Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
About five minutes or so after passing a small bridge, you reach the hill steps to the
stupa.
Four-hour
snorkelling trips
(per person incl boat, mask & snorkel K20,000)
, arranged by
any hotel or directly with boat owners on the beach, usually depart at 7am or 8am to
catch the day's clearest water. Most trips take in a few spots around (private) 'Pearl Is-
land' off the south end of the beach. The coral's not super, but there are plenty of bright
red and blue fish to follow. Some snorkellers bring along fishing rods to drop a line.
Sleeping
When we stopped by, Ngapali was undergoing a pretty serious construction boom and
there were several yet-unfinished resorts. Names to look for by the time you read this in-
clude
Ashin Villa
and
Max Myanmar
, both north of the airport;
Eden Resort
,
Hotel at
the Rocks
and
Thingaha Ngapali Resort Hotel
, all located along the strip directly south
(
043-42430;
www.jademarinaresort.com
;
r
(
043-42301;
www.ngapalibay.com
; bunga-
low $305-525)
, south of Lin Tha Village.
If there's somewhere you particularly want to stay, be sure to plan ahead; during high
season (from November to March) some hotels can get booked out, sometimes way in
advance. The vast majority of places, including nearly all of the upscale resorts, are
closed during the rainy season (from June to October).
Nearly all hotels include airport transfer and breakfast in their rates. Where there isn't
24 hour electricity we note the times the power kicks in.
Yoma Cherry Lodge
HOTEL $$$
MAP
( 043-42339;
www.yomacherrylodge.com
;
off Ngapali Rd; r $80-100; )
Virtually alone on
the secluded bay just north of Lin Tha Village, this new place takes the form of a garden
compound with handsome, Burmese-influenced, thatched-roof structures. Rooms are
modern-feeling and huge, with equally spacious balconies and attractive furniture, and
best of all, the rates are refreshingly approachable. Electricity is available 24 hours, al-
though air-con is allowed only between 6pm and 6am.
Royal Beach Motel
HOTEL $$$
( 043-42411, in Yangon 01-544 484;
www.royalbeachngapali.com
;
Ngapali Rd; r $75-100; )
Co-
sier and more personable than other midrange places, this place boasts an almost village-
like atmosphere. The 23 rooms are overwhelmingly comfortable and inviting, many
