Phi islands

fizz noise from the engine was a sign of foreboding. As the waves grew in size, crashing and lapping at the base of the cliffs, the sky turned black and the skipper sped off to get a mechanic.

The engine still would not start. The skipper announced that we would go in the rubber dinghy to Phi Phi Leh. And so it was that we landed rather excitedly on the very same beach made famous by the movie The Beach. Led to a thatched hut, we were given rice and curry by the resident ranger and his family, though as I was so seasick, I lay on the sand without moving. The storm intensified, we ran for shelter, ending up at the ranger’s hut. Exhausted, we fell

Travel noTebook SOUTHERN THAILAND

GETTING T h E r E

Jetstar (direct), Thai Airways International, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia fly to Phuket. GETTING A r OUND

It’s a drive across the island to the marina and a ferry boat ride. Given the ferry takes 2 hours, it is too gruelling to attempt in one day. To explore the islands of Phi Phi, an overnight stay or more is required.

As the sun set bringing the oranges and pinks of a tropical night and gentle waves slapped rhythmically against the boat, all worrisome thoughts were pushed far away

Clockwise: James Bond Island

Phi Phi Don Cruising near Krabi

The start of the rescue

The rescue is over View from Cabin Deserted island near Krabi Suwan Macha asleep. Next morning the skipper returned, and by rubber dinghy we were taken to a diving boat and back to Phi Phi Don for our ferry ride back to Phuket.

After the ferry departed, I turned to take one last look at Phi Phi Leh. The rain had cleared and a spectacular rainbow appeared above it. The islands of Thailand are the stuff of castaway fantasies. Wishes do come true, after all!

One of the benefits of cruising onboard the Suwan Macha is that transfers from your Phuket hotel are included as well as all meals, kayaks, snorkelling gear and excursions. The boat visits islands seen by few tourists. Guest cabins for single and double occupancy are compact with shared bathroom facilities. An adventure rather than luxury experience. E: info@asian-oasis.com W: www.asian-oasis.com wh E r E TO s TAy

For exploring the islands including Phi Phi, you’ll need pre and post accommodation stays on Phuket. I stayed at the newly opened Pullman Phuket Arcadia, overlooking the Andaman Sea and convenient to the airport.

E: H7488-RE@Accor.com W: www.pullmanphuketarcadia.com

The Beach Resort on Long beach at Phi Phi Don has helpful staff and nice rooms.

E: resvn@phiphithebeach.com W: www.phiphithebeach.com

I N s IDE r’s TIP

Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand at Level 20, 56 Pitt Street, Sydney T: (02) 9247-7549 for brochures and maps. I’d recommend avoiding the monsoon season, November – April is high season, but the best months to go.

I walked over the hill to reach Long beach, a beautiful deserted stretch of beach with several resort hotels tucked in amongst groves of palms and pandanas