Phi Phi Islands

13th February 

Remember the scene from the year 2000 film, 'The Beach'.

26 years later they have had to seriously control the tourism to this famous beach, Maya beach on Koh Phi Phi Leh. It is now a conservation area - an important breeding ground for sharks - and visitors are no longer allowed to swim here.

But it's still beautiful!

The visit to it is seriously hectic however, packed with boats - that have to land the other side of the island - and packed with people. There are guys with megaphones, shouting at people to stay out of the water and continously warning people about the fines etc........

I was still excited to see it for myself, however, having really enjoyed the film when it came out.

My walk to 'The Beach':

I thought I'd missed the meeting place to go back to the boat, until someone recognised me and waved - turns out I was waiting in the wrong place.

This visit was part of a boat tour around the Phi Phi Islands which was quite a nice day. 

For me, the highlight was Maya bay, but the towering limestone mountains, rising up from the ocean, and beautiful lagoons were also exciting to see. 

We were able to do some snorkelling and had lunch on Phi Phi Don Island. 

Before every activity our guide, Mickey would say, 'Please, prepare yourself!' 

Lunch was buffet/canteen style but really good & plenty of it! This time I tagged along with a nice Polish family from the boat so I didn't get left behind. 

Monkey Island & lagoon

Then swimming & snorkelling. We were warned not to drop our masks - somebody did & one of the boat crew had to search & dive for it.

Then Bamboo Island where you couldn't go & see the bamboo & you weren't allowed to swim without a life jacket.......random!?

Then back on the speed boat for pineapple & watermelon and then an ice lolly back at the harbour. 

It was a nice trip, and weird how you can feel so tired after just sitting on a boat & sunbathing. 

Had Pad Thai for dinner - delicious!

There were some kids playing music along the river - it might have been a talent contest. The girl on guitar was good....I kind of missed filming her guitar solo. The singers were nothing if not enthusiastic!