If you’ve been following this blog, you know I have a soft spot for places that feel like secrets. Not the kind that are actually famous but pretend to be hidden — I mean the ones where you show up and think, “Wait, this exists? And no one told me?”
Last weekend, I found one of those places. And I’m still not sure if I should share it or keep it to myself. But hey, you’re reading this now, so I guess I’ve decided.
How I Ended Up Here
It started with a random scroll on my phone. A colleague sent me a location with a name that sounded like it belonged in a fantasy novel: Akanala Liuli Sea Resort. I zoomed in on the map — way east, past all the crowded spots like Yangmeikeng and Juzaosha. You know, the places where you spend more time looking for parking than actually enjoying the beach.
The message said: “Free glass sea. No crowds.” I was skeptical. But the next morning, I threw my sandals in the car and drove.
Getting There (It’s Easier Than It Sounds)
The navigation took me straight to the entrance of what looked like a high-end residential complex. Gates, security, the whole thing. I almost turned around. Then I remembered the advice: Just drive in like you belong here. Ignore the gates. Head straight to the basement parking.
So I did. And you know what? No one stopped me. Not a single question.
I parked, followed a few painted footsteps on the ground, and walked toward the sound of waves. Two minutes later, the buildings opened up, and there it was.
The Beach: Small, Rough, and Perfect
Let me be honest with you: this is not a postcard beach. The sand is coarse — the kind that makes you wince if you walk barefoot. Bring water shoes. The beach itself is tiny. You could walk from one end to the other in two minutes.
But here’s the thing: I had almost the whole place to myself.
The water, on a sunny morning, really does look like glass. Clear, greenish-blue, calm. A few thatched umbrellas dot the shore. A swing faces the sunset. Colorful signposts make you feel like you’ve wandered onto a movie set. I sat on that swing for a while, just watching the water. No noise. No crowds. Just the sun and the sea.
If you’re into photography, come in the morning. That’s when the light hits the water just right, and the “glass” effect is real. At low tide, you can walk to the rocky areas and look for tiny crabs — I saw a few kids doing that, their parents laughing nearby.
The Painted Walls and the Cave Bar
Behind the beach, there’s a hotel. The walls outside are covered in bright, saturated murals — the kind that practically scream “Instagram here.” Honestly, it’s a bit much for my taste, but I can see the appeal. If you go up to the second-floor skywalk, you get a better view of the whole scene.
And then there’s the Cave Bar — officially called Haobai Cave Bar. It’s small, built to look like a white limestone cave, with windows that open straight to the sea. You’ll need to order something to go in and take photos, but a drink is a small price for that view. I ordered a coffee, sat on one of the swings inside, and watched the water turn orange as the sun started to set. The locals call it the “orange sea” here. It fits.
A Few Tips If You Go
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Navigation | Search “Akanala Liuli Sea Resort” on your map app. Drive into the complex like you belong there — because now you do. |
| 🚗 Parking | Go straight to the basement parking. It’s free and easy to find. |
| 👟 What to Wear | Bring water shoes or sturdy sandals. The sand is rough and will hurt your feet. |
| 📷 Best Time to Visit | Morning (for the glassy water and photos) / Late afternoon (for sunset at the cave bar) |
| 🍽️ Food & Drinks | Limited options. The cave bar has coffee, drinks, and light snacks. Bring your own if you plan to stay longer. |
| ⚠️ Note | The beach is small. Don’t expect sprawling sand. Come for the peace, not the space. |
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