Part 1 : DoubleTrouble to Thailand

It took me almost three months to organize a crazy yet awesome trip to Southern of Thailand covering Krabi - Koh Phi Phi - Phuket. Took the advantage of the long weekend of Chinese New Year 2010 (3 extra leave and got ourselves a week off!). Oh yes, and it was a group of 11 (few of us knew each other - more like a wildcard trip).

The journey into Thailand

Since it is a budget trip, we took the land transportation rather than paying a super crazy price for high-mile club. Six of us onboard the KTMb from KL Sentral, which was delayed by hour an a half. The other five waited at Bukit Mertajam train station since the Butterworth station was closed for upgrading. STD was at 0503 from Bukit Mertajam, but the ATD was at 0645. We are jinx! The train were facing some technical issue and it runs at 40kmph from Sg Petani to Padang Besar. Mmg menguji tahap kesabaran. It stop for an hour in Padang Besar. Get your passport stamped on both border, a huge little foodcourt on 1st floor, money changer near the toilet and very friendly Malaysian customs personel. You will have the choice to either left your bag on board the train, or bring it along with you. Thank you, KTMb managed to overcome the issue and we are moving at top speed. In 40minutes the train stops in Hatyai, which by that time we are 3 hours behind.

Initially planned to take a bus towards Krabi. Since we are short of time, I decided to just grab the first available trusted minibus operator to drive us to Krabi. The shop was just across the street from train station. After a long negotiation and bargain, we settled at THB300 per person. The boss keep on saying "It is cheap already, here petrol is expensive unlike Malaysia petrol is cheap". It was a four hour journey to City Hotel Krabi. The minibus driver were a bit pissed-off with us because some of us we are late searching for money changers in Hatyai and we got a ticket ride with a Thai crazy driver.

Krabi Town

Reached the town around 6pm. The minibus driver drop us at in front of our hotel. Checked into City Hotel Krabi situated in the centre, in front of fruits market. Small little budget hotel with very basics facilities, cost less than 500 baht per room. There was a night food market by the pier (walkable). 40% of the stalls are halal. Since it was the night of makan besar, the town was fairly quiet after 9pm.

The next morning me and my mate decided to wake up early and have a good look around the town. 7am and no business has open yet. We walked towards the white temple sits on top of the hill with few dragon carving along the stairs. The temple look very new, with few landscaping still going on. Heard those monks chanting as well. Breakfast club at the one of the 'Bismillah' displayed restaurant. Roti canai and nice cup of kopi 'o. Can't remember the price, but it was freakingly cheap!!!

Bought the ferry ticket from the hotel counter for 400 bath each. Typical Siam bus pick us up in front the hotel and drove to the Pak Klong Ji Lat Port (it sounded very kinky in Malay).

Koh Phi Phi

From afar, the island stood strong with pride aside of the 2004 tsunami wave. Im in love with its perfect crystal clear water. The Tonsai Tower (rock climbing) was visible from the pier. We booked at Harmony House (15 minutes walk). Cheap & comfy rooms. It comes with complimentary breakfast, very near to the tsunami evacuation route. Everything is here ATM's, money exchange, plenty of dive/snorkel shops, beach wear, massage, 7E & fruit shakes (except for McD, KFC and such). Everywhere is walkable. The only transport on the island is either bicycle or your own happy feet. No motorcycles, and the road aren't wide enough for a car to pass.

reminder: Bring big fat famous currency (£, $ or €). They love 'em very much. I changed £40 for THB2000! more than enough for 4D3N backpackers style.

Soon after settling with the rooms, I head out to the beach on Dalum Bay and it was low tide time! If we cant swim enough, lets kayak around the gulf. Paid THB150 for an hour instead of 2.5 hours. They dont keep logs on their kayak business, and we cant keep track of the time. Kayak towards monkey bay and a bit off to the huge wave of andaman sea. By evening, the whole platform was dried out. It was quite a walk back to chalet.

Food for halal seekers are not a problem. There is one halal restaurant in front of the ship-like building. Cheap & very good food (do trust a Penangites when it comes to food). My crowd ordered Thai dishes while the rest of mat salleh ate fish n chip!

Part 2 : we swim, climb & hike

Part 3 : Phuket and the returning..