South Thailand / Tarutao Marine National Park
TARUTAO MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Satun Province’s Tarutao Marine National Park is situated some 30km (19mi) offshore in the Indian Ocean close to the Thai-Malaysian sea border. Some 50 islands comprise the park. Tarutao is the largest with an area of some 151sqkm (58sqmi).
Tarutao Island
Tarutao Island, 31km (19mi) from Pak Bara Wharf of La Nga, is near the Malaysian Langkaui Island and surrounded by several small islands.
At Puntay Malacca Bay on the island’s northwest coast is the park headquarters. Accommodation is provided for up to 250 people. Maps, displays and a collection of local fauna are exhibited at the visitor center. Each evening slide-shows introduce visitors to park areas, local flora and fauna.
Two nature trails, one beachside, the other to the top of Toe Boo cliff, have prominent plants numbered, identified and described to help visitors appreciate the park’s rich flora.
Malacca Creek at Puntay Malacca Bay is a tidal canal leading into an extensive mangrove forest. Crocodile Cave, a large limestone cavern, lies at the back of one of Malacca Creek’s channels. Crocodiles did once live in the Malacca Creek but strange noises emanating from the cave are caused merely by rising and ebbing tides, not crocodiles.
Jak Bay and Molae Bay are a short walk along the beach from Puntay Malacca Bay. Large groves of coconuts occupy beachside land.
Son Bay is about half way down on Tarutao’s western coast and is one of the Park’s most scenic spots. Thousands of casuarina trees line the beach. A stream enters the sea at the northern end of the beach while the southern end is the entrance to a large mangrove swamp.
At Talo Wao is the park protection station. The former prison for long term and political prisoners is in a deep shaded valley which is quiet, beautiful and excellent for bird-watching. Hornbills are particularly common. Talo Wao can be approached by boat, car or a hike through the dense rain forest from Puntay Bay.
Hikers may also continue to Talo Oo Dang, a large bay at Tarutao’s southern extremity. The bay is named after the Malay word for shrimp. Indeed, these creatures are very common there. A park protection office there is staffed with a few park rangers. Accommodation is available for some 50 visitors.
Adang Islands
Adang, Rawi, Lipe and Dong islands lie 50km (31mi) west of Tarutao. Park headquarters are on Adang’s southern tip, where accommodation for some 250 people exists.
Adang is a towering, strikingly beautiful island. Rainy season waterfalls plunge off steep eastern slopes, dazzling white beaches ring the island and the sea is crystal clear.
Coral thrives in shallow offshore waters and extensive reefs have formed. These support a rich variety of marine life and attract snorkelers.
Opposite Adang headquarters is the small, flat Lipe Island, home to some 400 residents, many of whom are sea Gypsies. Villagers support themselves by fishing and coconut farming. The sea Gypsies have their own customs and language which is closely related to Malay.
Ko Rawi is a island ringed by a long beautiful white sand beach and coral reefs. The island has fine low-land rain forests.
Between Rawi and Adang is the Island of Beautiful Rocks. It has fine-grained sandstone that has been weathered and polished and developed into beautiful patterns. Visitors are welcome to admire them, but are requested not to remove any.
Accommodation
Bungalows and tents are provided by the National Park Section, Forestry Department. Prior reservation should be made through Bkk Tel 579-0529, 579-4842. There are 12 bungalows and 4 tourist houses for 600-2,200 Baht.
Transportation
From Pak Bra Pier, Satun, and Pak Bara Pier, Tarutao, boats depart at 10:00 and 14:00 for the 2 hour trip. Fare is 50 Baht per person one way.
Tour Agencies
Somrudee Tour;
Bkk office 111/36 Soi 35, Phahonyothin Rd;
Tel 511-2258
Satun;
109/1 Sulka-Nakul Rd;
Tel (074) 71-2066
Kangwarn Tour;Bkk
Tel 279-2040, 279-3038
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