Relax, and soak up the sun in Hainan

AFTER landing in Haikou and then travelling south by train to the beaches of Sanya in southern Hainan, I concluded that this Chinese tropical island has two distinct faces.

I’d landed at Haikou’s Meilan Airport on a bleak and rain-swept afternoon, and wondered if that was a portentous sign of what was to come.

But pure, unadulterated sunshine greeted me on Sanya Bay’s golden sands the very next morning.

It’s no wonder that, when it’s cold and bleak in northern China, Hainan is the place in the sun to which the Chinese flock. Perhaps it’s also not surprising, then, that Hainan has earned itself a nickname – the Hawaii of China.

Sanya’s tourism industry has boomed in the last decade and the bubble isn’t about to burst. With scores of luxurious resorts (big names include the Banyan Tree and Sheraton Resorts) and 50 more planned, Hainan sure is shaping up as a destination to note for other Asian countries.

While most just relax on the white sandy beaches, others come to experience adventurous water sports like jet skiing, snorkelling or scuba diving in the clear waters of the South China Sea.

Yalong Bay Dive at Pullman Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, where I stayed, for example, organises one-on-one, instructor-guided dives from a platform anchored off the bay.

The beginner’s dive costs S$90. Serious divers are taken further afield for two dives, costing S$170.

For a while, though, I just lounged in the lap of luxury in my private villa at the resort, which had a plunge pool, relaxation sala and a separate TV room. That all held me back – momentarily – from exploring the beach. As the resort isn’t immediately on the sands, a cart whisked lazy ol’ me to a private beach with a stretch of shade umbrellas.

But beach activities aren’t all that’s on offer in Hainan.

Here, golf is developing in tandem with tourism. With over 15 courses and more planned, Hainan has many challenging fairways and complex greens to navigate.

With Yalong Bay Golf Club (www.yalongbaygolfclub.com) just a short chip shot from the resort, it was this course that I chose to conquer.

Clubhouse facilities match the excellent course conditions and, while the sea breeze will play havoc with some golfers’ games, it will keep others feeling feeling cool and refreshed.

Before you hit the resort lifestyle, though, think about staying at the Pullman Oceanview for a couple of nights.

This gives you easy access to some beaches, and also allows you to explore the town of Sanya.

Visiting the First Market in downtown Sanya is a must as it brims with seafood snacks, local fruit, clothes, CDs, DVDs, tea, watches and electrical goods.

The streets near the market are lined with restaurants that specialise in fresh and delicious seafood dishes. In the evenings, head down to Pub Street near the banks of the Sanya River.

The Pullman Oceanview – located close to the train station – is also notable for another thing: its One Cantonese restaurant. If you visit, make sure you order the chef’s special pork dish with sweet and crispy skin, and durian turnovers. The Red Sun Bar with its semi-open ambience on the top of the building is one of the best places to enjoy a Tsing Tao beer at sunset.

The author is a freelance writer based in Kuala Lumpur. His trip was sponsored by Jetstar.

HELPDESK
Tropical island: 热带岛屿 rè dài dǎo yǔ 
White sandy beaches: 白沙滩 bái shā tān 
Fairways: 高尔夫球道 gāo ěr fū qiú dào 
Turnovers: 糖三角 táng sān jiǎo

Going to Sanya

FLIGHTS

HAINAN, just 50km from mainland China, is a short flight away from Singapore.

With direct flights on Jetstar (www.jetstar.com), visitors can consider the new and exciting beachside destination of Hainan for beach trips.

Jetstar flies to Haikou using new Airbus aircraft four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) and the journey takes just over three hours.

Return flights depart from Haikou early in the evening, allowing for a full, final day’s relaxation by the beaches of Sanya.

GETTING THERE

The new Haikou to Sanya fast train takes just 90 minutes and costs S$20 for one way, with the station located conveniently below Meilan Airport near Haikou.

Driving takes four hours and it can be a nerve-racking experience.

STAY

Pullman has resorts in Sanya and at Yalong Bay (www.pullmanhotels.com). Stay a few days in each to enjoy the pleasures of two different beaches.

Sanya is more city-based while Yalong is more resort-style.

Both have excellent facilities and immediate access to long golden beaches.

Choose a private villa at Pullman Sanya Yalong Bay Resort & Spa and deluxe room in the recently opened Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa.

OTHER INFORMATION

For more information on Hainan – such as where to go to eat and what to do and see – visit the official tourism website at http://en.visithainan.gov.cn/ hainanTourismEn/