Ko Phi Phi

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Ko Phi Phi, 29th to 2nd May 2010

We caught the boat that left only a couple of minutes late and began our 1.5 hour journey to Phi Phi. The sun was out and shining bright so we sat on top as it zipped across the calm clear waters. Arriving into Phi Phi by boat was pretty spectacular with its turquoise waters, white sands and the long boats darting about, but as soon as we stepped off the boat you quickly got the feel that it was more of a tourist destination. The end of season had pretty much arrived on the Thai islands with rainy season only weeks away so crowds were smaller, also after speaking to locals we were told that with the ongoing demonstrations in Bangkok it had deterred people from traveling to the region which made the island feel quieter.

Once off the boat and after a bit of a haggle on accommodation price our bags were picked up by a porter and trolley and we followed him along the windy paved waterfront path that took us to the Andaman Beach Resort where we were to spend the next 3 nights. We had booked ourselves into a little beach side bungalow, much like the one we had stayed in at Ko Lanta which again had a pool with views straight out to the sea, and better still breakfast was included. We quickly put on our swim stuff and went to cool off in the sea and sit in its shallow waters where this time we were lucky enough to avoid jellyfish stings, yay!

Having cooled off we set off to explore a little of what Phi Phi Island had to offer and to watch what was set to be yet another stunning sunset. We walked along the narrow streets that weaved their way around the island looking at the stalls, restaurants and bars a plenty. It defiantly had a resort feel but we both liked the fact there were no real form of motorised vehicles on the island itself, instead you had to listen out for the occasional bike bell and hopefully step in the right direction in order for it not to hit you. We eventually found ourselves on the beach at the other side of the island where there was an array of beach bars to which we decided we would get a beer and watch the sunset. As we sat we saw some locals playing a version of hacky sack but with a cane ball. My eyes instantly lit up and I went and joined in for 15 minutes until roasting hot and tired but it made the beer even more enjoyable and the sunset wasn't bad either, in fact stunning springs to mind.

We then walked back into the town to eat passing once again the bars giving out leaflets for 2-for-1 buckets. Buckets of what? Cocktails! We would be lying if we said we weren't tempted but we needed to eat first, we were starving so we stopped in at a little Thai restaurant and ordered two Thai curries which were delicious. However, did I bring my wallet out to pay? Of course I didn't, so with a quick explanation to staff and leaving Bowks sitting patiently at the table I shot off by foot to run the 20 minute round trip to our bungalow to collect wallet and cash and arrived back at the restaurant somewhat stupidly roasting hot again.

The food provided us with the energy required to take up the offer for 2-for-1 buckets so we headed into the Reggae bar complete with Thai boxing ring and ordered two buckets of mojitos. The buckets were like sandcastle style buckets and we did feel a little strange sat at the bar with these huge drinks. 40 minutes later we walked out the bar ready to party so back to the beach we set to check out the evenings events. On arrival at the beach party events were well underway with many of the beach bars playing music accompanied by fire shows with a fire skipping rope, a giant fire hoop to dive through as well as people using fire poi and fire stick spinning. It was really great to watch and join in. A couple of drinks later and a right good old knees up on the dance floor we began the long walk back to our beach bungalow.

Having finally arrived back in what was the early hours we felt it necessary to take a bathe in the moonlit sea (as you do) and lay in the warm calm waters. As we began to feel sleepy and not particularly liking the idea of waking up in the sea we climbed out and headed to bed.

Wakey, wakey! It's 9.30am, we've got to take full advantage of our inclusive breakfast! Both feeling slightly weary from the night before we plodded into the great buffet breakfast where we both succeeded in having a 3 course breakkie, just what the doctor ordered. We felt a pool day was in order, it was once again an absolute scorcher of a day so with two sun loungers shaded under a tree next to the pool we lay and snoozed, swam, played backgammon and then repeated the whole process again with Bowks once more dominating in her backgammon skills.

We headed a little later to get a spot of lunch at a beach front restaurant resort but soon returned back to the pool to sit an relax and nurcher our bodies back to full health. In doing so realising our particular resort had a large number of Germans staying at it. Little more was achieved that day other than plenty more games of backgammon where I was able to claw a couple of vital games back.

Next morning we awoke with energy levels recouped and with the buffet breakfast we were raring to go and guess what? Yep, it was another beautiful sunny day so we decided to take a long-boat trip around Phi Phi Lai, another small island across from Phi Phi itself to participate in a spot of snorkeling. With a bag packed for the day and with the use of the good old haggle technique we found ourselves on a private chartered long-boat with captain Jeek who would take us at a price of 900 Baht for 3 hours and set off chugging across the water.

Phi Phi Lai is a beautiful island which gains much of its fame from one of its beaches Maya Beach which was used for the filming of Alex Garlands book The Beach. As we made our way around the island you could clearly see why they had used the island for the film set as it was breathtaking. Even though Maya Beach itself had a hoard of people on the scenery looked amazing. Due to the crowds wanting to go onto the beach itself and the fact neither Bowks nor I were that bothered we asked Jeek to drop the anchor in the bay so we could snorkel there in the clear waters amongst the coral. It was great to be swimming amongst the coral and sea life that comes with it as the last time was on the Great Barrier Reef. (Mind you could tell that some local tour guides blatantly fed the fish as as soon as we jumped in the water a swarm of ever hopeful fish came looking for food, which we thought was a little sad).

We carried on around the island stopping off at another couple of good snorkeling sites where I was able to do a rock jump then finished off by taking a trip to a beautiful lagoon where we dived into the water and swam in the waters thinking to ourselves wow!

Worn out but feeling relaxed at the same time we climbed back onto the boat and headed back to Phi Phi Island. We refreshed ourselves back at the resort with a nice cold shower and then decided to go and watch the sunset once more down at the beach. Must admit we both become sunset junkies of late. Whilst enjoying the sunset we had a drink but then when we came to pay we realised neither of us had brought any money out with us, hmmm, I sense a spot of de javou here. So after another 20 minute round trip run back to the resort I returned back stupidly, stupidly roasting hot and spent the next 15 minutes walking up and down the beach cooling down on the sea breeze. Cool once more we went and got some tea and having eaten Thai food since arrival we decided we'd have a bit of a change and head to an Indian restaurant we'd spotted a couple of days earlier. (I'd only just cooled down and now we were heading for a curry, crazy!)

The curry was thoroughly enjoyable except for the rediciously loud yanks on the table behind who simply didn't do anything whatsoever to promote to Americans reputation of being civilised in restaurant and all of whom I wanted to poke in the eye! Well fed and watered and a completed action packed day we wandered back to our sleeping establishment for our last sleep before our onward travels the next day.

Sunday the 2nd May we were up to eat our last buffet breakkie, then packed our bags and checked out. We left our bags at the resort while we went down to book our ferry and bus to Bangkok. The boat from Phi Phi to the mainland (Krabi) wasn't until 2pm so with a few hours to spare we went back to our resort and let the hours slip by whilst relaxing by the pool and chatting to the other hotel guests. 2 O'clock soon came round and we boarded the boat where we enjoyed the ride passing through the Thai island taking in its beautiful scenery.

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Comments

[jon marc]

its the tourists
i admit it, i am guilty of feeding the fish. the guides dont need to do anything. the tourists just love to see the fish swarm around them, and eat off their fingers.