South Bay Monkey Island

South Bay Monkey Island

(Photography: China)

South Bay Monkey Island is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

South Bay Monkey Island is situated on the Nanwan Peninsula in Lingshui County, Hainan Province, surrounded by sea on three sides. It is China’s and the world’s only island-type macaque nature reserve. The island features nearly 400 species of tropical plants, nearly 100 species of animals, a pristine natural environment, and over 2,500 second-class protected macaques. It is now inhabited by 21 troops totaling over a thousand macaques, which is why people call it "Monkey Island." It is China’s only island-type macaque nature reserve tourism area.

The island is lush with greenery all year round, boasts enchanting scenery, and has some of Hainan’s most distinctive clean and beautiful beaches.

There are graceful coconut trees, natural beaches with white-crested waves, colorful coral reefs, and the famous “floating market” fishing rafts, which are also one of the ancient Lingshui “Eight Scenic Spots.”

Area

The total area of the South Bay Monkey Island scenic zone is approximately 9 square kilometers, stretching 14 kilometers in length and only 1 kilometer at its widest point, with an average elevation of 150 meters.

Environment

There are three natural villages on the island

This data is sourced from Baidu Maps. The final result is subject to Baidu Maps data.

with a population of over 3,000 and more than 500 acres of cultivated land. Surrounded by sea on three sides with vast blue waters and backed by green mountains on one side, the monkey island features rugged rocks that resemble a giant iron anchor thrown into the vast South China Sea. Nestled within the embrace of azure waves and white sands, it looks like a charming painting full of red flowers and green foliage. The climate here is mild, rainfall is abundant, and fruit trees such as coconuts, lychees, jackfruits, and carambolas are everywhere. The vegetation remains green all year round, with fruits and flowers flourishing in cycles — a typical tropical landscape. It is not only suitable for the growth and reproduction of macaques but also provides them with ample food.

Successful Monkey Domestication

Over the years, relevant departments have implemented a series of protective measures for the monkey groups on South Bay Monkey Island. At present, some of the monkeys have been largely domesticated. Upon hearing the whistle, they will quickly come down the mountain and gather just inches away from people to compete for food and chase each other. Some may even wave at visitors or approach to beg for food, but they rarely damage crops or harm livestock. The monkey troops live carefree within this human-supervised natural ecosystem. South Bay Monkey Island has truly become a paradise for monkeys. Visitors only need to drive 14 kilometers southward along the coastal Hedong East Highway from Lingshui County town to reach Xincun Fishing Port, take the cable ferry across the 500-meter-wide shallow bay, walk across the beach, and enter the dense tropical jungle to see this uniquely blessed “Mountain of Flowers and Fruits,” the joyful paradise of the descendants of the Monkey King.

Watching the monkeys on South Bay Monkey Island is endlessly entertaining. Some of the monkeys on the island have been domesticated. You can take photos of them or even pose for pictures with them. The best time to observe the monkeys is during feeding time when the keepers blow their whistles. The whole mountain shakes as trees and grass move, and the macaques either hop about or swing from tree to tree in a series of leaps, quickly gathering in no time. They jostle for food while chattering and playing in various amusing poses. Even if you’re not visiting during feeding hours, you can still buy a bag or two of peanuts or similar food at the entrance to the monkey viewing park. The monkeys will gladly befriend you and eagerly accept your offerings with great enthusiasm. However, be aware that these clever monkeys do not like being tricked. If you try to “tease” them by showing food without actually giving it to them, or if they see your open palm is empty after you clench your fist, they may bare their teeth, yell at you, or quickly lunge toward you — which can be quite startling.

They may bare their teeth, yell at you, or quickly lunge toward you — which can be quite startling.

Visitors can enjoy hilarious monkey performance skits, soulful circus acts, and even take close-up photos or interact directly with the monkeys for a unique experience. The aerial cable car not only facilitates easy access to and from the island but also offers a brand-new perspective to appreciate Hainan’s iconic coconut-fringed seascape. In addition, the reception facilities on South Bay Monkey Island continue to improve. New environmentally friendly electric shuttle buses, renovated boats, and the cableway together make traveling to and from the island extremely convenient. South Bay Monkey Island has become a significant part of Hainan’s tourism offerings.

Flora and Fauna on the Island

South Bay Monkey Island is located on the Nanwan Peninsula, about 14 kilometers south of Lingshui County in Hainan Province. The island enjoys a mild climate, lush forests, rolling peaks, spring-like weather all year, and a vibrant scene of butterflies and birds. The peninsula is surrounded by sea on three sides, with charming surrounding waters. The entire hillside is filled with rugged rocks, while the bays are dotted with gentle waves and anchored boats. Inside the bay, sunlight sparkles on the water, and fishing rafts float gently. On rainy days, the vast expanse of Nanwan resembles an ink painting, presenting a uniquely beautiful landscape. A 1995 resource survey showed that the reserve hosts 388 plant species, with forest coverage reaching 95%, 15 species of mammals, 57 species of birds, and 17 species of amphibians and reptiles. The macaque population has grown from just over 100 in five troops in 1965 to around 1,500 in more than 20 troops today. The affectionate sea has nurtured this beautiful island, and how could these intelligent and nimble monkeys pass up such a sacred place?

In addition to the precious macaques, the island is also home to nearly 20 species of mammals including sambar deer, small Indian civets, leopard cats, otters, and pangolins; nearly 30 species of birds such as Hainan partridges and hoopoes; as well as reptiles like pythons and lizards.

Time Needed

3 hours

Transportation

To get from Sanya to South Bay Monkey Island, take the Eastern Ring High-Speed Railway to Lingshui High-Speed Railway Station. From there, you can take the free shuttle bus provided by the South Bay Monkey Island scenic area to the site (note: you must purchase your ticket on the bus or have pre-booked it online to use the shuttle).

Ticket

Gate price: 152 RMB

1. Children under 1.2 meters in height can enter for free.

2. Children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters in height can enjoy a discounted ticket price of 80 RMB per person.

3. Seniors aged 60 and above, as well as holders of Hainan ID cards, student IDs, military officer IDs, journalist IDs, or disability certificates, can enjoy discounted tickets at 113 yuan per person at the scenic area.

No discounts are available for other groups.

Opening Hours

08:00–17:30 (ticket sales stop at 16:50)

Location

Nanwan Monkey Island Tourist Area, Xincun Town, Lingshui County, Hainan Province