|
|
|
Ok. I didn't stay on all nine of them. Only number 4 has National Park accommodation.
Many people visit the islands as part of a day trip. But as its 64km off the coast and home to some of the best coral reefs in Thailand I thought i'd stay for a couple of days if i could. So, I got off when the tour got here and rented a tent.
This is probably as close as i'll ever get to a ' dessert island ' I thought i'd been at quiet spots before , but nothing like this. Theres some tents , chalets , a restaurant and thats about it. So when the restaurant closes at 8.30(!) there's not much to do apart from go to bed!
One of the first things I noticed here were the bats. Big, big bats. I think THE biggest bat ( about the size of a crow) but will have to check on 'ternet.Actually fruit bats , I think. I know some people mistook them for birds and it's understandable as you hear them chatter and see them fly in lazy circles in a very unbatlike fashion.
Great to have a tent on the beach . I remember listening once to a ' relaxation ' CD called Tropical Twilight or some such twaddle. As I fell asleep listening to the waves crashing on the shore , i thought 'you can't beat the real thing.'
Next day , time for some serious snorkelling. It would be easy to gush at this point so , i'll try and have some restraint. The sheer number and variety of fish is overwhelming , and with visibility of 30 metres, it's like swimming in tapwater.Tapwater with fish every colour of the rainbow with a few more besides. Swimming in a school of fish is a wonderful experience...
So much for restraint.
For me though , the highlight came as I was heading back to the beach on a solo trip . Ahead of me - a turtle! I watched it feeding off the rocks for some time before it turned and headed for deeper water. I don't know why but I've wanted to see one for a long time , so was chuffed to bits.
Alas, I don't have an underwater camera , but I know photos wouldn't do the views justice anyway.Actually , since I lost my camera lead i haven't been able to download many. Will do when I can.
I'm overnighting in Ko Lak , then heading for a National Park.
previous travel blog entryComments or Questions for the Author
tonka says:
Hiya, thanks for the kind words.From what I remember there are no bungalows on the Surin and only a few on Sim. Tents are fine for a night or 3. Don't think you can go direct between islands - I travelled up coast. Make sure you don't go in rainy season , you need the calm waters for good visibility.Have fun!
travelingbungles says:
Hi Tonka, It looks like you had one incredible adventure! I am in the process of planning an adventure as well. Did you have a chance to see the bungalows on Similan and Surin? UI have heard the tents are actually more pleasant! Is this true? Did you go directly from Surin to Similan? Your photos are incredible. Thank you for sharing them:) Sabine