From our recent trip to Palm Jumeirah by monorail, I feel that this transport system is no way catering to the commuting public. It is built for tourism. First, the fare is too expensive. Next, they are even planning to charge parking fees for people coming from Dubai by car and going to Atlantis Hotel in the palm island by the monorail.
If that’s the case, then it will be more convenient to go directly by car and not bother about the parking fees at the Gateway station and the train fares, of course. However, for sightseeing purposes, the monorail is sure to entertain.
Since the monorail is elevated high above the ground,
riding on it will give a great view of the Atlantis Hotel and the whole of Palm Jumeirah.
Speaking of this famous Dubai landmark – The Atlantis Hotel in Dubai is inspired by the original Atlantis that Kerzner built in the Bahamas. It is huge and very, very pink. Built at an estimated cost of $US1.5 billion ($2.4 billion), the 1539-room Atlantis comprises two accommodation towers of more than 20 storeys each, a conference centre, spa, private beach and the water park. All told, it covers 46 hectares, or about 22 times the size of the arena in the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The last station of the monorail is Aquaventure station. Aquaventure is a 17-hectare water park filled with slides and pools inside Atlantis Hotel’s premises and can be seen from the train, too.
Hmmm, so enticing!
Don’t you just want to change into your swimsuit and join them?
We didn’t swim but we took Pristine inside Atlantis Hotel’s mini-mall (I don’t really know what to call it but it has little stores and restaurants inside…) to see the huge aquarium instead.
and she spent a good amount of time counting the fishes…
Trying to call their attention…
and just stare. Ah, nothing beats free entertainment!
The aquarium seen outside is part of one of Atlantis’ attractions called The Lost Chambers – made to look like the ruins of Atlantis. Not much to say since I’ve not been inside it. 
~ entrance to The Lost Chambers ~
The ceiling has colorful artwork of sea creatures:
When going to the Palm island by car, you will not feel that this is a reclaimed, man-made island…
but when aboard the monorail, you can see that it really looks like the shape of a palm, with trunk and fronds and the huge hotel sprawled on the man-made land.
Photo not mine.
The entire site – the hotel and the land – was more than 10 metres under the surface of the Persian Gulf eight years ago.
Dubai has created a wonder.
* Just so you know, I was NOT paid by Atlantis Hotel to write this stuff. 
*
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It all looks so beautiful!!! Your pictures are amazing.
Monica @ DailyDwellings last blog post..Menu Plan Monday – June 29
STUNNING photos! You should be on Dubai’s tourism board. Seriously! WOW!
I will knock on their doors if ever I lose my current job (knock on wood!). LOL
sheilas last blog post..Two Kings and a MaiTai
Free beautiful entertainment is the best.
Great unpaid review.
Jinxys last blog post..Kisses?
Geez. Here I was thinking that modest little lodge nearby was the end all. Holey moley. A PINK hotel that was under the surface of the Persian Gulf? Oh I am so unworldly.
mannequins last blog post..A Little Faith
wow how beautiful is that!!
RunToFinishs last blog post..Vidazorb Winners
I’m envious because even though I know your heat is every bit as high as that which I am experiencing, you have access to a beach!
yes but the sand in the beach now could scorch the soles of our feet! still a good bonus though (the beach), a great compensation for this chaotic desert life. Hope you get to go to the beach soon!
Desert Songbirds last blog post..Manic Monday – Rock
All I can say is that is truly amazing!
I would love to come and visit one of these days
Kaylas last blog post..Da Bomb-Bath Buddies
LOVE the photos
I’ve been following the progress of palm island for a few years now. Your pictures are very impressive. I am really impressed and spooked by that monorail. That water looks lovely.
I reckon so many people around the world must be curious about this whole Palm island thing. I thought it was overhyped but yeah, it is marvelous!
Anuans last blog post..Blogging from the Beach
I definitely need to check this out. That monorail over the water to the incredible island just can’t be missed.
Marcs last blog post..A Look at Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Oh my goodness, that looks like a world of its own. Gorgeous photos and looks like you all had a nice time. Thank you for sharing.
TheAngelForevers last blog post..ABC meme time
Just look at the beauty that has been created as a direct result of money from and support of the USA, and we can’t even build good roads at home for our own people.
What a Shame.
Wow what a beautiful area. I would love to visit Dubai one day.
Marlene – Brooklyn, NY
Queen of the Clicks last blog post..Summer!
Thanks a lot, good picture – can I use for my quotes?
I work for http://www.lvmannequins.com in Las Vegas and we also have a monorail. The more I look at Dubai the more I think Vegas is starting to become. I will hopefully visit Dubai so I can see what it is really supposed to look like.
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