Swimwear, beach bag, flip flop, sunglasses – all checked as we proceeded to Nopparat Thara Beach Pier to board our speed boat that would bring us around Krabi’s four islands: Tup, Koh Kai, Poda and Phra Nang. From where our bus disembarked us, we walked towards the beach and further to the pier. Thai long boats lined the shore and ours, with atleast 3 horse power and all that, lies waiting.
It is always exhilarating to be sitting on the open air deck of a speed boat basking in the sun with the VIP view of the azure blue ocean, rugged limestone rocks and natural arch surrounding Krabi’s famous four islands.
When we neared the groups of island, the boatman brought us to a spot where the top of Chicken Island really looked like a chicken. Everybody rushed to the front deck to take picture of the famous Chicken Island.
In Krabi’s Tup Island
Tup Island and Chicken Island are connected via a sand bank. During low tide, it is possible to walk from one island to the other. Though there aren’t many corals around, thousands of small tropical reef fishes are ready to feed on your dead cells. Hani and I spent most of our time at Tup Island in the water. After a long break from the island due to the monsoon season, I somehow felt relief to finally have an island break.
Every now and then, it felt ticklish as the fishes nibble away, but it is important that you do not get panicked. The fishes in Tup Island is so friendly. Of all the islands that we visited that day, Tup Island is the most beautiful of all. Though, it is a no-drone flying area.
Koh Kai Island, Krabi
After almost 1 hour, it was time to leave the Tup Island for Koh Kai where we were promised more snorkelling. We also snorkelled to see the underwater beauty of Krabi islands. As a diver myself, I felt that there was not much of corals and fishes to see in Krabi despite the mind blowing beauty of its islands. According to our tour guide, Krabi Island was affected by the 2004 tsunami. As the growth of corals take about 5 – 25 mm length per year, it is important for us not to step on, kick and damage the corals. I hope Krabi Island would recover its underwater beauty in years to come. Though I had had not enough of snorkelling, Koh Kai was our last opportunity to snorkel.
Poda Island
After bouts of snorkelling, it’s time for luncheon! We had our halal barbeque lunch on Poda Island complete with somtam, which is spicy green papaya salad, a traditional Thai dish. Funny how our food spread was mistaken as stall by curious travellers, who ended up joining us for lunch. Anyhow, it was a hearty meal.
The view of Poda Island was mesmerizing. Hani and I were both full that we did not even get into the waters. We spent the time enjoying the views instead.
A group picture before leaving for our final island, the Phra Nang Island.
Phra Nang Island
The last spot we visited was Phra Nang. Therein lies a cave dedicated to a princess goddess named Phra Nang. Interestingly, the cave is associated with fertility and offerings come in the forms of phallus.
The stretch from Phra Nangup towards the shores of Railay is popular among climbers and there are more than 600 climbing routes for them to choose.
The trip to South Thailand was courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand and ASEAN Ladies Circle.