Koh Lipe, aka, known as the ‘Maldives of Thailand’, lives up to its reputation. As soon as we arrived, I could feel a sudden shift in my personal well being. It's the Island in the sun.
From the polluted, traffic jam cities of KL and Penang, we decided to escape to a tropical paradise of clean air, peace and sun.
Koh Lipe is dotted with tiny islands in the Andaman sea. On the way, turquoise water, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches greeted us. Strong winds brushed against my face as we alighted from the ‘ Long Tail’ ( sampans) to have our passports stamped at a makeshift Immigration kiosk on the beach. This is Thailand.
Little is known of this island. It is a small island located in the Satun Province of Southwest Thailand. Part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, the place is protected from pollution and destruction of marine life.
Location.
The island is located in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago of the Straits of Malacca, surrounded by many tiny islands dotting the Andaman Sea. It lies just 35 km north west of Langkawi and 60km south west of Pak Bara, the nearest Thai port.
There is no airport or port in Koh Lipe. The only way to reach this paradise island is by sea.
The ferry that we took was at Telaga Pier, Langkawi. It left at 10.30am.
Road Trip from Penang to Langkawi.
We left Penang by the North South Highway and arrived at Kuala Kedah Pier, Mainland Kedah, and it took about 2.5 hours later to reach.
From here we took the ferry to Langkawi. The trip took another two hours to reach. In Langkawi we stop over for a night at Pantai Cenang.
Boat ride to Koh Lipe.
Next day we moved to Telaga Ferry Pier to take a hovercraft for Koh Lipe. Along the way it wavered and rock. I was seated at the side of the ferry, hence, feeling the full effect. Then, I began to feel nauseous. My stomach churned and a torrent of vomit rushed out. I quickly grabbed some plastic bags hanging on the pillar and threw out.
’Ohh… ohhh’ my head went dizzy.
My tummy squirmed and purged as I vomited. It was embarrassing to experience sea sickness inside the boat. I never had this experience before, but looking at the number of plastic bags hanging ready on the beams, I realized I was not the only one.
Upon reaching, the hovercraft was parked some distance away from the shore. We had to take another ride by transferring to the Long Tail boat. That was something we did not know.
Another ride, this time slow paddling without motor. Oho.. Land at last!
I quickly dislodged myself from the Long Boat and waded in the sea towards the Immigration Depot.
If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and unwind, this is it. The Thai government has gazetted Koh Lipe and its surrounding islands as a National Marine Park.Visitors have to pay 250 bahts tourist’s tax for nature conservation and maintenance.
See link for overview of island.
With an all year round tropical climate, crystal clear turquoise water, white sandy beaches, coral reefs, laid-back setting, and eco-friendly environment, its a haven for swimming, snorkeling, diving, island hopping, fishing, walking, sunbathing or quiet time reading your favorite novel.
Koh Lipe, is part of parcel of islands located in the Andaman Sea, in Southern Thailand. See map.It is nearer to Langkawi, Malaysia, than Pak Bara, Thailand.A lost paradise, its being discovered. Accessible now from Malaysia, the authorities had open up a ferry link service from Langkawi to this island.
Ferry Service. Langkawi to Koh Lipe.
Note:
For booking of ferry refer to this website:
Please take note the ferry is available according to the season.
Rough seas and high tide expected during monsoon season. Always check with the ferry website on latest announcement.
This route is the shortest to Koh Lipe- 90 minutes (42km) It has cut the ferry time by 4 hours if taken from the Thai port of Pak Bara.
After this date, tourists will have to take the Pak Bara ferry from Thailand which is a longer route from Malaysia.
History.
Originally, Koh Lipe is known as Pulau Nipis ( Malay name). This is because the original settlers of the island were sea gypsies who speak Thai and Malay language. Thai + Malay = Rawi.Somehow, the island ended up as a Thai’s island, but the people there are mostly Thai Malays.The island is in the Province of Satun, Southern Thailand. In fact the four southern provinces of Thailand – Yala, Satun, Pattani and Narathiwat are predominantly inhabitated by Thai Malay Muslims.
Long Boats
Prior to this, we took a ferry from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi (about 2 hrs). All in be prepared for a 4 hour ferry ride.The cost of ferry is RM210 return trip. from Langkawi to Koh Lipe. Compared to the same trip from K. Kedah to Langkawi, the cost is only RM17 (Sr. Citizen rate).Why so expensive? You have to find out.
Zanom Sunrise Resort.
We checked into this wooden chalet type hostel for RM110 per night. All payment are in Thai baht. Because we were not aware that the ferry will not be operating after June 16th, we were forced to forfeit our one day stay booking from Agoda and return to Langkawi on Sunday, June 16th.
Beaches and islands.
There are three beaches, namely: Sunset, Sunrise and Pataya beach.Sunset beach is where you can see the sunset. Sunrise is where the sun rises. (that’s where we stay). Pataya is the most popular beach and its the beach where we landed when we arrived from Langkawi. It is where the walking street located.
Relax and enjoy.
Take a walk along the beach. Go scuba diving or tour the islands. Enjoy the seafood or simply go swimming. As for me, I enjoy reading a book overlooking the islands, had beers with friends and sing-along with fellow Thai musician on the beach.
Walking Street.
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