Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Sept 11, 2026 (BSS) - The blue expanse of the sea and its rolling waves lie a short distance away, while a sandy beach stretches beside rows of jhau (casuarina) trees.

Amid the trees, rope nets tied between trunks have become a small attraction for tourists visiting the Sonapara area of Ukhiya in Cox's Bazar. Some tourists lie on the nets, while others sit, use their mobile phones or simply spend some time under the shade of the trees.

The net-like swings are made by tying ropes between trees and can be used for Tk 20 to 30 per hour. The simple arrangement offers tourists another way to spend time at the beach and provides some local residents with a small source of income.

After walking along the beach, some tourists use the nets to rest for a while. For others, it is simply another way of enjoying the surroundings. The combination of the sea, fresh air and shade from the jhau trees makes the spot a relatively quiet place to relax.

Residents said the activity requires little investment, as the nets are made using ropes and materials available locally. Some people, including children and adolescents from underprivileged families, are involved in renting them out.

Earnings depend on how long tourists use the nets. Though the income is limited, locals said it provides some additional daily earnings.

Nure Alam, a teenager who operates one of the nets, told BSS, "Tourists initially gaze in astonishment. Then they inquire if they can lie down here. When I inform them of the rental fee, many opt to rent one for an hour. The largest crowds typically gather in the afternoon."

Sarwar Alam, a local, said, "The nets are set up between the trees in the morning and dismantled after sunset. While it does not yield a substantial income, it does provide some daily earnings."

Tourists visiting the beach generally spend their time swimming, walking along the shore or taking photographs. The rope nets offer a different, though simple, option to sit or lie down while looking at the sea.

One tourist said, "I paused because it appeared so unusual. It seemed innovative at first, but once I reclined, I found it remarkably comfortable. With the sea before me and the jhau trees above, it's an exceptionally unique feeling."

The nets have also become a spot for taking photographs. Tourists often take pictures while sitting or lying on them, with the sea and jhau trees in the background.

Local journalist Jashim Uddin told BSS, "This is a small-scale initiative by local residents. Tourists are expressing interest, and it offers income opportunities for some locals. But, it is essential to ensure that the trees remain unharmed. Such initiatives, when harmonized with environmental conservation, can enhance the diversity of the tourism experience."