Looking for the Perfect Beach Escape (Part 2)

"The Beach" movie was filmed in Maya Bay, at Koh Phi Phi Leh. When I travelled to Krabi in October 2007, it was the first month AirAsia flew there. We absolutely loved it there because it was far less commercialized than other tourism spots, like Phuket for example. The local people were more warm and friendly, prices were not hiked up that much, and the beauty of the place was relatively unspoilt. And none of the people I knew had been there, most have not heard of the place. After our visit, we've introduced many people who went there for honeymoons or holidays.

In the middle of our Krabi trip, we went to the famous Maya Bay by boat. We were awestruck by the beauty of the beach, surrounded by natural limestone cliffs. But we had to share the enjoyment of Maya Bay with hundreds of tourists! Most of them westerners. Thanks to the film, Maya Bay will never be quiet anymore, as locals continue to generate millions out of the place for tourism, year after year. Oh, I was told when the Tsunami hit the Phi Phi islands, it "cleansed" the place, and restored its natural-ness. But only for a while.

Our other great moments in Krabi were scaling up the majestic, natural limestone rocks and kayaking deep into the mangrove forests and ancient caves. Activities that only 5% of the tourists would do, at least during our time of travel.

We had a great time chatting with many people: our masseurs whose lives were forever changed by the Tsunami, a waitress dreaming of opening her own business, our German-Thai rock climbing instructors couple (with an adorable toddler boy) who use the vigorous activity as a form of escapism, a soft-spoken travel booth attendant with a permanent smile and fellow travellers from different countries. Talk about holidays, working in Krabi, the Tsunami, food and life. One common thing I observed was this: People were escaping where they came from to find the ideal peaceful life, hoping to find a piece of paradise of their own. And there were many who just wanted to sample a piece of it to bring it back to where they're from. But many stayed.

Here are only a few of the pictures I captured using my old compact Lumix.

This sunset shot was taken at Aonang Beach. A storm was approaching.

Slowly out of the deep ocean, a mysterious vehicle slowly approached the shore.
I was so fascinated by this vehicle which could move both on water and land.
Hmmm....maybe it came from the distant island.
Days later, we met a tourist who had the same sightings. He nicknamed it "The Amphibian".

The hotel swimming pool which we never use during our six days stay.
Didn't have time for it. Too much outdoor stuffs.

"Lower your heads, baby. We're going into the dark cave".

Maneuvering the kayak in the mangrove forest maze.

Wifey down. I've to kayak on by myself.

Maya Bay at Phi Phi Ley, where they filmed The Beach!
If only I had a DSLR with a superwide lens!
We snorkelled in the clear waters near the islands.

These world renowned natural limestone cliffs are found at Railay.
Look at the climber's legs almost 180 degrees!

This was me up there doing rock climbing for the first time.
Probably the most challenging physical activity I've ever done!

This was when we walked the whole length of Ao Nang beach and reached a hill. Most would turn back, thinking there was nothing else to see. But not us. We weren't satisfied, and curious what was on the other side of the hill. We approached near to climb it. But we had to negotiate our way past at least a dozen fierce-looking, hungry monkeys before we could get to this steep ladder. We climbed it and had a nice view up on the small hill. Soon we were on the other side and reached a private beach. The entrance was guarded by a soldier, who recorded down our names and time of entry into the restricted area.

One of the mean-looking guardians of the bridge.

Over on the other side of the hill, obscure from the mass of tourists was this exclusive resort with its private beach (probably the best beach there) and beautiful swimming pool.
Only for the filthy rich! Later I found out it is one of the highest rated resorts at Krabi.
I wasted no time in making myself feel at home. I was enjoying myself in the pool with the rich and good-looking people for about 20 minutes and was abruptly asked to get out....
Exclusively "members only" pool. But what a wonderful 20 minutes it was!
I joined wife at the beach and walked at least 0.5km on this floating jetty.

And then we saw "The Amphibian" up close. Now we know where it came from.
It's a private transport vehicle from the Centara Grand Resort. Mystery solved!

Loved the sunset view at Nopparat Thara Beach. Loved the reflection on the shallow waters.

I wonder as tourism hits full-swing into Krabi, whether is it still the same lovely place as we knew and tasted back then.

Come this Thursday, we're off for another adventure to a relatively unknown place...the "Ancient Realm" found at Koh Lanta. We just can't wait! :)