On your way to Koh lipe from bangkok or from other region , You have to stop by Tarutao Island of Thailand, probabaly the biggest undeveloped island in south asia. It's located near the border of Thailand and Malaysia, is a paradise for people who love adventure, peace and quiet atmosphere like me.
Almost nobody had ever heard of Tarutao Island before the 'Survivor' television series chose it as one of their locations.
Tarutao is actually national park consisited of 51 large and small islands covered by dense jungle, but the main island is called as Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao was the site of a prison camp, housing political prisoners, among others, which was closed after World War II. There are many stories about escape attempts from the prison, after which prisoners had to face the wilderness and fierce attacks of crocodiles and sharks. During the war, after food and water were no longer being supplied from the mainland, the prisoners and guards conspired to rob ships around the island. On the island today, there are still traces of the brutal prisons, with large saucepans, cannon, rusted chains and photographs of prisoners. In 1974, Ko Tarutao was designated a National Marine Park, the second in Thailand.
In Ko Tarutao, visitors can see wild pigs rummaging in the bushes or cobras slithering along the river. Begin your adventures by trekking to the cave of crocodiles, past Du Lu and Lo Po Falls. Although the path is only 3 km, you should tie red cloths on the trees as a mark so you can easily find your way back. And keep an eye out for snakes sunbathing or crawling in the grass.
Crowds of monkeys are often seen, both entertaining and bothering visitors. The most interesting thing for tourists is to swim in a small lake at the foot of the waterfall. The small black fish congregate around swimmers and welcome them by cleaning their hands and feet. In the trees, you may see huge, long snakes seemingly asleep. Thanks to all its wild attractions, the island was chosen by CBS Television as the site to film the reality TV show Survivor, in which contestants had to live on their own on the island.
 |
| truck that can take you to other beaches |
 |
| you can rent bicycle |
 |
| road to other beaches on island |
 |
| you can rent these long-tail boat to look around island |
Some accommodation is available on Tarutao's west coast, at the park headquarters. and few more at southern beach.
Few bungalows for tourists but the price is not cheap, at about USD70 per person per night. The bungalows are basic, they do not have toilet paper, soap and towels for tourists.
you can rent tent for relatively cheap price but it's located far from public bath,toilet so it's little uncomfortable, especailly at night.
There are also two restaurants on west coast, one at south beach.
Electricity is only available from 6 pm to 12 midnight.
Note that Tarutao is only easily accessible from around mid-November to sometime in May. The exact dates will vary because the closure is due to sea conditions which make travel to and from the islands very dangerous during the rainy season.
Most of travellers pass this big brother island for smaller more commercially developed island, koh lipe but if you want to enjoy your vacation peach and quiet,solitarily style, look no farther.
 |
| bungalows at south beach |
 |
| quiet south beach |
