|
 The
five islands are :
Koh Surin Neua, Koh Surin
Tai, Koh Ri, Koh Kai, and Koh Klang.
The two large islands, Surin Neua and Surin
Tai (which mean, respectively, north and south)
have ten bays in which coral gardens are found. The
best known are: This group of five islands close to the marine
boundary between Burma and Thailand in Kuraburi has so far been
little visited because of its distance from the coast and the
absence of any commercial activity or permanent population other
than Sea Gipsies on the islands, all of which are a protected
area. The shallow channel between the two principal islands-about
two meters at high tide-has one of the most remarkable panoplies
of coral reef life to be found anywhere. Scuba gear is by no means
necessary to get a good look at the reefs, a mere smorkel and
mask is sufficient, making this a perfect destination for those
who would like to have the experience of diving but haven't time
for a scuba course. Accommodations at the National Park
are spartan, but the modest inconvenience of roughing it will
be amply rewarded by the experience supplied.
Ao
Mae Yai : The largest, with still waters and peaceful breezes.
Ao
Luk : which is on the outheast
shore of Koh Surin Neua. Luk means deep, and this bay
is so deep the water turns a dark green. In the shallows
of the bay, however, are some impressive corals.
 The
Singh (or Lion) tribe of Chao Lay (Sea Gipsies)
have a settlement on Koh Surin Tai. These
nomadic sea people continue in this modern age a very primitive
way of life; time, for example, appears to be a vague concept
as none of them knows his own age, nor can count beyond the
digits on his fingers. On the other hand, they are quite
skilled in their own ways, able to hew an ocean-going boat using
only the most basic tools, catch fish by hand, and are famous
for their talents as deep divers without benefit of scuba tanks.
On the fifteenth night of the third lunear month they perform
a religious rite similar to the Thai festival of Loy Krathong,
a propitiation ceremony in which small models of the larger
Chao alay craft are set adrift on the waves.
Travel
to the Surin Islands :
can be initiated from several different points:
-
From Kuraburi Pier, Ban Hin Lahd. To reach
Ban Hin Lahd, take the road (located at km. 110 on the Ranong-Takua
Pa Highway) which splits from the main road at Ban Hin Lahd
School. Travel onward to the pier about 1 km.
After embarking, travel to the islands takes 4-5 hours.
- From Tap Lamu Pier in Tai Meuang
District. Travel time is 4-5 hours.
- From Kaper Pier in Ranong Province,
or contact the Janson Tara Hotel which has boats leaving from
Chan Damri Beach for trips to the Surins.
 N.B.
One reason why the Surins are still so beautiful is that they
are rather out of the way. There is no regular boat service
for travellers to the islands. Boats leaving from Kuraburi
Pier are suitable for group tours, and cost in the range of 8,000
to 15,000 baht to rent, depending on various factors. The
situation at Tap Lamu is similar. It is sometimes possible
for individuals to hitch a ride or pay a reasonable fraction of
the rental cost on a boat chartered by a group. This method
is by no means certain and should be an option only for the adventurous
who have time to spare.
Perhaps The best way for individual travellers to visit
the Surins is to join a dive trip out of Phuket that includes
the islands on the itinerary. This typically lasts 4 or
5 days and includes visits to the Similans, the Richelieu
Rocks (regarded by some as the very best dive
site on Thailand's west coast), and Koh
Ta Chai, a small island south of the Surins with notably
good diving. Price for such a trip is 8,000 baht and up,
depending on the level of luxury, and includes meals, accommodations,
equipment, and transportation. Contact one of the many dive shops
in Phuket for further details.
 For
those wishing to stay on the Surins, basic accommodation are
available at a very modest price in the National Park. For
details (and information for individual travellers about joining
a group to the islands) contact the Visitor's Center (076) 491378.
Information about weather conditions and current numbers of visitors
can sometimes be obtained from the Park Office located on the
islands by calling (076) 419028-9; phone service to these isolated
islands is, however, problematic.
Weather conditions can also be investigated by dialing the
Weather Forecasting Service in Bangkok, Tel. (02) 3994566,
02 2601502.Weather On the islands is best from November to April.
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