & Adventure Activities
Malu Banna is a top-rated watersports provider, offering safe and exciting activities for all skill levels:

  • Jet Skiing – Speed across the Bentota River with high-performance jet skis.
  • Water Skiing – Perfect for beginners and pros, with expert instructors.
  • Windsurfing – Ride the waves in one of Sri Lanka’s best windsurfing spots.
  • Banana Boat & Tube Rides – Fun group activities for thrill-seekers.
  • Scuba Diving & Snorkelling – Explore Sri Lanka’s vibrant marine life.
  • Mangrove Safari – A scenic boat tour through Bentota’s lush mangrove forests.

Ideal for: Adventure lovers, families, and groups looking for excitement.

Seafood Restaurant & Dining
Fresh seafood specialties, including locally caught fish and Sri Lankan delicacies. Malu Banna even offers “catch and eat” fishing trips.

  • Riverside dining with stunning views of the Bentota River.
  • Authentic Sri Lankan flavours blended with international cuisine.

Perfect for: Foodies and travellers looking for a unique dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
Situated across the river from Bentota Beach, offering easy access to by free river ferry.

  • Easy walking distance to Aluthgama town centre, making it convenient for shopping trips.
  • Ideal spot for sunset views over the Indian Ocean.

Best for: Travelers wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation in a prime location.

Reviews & Ratings
Malu Banna is highly rated on TripAdvisor and Google, with a 4.5/5 rating based on real reviews. Guests praise its friendly service, exciting watersports, and scenic location.

Best Activities to Try at Malu Banna Watersports, Bentota
Malu Banna is one of Bentota’s premier watersports destinations, offering thrilling adventures on the Bentota River and the Ocean.

Here are the top activities to experience:

Jet Skiing
Speed across the Bentota River on high-performance Yamaha Jet Skis.

Perfect for beginners and experts, with safety briefings provided.

Enjoy guided jet-ski tours for an adrenaline-fueled ride.
Best for: Thrill-seekers looking for high-speed fun.

Water Skiing & Wakeboarding
Expert instruction available for first-timers.

Advanced riders can try slalom skiing or wakeboarding tricks.

Ride through Bentota’s calm waters for the ultimate experience.

Best for: Adventure lovers seeking skill-based challenges.

Windsurfing
Bentota offers steady ocean winds, making it ideal for windsurfing.

Malu Banna provides professional equipment and coaching.

Feel the rush as you glide across the ocean.

Best for: Watersport enthusiasts wanting a mix of skill and fun.

Kayaking & Canoeing
Explore the mangrove forests and Bentota Lagoon in a kayak.

  • Peaceful waters, ideal for nature lovers and relaxation.
  • Spot exotic birds and wildlife during your paddle.

Best for: Travelers looking for a scenic and tranquil experience.

Boat Tours & Mangrove Safaris
Take a guided boat tour through Bentota’s lush mangrove forests.

  • Visit Cinnamon Island, where you can see traditional spice plantations.
  • Explore floating temples and historic sites along the river.

Best for: Families and nature lovers wanting a cultural adventure.

Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
Discover Sri Lanka’s vibrant coral reefs in Bentota’s diving sites.

  • Pigeon Island National Park is a short trip away for deeper dives.
  • See tropical fish, sea turtles, and underwater landscapes.

Best for: Ocean explorers and those new to diving.

Fun Rides: Banana Boat & Tube Rides
Hold tight on banana boat rides, perfect for groups and families.

  • Tube rides for a wild adventure as you bounce along the water.
  • Guaranteed laughs and excitement for all ages.

Best for: Families and groups looking for fun.

Deep-Sea Fishing Excursions
Head out into the deep waters for big-game fishing.

  • Catch tuna, barracuda, and mackerel with professional guides.
  • A relaxing yet thrilling activity for fishing lovers.

Best for: Travelers looking for a unique outdoor experience.


Malu Banna offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit spot in Bentota. Whether you want high-speed thrills, tranquil nature tours, or underwater exploration, Malu Banna has something for everyone.


Malu Banna Hotel & Watersports in Bentota is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. The hotel has received excellent reviews from guests who appreciate its luxury accommodations, thrilling watersports, and scenic riverside location

Guest reviews 2024-2025 season

We welcome feedback from our guests and are delighted with the following reviews from 2024/2025 season

  • Beautiful and very clean room, very nice people and delicious food, an absolute must to stop from the airport to the south. Incredible hotel with wonderful attentive staff
  • Take advantage of the free boat ride across the river to the ocean beach
  • Beautiful bed, fantastic modern bathroom, even a fridge with cold drinks
  • The staff were friendly and professional and helped with organising the river safari with them, which by the way I would highly recommend
  • The location overlooking the river was beautiful
  • The room was exceptionally large and clean
  • Easy to walk to Bentota and into the town if Aluthgama
  • Breakfast was delicious and plenty of it
  • Very friendly and dedicated staff, excellent food
  • Great location on the river, beach also very close
  • It was easy to get too and we could walk out for restaurants and tuk tuks
  • Lovely view over the water and could watch the sun go down
  • Our room was lovely but aircon not working so we were moved immediately & we also had a fridge in our upgraded rooms
  • Location was great, staff extremely friendly & super helpful
  • Boat taxi to the beach was a highlight as was the river safari – a MUST DO
  • Spacious and clean room
  • Tasty food (they can make you anything you wish) Any kind of Water sports activities available
  • Great location , close to the beach and city centre
  • Very good location, excellent food ( they can make you anything you want ) , any kind of water sports activities are available any time , respectful, educated and friendly staff always ready to help you

Reviews may be verified on our Booking. com page

Mangrove Safari Bentota

A mangrove safari with Malu Banna in Bentota offers a unique and enriching experience with several advantages:

  • Ecological Exploration: You get to explore the fascinating and vital mangrove ecosystem. Mangroves are crucial coastal habitats that support a rich biodiversity and act as nurseries for many marine species.
  • Wildlife Encounters: The safari provides excellent opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Scenic Beauty: The tranquil waterways winding through the lush mangrove forests offer stunning natural landscapes and a peaceful escape.
  • Educational Value: Experienced guides often provide insightful information about the mangrove ecosystem, the flora and fauna it supports, and its importance for the environment.
  • Photographic Opportunities: The unique scenery and wildlife provide fantastic opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
  • Relaxing Experience: Gliding through the calm waters in a boat offers a relaxing and serene experience, away from crowded beaches.
  • Support for Local Economy: Engaging in tours with local operators like Malu Banna directly contributes to the local economy and supports conservation efforts.
  • Accessibility: Bentota is a well-known tourist area with easy access to the Bentota River and the Malu Banna Water Sports & Activities Centre.
  • Variety of Options: Malu Banna often offers different durations and types of mangrove safaris, allowing you to choose an experience that suits your time and interests. Some may include activities like fish spas.
  • Inclusivity: Malu Banna is noted for its commitment to inclusivity, striving to provide enjoyable experiences for guests with mixed abilities during the river safari.

What Wildlife is there?

While the exact sightings can vary depending on the time of day, season, and the specific area explored, you can typically expect to see the following wildlife during a mangrove safari with Malu Banna in Bentota.

  • Reptiles:

    • Crocodiles: Mugger crocodiles are a common sight in the Bentota River.
    • Water Monitors: These large lizards are often seen basking on the riverbanks or swimming in the water.
    • Snakes: Various species of snakes may be spotted in the trees or near the water.

 

  • Mammals:

    • Monkeys: Troops of toque macaques and possibly other monkey species are often seen in the trees along the riverbanks.
    • Water Shrews: These small mammals may be seen near the water’s edge.
  • Birds: The mangrove ecosystem is a haven for a wide variety of birdlife, including:

    • Herons: Different types of herons, such as grey herons and purple herons, are frequently observed.
    • Egrets: Little egrets and great egrets are common.
    • Kingfishers: Several species of colorful kingfishers can be spotted darting along the river.
    • Cormorants: These water birds are often seen drying their wings.
    • Storks: Various types of storks may be present.
    • Birds of Prey: Keep an eye out for eagles and other raptors.
    • Numerous other wetland bird species.

  • Fish: While not always easily visible from the surface, the waters teem with various fish species that are part of the mangrove ecosystem.

  • Crabs and Other Crustaceans: You might spot different types of crabs and other crustaceans living in the mud and among the mangrove roots.

Important Considerations:

  • The best times for wildlife viewing are usually early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.
  • Be respectful of the wildlife and their habitat. Maintain a safe distance and avoid making loud noises.
  • Wearing appropriate clothing (lightweight, breathable) and bringing essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent is recommended.

A mangrove safari with Malu Banna in Bentota offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, observe diverse wildlife, and appreciate the ecological importance of these unique coastal ecosystems.

Youtuber visit with family and review of hotel room, restaurant and boat rides.

 

Relax at Malu Banna Watersports Hotel

Malu Banna Watersports Hotel, standouts  from other hotels as it is a “boating and fishing” option, being a boutique hotel that offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure.

Malu Banna Watersports Hotel boasts six well-appointed rooms, each designed with modern amenities and stunning views of the river.

The hotel’s intimate size ensures personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect base for your surfing holiday.

The Malu Banna Hotel is located on the Bentota River, 100m from the famous Bentota Bridges. This location is also handy for shopping on the high street, with good bus and train connections, being midway between Colombo and Galle – both about an hour away.

One of the coolest features of Malu Banna is its complimentary boat taxi service, which takes guests directly across the river to Bentota Beach. This convenient and scenic mode of transportation adds an extra touch of class to your stay.

In addition to comfortable accommodations, Malu Banna offers a range of watersport activities, they cater for both motor watersports such as jet skiing and also more relaxed watersports such as wind surfing, kayaking, snorkelling, and stand up paddleboarding.

After a day of surfing, you can unwind with a leisurely boat ride along the river to explore the nearby mangroves and wildlife. Malu Banna BBQ & Cocktail sessions are a great way to end a perfect day in Sri Lanka.

Eco

Our eco and sustainability program aims to balance ecological, economic and social goals, such as reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy and ensuring equitable resource access.

 

 

Inovation of Dubai at Malu Banna Sri Lanka November 2024


Inovation Dubai – Malu Banna Sri Lanka




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Snacks

There are a number of quick snacks available from the kitchen as well as the set meals.

My favourite is the cheese and tomato sandwich with French fries.


 

MICE Malu Banna Bentota Sri Lanka

MICE, which stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, is more than just an acronym—it’s a vibrant tapestry of business, culture, and adventure. And guess what? Malu Banna in Bentota, Sri Lanka is the ultimate canvas for this dynamic blend!

Meetings: Picture this—a sun-kissed boardroom overlooking the Indian Ocean, where ideas flow as freely as the waves. Sri Lanka’s modern infrastructure and top-notch facilities make it an ideal hub for corporate gatherings. Whether you’re strategizing, collaborating, or brainstorming, the island’s lush greenery and warm hospitality set the stage for productive meetings.

Incentives: Ready for a dose of inspiration? Sri Lanka offers incentives that go beyond the ordinary. Imagine rewarding your team with a sunrise safari in Yala National Park, where leopards roam free and elephants greet you with their majestic presence. Or perhaps a cultural immersion in ancient temples and spice gardens? The possibilities are as boundless as the ocean breeze. All followed by exciting watersports and fabulous food at Malu Banna in Bentota, Sri Lanka.

Conferences: Sri Lanka isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. From state-of-the-art convention centers to boutique venues nestled amidst tea plantations, this island caters to every conference need. Attendees can explore historic sites during breaks, savour exotic cuisine, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. It’s where business meets wonder.

Exhibitions: Sri Lanka’s vibrant soul comes alive in its exhibitions. Imagine strolling through a bazaar of handwoven textiles, intricate jewellery, and aromatic spices. The colours, the craftsmanship—it’s a sensory feast! Whether you’re showcasing products or ideas, Sri Lanka’s fairs and expos add a touch of magic to your journey. Malu Banna in Bentota, Sri Lanka is your centre for exploring the wonderful island. Add tropical delights to your exhibitions.

Why Sri Lanka?:

  • Stunning Natural Beauty: Emerald tea plantations, misty hills, and golden beaches—the backdrop for your MICE events is pure poetry.
  • Rich Cultural Heritage: Ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and traditional dance performances—Sri Lanka weaves history into every moment.
  • Modern Infrastructure: High-speed internet, world-class hotels, and cutting-edge venues ensure seamless events.
  • Warm Hospitality: Sri Lankans greet you with genuine smiles and open hearts. It’s like doing business with friends.

Malu Banna in Bentota, Sri Lanka offers an all year location. In either season, we operate 7/365  – 12 months a year!

So, whether you’re planning a conference by the sea, an incentive trip to the heart of the jungle, or an exhibition that celebrates creativity, Sri Lanka awaits.

Feel the rhythm of the island, embrace the flavours, and let MICE Malu Banna in Bentota, Sri Lanka be your passport to extraordinary memories!

 

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