Perhentian Paradise

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April 21st 2012

Published: May 6th 2012

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Beach Rats

Water taxi

It takes half hour from the mainland

Our arrival on Mira beach really was like being dropped on a desert island. The dude that owned the place greeted us as we jumped from the speed boat into the shallow clear water. We were so glad we'd read up on the island and it's beaches as this was a real gem. Ten huts and the most gorgeous beach we'd both ever seen, the only problem being we were unsure as to how welcome we were! It turned out those staying there were friendly with the owner and had been visiting for many years. He had one hut free it was big, meant for more people but we took it and spent the remainder of the afternoon enjoying the place. After a power cut during dinner and a great nights sleep we packed up early and made our way through the jungle to coral bay, we got the last hut at maya and have stayed here for two weeks. Not so cut off here, the beach has quite a few huts and a diving school but still blissful. Our hut had a proper loo and shower - unlike Mira! The view of the clear ocean was spectacular and our neighbours

Mira beach

Our first stop

were monitor lizards over a metre long!

We spent our time here sunning ourselves, drinking fresh juices and eating mainly! There isn't so much to do, which is of course the point of coming here! Why would anyone want to leave?!

We spent a day or two at long beach which is a 15 minute walk through the jungle. This is the more 'happening' beach on the island, it's by no means busy loud but not as quiet as our haven, however, its a much better beach for swimming, having no coral.

On Paul's birthday we hired a kayak and explored parts of the island, remote beaches and had a walk through the leaves and found l'agoon an amazing bay so remote and beautiful, it was actually where we had hoped to stay initially but is fully booked and private and looked to be much the same set up as Mira. The jumping fish where amazing to see, shoals of them going for it, Paul had to remind me to help row rather than watching the fish and taking in the scenery!

Our last day we went on a snorkelling trip with six others. The corals

Classy joint

Was a bit expensive at 6 quid a night!

were something else, a real shame the camera didn't do them justice! The most amazing part of the day was seeing and following a turtle, he just didn't mind us at all chilling on the ocean bed and then popping up for air and a swim with all of us following behind him! We saw reef sharks and loads of other gorgeous fish, feeding them and being surrounded by neon, it was just super! Still no desire to dive though, people studying on the beach was enough to put me off never mind my phobias!!!! We finished the day by visiting the lighthouse which paul jumped from which was scary to watch!

We left the Perhentian at 8 this morning and crossed the border into Thailand and currently staying overnight in Hat Yai which isn't recommended (Mum might be best if you don't research this), but we'll be up and on our way west first thing in the morning to Pak Bara to get a boat to Koh Lipe and from here we'll jump up the islands before heading across to the gulf coast.

We arrived on Koh Lipe today (Sat 5th May), wow!!! Will update on this