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Located in the heart of Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon, Al Noor Island is an incredible vacation spot that left a sweet impression on me. As soon as I stepped on the footbridge, I realized the detailed and calm atmosphere and beautiful view of the island. The moment I set foot on its aesthetically appealing premises, the soothing colors of the beautiful green landscape art installations and the sound of water from the lagoon calmed me instantly. This hideaway island presents an ideal vacation getaway from the busy city life as it encourages interacting with nature, enjoying art, and relaxing.
What makes Al Noor Island unique is the concept and the elements of social creativity that have been put into consideration as well as the variety of unusual activities. Whether hiking, having coffee at Island Café, or lounging by the Lagoon, a visit to Al Noor Island is like having a private and enriching adventure. In this article, I will show you how to reach this island by different vehicle directions and give you a general overview of all the island’s facilities, amenities, and activities.
Why Visit Al Noor Island?
Al Noor Island is a place where architectural modernism and art are blended. Since its launch in 2015, it has been a favorite hub for the residents and tourists of Sharjah as it encompasses a beautiful tranquil environment, an exotic Butterfly house, and interesting engaging art pieces.
Key Highlights:
- The largest Butterfly farm which is known as Butterfly House with more than 500 forms of butterflies.
- Sculptures and trendy artistic installations and fountains.
- Literary Pavilion as a place for reading and contemplation.
- Nature walks with beautiful gardens around the track.
- Light fixtures during nighttime for creating a fairytale ambiance.
Visitors have noted that the environment and feel of it is tranquil and as if one has transitioned to a different realm. Hiking and cycling are two popular themes in the majority of the reviewed materials, pointing out the island as one of the exclusive destinations in Sharjah where nature and creativity are intertwined.
Getting to Al Noor Island: Directions and Accessibility
How to Get There:
Al Noor Island is situated in a strategic location within the emirate of Sharjah, which will be beneficial for the residents and visitors. The best ways to reach the island include:
- By Car:
If you are in a car, you can easily access the location by using the E11 road from Dubai heading to Sharjah. After you have crossed the border into Sharjah follow signs to Khalid Lagoon. There is parking near the Al Noor Mosque, but one can get to the island by crossing a footbridge, which takes only several minutes. - By Taxi:
Taxis are cheap and can be used to get to Al Noor Island since they are readily available. Ask the driver to drop you at the entrance of Al Noor Island, just beside Al Noor Mosque. - By Public Transport:
In the case of using public transport, bus services in Sharjah have routes passing through Khalid Lagoon. The nearest bus routes to this location are 15, 88, and 99, which will let you off a few meters away from the entrance.
Address:
Al Noor Island, Khalid Lagoon, Buhaira Corniche Road, Sharjah, UAE.
Google Maps Location: Al Noor Island.
Island Activities and Experiences
1. The Butterfly House
Butterfly House is one of the most famous sites to visit on Al Noor Island. Containing over 500 unique species of butterflies, the Butterfly House is a very beautiful building designed to mimic conditions that favor butterfly colonies.
What to Expect:
Upon arrival, you are welcomed to a stunning visually arranged tropical garden where guests can stroll through and amongst freely hovering butterflies. In addition, the opportunity is not only entertaining but also informative to learn about the species.
Facilities:
- Proper climate-controlled environment for butterfly species to thrive comfortably.
- Illustrative descriptions of how butterflies are created from eggs through to the adult form.
- Areas that are suitable for taking pictures with butterflies.
Visitor Reviews:
Various comments on tourism-related websites such as TripAdvisor stress the aesthetics within the Butterfly House. A recent visitor said: “It’s such a magical place. We were surrounded by butterflies in an almost surreal way!”
2. Art Installations and Sculptures
Whether for leisure or relaxation, Al Noor Island also acts as a sculpture garden with art pieces all around the island drawn from internationally renowned artists. These conceptual artworks are located anywhere on the island and their integration with the foliage is almost perfect.
Notable Installations:
- OVO Art Sculpture: A big sculpture in the form of an egg, which has been made of reflecting surfaces.
- Literary Pavilion: This is a place where people go to read books that make them come up with more creative thoughts.
Visitor Reviews:
The installations have received appreciation from art lovers due to their contemporary look and interesting themes, as one reviewer said, “Walking through the art installations gave me a sense of tranquility while provoking deep thoughts about the integration of nature and modern art.”
3. Literary Pavilion
Built to offer comfort to readers and thinkers and as a runaway from the noise and clamor of urban life, the Literary Pavilion is an escape from the noise and commotion. As the structure and exhibition area of the pavilion is designed without tables and chairs for most parts, being open with a view of the lagoon could be suitable for a person to travel alone or anyone in need of tranquility.
What You’ll Find:
- Suitable for comfortable sitting arrangements.
- Local and foreign reading materials which include books and other printed informative and entertaining materials.
- Quiet zones for reading and reflecting on your surroundings.
Facilities and Amenities on Al Noor Island
Al Noor Island provides several amenities that assist visitors and make their experience comfortable and as relaxed as possible. Here are some of the services you can expect:
Café and Refreshment Areas
The Island Café specializes in offering various traditional meals and snacks as well as beverages to local and international customers. Situated in a fabulous area, guests can use their eyes to feast on the scenery while savoring the delicious meals.
Menu Highlights:
- Freshly made sandwiches and salads.
- Refreshing drinks, like coffee and tea.
- Satisfying sweets and pastries, Emirati favorites are also included.
Visitor Feedback:
What the reviewers liked the most was the café’s serene ambiance. One of their regular customers said, “The view from the café alone makes it worth visiting. Watching the sunset while sipping coffee was the highlight of my trip.”
Walking Trails and Garden Areas
The island is complimented with perfectly maintained pathways for walking or jogging, making it perfect for a stroll. Beautiful structured gardens that are adorned with indigenous and other exotic flowers provide an atmosphere that is serene and natural.
Key Features:
- Beautifully maintained hiking trails, perfect for a leisurely jaunt or a nice jog.
- Different seating benches for resting during walks or relaxing.
- Complementing gardens with interactive and informative boards.
Light Shows and Evening Experience
When night falls, Al Noor Island becomes a place that exhibits a combination of light and nature art. These lights are installed to set up an atmosphere that is soothing and engaging during the evening.
Visitor Reviews:
The magical view of the island at night was the most interesting feature for some visitors. “The light displays are enchanting. Walking around the island at night felt like being in a different world,” shared one visitor.
Visitor Information
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What Visitors Say about Al Noor Island
Regarding the recreational aspects of the island, the visitors commend Al Noor Island for perfectly blending nature, art, and relaxation. Some of the comments include the reviews received from Google and TripAdvisor with ratings of between 4.5 – 5 stars with most remarking on the tranquility of the island with correct stocking and cleanliness of the island’s facilities. The most satisfying and interesting themes found in reviews are:
- Family-friendly environment: For families’ recreational activities, Al Noor Island is a perfect spot with the Butterfly House and the leisurely strolling paths.
- Aesthetic appeal: An important aspect visitors find appealing is the combination of art and nature, and how good the island looks in pictures.
- Serene and relaxing: Many guests, especially those who came individually or with their partners, notice that the island is quiet, which is perfect for relaxation.
Conclusion
If you are interested in nature, art, peace, and harmony, then Al Noor Island is an ideal place to visit in Sharjah. Your plan might be entertainment for your family to take a day out, or it might be a haven where one can find a moment of peace away from the noisy and busy city. Start from the Butterfly House, keep on the walk through the stunning trails, and end with the amazing light show at night, this will unquestionably make your visit to Al Noor Island impressive and unforgettable. Enjoy your Sharjah visit with the best time management, picturesque views, and everlasting memories.
You may go through this detailed guide on Al Noor Island to have all the information on how to plan for the trip, how much it will cost you, as well as some interesting features about the place. Have some fun!
FAQ
- What kind of facility is Al Noor Island and where is it located?
Al Noor Island is a public park and cultural tourism site that is situated in the Khalid Lagoon of Sharjah. This island can be reached by footbridge from the mainland which is in front of Al Noor Mosque. On the island there are art installations, the Butterfly House, paths, and gardens.
- What sort of activities are there available to do on Al Noor Island?
There are Butterfly House, art pieces, trails, and the Literary Pavilion for tourists to enjoy. The island also has beautiful lighting at night and has a café where you can get some drinks and snacks.
- Can people with disabilities easily visit the island?
Indeed, Al Noor Island accessibility has ramps and facilities for disabled people to enable them to enjoy sightseeing.
- When is the best time to visit and explore Al Noor Island?
It is advisable to visit the island during the cooler months of October to April to be more enjoyable. The recent lighting designs make it exciting to visit any time of the year during the evening due to the beautification of the environment.
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