Hey all,
This has to be one of the biggest entries apart from some of the Himalayan Farm Project posts. It simply has to be as our experience on Ko Bulon Lae was full of beautiful and enchanting locations and moments.
Further south than Ko Kradan, Bulon Lae sits further out to sea, just north-west of Ko Tarutao.
After a hurtling speed boat ferried us to the island, we climbed on-board a long tail that could handle the shallows. The guy in the long tail is a local and asks for a 50B fee. Don't be stingy! Support the community, which turned out to be lovely.
As with Ko Kradan, it's immediately apparent how incredible the place is.
Jungle Huts is in the middle of the island. A small section of the interior of the island consists of rubber tree plantations. The bark is cut in a spiral around the trunk and bags are tied up to collect the dripping rubber.
If not bags, why not coconuts!
The island wildlife quickly made itself known. This monitor lizard was calmly sunbathing on a path. They don't bite but they can move real quick! Little did we know, they get a lot bigger!
How's 2m long for you?!
Let's not kid ourselves. We spent most of our time at the beach! The 'main' beach lies on the north-eastern corner of the island. At certain points in the tidal cycle the water was perfectly still and completely clear. As you can see the beach wasn't busy at all. The whole place was so beautiful but it just hasn't been hit by the main tourist, resort market. It's too inconvenient for day trips and the National Park status is actually having effect. With reports from locals and visiting officials, development is actively restrained in favour of protecting the jungle, wildlife and community living on the island. All of this helps to make it pretty special.
Jon seemed much happier now that he could swim and run about!
Shade was an important commodity on the beach, with temperatures sitting at about 35 degrees Celsius! The small section of woodland was prime real estate for towel owners.
On the path that runs from our part of the island to the main beach lies Chi's bar, called: 'Coconut bar'. Chi was a legend and it was the first time we had heard some of our favourite music playing in a long time.
Not a bad spot to watch the sunset either. Looking up into the sky you could easily spot huge fruit bats gliding from tree to tree.
On the south side of the island lies 'Mango Bay'. Mango Bay is used predominately by the local fishing community, as well as a small port for the island.
It was one of Eve's favourite shell hunting spots!
Walking along the bay we managed to take this photo of a Hornbill! It was a bit far away but amazing to see out in the wild. It travelled with its mate.
Bulon Lae also boasted a lot of beautiful flora!
Back at the bungalow, we were often kept company by one of the several brothers and sisters roaming around the Jungle Hut area.
Eve looked for kisses...
... Jon wasn't a good influence...
... This guy, called 'Nips', had a little too much. (No, he didn't really drink any!).
After another exploration expedition to the north (a five minute walk), we found Panka Yai bay.
The bay was very quiet, with a few resort restaurants and locals fishing.
It was a great place to watch the sunset too!
The signs and guidance for the small island is very well done with a lot of information on the local flora and fauna. They've also setup a small trail through the deeper section of jungle. It only takes 30-45 minutes for a healthy soul to navigate but it's worth it for sure. It's quite steep in sections, especially at the Mango Bay end.
Saw some pretty impressive Ficus trees on the way through.
There's a short abseil/scramble down at the end. It can be avoided by heading back on the trail and taking a turn off path.
It can be hot in the day and humid in the jungle. A dip afterwards was a significant treat!
Walking back along the bay shore we saw some pretty amazing root systems.
The last bay on the island is Panka Noi bay. Lined with cute bars and restaurants, there's a local scene too.
Locals also use this bay for fishing and getting on and off the island.
One of the coolest things about Panka Noi bay is the mangroves. There is quite a few different types that, delightfully, are labelled with their Latin names.
On the last couple of days on the island we went to Panka Noi bay to eat at the small Italian restaurant there. It's run by some lovely Italians and it might just be some of the best pizza we've ever had!
We organised our transport back to the mainland and headed off after 11 days. Ko Bulon Lae was one of the most wonderful places we've been. Not just because of its aesthetics and activities but because of the community that live on the island. There are a lot of long-term 'tourists' that stay for months at a time each year and there's a sizable number of locals. The two have blended in a lovely manner and the island is fully of smiley open people.
The lack of party heads and day trippers has made it a peaceful place and the successful focus on conservation has preserved its special, natural state.
Of course we urge people to visit the island, but if you read this and are thinking of going, please be sure to keep in mind how the active preservation of a respectful and mindful community, both local and international, are the key ingredients to Ko Bulon Lae's brilliance.
More soon!
Love you all lots,
Eve, Giraffery and Jon.
x x x
No comments:
Post a Comment