5 posts tagged “siam”
continuation of day 1&2, day 3 and day 4
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Lastnite everybody crashed kinda late, so today the sun has already risen and shined when we were up.
Had brunch at Uncle Harun's and wasted no time to talk crap, mostly about old friends and their 'colourful' spouses, 'harimau' and 'women friend'
Today is our second day in Phi-Phi, we will be off to Phuket tomorrow
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Had brunch at Uncle Harun's and wasted no time to talk crap, mostly about old friends and their 'colourful' spouses, 'harimau' and 'women friend'
Today is our second day in Phi-Phi, we will be off to Phuket tomorrow
(*Loh = beach in Thai).
This side of the beach is considered quieter and more laid back in comparison with the bustling Ton Sai stretch.
Nevertheless, it is still relatively commercialised and full of people brisking under the heat
As written yesterday, Phi-Phi was badly hit by the 2004 tsunami. Evacuation signs for visitors were strategically located in many parts of the island in case of emergency.
Unfortunately some does not take this precaution seriously.
Viewpoint day 2
Yesterday we only managed to climb to the lowest Viewpoint due to time constraint. So today the agenda is to set off early to walk up the extra mile to the highest peak to catch the awesome view of the island's sunset
on the way we passed thru shops and guesthouses; this artist and his masterpiece (below left), and a revolutionised architectural brilliance (below right) caught our attention..
...Before our mental were severely tested for this task
Once at the peak it was totally worth the effort.
A huge crowd has gathered before us anticipating the sunset
A huge crowd has gathered before us anticipating the sunset
^ went downhill off the Viewpoint and walked along the glittery Dalum Beach
<had dinner at Uncle Harun's (the 3rd consecutive time we had our meal there...contender for the most loyal customer for 1st quarter of 2008 perhaps?)
<had dinner at Uncle Harun's (the 3rd consecutive time we had our meal there...contender for the most loyal customer for 1st quarter of 2008 perhaps?)
similarly as per yesterday, had a nitewalk along the winding stretch of the bustling shopfronts.
manage to embarrass ourselves by striking a crappy conversations with some locals at an optical shop
To make up for the lack of photos, i'll paste this clip, at least this is what i imagined every liveband should be.
We have a long day tomorrow (Phuket here we came!), so went back to our rooms after that.
Before hitting the bed, every camera was investigated inside out for the best laughing stock, believe me some of the unconsiderate among us laughed so hard, you could hear the neighbours cursing you!
<end of day 5>
continuation from day 1& 2 and day 3
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A few of us haven't had a goodnite sleep due to the 'incident' yesterday. Admittedly Mat Jos was one of the few, and the models on Fashion TV Channel doesnt help either.
This morning, Amir woke up early to try to solve the problem. Mr Big advised him to check the Tourist Police Station first, and if no avail then a report had to be made at the Thai Immigration. The kind-hearted Mr Big asked one of his employee to help accompany Amir.
Less than half an hour later Amir is back, and his gold intention to settle down with Pak Harun's daughter (see yesterday's comment) will not materialised. Apparently last nite somebody found the passport and brought it to the Tourist Police Station....and the police was more than happy when Amir showed up. Hard Luck!
So since the problem is solved, everybody could re-focus and re-energised their mind, body and soul again. Today is day 4, everybody is eager to continue the journey.
Today's agenda: we will head to the twin islands of KO PHI-PHI DON (usually just referred as Ko Phi-Phi. We will spend 2 nites here) and KO PHI-PHI LEH (which consists of the beautiful Viking Cave, Pileh and Maya Bay). But before that a quick stop at Bamboo Island, which is located just a short distance northeast of Phi-Phi
We hired the same speedboat, and Mr Soon was our tourguide again. Bad for him. But unlike yesterday when we had the boat all to ourselves, today we had some Koreans and Europeans for company.
42km off AoNang Krabi, we arrived at our first stop at Bamboo Island, pretty much all a beach. A very flat beautiful island with blending white sand and crystal clear water.
Quite small, a complete tawaf around it will not take you more than half an hour. Spent about 45-minutes here
after an hour cruising, we should understand that some people do experience motion sickness. Just ask Syeikh Muszaphar and the rest of the Soyuz crew
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This morning, Amir woke up early to try to solve the problem. Mr Big advised him to check the Tourist Police Station first, and if no avail then a report had to be made at the Thai Immigration. The kind-hearted Mr Big asked one of his employee to help accompany Amir.
Less than half an hour later Amir is back, and his gold intention to settle down with Pak Harun's daughter (see yesterday's comment) will not materialised. Apparently last nite somebody found the passport and brought it to the Tourist Police Station....and the police was more than happy when Amir showed up. Hard Luck!
So since the problem is solved, everybody could re-focus and re-energised their mind, body and soul again. Today is day 4, everybody is eager to continue the journey.
We hired the same speedboat, and Mr Soon was our tourguide again. Bad for him. But unlike yesterday when we had the boat all to ourselves, today we had some Koreans and Europeans for company.
Quite small, a complete tawaf around it will not take you more than half an hour. Spent about 45-minutes here
KO PHI-PHI LEH ___________________________________________________
1.Viking Cave
After kene Bambu, head to the triple threat attraction of Ko Phi-Phi Leh. First up is Viking Cave. Of course, the prehistoric Scandinavians never been here, but the cave wall has numerous painting of vessels resembling the Viking longboats, hence the name.
There are also pictures of animals and various European, Arab and Chinese sailing ships, baroques, motorboats, and steamships. They were probably drawn by pirates, who paused in the cave on their travels from west to east, sheltering from the monsoon winds, transfering cargo, or making repairs.
1.Viking Cave
After kene Bambu, head to the triple threat attraction of Ko Phi-Phi Leh. First up is Viking Cave. Of course, the prehistoric Scandinavians never been here, but the cave wall has numerous painting of vessels resembling the Viking longboats, hence the name.
There are also pictures of animals and various European, Arab and Chinese sailing ships, baroques, motorboats, and steamships. They were probably drawn by pirates, who paused in the cave on their travels from west to east, sheltering from the monsoon winds, transfering cargo, or making repairs.
The cave is revered by the local people to collect the swift's nests, used to make Bird's Nest Soup, a popular Chinese delicacy
2. Pileh Bay
A small lagoon-like bay, nearly completely enclosed by the limestone cliffs. Entrance to the bay by boat is only possible at high tide.Tourist boats,including ours,drove back and forth in circles. Magnifico view.God is great
3. Maya Bay
A stunningly beautiful bay that's sheltered by high cliffs on three sides, Maya Bay has become the main tourist attraction of Phi Phi Ley since the 'The Beach' was controversially filmed here in 1999. It was always very popular before the Leonardo DiCaprio-Virginie Ledoyen starred film but then people around the world who haven't even heard of Phi Phi have certainly heard of Maya Bay.
Suspiciously the movie bug is felt until now,as the area was full of scenes filming
A stunningly beautiful bay that's sheltered by high cliffs on three sides, Maya Bay has become the main tourist attraction of Phi Phi Ley since the 'The Beach' was controversially filmed here in 1999. It was always very popular before the Leonardo DiCaprio-Virginie Ledoyen starred film but then people around the world who haven't even heard of Phi Phi have certainly heard of Maya Bay.
Nevermind the Hollywood mumbo-jumbo. Today poor people got to do some snorkeling
Meanwhile, Amir managed to blackmail the Korean Family
walked off the beach and explored more green paradise inside
So, get off Maya Bay which means the end of Ko Phi-Phi Leh marathon. But not before a final snap at the limestone cliff as background.
Cruisin north to our next destination, Ko Phi Phi Don, where we will settle for 2 nites.
All of a sudden Mr Soon the tourguide, who sensed tiredness among his charges, strucked a conversation with Farah.
Mr Soon: Have you ever driven a boat before?
Farah : No.
Mr Soon: Do you want to try to navigate one?
Farah : Ok !
Without any hint of a doubt she went straight to the cockpit
and thank god Farah does not manoeuvre the boat back to Malaysia, which was the farthest place in our mind right now with all the ugly bickering between Datuk K and his moustache trimmer going on.
Not long after, we encountered shallow water so the fake driver took over the steering wheel from Farah. Those low tide signals that we are now approaching the island
All of a sudden Mr Soon the tourguide, who sensed tiredness among his charges, strucked a conversation with Farah.
Mr Soon: Have you ever driven a boat before?
Farah : No.
Mr Soon: Do you want to try to navigate one?
Farah : Ok !
Without any hint of a doubt she went straight to the cockpit
Not long after, we encountered shallow water so the fake driver took over the steering wheel from Farah. Those low tide signals that we are now approaching the island
The boat parked its way on the beach, and people started to get off. But these posers, who were envious of Farah's mastery moments earlier, tried to emulate her feat
(how would you convince people that you are manoeuvering a boat in the middle of the sea if the picture shows it is stationery on the pier with trees on the background? fail)
when we did get off, the first thing that we saw was this cute baby and his/her equally hot mum. (above left pic)
A short introduction of Ko Phi-Phi
According to LonelyPlanet guidebook, Phi-Phi is one of the most beautiful place on earth, and regarded as a 'tropical Shangri-La'. It is actually two islands joined by a unique narrow isthmus separating the two prized beaches of Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam, thus creating a global backpackers heaven.
It is here that the 2004 tsunami create the most havoc, destroying almost 70% of buildings, with a reported fatality of 4,000. Since then, the island has staged a remarkable recovery and slowly but surely will reach its glory days again.
We were informed earlier that accommodation on the island is scarce due to waves of visitors arriving. But, with some helping hand in the form of Mr Soon we managed to book 3 rooms at Gypsy Village, for 1000 Baht (RM100) per nite.
after a short rest, we went out to checkout the fame Ao Ton Sai stretch, which occupies a large chunk of the isthmus, constituting all sorts of shops and guesthouses.
when we did get off, the first thing that we saw was this cute baby and his/her equally hot mum. (above left pic)
According to LonelyPlanet guidebook, Phi-Phi is one of the most beautiful place on earth, and regarded as a 'tropical Shangri-La'. It is actually two islands joined by a unique narrow isthmus separating the two prized beaches of Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam, thus creating a global backpackers heaven.
It is here that the 2004 tsunami create the most havoc, destroying almost 70% of buildings, with a reported fatality of 4,000. Since then, the island has staged a remarkable recovery and slowly but surely will reach its glory days again.
We were informed earlier that accommodation on the island is scarce due to waves of visitors arriving. But, with some helping hand in the form of Mr Soon we managed to book 3 rooms at Gypsy Village, for 1000 Baht (RM100) per nite.
after a short rest, we went out to checkout the fame Ao Ton Sai stretch, which occupies a large chunk of the isthmus, constituting all sorts of shops and guesthouses.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that, while very laid back, there are Muslim community among the many locals here...and the recently built Mosque near our place of stay is the most beautiful structure on the island in my opinion.
To experience a breathtaking view of the entire island - particularly at dawn or sunset, we have to walk up to the Viewpoint, 186 metres above sea level. Going along guesthouses, local villages and strips of shops, a very steep walk up await us. Climbing up time ranges between 20-30 minutes, depending on fitness and the stomach boroiness. The journey up isn't difficult at all, the path is well trodden and paved most of the way.
When arrived at the top, we could clearly see the marvel of the island's beauty. Within sight were Phi Phi Leh and all of both Ton Sai and Loh Dalum Beach. The narrow sand strip between these two beaches made the island so unique, the main reason why it attracts so many backpackers around the globe
We climbed down, and walk along the shops. A loud siren from all 7 stomachs made their point, we have to look for a place for dinner. Find one Muslim restaurant at Uncle Harun's. Jalan tros.
Not sure what is the occasion, but tonite there was a huge presence of enthusiastic Swedish tourists gathering on the front stage. One particular guy, we dubbed him as 'duracell', stands out among the crowd with his endless energetic moves and antics, with his army of girlfriends in tow.
With loud music blasting through the speakers and people drove in and off, the place is quite lively
it has been a long day, jet off from Krabi and landed in this beautiful place. It is time to call it a day...but for some people, not before a dose of cucok2 langit i suppose...
end of day 4
continuation from day 1&2
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Getting a goodnite sleep after a 22-hour journey yesterday is an understatement
suprisingly jos, joker, amir, joeneng and me got up early today and had a morning stroll along the waterfront.
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Getting a goodnite sleep after a 22-hour journey yesterday is an understatement
maybe we kinda eager and curious to checkout the place since we lost half a day yesterday...earlier than most birds and predictably all shops haven't started business yet. The road was almost trafficless. The only notable creatures were the presence of departing fishermen and beach joggers.
Later on Scott and Farah joined the crowd.
...and thats when our empty stomach started to talk.
We were looking for McD for breakfast initially but felt the temptation of this Makcik who was selling (not-sure-type-of) rice & hot drinks to the local fisherman.
She just sat there on the raw sandy beach receiving orders from her customary customers. Apparently she attracted 7 rookie fishermen today.
...and thats when our empty stomach started to talk.
We were looking for McD for breakfast initially but felt the temptation of this Makcik who was selling (not-sure-type-of) rice & hot drinks to the local fisherman.
She just sat there on the raw sandy beach receiving orders from her customary customers. Apparently she attracted 7 rookie fishermen today.
after burps we went back to our camp to get ready for today's challenges. Krabi is famous for its impressive coastlines; strewn with hundred of islands and archipelagos of the Andaman Sea. Therefore island hopping is the obvious order of the day.
We asked Mr Big, the Mansion's boss on any island hopping daytrip...after an intense discussion he delightfully offer us a boat at a bargain price for the 'four island' package; Railay Beach, Chicken island, Koh Tub/Koh Mor and Poda Island.
So looks like we are giggling for a cruising. (but before boarding, this crap in above right pic wasted people's time: He wanted to buy a sandal first! LAME)
7 people (plus 2 crew; Mr Soon the tourguide and the pilot) onboard a nice 25-seater speedboat. Yeah, we got this baby all to ourselves.
Not sure about anybody else, but deep inside i feel like a millionaire tycoon.
Meanwhile, another less risky lesson was also in progress; the photography class.
class dismissed, so we head back to our bus
Cruised along and passed through Chicken island (also known as Koh Kai).
I (and i believe so are millions of other people) suspect the island got its name due to the uncanny resemblance of part of its geographic feature to a certain anatomy of Colonel Sanders worldwide favourite dish.
Cruised along and passed through Chicken island (also known as Koh Kai).
I (and i believe so are millions of other people) suspect the island got its name due to the uncanny resemblance of part of its geographic feature to a certain anatomy of Colonel Sanders worldwide favourite dish.
All of a sudden the boat stopped. Mr Soon the tourguide directed us to jump into the vicious sea. fortunately with the aid of life jackets...we are going down snorkeling kling kling
spent half an hour in the ocean...witnessing the almighty power of God's creation...the sea creatures were aplenty and colourful...but the coral was nothing to shout about...personally i have seen better
< looks like joeneng and jos really enjoyed the occasion, they were reluctant to get onboard
Exactly did that on our next stop: the 2 white coral sand beaches and crystal clear water isles of Koh Tub and Koh Mor
Majestically connected by white 'sandbank', it is possible to walk between these isles when the tide is low
The sandbank was simply knocked down by the force of the 26 December 2004 Tsunami waves.
It is now been rebuilt through natural tidal movements and has shaped into its original pristine condition. Let these pictures do the talking:
our last stop of the day: Koh Poda; a small island no more than a kilometre
in diameter, covered in palm trees and almost entirely encircled
by a soft white sand beach. The combination of scenery, beach and excellent snorkeling make it one of the most popular spot among daytrippers.
We succumbed to the temptation of the crystal clear water and had a quick dip before going off. Onboard on the way back, some dessert was waiting for us
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Nite
We are heading for Phi Phi tomorrow. So tonite everybody is going out, checking what AoNang town had to offer
Nite
We are heading for Phi Phi tomorrow. So tonite everybody is going out, checking what AoNang town had to offer
Worst case scenario, could he be allowed to leave the country? will he be able to get married? is KJ going to challenge his father-in-law for the post of PM? how tidy is Dato' K's moustache? would Ziela Jalil prefer a comeback on Tarzan Rimba 2 or Driving School 2?
Tune in to day 4 to get all the mysteries solved
end of day 3
IntRo
With the Chinese New Year holiday looming in a few weeks, me and a few friends were toying for an idea of a backpacking trip of some sort to South of Thailand; an 8-day journey to Ao Nang Krabi, Phi-Phi Island and Phuket to be exact.
Then,some people backed-out due to work-commitment/ spouse do not approve/ high school prom etc, so the contingent was finalized to the not-so-magnificent 7: Joeneng,Joker,Amir,Jos,husband-wife duo of Scott and Farah and yours truly.
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DAY 1, Friday 1/02/2008: KL Sentral - Haadyai - Ao Nang, Krabi
The 550 km journey from KL to Haadyai was by KTMB Nitetrain, and the crawl continued by van for another 300km to Krabi.
But this trip was started on a backfoot. Why? We assembled at KL Sentral to board the Haadyai-bound train. Unfortunately the train was delayed to 11.15pm from its designated schedule of 8.45pm. Yeah...a 2 hour plus wait as these 3 pix shows:
Finally we managed to step onto the coach... the journey curtain officially raised
of course there was a lot of politix happening inside; overnite and the morning after
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DAY 2, Saturday 2/02/2008: KL Sentral - Haadyai - Ao Nang, Krabi (continued)
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DAY 2, Saturday 2/02/2008: KL Sentral - Haadyai - Ao Nang, Krabi (continued)
We were informed that since the train was late (due to delay last nite), the train's engine headcoach had to rail back to Malaysia. The journey to Haadyai will be piloted by another headcoach, 'exclusively' brought over from Haadyai station...another 1 hour plus waiting game...so we had lunch there and just wondered around like clowns
checkout this 'pendatang tanpa izin' description on the left pic below
checkout this 'pendatang tanpa izin' description on the left pic below
Haadyai-bound re-starts...it was 2.30pm and we were late and deep into the afternoon...thankfully these magnificient landscapes make up for the lost time
and finally about 40 minutes later we were well and truly there
to people who are curious what Haadyai look like...
but, this is only as far as Haadyai...the actual destination today is Ao Nang, Krabi...and that was another 4 hour(!) drive by road... i feel my back started to explode soon.Hired a van, fortunately quite big and comfy...apparently owned by a Penangite
Apparently , the van driver double-houdini-act as a distributor. We had to endure almost 1000 stops at certain places for him to load things and drop them over at shops along the route.
So the 4 hours ride was extended to close to 6 hours....its kinda sad and funny at the same time...harharhar
at 9.30pm, we were finally there...after a 22 hour journey (time sufficient for people to travel from KL to New York/London/Los Angeles/Tel Aviv?). Checked-in at JMansion, where the ever-friendly 'Mr. Big', who was notified earlier on our superlate arrival, was already waiting for us. Recommended by Lonelyplanet, a nice room for 800 Baht (RM80) per night, for those who wondered
End of day 1&2
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