Ko
Samui- Another place ticked off our travel bucket list. This place was our long-time
dream. We planned to spend our honeymoon here, went Genting instead. Then the
first anniversary and went Bali instead. This time we made sure not to miss
this, as this is one of the few last trips from Singapore and so we booked the
tickets 3 months early.
So
as usual, this vacation started with duty free shopping at Changi Airport. It
was just an hour-long flight to Ko Samui from SG. We stayed at the Nora Beach
Resort in Chaweng area. The next day, we explored the area, booked our tour
tickets at kiosk, tried the local cuisine and relaxed at beach. We planned 5
days for sight-seeing and 4 days to just calm down and relax.
Koh
Tao & Koh Nanguan : The Perfect escape to Paradise:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All
set with hat, sunscreen, towels and sunglasses, the high speed boat departed
for Koh Tao. Koh Tao- The Turtle Island is blessed with beautiful bay and
beaches and has spectacular coral reefs along its shoreline. It’s a paradise
for snorkelers and divers. We did all the snorkelling like it was the last day
in the world. After lunch we left for Koh-Nanguan. This Island is considered
one of the beautiful islands in the world where 3 islands are connected with
sandy beach. There was an option to hike up to viewpoint. But it was more than breath-taking
at the beach. So we spared the hard hill climbing and sweating for some beach
time. Thus ended our day 2, at this beautiful island.
The
Full day Safari:
----------------------------
This
was the most tiresome day in the vacation. The day started with 4x4 jeep ride.
We did elephant trekking, experienced elephant massage, elephant shows, monkey
shows, visited the Grandfather Grandmother Rocks(Also known as Hin Ta & Hin
Yai), The Mummified Monk, The Big Buddha Temple, The Tanim Magic Garden, The
Secret Waterfalls and hiked up all the way up to Namuang Waterfalls.
The
Tree Top View- Welcome to Safari Massage:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
After
lunch, we started to the highest view point of Ko Samui on a 4X4 Mountai Jeep.
This was the most adventurous road travel we’ve ever done so far. Bouncing over
the rocks through the dirt paths, few throw ups here and there, few doses of
adrenaline rush, we finally reached the viewpoint which was all worth it. To
see Ko Samui with all its beaches, it was just spectacular. The best view ever
seen so far.
Ang
Thong National Marine Park @ The Anniversary Day:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These are group
of 42 limestone islands encircled by coral bands and are surrounded by shallow
water edged by secluded beaches, covered with evergreen forest and a wide range
of flora & fauna.
Kayaking
– PANIK !
-----------------------------
At
PhiPhi, Phuket, it was all canoeing and there was a Canoe guide who did all the
canoeing for us. Here it was wilder than I did imagine. We both were first time
kayakers and the feeling was more than nervous, Scary !. There were around 20
other couples (sure not first timers), kayaked with much ease and seeing them
made us believe, that it was a real easy adventure. It was our turn, with all
the nervousness and discomfort we were seated in the kayak.
In
spite of all the explanations, videos, instructions and lifejackets, I turned
panic. A rush of faces passed in my mind. Though very near to our boat, it was
in the middle of a sea and I made Arvind even more panic. The whole group was
waiting for us in a direction and we were rowing the other direction. I rowed
left, Arvind rowed right. The few others in the boat shouted and waved us to
turn. I cried for help. Arvind tried to calm me down. We were a total mess. Few
minutes later we figured and finally reached the group. Unfortunately we were
taken in a long route and we had to kayak through 4 beaches. Others did it with
much perfection and ease, enjoying the view and playing with each other. We had
to sync our rowing. As Arvind was seated back he was the captain of our kayak,
he instructed left right and to sync with him, I shouted left right with him.
It was more like a march fast. It was too much of melodrama played by us.
More
Kayaking- More PANIK !!
----------------------------------------------
Somehow
we crossed 2 beaches (not to mention, there was a lifeguard kayak following us
all the time after all this drama I made). When I was about to break my kayak
ladle, thank heavens, we finally reached the 4th beach. (Can’t
describe the Joy !!).
We
hiked up the to see the Maekoh Island- A Fantastic view of the saltwater lake-
Talay Nai and the Emerald Green Lagoon. Luckily, I had brought my most
practical hiking shoes- The Crocs ! After lunch we left to Wua Ta Lap Island in
a long tail boat. Couldn’t handle too much of adventure. So we never did the
500m hill hike to see the 48 islands from the top view point. We spent every
hour in the crystal clear water, finning with the fishes. Thus ended this day
of adventure.
After
such an active day, we weren’t bothered a bit for our anniversary evening
celebs. All dressed up we were all set for the big dinner. The day was too much
to take, but all worth it.
The
Canopy Zipping Adventure:
--------------------------------------------
This
was absolutely the highlight of our trip. This was the longest zip line on
Samui covering 780 meters with 8 Cables. We zipped through the jungle from
platforms/treetops. Each treetop had a beautiful view of the Island. Cable 1
was for training. The platform 3 we could see 2 sides of Samui- Maenam and
Lamai. The Platform 6 even had a waterfall.
I
posed for the camera with all smiles. But I screamed and cried out loud the
entire time. I couldn’t slowdown at one platform and with all that speed I
kicked a guide’s eye, as he was stopping me from hitting the tree at the
platform. This made me realize one thing. I am a no fit for adventure. Later I
picked up some expertise (or at least I thought so!) and finished the lines, as
there was no other option to reach the end destination. At the end of the day, no regrets! Except for
hitting the eye.
Our Zipping Adventure Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXYAFKUeJY0
The
Samui Crocodile Farm:
-------------------------------------
They
had so many crocodiles of various sizes. It was home for many other animals
too. Crocodiles cannot be really tamed and basically they are wild dangerous
animals that can eat people. The head in the mouth trick was rather worrying
and we prayed that it should not be the trainer last performance. The trainer
himself prayed too! It was a true display of bravado. Nevertheless both the
crocodile and snake show was thrilling, nerve wracking and exciting. I love
animals and I wouldn’t say this animal abuse. After all, it seemed like the
crocs were friendly with trainers.
The
Bike and The Beach!
-----------------------------------
Samui
is a beautiful Island with many long uncrowded sandy beaches. The only way to
explore around the Island is to rent a bike. We rented a brand new Honda PCX
150 and toured all the beaches. After all we were in Samui! We stayed at
Chaweng area. Though Chaweng beach area is so commercialized, we were able to
enjoy the true beach experience as our resort had a private beach.
Lamai Beach: The very next beach to Chaweng. A Long
beach with yellow sand and a very beautiful coast.
Crystal Bay: The mostbeautiful beach on the Island
with white sand and crystal clear water.
Few other beaches are Bophut beach, Big Buddha
Beach, Choengmon Beach, Maenam Beach- Each beach a unique experience.
Night
Market @ the Bophut Fishermen Village:
------------------------------------------------------------------
Ofcourse,
An Island vacation does not come to an end without a night market. Nothing
gives me pleasure like a shopping bargain. So thus came an end to our 9 day
vacation @ Samui.
Just one word- AWESOME !
No comments:
Post a Comment