KO
TARUTAO
the
KINGDOM
of THAILAND
Ko
Tarutao, just four nautical miles from Langkawi, Malaysia, is the
most southern island of Thailand's west coast. Its scenic coastline
and dense jungle with tall peaks add to the mystery of the island.
Ko
Tarutao has a sad history of being a penal colony for political
prisoners back in the late 1930s, its isolation and wild terrain preventing escapes. In mid 1940s it ceased being a prison but not
until 1970s it became a National Park and its wilderness a treasure.
Now, a tourist eco destination it is considered one of the
environment friendly islands.
Over
the years a perception of many islands that served as no escape
prisons change to places must-visit to experience the beauty of
nature. Ko Tarutao offers walking trails to lookouts, waterfalls and
caves. It also offers secure anchorages for sailing yachts, its
western side in North Eastern monsoon and its eastern side in South
Western monsoon.
Many
anchorages offer sandy beaches and crystal clear waters to swim in.
The crocodile stories are old, guess all crocodiles were eaten by the
prisoners many years ago.
Deserted
beaches can easily be found although Ko Tarutao invites quite a
number of visitors. Even on a cloudy day the island has its special
charm, warm waters to swim in and nature at its best.