Nanwan Monkey Island

Coconut trees beside the sea
Coconut trees beside the sea
Situated in the south of Lingshui County, Nanwan Monkey Island is the only tropical island-type nature reserve for macaques - a state protected animal in China. The island boasts of so many special sites, such as the longest transoceanic ropeway in China, the charming coconut palms, the enchanting sand beach, the natural bathing place, multicolored coral reefs, and the unique fishing rafts, as well as being the monkeys' paradise.

Riding the longest oversea ropeway, which is 2,138 meters (7,014 feet) long at the speed of 6 meters (6.6 yards) per second, you will be delighted to find that you have a wonderful view of the ocean, the neatly placed fishing rafts by the bank and the thick chains of mountains on the island with the birds gently singing and the monkeys' shouts reverberating around your ears. Soon the mythical Monkey Island unfolds his arms in front of you.

Passing through a vegetation corridor, you will be amazed to find seven or eight macaques standing in a line along the path holding triangular flags or saluting to welcome their honored guests. Some naughty ones are wandering with their flags in their hands, and even some are imitating their visitors' odd ways of walking. How funny they are! Walking and laughing, you will see young monkeys chase and fight with each other, and a stout one jump into a pond from quite a tall tree with an excellent 360-degree turn in the air. What perfect spray he has made that only a master sportsman could make! Not only is their jumping skill masterful, but also their swimming technique is quite superb. In the pond, some of them dive, some swim freestyle, and even some do the breaststroke. While watching, you will be amused and amazed, and you won't be able to help yourself applauding and clapping for them. In addition, you will enjoy yourself with the displays given by the monkeys in the circus performances. If you wish, you can take photos with these cute monkeys and play with them. However, one must remember not to wear red clothes in order to avoid the naughty monkeys who might be annoyed with you, and be careful when feeding them.
 
Cool beach
Cool beach
Go sailing for pleasure
Go sailing for pleasure
Built in 1965, the nature reserve has more than 1,500 monkeys now. Because of the wild environment, the variety of plants and fruits, and numerous grottos, the island is regarded as the perfect paradise for monkeys. Also because of the good management, the island is very neat and clean. Guides all wear uniforms, and are always courteous. They offer the most circumspect, original, novel zoology free service and will guide you to play with the monkeys to experience the harmony between human beings and nature. It is certainly somewhere that could drive all your pressures and burdens away.

After admiring the wonderful vistas of the Monkey Island, you can reward yourself with a special seafood meal on the fishing rafts that is known as 'the street on the sea'. Not only the delicious food but also the excellent service given by the local Hainan fishermen will leave you with an unforgettable impression.

Put the Monkey Island on your itinerary, and you will be rewarded with a lot of fun and pleasure. More than 1,500 monkeys are waiting to welcome you at any time.
 

How to get to Monkey Island

Take Inter-city Bus Line 2 from Sanya Railway Station to Nanwan Houdao (Monkey Island) station.
 
Entrance Fee CNY 160 including the round-trip ropeway or boat.
Notes: Kids between 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) and 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) enjoy ticket price of CNY 80. 
Opening Hours 8:00—17:00 (Ticketing time is from 08:00 to 16:30)

Read more: Top 10 Things to Do in Hainan
- Last updated on May. 17, 2022 -
Questions & Answers on Nanwan Monkey Island
Asked by Chinese from UNITED KINGDOM | Mar. 14, 2024 10:44Reply
Are the monkeys social, I mean those on the Monkey Island?
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Mar. 14, 2024 18:00
00Reply


Yes. An important tip for you: try not to bring food and snacks with you as the monkeys may snatch.
Asked by Riya from INDIA | Jan. 13, 2020 03:18Reply
what is the preferred time to visit Sanya Mountain Island?
We don’t want to rush over and have a pleasure time.
Answers (1)
Answered by Jony from AUSTRALIA | Jan. 14, 2020 18:05
00Reply


The best visit time is during October to next February.
Asked by R. Furman from USA | Mar. 24, 2019 21:32Reply
Is the ropeway to Sanya Monkey Island accessible for someone in a wheelchair
and once on Monkey Island can a wheelchair get along the pathways
Answers (1)
Answered by Bell from AUSTRALIA | Mar. 25, 2019 23:55
00Reply


Hi, it is a little dangerous for someone in a wheel chair to take the rope way and there were no wheelchair accessible paths three years ago. However, I'm not sure if it is available now.
Asked by Chimgee from MONGOLIA | Nov. 08, 2018 06:06Reply
How can we get to Monkey Island 3 adults 2 child?
How can we get to Monkey Island 3 adults 2 child from?
Answers (1)
Answered by Brittany from USA | Nov. 08, 2018 22:57
00Reply


You are advised to hire a car and the fee is about CNY200 for a day.
Asked by TRINE | Oct. 28, 2016 20:31Reply
How do I get to Monkey Island from Yalong Bay and how long does it approximately take?
Answers (1)
Answered by Charlie from FRANCE | Oct. 29, 2016 04:12
10Reply


The distance between these two places is about 36 miles (58 kilometers). For your convenience, you are advised to hire a private car. About the fare, I heard that it would be CNY 150-200 for the round trip. And the single trip takes around an hour.
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