Last Update : Friday 23 February, 2001 2:41 PM
Last Update : Friday 23 February, 2001 2:41 PM |
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Getting to Know Mu Ko Similan
In 1981, the surveyors from the Royal Forestry Department came to Similan islands. By their scenery and abundance of faunas both on land and under water, the plan to announce these areas as Mu Ko Similan Marine National Park was developed, and succeeded in 1982 as the 43rd national park of Thailand.
The area of Mu Ko Similan Marine National Park is 140 square kilometers with the area of islands of 16 square kilometers. The area consists of small and large 11 islands, which are Ko Hu Yong, Payang, Payan, Mieng, Haa, Payu, Pusa, Similan, Ba-Ngu, Born, and Ta Chai; and also 2 exposed pinnacle rocks of Hin San Chalarm (Shark Fin Rock) and Hin Ko Haa.
Many of you may have heard that “Similan” in Yawi language means “Nine”, but in the park, there are more than 9 islands, and they are called respectively by number. At present, they are called only in some islands such as Ko Nueng (Hu Yong), Ko Sii (Mieng), Ko Haa, Ko Hok (Payu), Ko Paed (Similan), and Ko Kao (Ba-Ngu)
Similan island is the largest island (5 square kilometers) with the highest peak of 224 meters. There is a lighthouse built by Royal Thai Navy, but it is not used now. Those who are interested can climb on; the view up there is superb, but the route is hard to go and you have to ask for permission from the park officers first. Ko Pusa is the smallest island. It is only an exposed pinnacle rock. Sometimes, it is called “Hin Kalok (Skeleton Rock)” or “Hin Hua Chang (Elephant Head Rock)”. For Ko Born and Ko Tachai, they are isolated islands in the sea faraway from Similan islands.
Ko Mieng (Ko Sii) has plenty of fresh water, and it is the island where the Park Headquarters and visitors’ bungalows are located. Ko Hu Yong, Payang, and Payan are now prohibited areas for the preservation of Green turtles by Royal Thai Navy.
Do You Know?
From the reputation of Mo Ko Similan, many people come here in order to sea the most beautiful underwater world of Thailand, but it is more than 10 meters deep under the sea. If you would like to see the underwater scenery as beautiful as in the pictures, you have to do SCUBA diving. Somebody who can only snorkeling may be disappointed because the coral reefs in this area locate very deep that they might not be seen. If you would like to do snorkeling, Mu Ko Surin is a lot more suitable. However, if you would like to take a rest, admire the scenery, but not emphasize on diving, Mu Ko Similan has a lot of things that other islands have none.
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