Green Island

On the second day of Eid, we decide to go to Green Island. Never been there before, so thought we would explore. Parking was a nightmare, but once we got a spot and walked a good 10 minutes to the gate, there was a mob of people trying to get in through the gate. They weren't in line, or any other shape. they were just swarmed around the gate trying to get in at any angle possible.

The gate experience reminded me of Toronto Islands. They are a car free island off the coast of Toronto that you take a ferry to. You drive down to the terminal which is in down town on the harbour side. Then it takes about 20 minutes and 40 bucks to park. You walk to the terminal and there is an hour que to buy the ticket. Then once you buy the ticket, you think its all over. But no, the ticket just funnels you into a smaller space. Now your in line to get onto the ferry. Its not really a line, it a free for all, you kind of swarm into the ferry. But once you pay the 2 hour fee to get to the Island it really is something.

Anyways we finally got into the Green Island, and its packed. There is a thick cloud of smoke covering the whole island because everyone is barbequing or smoking a sheisha. Its nice though, they have all sorts of activities going on. there are bikes for one person, 2 people, or 4 people. They have paddle boats in the lagoon area. They have a volley ball net up and people playing pick up games of volleyball and badmiton. They have a few kids areas with slides and jungle gyms. They have a observation tower to get a view of the island. They have a train that takes you around the island.

During Eid they have a live band show at night. Its not the best music I've heard but its somewhat decent. They have areas where the tables and chairs are available, so you don't have to lug your own furniture. But it gets crowded real quick, so actually finding seating may be slim. Also finding food on the Island is a challenge. All they have are snacks and drinks. If you think they may get hungry for some real food, you better bring it with you. The only restaurant they had on the island is now broken down, and looks like it came out of a war movie.

Overall its worth a visit, especially with the kids.