Little beauty's crazy trip to Sanya, so exciting!

by yyusk on 2010-03-07 11:14:34

Back from Sanya, but my heart is still there. We were already plotting our return in April or May when the airfares are cheaper, just for Yalong Bay and Wuzhizhou Island this time.

We visited Nanshan, Wuzhizhou Island, and Yalong Bay; other places didn't have much appeal. For Nanshan and Wuzhizhou Island, we booked a one-day tour on Taobao, which was very cost-effective at 150 yuan per person, including hotel pick-up and drop-off. The admission to Nanshan also included a vegetarian lunch.

Nanshan needs no introduction; the scenic area is filled with lush vegetation, rich Buddhist culture, and the world's tallest 108-meter Guanyin statue, all worth seeing. Along the way, the tour guide may suggest you purchase an amulet to take home. This depends on whether you believe in Buddhism. If you do, go ahead; if not, just slip away.

Wuzhizhou Island is a must-visit place in Hainan, known for its clear waters and expansive sandy beaches, with a small forest on the hill. However, it’s not the best choice for diving or speedboats, as many travel groups don’t get discounts here and can be overcharged. It’s recommended to buy lunch at a supermarket beforehand, as the local food stalls are both expensive and unappetizing, with limited seating.

We went diving at Yalong Bay, originally priced at 500 yuan, but we got it for 300 yuan through Taobao. Yalong Bay is one of the best-preserved areas in Hainan. If you're not a hotel guest, you cannot access the beach.

Regarding diving, I must add that if you have heart issues or ear problems, don't waste your money. My friend "Pangpang" tried four times and could only last less than a minute each time. Fortunately, I did well, reaching about 12 meters underwater. Underwater photography costs 260 yuan for 30 photos, with six printed and the rest provided on a free CD. It's better to take pictures with a partner, making it more cost-effective.

Sanya Bay is newly developed, overall quite nice, with the only downside being its quietness at night, which might disappoint those who enjoy nightlife. If staying at Sanya Bay, it’s suggested to buy fruit during the day since nothing is available once it gets dark. Convenience stores don’t sell fruit either.

The Coconut Dream Corridor of Sanya Bay isn't as beautiful as rumored online. It's simply a road lined with coconut trees, with a beach by the trees. You can see it on your way into town from the airport. Most notably, you can find many beautiful small shells on the Sanya Bay beach.

Dayadonghai was the most disappointing. The beach was littered with waste, the water was murky with even fruit peels visible, and plastic bags were everywhere. It’s no different from Beidaihe or Nandaihe. However, Dayadonghai is lively at night with various night markets, food stalls, and bars. If you like shopping, you'll find something worthwhile.