July 30, 2023
When I was young, I was told about the Bible story of how God spared Noah, and how he created the ship that saved the animals and people from the global flood. Real or not, this has been a legendary story that everyone knows. And if you missed the Noah's Ark movie, then you are outdated in history.
I can't imagine seeing the legendary ship in real life. Yes! You are seeing it now too. It's Noah's Ark! Not the real one, though, but a life-sized replica of the real Noah's Ark. The size is according to measurements stated in the Bible. So seeing it before my eyes is like seeing the real Noah's Ark.
The Noah's Ark on Tung Wan Beach at Ma Wan Island located under the bridge is 450 ft long. Its size falls in the range from about 135 to 150 meters long which is the real length of the ark in the bible. This, however, isn't mobile and not in the water, so it can't sail like the real Noah's Ark.
Noah's Ark is a hotel and resort that is part of the island's park and has the concept of nature and art. However, to be able to enter this ark, an entrance fee of more than a hundred Hong Kong dollars is needed, which I wasn't aware of in the first place.
I like the outdoor architecture of this resort, with posts and walls made from stones. It reminded me of the Flinstones cartoon I watched when I was young.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to explore this theme park as planned. The thing is, I explored the island to look for places on my bucket list, then went back to Noah's Ark at six in the afternoon since I wanted to stay there at night. Unbeknownst to me, the park is closing at six. I was doomed! And I didn't do further research about the ark's details beforehand. The Noah's Ark theme park was already closed by the time I wanted to explore it. But restaurants are still open on the other side.
It says that inside the ark are around 70 different life-sized animal sculptures that were mentioned in the Bible. There is also a nature garden with different trees with a jungle vibe. On the top floor are hotel and youth hostel rooms with a view that overlook the stunning bridge and the beach. Part of the attraction is the 180-degree wide-screen theater and amusement park for kids. There are also restaurants for dining, and workshop centers for learning in this ark. You can check this link if you want to know the controversy about the construction of this site.
So those are the things I missed visiting inside this ark. I'll see them probably on my next visit to this island.
However, I was able to take a walk at Tung Wan Beach which is one of the main attractions on the island. This was the first spot I visited on the island, as it is located near the pier. There aren't cottages along the beach, so people would look for shade under tree canopies, inside their tents, or under rented umbrellas.
The beach is just small, and so is the island. It is stretching 140 meters in the front part of the island with fine golden sand and a scenic view overlooking the two most iconic bridges of Hong Kong, the Tsing Ma Bridge and Kap Shui Mun Bridge. Showers are also provided for those swimming on the beach.
These are iconic bridges in Hong Kong. Kap Shui Mun bridge on the left is connecting Ma Wan and Lantau Island and is one of the world's longest cable-stayed bridges. Meanwhile, on the right is Tsing Ma Bridge connecting Tsing Yi and Ma Wan where its name comes from. This is the 16th-longest-span suspension bridge in the world. Bridge after bridge. The view is definitely a beauty to behold, especially at night!
On the back part of the beach is the Park Island residential complex.
Back in the day, the island was just a simple fishing island where the villagers' source of income mainly came from fishing. When this residential complex was built, old villages were abandoned, and the villagers were relocated to new residential buildings.
From a simple fishing island, this has become a tourist getaway destination. The beach has become more lively since the creation of Park Island. Along the beach are business establishments and different restaurants serving Asian and Western cuisine.
On other sides of the island are the new villages, where villagers were relocated. Different restaurants and cafes can be found in all corners of the island, too. And these attract visitors, both local and foreign.
The beach is definitely a perfect weekend destination to beat the heat in summer for those looking for a more private place and a not-so-crowded beach. This, by the way, is the only beach in Ma Wan.
Views of the beach from the pier. Taken at around six in the afternoon.
People stay on this beach even until night. Whether in a group or solo, you would definitely enjoy the place and be relaxed by the scenic view of nature.
Aside from this beach and Noah's Ark, more attractions on this island are worth exploring. Hopefully, on my next visit, I'll be able to explore the ark and other parts I failed to visit.
Happy weekend. Thanks for stopping by.
(All photos are mine)
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