Day 8 – Tuesday 23 November 2010

After an early morning swim and hot spa, I enjoyed my buffet breakfast in the Breeze Restaurant overlooking the Resort's beautiful water features.

We then boarded our minibus to see the “China Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark”, which is 15 kilometres southwest from Haikou, and has 40 dormant volcanoes formed 10,000 years ago in its 118 square kilometre area. There was no police escort today as we were the only min-bus.

There are numerous scenic spots in the Geopark such as the basalt garden, a corridor of amusing rocks, lava flows, mystical craters and volcanic stone implements all remarkably presenting the beauty and grotesqueness of volcanos in a tropical environment. There are more than 30 lava tunnels within the scenic area with their caves in a formation similar to an underground maze which people find fascinating. Volcanic cones, craters, ancient basalt villages, as well as production facilities for everyday items made from lava are scattered all around as if in a world made from basalt. The landscaping includes ancient trees, wild pineapple and tropic orchards, a cactus garden, bonsai plants, lotus ponds and tropical vegetation.

We walked around much of the Geopark absorbing the unusual sights, eventually walking up the many stairs along the pathway leading to the rim of the volcanic crater. The entry fee of $10 for tourists is very reasonable for such a developed natural tourist attraction.

We had lunch of local specialities in a Restaurant at the Geopark as dancers performed for us on stage. A large group of 20-year-old army soldiers dressed in their army uniforms visited the complex and dined at the outdoor restaurant. They were celebrating their last day in the army before their return to civilian life. A special performance by singers and dancers was staged for them while they dined.

We then boarded our mini-bus and drove to the Old Town area of Haikou. Many of the buildings are old with ornate architecture, largely built by wealthy Chinese from the mainland and some overseas Chinese who had returned to their homeland. The buildings are a mixture of styles including Portuguese, French and Southeast Asian. The original buildings had no glass windows and many are being preserved.

This is a bustling area where the locals shop for clothing, pets, homewares, toys and food. The tropical climate means there is an abundance of fresh local fruits such as mangos, pineapples, jackfruits, coconuts and carambola, betelnuts, pawpaw, longan and lychee, loquat, naseberry and passionfruit. Unlike Shanghai, no hustlers approached me selling goods so it was quite pleasant walking along the streets and footpaths browsing the shops and market stalls.

We then returned to the Sheraton Haikou Resort and I walked along the beach, where I saw a Chinese bridal couple being photographed at the water's edge. I then explored the Resorts garden and pool area then went to the Resorts Chinese Restaurant for our delicious evening meal. After the meal, I went for another hot spa and swim in the outdoor pools before returning to my room to pack my bags and watch some Chinese television. I was delighted to see a grand fireworks display from my balcony. The fireworks were at the neighbouring resort and lasted for more than half an hour. I then retired for the night, ready for an early morning departure the next day.

The day reminded me that some of the most memorable aspects of a holiday are not the meticulously planned aspects, but the impromptu things you come across, such as the soldiers at the Volcano Geopark, the wedding couple being photographed on the beach, and the fireworks display.