It’s my first time in Phuket,
Thailand and I had learned that A Phi Phi Island tour is the most popular
activity in the region for limestone cliffs rising sheer out of the emerald
green water, white powdery beaches and its many coral reefs offering great
diving and snorkeling.
I had mixed feeling booking for
Phi Phi Island Tour: Fear – remembering the December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean
Tsunami that destroyed 70% of the buildings and inhabited part of the Island.
News footages had reminded me of the estimated 850 bodies recovered, and an
estimated 1,200 people were still missing. On the other hand, there’s an
excitement and curiosity of actually setting foot at the island since it came
to worldwide prominence when Ko Phi Phi Leh was used as a location for the 2000
British – American film “The Beach” starring Leonardo de Caprio. Moving forward
from horrific past of tsunami, I resolved with adventure seeking hormones and
book Phi Phi Island Tour for 900 Baht. You can book Island tour in advance
through on line, but I greatly suggest that you arrange your tour in airport
upon arrival or agencies stationed in your hotel as they give value discounts,
deals and offers.
Itineraries for my 900 Baht Phi
Phi Island Tour package include:
0900 – 0915H: I was picked up
from my Hotel at A2 to Rassada Harbor together with other guest
0945H: ETA at Rassada Harbor;
upon arrival, the driver will guide you to receptionist were they will place
color coded sticker on your shirt to determine your tour mode of package (day
tour, overnight stay)
1000H: Depart from Rassada
Harbor. 1st and 2nd deck of cruise ship was air-conditioned
with windows allowing passengers to enjoy view. However, I opted to stay at top
deck with Caucasians baking under the sun and gives clear view of the island
with natural breeze.
1200H: ETA at Phi Phi Leh –
visitors enjoyed sightseeing of Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Cove and Viking
Cove. Stop over at Maya Bay for snorkeling and fish feeding for given ample
time. Reminder, not to lose your snorkel and fins as this will be charged to
you.
1300H: Lunch at Phi Phi Village
with entrance fee of 20 Baht. Buffet lunch served was of local dishes with
curry, celebration of flavors combined with spices and herbs; Dessert was a
tropical fruit (depending on availability) which in my case was pineapple and
watermelon; Drinks was free flowing water, while soft drinks, juices and beers
are charged accordingly. For lunch, I suggest you go first in line as amount of
food served was not suited for expected number of guest.
1345H: After lunch, free time to
explore the island, swimming, snorkeling and shopping for souvenirs.
1500H: ETD from Ton Sai Bay to
Phuket – this time find yourself a comfortable seat in an air conditioned deck
for an afternoon siesta. Remember that seats are first come first serve basis.
1700H: ETA at Rassada Harbor and
transfer back to hotel. FYI, remember the face of your driver and vehicles
plate number for tourist gets chaotic in desire to get home.
On our way home, I was seated beside
an American talking to his wife on cellphone; he was telling his wife that he
felt exhausted and good thing they decided to stay in Bangkok. He was
complaining that the weather was too hot; there was no available comfortable
seat on board; it was not the island tour he was expecting; and he was not in
luxury at al. I have to agree with him, January to April as peak season there should
be a program for crowd control in terms of number of passengers per boat; time
intervals to prevent overcrowding of visitors in an island for a total comfort
and relaxation.
I have no regrets spending 900
Baht for an 8 hour Phi Phi Island tour; I had experienced Phi Phi Island far
from the image of the aftermath of the tsunami disaster when the Thai government
declared the island closed. I had seen the island revived by Help International
Phi Phi (Hi Phi Phi) set up by former Dutch resident of Phi Phi, Emiel Kok that
recruited 68 Thai staff from the rfugee camp, as well as 3,500 transient
backpacker volunteers offered their assistance, and returned to the island to
undertake clearing and rebuilding work. To date, more than 300 businesses had
been restored, nearly 1,500 hotel rooms were open, and with installed tsunami
early warning alarm – Phi Phi Island stays alive, safe and paradise of beauty
and history.
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