Ngapali Beach - Rakhine State
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-p opulation, 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.
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