Tarutao: The magical Spell of the South Andaman Sea

       Travelling through the wide expanse of emerald seas, one can gradually see emerging before us an outline of long white sandy beaches, shaving coconut trees with a backdrop of lush and verdant forests, and in some parts, dramatically steep cliffs dropping straight onto the beach. All gradually becomes clearer and more breathtaking as we get nearer to the islands. This signals that the end of our journey is near as we have travelled through fresh, strong, directional winds for about 22 kilometers from Pakbara Pier in Satun Province in order to reach this tropical paradise island on earth called  Tarutao.
      On arrival at Ko Tarutao (the biggest island in the group), before we began our tour  to view its exciting and natural wonders and learn some of its fascinating history, we dropped in for information at the Tarutao National Park Office at Ao Phante Malaka (“Ao" is the Thai word for "bay"). The bay has a long stretch of beach — which seems to stretch into infinity — and in front of the bay there is a lighthouse, which serves as a landmark for seafarers and warns them of strong currents in the bay. A sign warning people not to-swim in the area is displayed prominently nearby.

      Because Ao Phante Malaka faces east, the bay is a most beautiful vantage point to watch the glorious sunset. As the evening approaches, the sky turns dramatically into a symphony of orange, red and purple colours; the mix of which changes from day to day, thus leaving a lasting impression on travellers.