Dive In by Roderick Eime

M A G A Z I N E

TAKE ME HOME WITH YO U

r e m m su lash sp

JA N UA RY 2 0 1 6

U luru stargazing • Ba r a n ga r o o • L E G O • D o n n a H ay

o t s g n i h t The bestthis summer do

TAKE ME HOME WITH YO U

JAN UARY 2 0 16

Thrill seekers For adrenaline-fuelled fun, you can’t go past Queenstown

Phuket A dream destination for divers and foodies alike

Wild rides From rollercoasters to thrill rides, we’ve got theme parks covered

Insight

phuket

dive in

Hundreds of tourists visit the sublime Similan Islands off the Phuket coast every day. Avoid the crush with an overnight stay and an underwater adventure WORDS Roderick Eime

Jetstar.com

PHOTOGRAPHY getty images

I t ’ s a w i l d old ride on the big speedboat from Khao Lak. The massive engines roar at full speed as the sleek vessel bounces across the waves of the Andaman Sea. Some of us are enjoying the excitement of this fast, noisy thrill ride. Others, not so much. Located 50 kilometres offshore from Khao Lak, an hour by road north of Phuket, the speedboat is the only viable transport option if you want to be back at your resort for dinner. But to experience the islands with a little breathing room, it pays to delay your return. The Similan Islands, declared a national park in 1982, comprise nine uninhabited islands known for their scenic beauty, and the unusual granite features that make them look like another planet way out in the ocean. The word “similan” is derived from the regional Malay Yawi language, meaning “nine”, and the islands themselves are often referred to by their number.

So why go? The Similan Islands’ picture-postcard looks and isolation have landed them squarely on the Thailand tourism radar. By far the most popular landfall is the namesake island, Koh Similan (number eight), where dozens of fast boats wait behind the shore break while their passengers cavort in the surf, climb the rocks or stroll around the picnic and camping area just a few metres from the sand. It’s a bit of a mini D-Day landing, with guests from all over the world wading waist-deep to and from their rides, beach gear held aloft as the waves break around them. Sure, the Similans can be a bit of an effort to get to, but the islands themselves are every bit the isolated tropical dream spot. Factor in an overnight stay to get a glimpse of the

Fast facts • The Mu Ko Similan National Park is open between November and April (outside of monsoon season) • Booking for camping: dnp.go.th/parkreserve/ • Dive guide: thailand.net.au/a-guideto-diving-in-thailand/ • Certification: padi.com

Jetstar.com

Insight

phuket

E X PL O R E The Similans offer pristine beaches, clear waters and a vast underwater world of stunning coral and magnificent sea creatures

beaches without the crowds. You can book a campsite, with tent, on Koh Similan, or go for one of the slightly fancier furnished bungalows on number four, Koh Miang. Bookings can be made on the park website, and will cost around 2000 baht for bedding, a fan, or air conditioning. Book in advance, as these sites are popular. To really do these islands justice, you should take a peek underwater. The Similan Islands are internationally renowned as a great dive and snorkel location. While you can snorkel around the rocks on Koh Similan, Koh Miang offers a more pleasant experience. It’s quite common to be joined by one of the almost-tame sea turtles while you’re busy checking out the fish life below. Divers can join a dive boat for a quick day trip offering two dives. But if you are a serious diver wanting the full experience, consider one of the live-aboard vessels, which will typically spend two or three days among the islands. There are more than 20 distinct dive sites throughout the Similans,

Jetstar.com

Learn to dive: While it is better to arrive in Thailand with your certification, it is possible to learn or sample diving when you arrive. We dived with Sea Bees, who offer everything from day trips to six-night liveaboard adventures. Courses start from 10,000 Baht. sea-bees.com

including shallow coral reefs in the bays, perfect for snorkelling. In the waters around the islands, you can explore the famous dive sites of Elephant Rock, West of Eden, Turtle Rock and Richelieu Rock with its vast range of big and small sea life. The sites on the western side of the islands are exposed to the open ocean and dotted with large, dramatic boulders rising up 10 metres or more. There’s less coral, but the submarine environment provides ample compensation with sightings of big pelagic species such as manta rays, barracuda, or even whale sharks.

The eastern (sheltered) dive sites are covered in luminous hard corals, which line the steep slopes down to the sea floor, and offer clouds of colourful fish life to chase with your camera. Most operators will visit Elephant Head Rock at the tail of Koh Similan, which looks eerily like a giant has tossed a pile of whopping round boulders into the sea, creating a series of fun swim-throughs to explore. “Hiding in the swim-throughs are shoals of snapper, triggers, surgeons, wrasse, goatfish and lots more,” says Simon Mallender of diveplanit.com. “Even without all the fish, this is a great dive.” To do justice to some of Thailand’s best diving and to make your visit to the Similan Islands one to remember, allow a couple of days to fully explore and soak up the Andaman magic.

Travel Info Jetstar has great low fares to Phuket from Sydney and Melbourne.

Visit jetstar.com to book

PH O T O G R APHY g e tt y i ma g e s , i st o ckp h o t o . c o m

The

Innovators

not

t he

Imitators.

Gboards new range of premium quality, high density

polyethylene

boards

and

now

online

surfboards,

tow/rescue or

sleds

your

stand-up-paddle are

available

nearest

surfshop.