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Ngapali Beach
It is
famous for its natural and unspotted beauty
up to this day. The beach stretches about 3
km with soft white sand fringed by coconut
palms. Ngapali Beach is one of the loveliest
places in Myanmar.
Do
you like peace and tranquility, and
visit places "far from the madding
crowds?" As many of us now live in
crowded cities with the stress and
strain of over-population, we need
periods of relaxation away from urban
areas, and go back closer to nature.
Situated about 7 km away from Thandwe
(Sandoway), one of the ancient Rakhine
(formerly Arakan) towns. It is said to
have been named after the Naple of Italy
by a homesick Italian. It is famous for
its natural and unspotted beauty up to
this day. The beach stretches about 3 km
with soft white sand fringed by coconut
palms. It serves as the best ground for
sunbathing and recreation such as beach
strolling, cycling and so on. Unlike
today's beaches of Asia, it is free of
noisy beachside bars, crowded people and
hawkers persuading you to buy their
things. There are only natural scenic
beauty of the blue sea, white sand and
the lovely sun. The sea is cobalt blue,
without any dangerous marine animals and
clean.
The water here is transparent
and the sea is tranquil. Bicylce
tours are arranged to visit the
nearby villages. The villagers
usually sun dry their fish, shrimp
and coconut. These products are
transported to Yangon and and over
the country. The best time to visit
this beach during October and May of
every year.
Undoubtedly one of the best places
for a relaxing holiday is Ngapali
Beach near Thandwe (Sandoway) in
Rakkhine (Arakan) State,on the Bay
of Bengal. Ngapali Beach is one of
the loveliest places in Myanmar; it
is also one of the most unspoilt
beaches in the world, with miles of
pure white sands skirting the
crystal clear waters of the Indian
Ocean. Actually, Ngapali is not one
single beach. but a series of
beaches interspersed with small
fishing villages stretching from
Mazin where the airport is located,
to Lontha on Mayo Bay where coastal
steamers dock in a sheltered
anchorage.
A small winding tarmac road snakes
its way along the coast for about twelve
miles from Mazin to Lontha, passing
through Ngapali village, Shwewa Gyaing,
Myabyin, Lontha and several other small
villages nestling between the beaches
and the hills along the coast. A golf
course next to the road near Ngapali
village is being upgraded. The road is
also being widened, from two lanes to
four lanes, and the airport will be
extended to take bigger planes. A new
terminal building has already been
constructed. The private Mandalay Air
and the government Myanmar Airways fly
to Ngapali on alternate days throughout
the week. It takes only 45 minutes
flying time from Yangon.
After resting on the beach under the
clear blue skies, the more energetic
tourist or traveller has the option of
exploring the range of hills behind the
Strand Beach Hotel.Once you are on the
small hills you will find a peaceful
lake, which is actually a reservoir with
blue waters where you can fish but not
swim. In the winter months this lake is
the haunt of migrating water fowls, wild
ducks, teals and others which come down
from the far north, beyond the borders
of Myanmar. Ponies are available for
riding along the beaches. Fishing boats
with motors can be hired for trips to
some of the islands off the coast or
just to fish near the reef. Some
travelers like to go on what is known
as" side cars ", trishaws, peddled by
local village men with two back to back
seats for passengers at the side. Local
buses ply between the villages and also
to Thandwe, the district centre about
seven miles away from the hotel. The
best and cheapest way is to hire a
bicycle to go around.
Ngapali is accessible by flight
which takes about 45 minutes from
Yangon, by car about 14 hours drive
along the Rakhine Yoma mountain range.
Ngapali has an international 18-holes
golf resort, where you can relax.
Ngapali Strand Beach Hotel has about
forty-four single-storey bungalows, with
comfortable two bed-rooms with bathrooms
attached in each building. There are
also three modern double -storey
buildings. The hotel which first opened
about thirty-five years ago is now being
upgraded with modern facilities. If you
are looking for a peaceful holiday with
time to read and reflect, Ngapali with
its lovely beaches is the place to
visit. There you will find serenity and
peace of mind amidst beautiful scenery