When the invitation was extended to me, little did I know that I would be joining a five-day VIP tour for the ASEAN Ladies’ Circle, a highly privileged club consisting of the wives of ASEAN ambassadors, foreign affairs ministers and attaches, to explore Krabi, Suratthani, Nakhon Sri Thammarat and Songkhla. The ASEAN Ladies’ Circle entourage led by Datin Seri Ismalina Ismail; Datin Seri Hafipah Mohd Shah; Datin Mariani Bongsu, spouse of Brunei Ambassador to Malaysia; and Madam Suwanna Phukphat, spouse of Thai Ambassador to Malaysia. The objective of the tour was to promote cultural exchange among club members, who entirely hail ASEAN countries.
Eco Tour at Koh Klang
Leaving Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 2 slightly after 1:30 p.m., we landed at Krabi International Airport after an hour and a half flight. Whisked into the luxury bus, we were transferred to Chao Fah Park Pier at Krabi Town to visit Koh Klang, a charming Muslim fishermen village on a 26 kilometres squared island on the mouth of Krabi river. To reach Koh Klang, we rode the long tail boat known locally as hua thong traversing Krabi river and mangroves.
Hua thong – the long tail boat
Baan Ma Yhing at Koh Klang
It took only 10 minutes to reach Koh Klang via Baan Ma Yhing, a famous halal seafood restaurant where we enjoyed coconut drinks and snacks before proceeding with our tour.
As there is no car allowed on the island, we hopped on the multi-coloured three-seater tuk tuk to commute around Koh Klang.
Our first stop was a shop selling the organic Sangyod rice, a type of brown rice only grown in Koh Klang. The quality of the Sangyod rice is unrivalled due to it being planted in a mix of fresh and saltwater. Tourists who come to the shop could try their hands at pounding the grains using traditional wooden mortar and pestle.
Paddy Fields at Koh Klang
We also had the opportunity to roam the paddy fields and witnessed paddy-harvesting demonstration, first done manually and the other using a harvesting machine.
The paddy fields set against the contrasting blue skies make excellent photos.
Pateh Making at Koh Klang
We then indulged in colouring handkerchief-sized cloth patterned with motifs of nature after learning about pateh, Thailand’s version of batik.
The only difference is that the production of pateh uses the metal blocks that are already carved with intricate and complex designs.
Before leaving the charming Koh Klang, a sumptuous dinner at Baan Ma Yhing is a must. The all-time favourite dish at this restaurant is definitely the oregano crab.