ISLAND VIBE

There are reasons why Hainan is known as the Hawaii of China. Tim Pinnegar offers a guide to a stay-and-play option at the island's southern outpost of Sanya.

GETTING THERE

The journey from Singapore starts with an early-morning, three-hour flight on Jetstar or Scoot direct to Haikou. There are also direct flights from other Southeast Asian cities. Passport holders of 59 countries, including Singapore, can enter Hainan without a visa for visits of up to 30 days. From the airport you have a few options for onward travel to Sanya. The quickest way is via the high-speed train which runs every 15 to 20 minutes. These modern trains offer three classes of comfort, second, first and business class. I travelled first class which was very comfortable for the journey of just under two hours. I recommend purchasing a ticket with a seat reservation, this can be done online in advance or at the station ticket office. From Sanya railway station there are plenty of taxis to take you to your hotel, most being 15 to 20 minutes away.

For those with a large amount of luggage, including golf bags, an alternative is to take a coach or a pre-arranged car from Haikou airport directly to your hotel. The journey of 270km's to Sanya will take three and a half hours, subject to traffic. There are service stations on the way with restrooms and snacks.

There is a direct flight from Singapore to Sanya on Cambodia Airways, currently this service operates twice a week so may not fit your travel plans. From Sanya airport most hotels are within a 30–40-minute taxi ride.

WHERE TO STAY