Should I tip in cafes around Pigeon Island or is service included (first trip)?
3 Answers from travellers
For Pigeon Island, keep it simple. Ask your guesthouse or the station/bus desk that morning — not a random chat. Write any tuk fare before you sit, leave daylight for the last hop, and don't invent an 'official' price because someone at the kerb named one. If weather turns, sit with tea and move the outdoor bit. Ordinary bags are fine.
We did the Pigeon Island stretch this trip without a private driver. One main plan, one backup, small notes, PickMe where it actually pings. First tout number was a joke; once we wrote a fare it got boring in a good way. If you only have one day, pick the main thing and skip the extra viewpoint.
If you're tired, stay nearer the bus stand / town centre in Pigeon Island and skip chasing a perfect sunset. Pull cash in Colombo, Kandy, or Galle first — cards are a maybe. Locals will tell you if a ticket is counter-only.
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