Monday, April 27, 2009

Phi Phi Island Trip - Part 1



Some of you would have known by now that I was in Krabi and Phi Phi Island for 5 days.


Yes! FIVE days.




We were so excited even as we board the bus from KL Sentral to LCCT because we have all waited to go on this trip for more than 5 months!



Finally, we arrived LCCT and went to the international check-in counter


On our way, we were enlightened on the new XL Seats available on Air Asia Flights

Looks comfortable eh?


But Darling said it only applies to the extra XL seat payments!

Anyway, for the XL price, I would rather take other airlines like MAS to the least.





Since we still had time, we went to Old Town White Coffee for breakfast.



Time for departure at 11.35am, but Darling and all of us popped into the Duty Free Shop for some champagn and wine.



Darling said "here you go, your birthday present!"

So I took down a picture! :D

I was already very happy to go on the trip with my close friends and Darling!



And then, it was boarding time



From the left: Liew, Sharon & Wendy


Darling and I


It was quite bumpy, but I made myself comfortable with the pre-ordered in-flight food and a Sofie Kinsela book.


After 55 minutes, we were finally landing


We chartered a van to the Krabi pier at 400Bhat per person


Quite comfy with leather seating and lots of lights above!



After about 30 minutes, we arrived at Krabi pier and the weather was hot but still cloudy



While waiting to board the ferry at the pier

Walking towards the ferry


But to our surprise, at the price we were paying, the ferry was crap! Because it was so hot, smelly and... etc.


After traveling for 2 hours, we finally see land!


That is the crappy ferry

Phi Phi Island is amazingly small, yet beautiful.

We were so worn out due to the traveling and weather.

There were a lot of little stalls selling items for diving, snorkeling and beach wear! Aplenty!

We had pre-booked Phi Phi Hotel for 2 nights, thus, were pleased to see that it looks comfy, clean and near to the pier.


Our room

Skin care for the week!

For the man


We had a swimming pool too

The locals use this little wagon to transport goods everywhere around the island

As you can see, Phi Phi Island has little roads with a whole stretch of stalls and shops.

The locals get around via bicycle or by foot.

You do not even need a car because you can cover almost the whole island by foot in 1 hour.


After settling down, we were all starving!

So we had our first meal at this restaurant, which I forgot the name.


Know why?



Because we had to wait for 15 minutes for someone to take our order (hungry people are grumpy)




Another 20 minutes for our food, even the drinks.


We even had time to take a sweet photo



When our food arrive, it was a little crappy.



I couldn't finish my Pad Thai because it was tasteless

We walked around looking for a massage parlour

Spotted this restaurant having an interview session with the media

Finally, we found a massage parlour.

Darling and I had the Thai Massage for 200Bhat for 1 hour.


After massage, we felt a little bit more refreshed.

But due to the crappy dinner, we decided to go for supper.

So the big guy ordered a beer to cool down


... and a pizza (which wasn't really fully cooked!)




Day Two: Island-hopping Day!



We had pre-booked for an island-hopping package the day yesterday for 1200Bhat per person.

Because we have 6 of us altogether, we chartered a speed boat so we could have our own time & privacy.




Firstly, we had breakfast!



Breakfast was OK, although the bacon was overcooked


But we didn't have time to grumble because we were all looking forward to our little trip!

The girls were a bit tired of walking, so Sharon hopped on to the tour guide's bicycle.

As usual, Darling being his cheeky self. :)





The tour guide briefed us on certain things we should have and shouldn't do



and we all got our ducky shoe!


The morning sun was so kind, the breeze blowing and the sea so blue


Loving every moment of it!




Isn't it beautiful?




First stop: The Viking Cave



Look at the clear sea water below!!!!!


The waves were pretty huge, so we weren't allowed to get down for a swim


So we continued our journey


Phi Phi Ley Islands


There were no waves at all!


Only the rock mountain in front of you, the sun, crystal clear blue sea and the breeze

So we got ready for a swim!


I had to use the life jacket for an easier swim because I can't really float by myself


We enjoyed the swim a lot!

We could see the corals beneath as we swim even without snorkeling below

After about half an hour, we decided to continue our journey



The waves were pretty huge due to the end of the hot season

So, we didn't get to go to Maya Bay, where The Beach was filmed.



What a waste...!!!




But, the tour guide promised us that he would bring us to a very nice, beautiful and quiet beach.



... and he really did!


Look at the water! It was only knee high and the water was crystal clear!


When we get down from the speed boat, the sand was so fine


After that, it was loads of pictures, laughters and fun :D


I just fell very much in love with the crystal clear water and the beach


My Darling and I




But our tour guide said we should get going



Because he was going to park the boat a little bit further for the depth, for snorkeling!


So we got ready!




I wasn't really doing a good job with the mask


But we saw corals and fishes swimming around us!



And after a while, we went to Bamboo Island.

It was very beautiful!


We had lunch too!

And Wendy got some ang moh to take pictures for her

HAHA


And after we left Bamboo Island, the waves got huge due to the rain!

But after a while, it passed us and the sun was shining again.

Phew~


Since we paid for a 6 hour tour, the guide brought us to another spot for another swim


The waves were still huge and I was a little tired, so only Darling and the rest went for a swim

This time, I was to the photographer. Hehe

And suddenly, Wendy had this idea od trying to catch the fishes swimming around them by using plastic bags!


Darling was on to the game very much... look at him!


Finally, they caught one


And a few more fishes too!

Because we love the environment a lot, we kept our plastic bags after releasing the fishes back into sea.

I think our tour guide wouldn't even start the speedboat if we didn't release those fishes!


And then, we were on our way back to Phi Phi Island.

After freshing up, we went back to the same massage parlour for another session.



The whole parlour was fully occupied by us :)


But I didn't fancy Thai Massage because it tickles me when the masseur massages on specific areas, so I did the foot scrub!


After that was dinner!!!!!!!!


Oh, we were thinking of staying in this hotel previously. It is located in a much inner side of the island, but it isn't a problem due to the size of the island. Plus, it is located at the streets with lots of restaurants and pubs :)

Looks good too, isn't it?

We decided to go for Western.



It was a very affordable buffet!


Yeah, I asked what are Ladyboys.

My first impression were ladies who could eat as much as men.

But the waitress corrected me "No No, men who look like lady!"

-___-!!

Yeah, I forgot where was I.


Anyway, here's the menu

The appetizers!

We just had to pick our food from the grill

Nice ambience, just a little bit hot


My platter for the night: Baked potatoes, pork, mashed potatoes, salad and the skewer.



How was it?

Loved every single mouth full!


I had this too!

A group photo of all of us during dinner :)


Of course, we bought this back to our room. Love the Lays!




Day Three: Bye Bye Phi Phi



Before we checked-out, Darling and I decided to go for a stroll on the beach because it was just specatular view.


Imagine waking up to crystal clear blue sea, mountain, the soft sea breeze and the sun everyday.


Just like a picture!


This picture was taken at the balcony in our room


We were just looking at the beach and taking lots of photos to remember the view.


We didn't feel like talking for a moment because the view was so beautiful, I just felt like standing and just looking at it.


Beautiful.


Before we knew it, it was time to catch the crappy ferry back to Krabi.



This time, we decided to join the ang mohs at the top deck


Because it was too hot and smelly inside

Of course, we got a little bit tanned. But the view and sea breeze was just great


Even the dog loved the sea, he was just sitting so still... or was he scared? Hahahahaha



Cheeky :)


Aftr 2 gruelling hours, we finally arrived Krabi.


I was a little bit reluctant to leave Phi Phi Island. But we have a really beautiful hotel waiting for us in Krabi.


This is it for the three days of my trip!


Will update soon on Part II!


Phi Phi Island is really one of the most beautiful places on earth.


Darling and I had a little chat with an American who sailed from Singapore to Thailand, and he too agreed that Phi Phi is one of the most amazing places on earth.




Phi Phi island, one of the paradise on Earth.