TARUTAO MARINE NATIONAL PARK. THAILAND.

From Hell to Paradise.

Tarutao is ancient Malay word meaning old and mysterious. Since old times, when Indians were travelling to Indonesia via Burma and Thailand, Tarutao had a bad reputation. Those who fared to venture into the jungle never returned.

Tarutao is located about twenty kilometres from the Thai province of Satun, at the border with Malaysia. It is 26 km long and 11km wide, covered by a dense tropical forest and jungle and with various wildlife. This is the main island of an archipelago of 51 islands and islets.

In 1936, the Thai government, which was facing the opposition of some officers and nobles unpleased of the change from the old Monarchy to a new Democratic system. This government was looking for a prison in a place where no one will be escape by swimming. Tarutao was so remote that it was a perfect place. Two jails were built. One for the political prisoners, who were well treated, included a grandson of the king. After their political pardon several prisoners of high rank became ministers.

 For 3000 criminals, Tarutao became the Hell. During World War II, they revolted and became pirates, frightening the merchant ships, stealing and killing many people. British Navy troops caught the culprits. The Thai government closed the jail in 1947.

In 1974, by a Royal Decree, Tarutao became the second Thai Marine National Park.

The headquarters of the park are located in Tarutao which has no inhabitants, except the Park staff and few fishermen who are the descendants of the sea Gypsies.

On several beautiful bays, with nice white sandy beaches, kilometres long, there are comfortable bungalows and restaurants to accommodate more and more international tourists as in the Paradise. Camping facilities are provided to reasonable prices.

 In addition to tanning and swimming, Tarutao is a perfect place for Trekking on the main tracks, and on some trails leading to refreshing water falls. One can walk in a deep jungle with huge trees providing coolness. You can feel yourself as Tarzan, playing with the lianes. When the distances between two trekking itineraries are important, the shuttles drop you to the right place. Everything is done under the rules of a National Park, and you may hire a ranger as your trekking guide to understand more about Nature.

This Swimming and Trekking Paradise is a perfect place to learn daily Massage and Yoga with Eric Lon, as your masseur and swimming teacher, in Five Days Classes.

From Tarutao, it is easy to visit several other islands of the huge archipelago.

          

The ADANG Archipelago.

It is located one hour further than Tarutao, around sixty kilometres from the Thai coast, in the Andaman Sea. Its sounds as if Adam was living there when he left Heaven, with Eve. May be the Sea Gypsies are the descendants of Adam and Eve. For centuries, these were the inhabitants of the Adang Archipelago, living on beautiful islands, in harmony with the sea.

About a thousand of them are staying in the small island of Lipeh, close to Adang.

At first view, this archipelago seems so far from Bangkok that few tourists may venture into this part of the Andaman Sea. Leaving Bangkok with a night train, the next morning you will be in a speed boat on your way to one of the many private resorts of Lipeh.

It becomes more and more fashionable to come to these islands for enjoying holidays far from the coast, because the sea is clearer than in Tarutao.

Enjoy Swimming daily in warm water, Snorkelling and Diving to observe the marine life of the coral reefs, with so many colourful fishes, is a top priority that is appreciated by everybody.

The Sunset Beaches are quieter. A beach restaurant provides sea food and big fish.

Close by the long beach, there are several small nice sandy bays where some tourists do nudism and naturism without disturbing anybody.

There is also a Diving centre created by a Canadian in 1997. With him, you can explore safely different islands.

Five minutes walk from the Sunset beaches, there is a Buddhist Temple in the forest.

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From 1st january 2008 to 15th february 2008, the dry season, I will stay in Thai islands.

My program consists of Five Days of Yoga and Massage Classes for six people. You will be busy from Sunrise to Sunset, on the beaches and in the forest. You still can choose another duration that might suit you.

Swimming and learning Relaxing Massage in the sea is also part of the healthy training.

One week is a minimum to enjoy Yoga and Massage.

Better is to take part in a session of two weeks.

In this case, you could use one or two week ends to dive with a professional, or to visit the other islands.