Our Journeys Within representative in Myanmar, Dar Le, had the opportunity to head to Ngapali, one of the country’s premier beaches. The perfect mix of beautiful scenery, relaxation and privacy, Dar Le found herself enchanted but Ngapali’s sun, sand and surf…
I have never thought of visiting Ngapali beach even though many of our guest agree that it is one of the best beach in Southeast Asia. Accessible only by air, and populated by hotels on high end side with high prices, I haven’t had the opportunity before. Now, I got the opportunity to visit Ngapali as Amazing Ngapali Resort has offered two night complimentary stay at their hotel!
Dar Le head off
Our Air Bangan flight was delayed for half hour, which I thought wasn’t too bad the weather around this time of the year is very foggy and many flights are delayed. The important this is the flight was smooth and we landed safely at Thandwe airport.
Thandwe airport is a small one and all airport transfers are provided by the respective hotels. We saw a few of the welcoming counter inside the arrival lounge — a service we definitely ensure for our Journeys Within guests. Our shuttle only took 10 minutes to get to our hotel — before I knew it I was at the Amazing Ngapali Resort!
Ngapali is a very long, white sandy beach with a number of villages standing along the way. All the hotels occupy land facing the beach and therefore staying at Ngapali is like having private beach with a great view of the Andaman Sea.
The beach is unrivaled with its crystal clear water, white sand bank, swaying-with-the-wind emerald coconut forest and the air free form smoke of industries.
There are even a number of beach front huts catering for evening cocktail to enjoy the sunset at happy hours.
Next morning, we took a trip to Pearl Island which was about a 45 minute boat ride from the Amazing Resort. Pearl Island got its name because there were previously pearl cultures at this island, which no longer exist due to unsuitable water temperatures. Now the islands serves as a lovely location for snorkeling, sun bathing and swimming. The water is crystal clear and you can even see the fishes playing around. Stunning!
At night, we saw a row of fishing boats with lights out at sea, far in the distance and I realized that I wouldn’t survive if I have to earn my living on the sea. But that doesn’t stop me from enjoying the catch — I had already booked a car to visit the fishing village of Ngapali the next day.
In the morning, driving to fishing village, the driver stop for me at Ngapali market to grab some packages of dried fish and prawna to take home. A quick morning trip — it’s only about a 20 mintues drive to the fishing villages — with interesting views along the way. I saw many fishes to be dried under the sun as I pass by the village.
On the beach, the hundred of big baskets full of fishes to be sent to chill room and the market. Many of them are spread on a net to naturally dry under the sun, with hay under neath to avoid direct contact with sand. Many of these dried fish are sent to Bangladesh, as well as to central part of Myanmar.
After many taking many pictures, it was time to head straight to airport for my return flight to Yangon. This time, the flight was a direct flight and landed smoothly in Yangon — cheers for no delays!
To compare to other beaches, I thought that Pathong beach of Thailand is too crowded with no space to share, the black sand beach of Lagkawi has no shelter or shades to get out of the sun, while Maya Beach of Phi Phi Islands (where some part of the movie “The Beach” were filmed) is beautiful, but can’t be enjoyed as the beach area is small and many, many tourists boats are parked.
So, in conclusion Ngapali is simply a paradise for me! Sitting in an easy-chair, basking under the sun, sipping coconut juice, gazing at the setting sun, enjoying the fluctuated waves are the things that just couldn’t wipe away from my memory and I know now that I love Ngapali!.