I Hitchhiked in SRI LANKA, to Thoppigala Rock. 🇱🇰

It's easy to drive or be driven directly to a destination, but figuring your own way there with public transport and the help of friendly locals can make for a fun adventure.
That's what I did to get from Batticaloa to Thoppigala and back.
Thoppigala was an important LTTE stronghold that was taken over by the army towards Sri Lanka's civil conflict. At the rock there's a museum that has some useful information about this.
💗 Help the channel grow by liking, commenting and subscribing. If you want to be extra nice please share my video with your friends on social media.
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[@Dale_Philip]

Check out this vlog from Wonder Boy who interviewed Harald Baldr's tea house friend in Ella. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3-pqn2sntl5hpo

[@chamikaprabodhya6567]

Already watched. That is amazing

[@lahirurasanga5779]

Do u know what happend to harald.didnt see him 5days now

[@freeartisan4719]

I was wondering if Harald would go back and update...thanks for heads up on the link Dale...I thank Wonderboy for the update!!! 😉

[@ashnershatov8082]

Nice update from Wonder Boy. You might make the front page as well like Harald did - Speedy Scotsman swiftly travels around Sri Lanka! Thanks for sharing the link

[@nemie240]

Nice of you to support Wonder Boy channel Dale.

[@ddananjaya522]

Unbelievable courage. You are the most amazing traveller I have ever seen.

[@Dale_Philip]

Thank you 😄👍

[@MegaMalik90]

@@Dale_Philip exactly, you are a real traveler, adventurer. I hope You'll live long enough to keep doing this journey

[@goanbingo]

You are truly inspiring

[@Lol-qy1dy]

Yeah he should have got 1mn subscribers, people sit in room and do some copy reasctions are having 700k 1mn subscribers. But this man is so hardworking and shows us incredible experiences and has less subscribers, he definitely deserves a lot more subscribers.

[@didulaimesh8086]

Amazing! Single traverler 👣 😎

[@buffalo194]

Bro you are the only one so far who did a proper vlog about Toppigala. Not even many locals visit there. And extremely sorry for the poor reception you had there at Toppigala entrance. They weren't expecting foreigners, that's why nobody was there who could speak English. I think you are the first foreign tourist to come there. Most of the tourists visit hill country and down south but never visit war memorials. I think you just initiated a new trend. Thanks a lot for visiting Sri Lanka and for the awesome vlogs !

[@CN-vv6wm]

They weren't expecting a foreigner with a decent amount of world knowledge to be exploring their fake showcase of army bravery. They were afraid that foreigners like him who may have actually researched about the civil war prior to his visit may have a pro-Tamil sentiment. Hence, the army members were following him around and making sure that everything he said glorified the SL army. Pathetic.

[@langa77777]

@@CN-vv6wm settle down mate. you ruin a good video with your words

[@CN-vv6wm]

@@langa77777 I am entitled to my opinion as are you, thanks. Sorry if my comment ruined this video, your day or your life. lol

[@langa77777]

@@CN-vv6wm politics over fun. You dont have a life to ruin.... sad person.

[@Music64378]

@@CN-vv6wm don't talk about a situation you have no idea about

[@NerfGuy48]

32:20 That was the nicest thing i have seen Dale, thank you for helping keep our world clean🌍❤️

[@guitarsolos89]

That guy who gave you a ride had a really warm and kind soul! Bless him and his family.

[@chrismarc4879]

I didn't see him get a Tip For Being A Kind Soul tho,what's that all About?

[@ravinNepal1991]

very selfish dale

[@branavasorubysivabalaratna7819]

@@chrismarc4879 guys. It is not always about tipping and money. People love to just help. Love and a little smile give more happiness. So pls don't just judge.

[@CellularPengu]

​@@chrismarc4879if he wanted money he'd have asked

[@lattapatta6953]

They all are Army Soldiers including bike rider. He is going to Army Base. When he said to his friends about your journey they gave permission him to give you a ride. You went to a army canteen. They are our Heroes 😘 I'm going to continue this video 😄

[@Dale_Philip]

Brilliant. Sometimes I have to guess what's going on when they're speaking local languages. Are the army there speaking Sinhala or Tamil?

[@rasabilly]

Dale Philip sinhala....they were saying ur crazy to come all that way...

[@ruchiraweerakoon2799]

They were speaking in Sinhala

[@SaliyaUduwella]

They were speaking sinhala

[@user-mj5qd5qv7t]

@@Dale_Philip I believe the man who gave you the ride back to town was a cattle herder, a villager who spoke Tamil. The men whom you met along your walk up to the camp (the hotel workers) were also civilians. The rest of the crowd were military men. This is a great example of the friendliness of the Sri Lankans - civilians and military alike. They were all friendly, honest & helpful. I hope the whole world sees the beauty of this island - in it's people and its diverse landscape - though this series of videos of yours. Thank you!!

[@thilakj9353]

අපේ අයගේ ඉංග්‍රිසි දැනිම නැතිකම ලොකු අඩුවක් ..විශේෂයෙන් හමුදාවෙ පොලිසියෙ නිළධාරීන්ට ඉංග්‍රිසි දැනුම ලබාදිය යුතුයි..ඒක ඔවුන්ට පුද්ගලිකවත් රටටත් වටිනව..

[@mrjambayt]

ow ban

[@savindusanthusa99]

officers do have good English knowledge but soldiers not....

[@nilambarameghawarna6635]

@@savindusanthusa99 Really. Forces members are real bulls. It's so sad situation.

[@nilambarameghawarna6635]

@@savindusanthusa99 Haha 😄... It's happy. But you didn't understand what I said. Take some pilles before writing.

[@nilambarameghawarna6635]

Dear reader, Savindu Santhusa has erased his comment. So... You can't find it between my messages. Don't worry. Be wise.

[@anu_Iyer]

I love how he is so concerned to protect the nature and picks up trash while climbing the top. Not an usual thing anyone would do. Wish all were like you. Love all your vlogs ❤️you have not got strong legs they are strong rocks only made to travel and hike every country . 🤣😁 Bless you 🤗

[@damithsasunika9688]

ලැජ්ජ වෙන්න ඕනෙ බං අපේ එවුං.. මහ ලොකු අව්රුදු දෙදාස්ගානක මෙව්ව එක.. අපේ රට අපිම කනව. සුද්ද ගිහිං කුනු එකතුකරනව. කාලකන්නි බං අපි

[@senashapoland6688]

Meaning-we should on shame about us.why because we are saying we had more than 2500 years history.but we are destroying our country.the foreign man collecting garbage there.we are miserable nation

[@ThisismychannelHandle]

Thoppigala api yanvada bn. Ehe un thama yanva aththe

[@mithsarajay8617]

@@ThisismychannelHandle ඇයි එහේ උන් පිට රටකද?😒😂

[@sagararathnapala3438]

senasha poland you are wrong my dear we have very long long history.Its more than 125000 years but we people shame on us as we have been destroying our beautiful nation and country.

[@chathuramadusanka7309]

@Ashen Wicky මේ උබ අපේ ආමි එකේ කොල්ලෝ න්ගෙ ඉංග්‍රීසි හොයන්න කලින් ඔච්චරටම දියුණු යුරෝපයේ ඉංග්‍රීසි දැනුම ගැන දන්නවාද රුසියාව ,පංශය,ජර්මනිය , හංගේරියාව , චීනය වගේ රටවල කොච්චරක් උන් ඉන්නවාද යකෝ ඉංග්‍රීසි බැරි නිකම් අපේ ආමි එකේ කොල්ලොන්ට අපහාස කරන්න එපා උන් නිසයි අද උබට අපිට ජීවත් වෙලා ඉන්න පුළුවන් රටක් ඉතුරු වෙලා තියෙන්නේ. අනික උන්ට ඉංග්‍රීසි බැරිවෙන්න හේතුව අපේ රටේ අධයාපන කමය තමයි දැන් වගේ නෙමෙයිනේ යකො ඉස්සර කොළඹ ට විතරයි හැමදේම තිබ්බේ දැන් තමයි තාක්ෂණය හැම පැත්තකටම යන්නෙ ඉතින් ඉස්සරහට මිනිස්සූන්ට දැනුම එයි මීට වැඩිය හැබැයි කාටවත් කාගෙවත් ඉගෙනීමේ සම්බන්ධයෙන් විවෙචන කරන්න එපා මොකද උබට අපිට තියෙන background එක නෙමෙයි අනික්මිනිස්සූන්ට තියෙන්නේ එක තේරුම් ගනින්

[@ArunaWeerasingheblacklistlk]

I'm a Sri lankan but i never been there. Thank you for showing us what is it look like there. Guess you met a good guy motorcycle guy

[@cultureway8657]

Hai frd come in south india Coimbatore big mountain

[@branavasorubysivabalaratna7819]

32:27 ah..... what a beautiful human being you are with a heart of gold... no words dale.. stay blessed hun

[@Zero-sj8qh]

මේ සිහිවටන හැදුවෙ ගිය ආණ්ඩුව කාලෙ කොටි ජයග්‍රහනය සැමරීමට.මේ ආණ්ඩුව සියල්ල කැලේට ඇරල. Great work dale. Thank you for reminding us of graet sacrifices of our fallen heroes. All but fogoten.

[@francisshipton3764]

Concerned Asian thanks son for visiting Sri Lanka and showing my beautiful island on utube to the whole world.

[@mahimamapitigama3055]

I think he is a soldier! SL Forces! ❤️ Always kind hearted and helpful man ❤️

[@Dale_Philip]

Superb 👍

[@hobofromsoho]

He is probably Civil. Saying this because I've seen many civil guards wear that old navy track pants which the police often wear off duty.

[@Mango62uk]

Really glad that you've gone off the beaten track into Eastern Sri Lanka, whose beauty equals the rest of the Island. And especially appreciate your 'normal' chat and conversations with locals. And thanks for focussing on plastic garbage - this is a terrible problem due to people just chucking stuff away.

[@Dale_Philip]

It seems there's more plastic garbage on the East of the country compared to the other areas I've visited. But it's still a tiny fraction compared to what I witnessed in India.

[@Mango62uk]

Some good news :) We did a dolphin watching trip with some fishermen in Kalpitiya. During the trip, he threw an empty snack packet into the ocean and caught hell from all of us. It's just pure ignorance which can only be banished through education.

[@326Alan]

Seriously, you absolutely blow the other travel vloggers out of the water. Thank you so much - I've watched them all but yours are the best

[@sashikasadaruwan4451]

පව් බන් මේ සුදු අයියා....අර බයික් කාරයනම් පට්ට...මූට උදව් කරපු එකට...😍 dear elder brother you are brave and intelligent man...everyday our sri lankans help to travellers..😘 thank you so much come to our country...😍

[@salindanandasena5326]

The guy from the bike is saying you're a super guy when you told him you're going to walk the distance to thoppigala😂.

[@Dale_Philip]

😆😆😆😆👍👍👍👍

[@benzumaki2091]

salinda nandasena and he said you are handsome

[@nilambarameghawarna6635]

I've met this video accidentally. I'm so embarrassed being here nearly fifty years. But never been there Thoppigala.

[@Psilocybiant]

@@nilambarameghawarna6635 Hello and love from Australia. Cricket teams are both best in the world!!

[@nilambarameghawarna6635]

@@Psilocybiant 😉😉😉 Yes... Are you a cricketer? By the way why you took dope earlier. 😞😞😞

[@techpark7674]

Dale you are a brave man... We srilankans never go there alone man..hats off..

[@mrp5531]

Why wouldn't you go there alone?

[@Dale_Philip]

Why? It looks like a safe place. They even built a museum there.

[@danukaneranjan9758]

Dale Philip yes it is safe place. It looks like Sri Lanka army secure this area very well. But compair to other places in sri lanka there are lack of transport services. Also there are less population. So in any emergency (like medical emergency dehydration, faint ) there are only army personal to help for you. Because lot of people (specially children and elders) can't go that much distance by foot and climb mountain within few hours, like you!😂 Also when you come back, that bike man said there are wild elephants close to the road. Some times wild elephants are dangerous because some times they attacks to humans. (specially you trying to walk that road by foot and alone)

[@Phabtar]

It's just Sri Lankans are really not that adventurous and a lot I guess take into account the risks too much. I'm no exception. It's just a shame. In other countries even world war 1 monuments and places get regular visitors. This war is only 10 years ago. I'm not into celebrating war and victories my self. But considering how much Sri lankans are shouting about patriotism and 'Muh War heroes' and making too much drama about it, you'd expect places like this to be much more visited.

[@itmastersajith]

in Srilanka everywhere safe now bro... but elephants.....

[@violetajhelau]

Wow Sri Lanka people are so kind and helpful.

[@Banana.Republic]

4:30 Google, 😂 now expanding into the fashion world 😂 Good one Dale.. LoL 🤣🤣

[@suryaprakash5256]

😂

[@natediaz.246]

I laughed at that too 🤣🤣

[@ishan9605]

Google🤣😆

[@Projects-zy3jv]

At 6:34 he said " I found a friend on the way"

[@lancekitson4063]

You left the lights on dale! 🙈

[@Dale_Philip]

My subconscious knew that I'd have to go back in there.... 🙈😂

[@madaramunasinghe5124]

@@Dale_Philip is a superb person.

[@alicethecamel3191]

was gonna say the same thing but he ended up going back and the guy was there

[@manojhewapathirana7806]

This youtuber also big different with others because who showed wrong things people doing when travelling. Like throwing plastic to the environment. Also who did that right thing like collected them and take with him for the garbage. Furthermore, toktok driver made unfair price for the thoopigala rock. But dale Philip avoid it and made walking for destination.That kind of decision made more opportunities for people for see lot of information like see museums,environmental,and so many things Thanks for the filmed and dedication Appreciate 👍

[@Guitarjams44]

Such a great personality!!! And so down to earth!!! And so courageous!!! Such a fan of you Dale!!! Keep up ur great work and all the best !!! From Melbourne

[@marksteele6504]

Dale Your channel is barry man. I’m from Edinburgh and it’s proper sound seeing a fellow Scot doing the travel vlog thing. Keep up the good work gadge.

[@MuhammadIamhardBrucelee]

That hike up the Thoppigala Rock looks dangerous not because of the steepness of the hike but those dried grass bushes. That is prime cobra territory and also for the even more deadly and nastier Russell’s Viper both of which are in Sri Lanka. Got to be very cautious in the dried grass bush territory along with the rocks as well. That is like the ideal habitat for cobras and Russell’s vipers. Hiking it after dark could be even more risky as they are nocturnal hunters. Forget the wild elephants. They are least of your problems in that terrain LOL As for getting to places in SL that have spotty public transport, hiring a car for the day would be better than Tuk Tuks. You could drive up there and the driver will wait for you to finish the hike and come back. For 40 kms each way, it shouldn’t be over $25-30 for the whole trip.

[@Dale_Philip]

I asked one group of tuk-tuk in Batticaloa and they wanted 6,000. I knew it was too much because an AC car and driver is 5,000 for one day. That's when I asked the shop man for advice.

[@MuhammadIamhardBrucelee]

Dale Philip Your Hotel was probably your best source to get the car. Yeah Tuk Tuk doesn’t work for 40km day trips and they want foreigner price. 6000 LKR is like $32. You could easily get a car for that price round trip and the hotel reception people are usually very resourceful. In getting their trusted drivers.

[@riomouris4767]

I love how dale is so anti-litter, really respects the places he visits

[@dominics1636]

The fact that you use you platform to inform and show people (be it travelers or locals) about Sri Lanka is why I'm hooked on your channel, Dale. Always travel solo, bud.

[@carolewhitby8807]

Hi Dale I'm watching from the UK where the weather is terrible, its pissing with rain. So your vlog has arrived at the perfect time. I love your vlogging style. please upload more often ☺🙊

[@Dale_Philip]

Thanks Carole. I try to make them in a style that you feel you're there with me. ☺️👍

[@carolewhitby8807]

Thanks for replying its great to know you read your comments. loads don't reply so its refreshing to see. Take care and Stay safe on your travels ☺

[@lakmaliwilwala3803]

Carole Whitby l

[@chathuramadusanka7309]

@@carolewhitby8807 Hi carole have you been ever srilanka? 🇱🇰 🚣🏄🏊🦀🐒🐘🐘🐊🐬🐋🐳💐

[@binadybudhi5234]

@@Dale_Philip Great! As if we were doing the hike.

[@charmainemillington777]

You made it to the top of the rock!! Well done. You deserve a medal. Your perseverance and courage is admirable. You definitely took me to the top of that rock which I would never have done alone so thank you Dale. So interesting.

[@xbeastx.x]

This video almost turned into a “surviving in the wilderness alone at dark” type of a video😂I feel bad that I secretly wanted it turn out that way😂

[@nuwanranatunga4356]

When you go up the stairs, I remember what the war was like ten years ago. That memory is not as beautiful as your vlog. cheer.., you are a brave man. Appreciate it.

[@hom3r]

sometimes in life you dont even need to speak the same language to gain help from others.

[@lonsmith5198]

Beautiful example of improvising, communicating and patience trying to reach your destination D. Lovely, friendly people you encountered along the way. Will tune in to the conclusion another time. Thank you for sharing.

[@lets-find-out]

Hey Dale, I have missed this one before but just found and watched the whole thing. cheers to the fact you made it on your own at one of the remote areas in Sri Lanka, man the 360º view from up there pays it all, isnt it?

[@mariyamfaizi8715]

You do the kind of things that bring contentment and fulfillment in our lives.. talking to everyone who crosses your path, hike up a mountain and clean it as much as you possibly can. I was so emotional when you reached the top of the mountain and said you'll be satisfied when you look back at the journey after reaching home. Very few people do these things that bring true joy and satisfaction in life as these days people only look for instant gratification and not make any efforts to attain true joy, meet people and give them a chance to be of service to you and share a kind word. Kudos to you for your journeys!

[@lahirulk]

The first officers you saw are policemen, the terrorists involved in the recent attacks are linked to eastern province. That's why the interrogations. The second checkpoint was sri Lankan army.

[@simplebutawesome3447]

Don’t feed people the wrong information without being knowledgeable.

[@danusarulnesan3637]

@@simplebutawesome3447 It is the right information..

[@pixpigdon]

Dale you are amazing mate so fit, thank you once again for a very informative video. Loved the way you cleaned up it's a real shame people are so dirty. We try hard to keep Australia clean, but there's always someone who leaves a mess. The 2 gentlemen who gave you a lift were amazing. Looking forward to the next adventure you make me happy 👍

[@Dale_Philip]

Thanks for watching. It's the same in Scotland. 95% of people wouldn't dare litter the environment but that doesn't stop the other 5%.

[@sunwukong1754]

Looks like you’re having a whale of a time Dale! You, a Scot, hiked up Thoppigala while I, a Sri Lankan, hiked Ben Nevis last year from Fort William. Interesting parallels 😊

[@326Alan]

I really appreciate that you keep it family-friendly because it means I can share your material with anyone and everyone (I know it must take some effort to do the occasional bleeping but it is really appreciated)

[@amilasaman]

Wish I could show this video to all Sri Lankans. Indeed it is disgraceful what people do to our own environment. Once again grate video brother.

[@MakeAstand5]

The way the people treated you hitchhiked and food after was amazing. Their hearts are in the right place.They are Real men not like in the industrial modern world.! 👍

[@shivanvaya3696]

In all your videos your determination to show the best of each country is so commendable, and going through the obvious language barriers is simply inspiring.

[@MakiKinder]

Your persistence is amazing. There's no stopping you from reaching your goal. It's sheer determination that fuels those very strong legs.

[@autoguide5714]

Thoppi = Hat , Gala = Rock.. That mountain looks like a Hat.. that is why its called Thoppi+gala

[@Dale_Philip]

Great info. Thanks.

[@MuhammadIamhardBrucelee]

Somehow the Tamil name for the rock doesn’t translate to the same. From what Dale put up there, it translates along the line of a scalp than a hat.

[@srilankanflyer1527]

True

[@MuhammadIamhardBrucelee]

The word “Thoppi” means exactly the same “hat” in Tamil as in Sinhalese ( which I don’t know or can speak) but the Tamil name he put up refers to something different and has to do with the scalp or head than a hat.

[@karthick5640]

@Eric sorry mate they loaned from tamil

[@ChinthakaBalasooriya]

Bravo Dale. You are strong and courageous. Not many Sri Lankan climbed Thoppigala, including me. My brother in law who died during war was the Captain who captured Thoppigala in 2008. He can be seen in the pictures with Sri Lankan flag at the top when they captured the place. Ashamed of my fellow country people who has the habit of throw away litter everywhere they go.

[@dushmanthadanushka8463]

මොනව උනත් මේ මනුස්සයව අපි අගය කරන්න ඕනේ අපේ රටේ සුන්දරත්වය ගැන ලෝකෙටම කියනවට

[@bhumika_lanka_]

yes bro

[@y.....7202]

මටනම් ලැජ්ජාවකුත් ඇති උනා පරිසරයට පොලිතීන් දාපු අමනයෝ නිසා

[@nandikasamarawickrama6784]

Very impressive. I like watching travel videos on Sri Lanka as a Sri Lankan living overseas. I must say it was a brave decision to go there alone. As we all know, Sri Lankan people are very friendly and helpful (there are some crooks here and there) so, I’m sure they wouldn’t have let you stranded in the wild 🙂. Also I saw this video already shared on Facebook specially to urge people not to leave their rubbish when they visit such places. I think the message is slowly but surely getting there. Thank you for that. BTW, the rotti and sambol looked delicious, and that’s best food you can have when you are in the middle of nowhere.

[@sachindraudugama967]

Haha those army guys are just amazed because you're going there alone ....... so funny haha. 🤣

[@MuhammadIamhardBrucelee]

That dried vegetation and rocks make for excellent snake habitat and SL has cobras and Russell’s vipers that love dry brush like that. Maybe those guys were worried?

[@sachindraudugama967]

@@MuhammadIamhardBrucelee no they were talking amongst each other about how the white guy is being a bad ass with a camera and trekking alone. They were saying he would have had a hard time without help lol

[@seolanka]

What a culture we have. every where we can see very supportive guys..specially guys from Sri Lankan army. foreigners who watching this and plan to visit Sri Lanka you might understand how innocent our soldiers. what ever issue if you face in Sri lanka try to get support from army. Those are the people who bring the peace to Motherland and also I'm really proud be a Sri Lankan. @Dale You might good to do some research and ask from couple of people before going long journey like this, If you went like no people zone you might face more difficulties

[@penn4920]

Farcry 4. 😍 I'm pretty sure that's the one you're talking about. Thank you for sharing your travels. Such a beautiful places! That view!! 🥰 Good job with picking up litter. Your respect for their sacred places, is admirable. Travel Safe Dale!

[@thilinagamage2569]

You are a LEGEND by walking to an unknown territory all alone like this! Great Vlog!

[@DayaKathir]

32:17 hats off bro, Still there are many people want to learn this kind of things, ❤ love from Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

[@knowledgeiskey1319]

Congrats on the 19k!! Just keep uploading and watch the subscribers flood in, trust me ❤️❤️

[@Dale_Philip]

Thanks. My original target was to hit 10k by the end of this year. 😆👍

[@DMWBN3]

Went to Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 in the 90's. Did a coach tour across the whole country. Some long rides!! My mum & stepdad were going, but became unwell so I got it pretty much for free. It was 5 ⭐️ all the way, but I would gave preferred independent travel. Highly recommended country.

[@omaliwijesuriya5193]

Do you know Dale ? I am addicted to your videos🙈😂love from SL.Hope you visit again

[@lisaakinlabi]

Wow great day for you - what an accomplishment! The people you met were so kind to help you out especially the men with the bikes who gave you a ride!

[@maheshkumara7156]

Your courage is awesome Dale. Unbelievable, I don't think any other traveler will reach there on foot alone. Love from Dubai.

[@shamaleejayakodi409]

Dale, You are very nice to our people, Very Humble. Good luck on your trip, enjoy.

[@thiliniw]

Thank you so much for picking up the trash Dale. Yes, totally agree about the littering.

[@sanborn2010]

We should teach our younger generation about tidiness first. I was ashamed by our people's loitering all over the place.

[@freeartisan4719]

Just keeps on getting better! Keep up the great vlogs Dale!

[@chandvh]

Yes Dale, Batticaloa is a very beautiful place in Sri Lanka...

[@sureshthillai6301]

Also clean

[@nilambarameghawarna6635]

Batticaloa is very beautiful? I hear it very first time.

[@santhushirodrigo7778]

"Your man doesn't need a tuk tuk he got two strong legs" indeed... 👌😲 you are one hell of a vlogger to hike like this without fear. Feel so proud as a Sri Lankan about our beautiful nature and ashamed at the same time cuz of the ones who are ruining it by littering all over and a foreigner is cleaning it up.

[@dinushaperera6631]

really salute to u bro , im proud of your parents , being a srilankan, i have not yet been to this place but our forces have done a great job we always know it, bro keep it doing good job, its a nice explanation about eastern thoppigala, myself too learned a lot

[@YonikMalik]

Good stuff Dale. Keep it going and thanks a bunch again for helping our country out. Tourism rates have increased significantly and we are practically back on track after the Easter Attacks. Love from an Sri Lankan Muslim Fan. ❤❤

[@Dale_Philip]

It's an incredible comeback 🇱🇰❤️👍

[@YonikMalik]

@Krogen Trimalwon LOL imma vote for Dale too haha

[@Dale_Philip]

@Krogen Trimalwon your current politicians are so unpopular that I surely have a great chance 😆👍

[@acgeminifootballchannel7103]

dale would remove sri lanka's corruption for sure tbh

[@ea7524]

As a mother I was stressed watching your whole trip, I can only imagine how your mother would feel 😅 I enjoy your videos keep them coming!

[@stevenjobbs4159]

Dale.. I still can't imagine how you made it to Thoppigala. Probably no one would try the way you did it.

[@lakshanprabodha5406]

The best youtube traveler i have ever seen in sri lanka. You did all alone.

[@laxshmanperies9772]

Great video Dale even I didn't know there's a museum run by SL army and great awareness about plastic thrown everywhere thanks.

[@nuwanthilina9]

@Dale you are so lucky you meet that army person, who took you on the bike, and they were worrying how you are gonna come back..👍

[@onlyforu593]

Wow Dale again a nice video,And also i'm respect you 🙇 beacuse some people don't understand value of the nature,but you helps to protect as you can,Thank you,you are a great person,that why you meet good people in your journeys...

[@smednz4099]

Dale, you effort in doing this vlog is commendable. Also what you did at the top of Toppigala should be a lesson to all those who take the trouble to climb but more so to those who are at the camp who are supposed to look after this important location. I am happy that you made it safely all the way up and back, In my view you put yourself at risk climbing the rock alone. I will circulate this widely as possible through social media as a tribute to your effort. Thank you again for doing. As an appreciation if you happen to come to NZ, you are welcome in my home.

[@Dale_Philip]

Thank you very much. New Zealand is also a wonderful country. I have happy memories of visiting there.

[@TheSuresoft]

Wow.. Awaited vedio out. Love you Dale❤ from Srilanka ❤❤ දෑස රිදෙනවා පාර බලා ඉදලා.. Just translate it in to English .😍

[@Dale_Philip]

I was thinking of getting someone to translate subtitles to Sinhalese and Tamil 😄

[@TheSuresoft]

@@Dale_Philip Wait what. ..Pinch me someone. I got a reply from Dale.❤❤

[@Dale_Philip]

@@TheSuresoft twice ☺️

[@TheSuresoft]

How nice you are. ❤💐 😍💃

[@Chiellus11]

Wow that was terrifying ! So many risks like no food no drink no transport and yet somehow you stumbled upon it with like your only chance lol Great tv, so much better than fantasy :)

[@sameeragunarathne6654]

that's unbelievable courage and character shown in one vlog!! thumbs up man!

[@DoGoodToGetGood]

Dale, I had to skip some chatting with kids parts due to the length of the video. Now, about the last part, going to Thoppigala - you are the man!! I have never been to this rock and never even thought I will ever go there but after watching your video, I plan to go there next year! I will drive to the rock, my friend! No way I can do what you did walking!! I think you may have inspired a ton of people who never even thought about going to this rock! and I am sorry to see the plastic trash and saw what a noble man you are! You owe nothing to this world and this world benefit from people like you!! Hats off!!!

[@nodnoc]

What a glorious moment when you reached the top. I could feel your gratification

[@berlinjack9178]

Some local ppl dont use word as " tuk tuk" they called as "three wheeler " This area was kind of abandoned area. Specially civil war hit badly long ago . Finally peaceful rural area

[@Dale_Philip]

But they understand, right?

[@berlinjack9178]

@@Dale_Philip People can understand who link to foreigners. But rest of rural people use word as a three wheeler .specially within sinhalese areas . But this guy who u asked he didnt understand. Greetings from Germany

[@laknaths]

Dale Philip most would understand, but not everyone. However, everyone would know what you’re talking about if you asked them about three wheelers since they are commonly referred to as three wheelers in Sri Lanka.

Dare, I want to give you a little advice. If you get an offer of assistance with a lift from local people, I think you should give a tip in the form of money in addition to a thank you. Because I think they deserve those who have done good to you.. I see how much bless you can get from the locals by offering motorbike rides...

[@godzone3476]

He does not helped for money . That's alright If you give money to them they will develop a habit . This has happened in india , before people were freindly but now they think that foreigners are overpayers and have a lot money 💰

[@johnbrees22]

This is a great channel Dale because you are absolutely fearless and you show the whole experience all the weird and wonderful people!

[@DUDESL]

even tho sri lankan people are not goot at understanding english , they are always willing to help , and dale , with the current situation that happened about 3 months ago , security officials are more concerned , and aware especially to a tourist with camera , and i think goverment should focus on educate them with little bit of english becuase that would be very helpful for civilians and for them as well. anyways as always a great video , safe journey through sri lanka mate!

[@mutheeperera4052]

This guy good understanding all peoples.. Good luck.. God bless you

[@dilipjanaka9844]

DUDE SL everyone including villagers are well educated in srilanka.everyone knews reading&writting..the problem is they are shy to speak english& scared to reply&explaining something..three weeler drivers speaking broken english better...some of them are very upset when the foriegners comes them to ask something..its very bad picture about srilanka to the world. communication problem not only srilanka even india,pakistan,nepal,Bangladesh also..

[@dilipjanaka9844]

DUDE SL yes english must be specially police + forces

[@tazzz69dazzermind35]

Dilip Janaka Ya but his Scottish English is hard to understand even for Canadians (Even though I understand him) Lol.😅 But Americans, even maybe some British folk would struggle with his accent ?? Let alone Sri Lankans !!! Lmao.😅

[@mifik1158]

Haha...Far Cry reference was accurate. The terrain reminded me of The African one, I think that's Far Cry 2.

[@DaleWillemsteyn1983]

Dear Dale, I am sorry you had to clean up after all the Sh*tty people who took the beautiful setting and environment just for granted. Your criticism is totally right and constructive. I hope that there will be more people with similar mind sets on this world, not Sri Lanka alone. I am glad you keep on enjoying our country despite all our short comings. Thank you for keeping it real :) and you hitchhiked... in Sri Lanka....wow! ^^

[@unHingedOYT]

Brilliant, such a friendly welcoming helpful nation & you respect them so much too...this is pure brilliance 💗💗💗

[@damlurker]

Zero tourists because of those ISIS attacks in April I reckon, deadliest Islamist attack outside of the middle east, bigger than what happened in Bali.. The motorbike guy and the solider was hilarious Bike guy: Look, I found a new friend! Solider: How did you even find this guy? Bike guy: He was trying to walk to Toppigala lol.. You meet the craziest people out here. initially Bike guy was asking you in Sinhalese "How are you even going to get back from Toppigala lol"

[@bobbyjett7047]

CLASSIC

[@ChamindaHewamana]

Great job Dale. This is the best video made on this area.

[@RNRCOLLECTIONS]

Yes of course

[@DoGoodToGetGood]

I watched this yesterday again to show it to my wife!! Again, love your commentary and what you do! Hope you do more Sri Lanka videos!! I will add "meeting Dale someday" to my bucket list!!!

[@Dale_Philip]

Yes, there will be more Sri Lanka videos for sure. Stay tuned. :)

[@neshafdo2368]

You are an amazing traveller. Been in srilanka we haven't seen these places. Thanks to you we can see the beauty of the whole world. Hats off to the brilliant courage and passion doing this all alone by yourself.. 💖💖💖

[@topdogx2958]

Dale great that man gave you a lift on his bike, bless him! 😃

[@masterd9811]

and then he ate alone...

[@Dale_Philip]

A true gentleman!

[@linksrepair2851]

@@Dale_Philip but you ate alone without him invited and no compensation(you should have show a sign of gratitude)

[@langa77777]

@@linksrepair2851 alone is our culture. gratitude is its own compensation. Respect goes two ways friend, try it and you will recieve.

[@anjanachamodi3050]

Some people don't know, what you mean "tuk tuk". That's why he said to go by bus and there are most people know only tamil. However this is so fun and I like the way you chat with locals 😊 keep going 💪😆

[@tyronnephilip936]

Sri Lankan never use the name tuk tuk. If you tell three wheeler or auto everyone will understand.

[@lifegunadasa7709]

@@tyronnephilip936 what really? me and everyone I know say Tuk tuk

[@domari9539]

Hey Dale, that was very gutsy of you to walk to the Thoppigala rock by yourself. Wild elephants tend to roam that area, so you did pretty well. Thank you very much for doing this video, but be careful at the same time when going on long treks by yourself. It is better to go with a mate. Cheers.

[@mafazofficial1240]

As a sri lankan i appologize for keeping the beautiful place dirty with plastics. Hope in near future all this bad activities will be stopped. And we hope your visit as soon as possible. Wish you all the best. Mafaz from Kandy, Sri Lanka.

[@freeartisan4719]

You had no need to worry friend...you got lifts both ways!!! 👍🏼 found a cool drink 🥤 off the mountain 🏔 and perfectly timed bus back home!!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 great video!!! 😉👍🏼

[@Dale_Philip]

It all worked out well 😄👍

[@16mynameis]

Try visiting Arugam Bay. The rooms are going cheap now and you can learn surfing as well. Try it before it swells with tourists in years to come when it's back to its overrated self.

[@WayneIrish]

New subscriber. A Galway (west coast of Ireland) man living in uk and a wee bit older than yourself lad. Your videos are excellent Dale and extremely enjoyable . Fair play to you reaching the peak. I look forward to more.

[@indunilramadasa2974]

@Dale Phillip : I think you made a trend. Even more local guys will start visiting Thoppigala.

[@kubejeeva9904]

Nice to see you back in my town Batti Dale. (I born in Batticaloa town, expat now). It is truly a disgrace some people being idiots and dumping garbage in public sites. Dale, in my time in Srilanka, I have never been able to go to the rock due to post war security restrictions back then, my family would never allowed us.Its an absolute amazing view from the Thoppigala rock top. You are making me regret not visiting the rock. Have you visited passikudah this time though? Also, if you are down for surfing, there is a spot in Arugambay/Pottuvil too which is pretty famous among srilankans and tourists (about 70km south of Batti, direct bus available). Good luck mate.

[@Dale_Philip]

I went to Trinco after this.

[@kubejeeva9904]

@@Dale_Philip Oh yeah, I believe you went by the coastal route through Vakarai. That's super scenic too... Enjoy. Do visit the famous Hotsprings & Nilaveli beach in Trinco tho :)

[@ChristopherFernando]

the shop owner wrote the note in tamil and it said he needs to travel to valaichenai and please help him with the correct bus

[@rabbitwhisperer7525]

What an adventure. You were very lucky. Lots of really nice people.

[@harshagunasekara7184]

I'm Sri Lankan but I haven't been there yet. You are a great man because Sri Lankan people usually not visit anywhere alone. especially place like this. Thank you for visited here Sri Lanka and thanks for your vlog.