Preparing for your arrival

Getting Here:

The countdown to adventure is on! By now, you may have already organized your flight to Sri Lanka. If not, here's a quick guide:

The closest international airport to Weligama is Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). The airport is located around a 2-hour drive away from Weligama.

Arrival Process

For those who opted for our shuttle service, a driver with a NOMA COLLECTIVE sign will be waiting at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport to whisk you away to Outpost, your home for the next few weeks. 

If you are unable to take the shuttle, don't worry. You are able to arrange a taxi or Uber to Weligama which will cost between US $50-70 and takes just over 2 hours.

If you've opted to make your own way, please head to the reception area and check in as you would a normal hotel visit.

Orientation

Now, once you've arrived and checked in, this is where the fun really begins. Our welcome/kick-off ceremony will provide you with all the necessary information about your stay and give you the chance to meet your unique Noma community. 

 .

Before You Go 

Visa:

You must apply for an ETA visa to enter Sri Lanka, this can be obtained through the Sri Lankan government's e-visa website.

At the time of writing it costs around $35 USD to apply. We recommend applying before you travel as it saves you from having to do it when you arrive at the airport.

Weather:

Weligama has a hot and tropical climate. There is a very constant temperature of 70°- 85°F (21°-30°C) year-round. You can expect warm sunny days with occasional bouts of rain. 

Some helpful Sinhalese phrases:

Ayubowan (Aayu-bo-wan) - Hello 

Karunakarala (Karu-nah-kara-la) - Please

Mata Therinneh Nah (Mata Therenne Nah) - I don’t understand

Bohoma Sthuthi (Bo-hoh-mah Iss-thoo-thee) - Thank you very much 

Packing List:

Poncho / Raincoat

Lightweight t-shirts 

Long-sleeve shirts for sun protection or hiking

Shorts and skirts

Long pants

Light jacket / Sweater

Swimwear

Sunglasses and Hat

Comfortable walking shoes / Hiking boots

Hiking gear / Gym clothes

Sandals/flip-flops

A dry bag for water excursions (not a necessity, but useful) 

Day backpack

Eye mask

Earplugs 

Toiletries

Sunscreen 

Bug repellent

International credit/debit card 

Cash - LKR is accepted everywhere

Water bottle (it’s not recommended to drink tap water in Sri Lanka)

Laptop 

Chargers

Portable Charger

Headphones

Headphones

Kindle or Books

Medication / Supplements

Ethernet adaptor if you require an ethernet cable

Communication

Important - all guest communication is on Slack. 

Please click on the below image to join our Noma Slack channel
Slack App is available on Web, Android and iOS. Please join Noma Collective on Slack clicking on the Slack logo above.

When you join Noma Collective, please DM @teamnoma letting them know the Edition & month you are attending. We will add you to the correct channels:

News And Events - For anything related to on-site events and activity sign-ups. @teamnoma uses this channel to let you know about the onsite event programme and daily announcements.

Onsite Chat - Think of this as your community conversation space, where you can share memes, have casual chats, see what people are up to and more!

#alumni - Once your trip is over you’ll get a VIP backstage pass to the entire Noma Collective Community. You’ll have access to exclusive perks, recommendations, advice, and alumni-only Editions.

You can also DM anyone by selecting their name in the bottom left which will enable you to discuss anything in private. 

Add a profile picture, pronouns and a short bio of current/previous job roles and any personal information of interest that you’d like to share in the ‘what I do’ section. This will help your fellow community members get to know you better!

If you have any questions for us, or any issues with anything on-site, please DM @TeamNoma. Also, if you’d like to flag anything in a general chat for our attention, simply add @TeamNoma to your post and we’ll pick it up.

We will monitor Slack between 8 am and 8 pm daily (apart from the Community Manager's day off) if there’s anything urgent outside of those hours then please contact the front desk.

Location

The Neighborhood - Weligama

Unwind in paradise at Weligama, Sri Lanka. This charming beach town, aptly named "sandy village," is a haven for digital nomads. 

Whether you're a seasoned surfer catching epic waves or a beginner, Weligama is perfect for all skill levels. Beyond the beach, the vibrant yet chilled atmosphere is perfect for yoga, meditation, or simply reconnecting with yourself and fellow travelers. For a touch of wildlife magic, keep an eye out for sperm whales and playful spinner dolphins offshore. 

Weligama is a coastal paradise so kick back, unwind and soak up the amazing views.

Outpost - Our Noma Home

You'll stay at the beautiful Outpost nestled 30 meters from the turquoise waters of Weligama Bay. Outpost offers oceanfront rooms with luxury bedding and modern furnishings, ensuite bathrooms, and a private balcony to watch the sunset from. Start your day with a surf or swim at Weligama Bay, or relax poolside on your lunch break and fuel your work day with a nutritious meal from our cafe. It's a fully curated digital nomad experience with everything you need to work and play in this coastal paradise!

Laundry Service: 

Housekeeping: 

Amenities: You're free to enjoy the shared co-working space, cafe, swimming pool and rooftop yoga space. 

Food & Beverage 

There is an onsite cafe, lounge, rooftop restaurant and social club.

When Going Offsite 

We're thrilled to provide you with a tailored Google Map showcasing our handpicked local hot spots. This map will be your ultimate guide for discovering hidden gems, must-see attractions, and our personal favorites. Get ready for effortless access to insider recommendations that will elevate your Sri Lankan adventure! 🗺️🌟

Check out some of the Team Noma favorite restaurants, bars and cafe's in the local area:

Rise

Chef Akila Kitchen

Shady Lane Mirissa

Moochies

Dulnetha Homestay & Restaurant

Cruising Smoothly 

Mom’s Spices

Surfing Wombats

Hangten Rooftop Restaurant 

Tiki Cliff Top Restaurant and Bar 

Work 

Your Digital Nomad Guide 

As digital nomads ourselves, we know how important it is to our community to change their working environments. This is why you will have access to a shared co-working space. The space is complete with standing desks and 300Mbps shared bandwidth.

Every room is equipped with high-speed WiFi, international plug points, and a spacious desk so you always have the option of a private office. 

On the rare occasion of a site-wide dropout, there is a backup generator to prevent interruptions to your workflow. If lighting were to strike even the backup power generator, there is a back up to the back-up. 

Community

Our community, events and code of conduct

Events Schedule

Stay tuned for your personalized Google Calendar detailing all our exciting events during the two-week trip, ensuring you won't miss any activities you wish to join.

We announce the weekly events schedule on Slack every Sunday afternoon which includes at least one event a day, offering something for everyone.

Wellbeing: Yoga, meditation, running/walks.

Adventure: Weekly adventures exploring everything this vibrant city has to offer. 

Community: We host various events to bring everyone together like our family dinners or potlucks. 

Professional Growth: Noma community members have the chance to host workshops that focus on their professional background or a personal interest/skill. We usually have one a week. We usually have one a week. If this is something you're interested in - please reach out to plan this into our schedule!

Code of Conduct 

We are a diverse and inclusive community, committed to supporting one another in our shared journey. Please extend your support to those organizing events and don't hesitate to ask questions; there are no such things as 'stupid questions' or 'boring events.'

At Noma, the safety and comfort of every member are paramount. We have solo travelers and staggered arrivals, so let's make every newcomer feel genuinely welcome and supported in their experience.

Understanding and Consideration:

Noma attracts individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and ideologies. It's essential to be mindful of this diversity. Avoid making comments or jokes related to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, divisive political figures, or national stereotypes. Let's practice empathy and understanding at all times.

Respectful Communication:

In our community, respectful communication is paramount. We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior such as sexual references, innuendos and passes that could make others uncomfortable. Let's foster an atmosphere of professionalism and mutual respect, ensuring everyone feels secure and valued.

Ensuring Safety:

1. Consent Matters: Never touch someone without their clear and enthusiastic consent.

2. Respect Personal Space: Everyone deserves their privacy and personal space; please respect their boundaries.

3. Reporting Concerns: If you witness any unsavory, criminal, or unwelcome behavior, please report it to a member of the resort staff immediately. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation and are unsure how to handle it, Team Noma is always available to assist.

Contributing to Local Communities: 

At Noma, we aim to support and uplift the communities we visit. By engaging with and contributing to locally owned businesses and services, we can make a positive impact on the places we explore. We encourage everyone to be conscious of the local economy and environment, promoting sustainability and ethical practices while embracing the rich culture and traditions of our destinations.

Maintaining Confidentiality:

We value discretion and will handle issues with utmost sensitivity unless you specify otherwise. Reach out to us in person or DM on Slack if you have concerns or need assistance.

Accountability and Support:

If you wish to report something related to your Community Manager or escalate any issues, please feel free to email the Head of Community Operations at [email protected] or DM her on Slack. Your safety and comfort are our top priority.

Thank you for making Noma a safe, respectful, and supportive community for everyone.

Leaving Process

Leaving Ceremony 

Join our final night celebrations before you head home! We will have a space to share how it was to spend a month in this bustling modern oasis.

Transfers to the Airport 

Shuttles to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport will be organized, if you prefer to make your own way, we can arrange a taxi. 

Finally, sit back, relax and start counting down the days until you arrive in Weligama, Sri Lanka! We can't wait to see you and show you around one of our favorite places - it's going to be an incredible adventure. Safe travels!