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The Simple Beach Life in Punggol

Updated: Sep 28, 2020


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Me and my husband had travelled for the past consecutive months. I should say, we had too much adventure until we realised we needed a break and go back to our normal lives.


Ironically, we developed a sense of wanderlust. So one weekend when we were left with no activities planned, my husband asked me to go somewhere near yet far from where we live - Punggol.


It took us about an hour to get there via public transportation. Our aim is to give ourselves a feel of having a mini adventure. And perhaps we did after hopping on and off the buses, trying to find our way to where it is both our first time.


Specifically, we went at Punggol Point Park to chase the sunset. Before we captured its glory, we first strolled along the area and enjoyed the ambience of simplicity. People around are more relaxed and joyful compared to some other places in Singapore.

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As we went along, we learned that it was actually a national heritage site. The history it holds last 1942 war was really poignant. However, nowadays people refreshes the past by enjoying the place. They take pleasures in photography, wading at the beach, teaching their children to fish, chatting with friends, jogging vigorously, having picnics and peddling bicycles. Everything in this place gave me the same feeling I identified during my childhood, back in my home country - uncomplicated, slow-phased, light-hearted and worry-free.


Our sunset experience was short yet lovely. As soon as the darkness enclosed the land, we walked towards the Coney Island. Unfortunately, the connecting bridge was close at that time, so we called it a night and walked back for home. Surely, it is a weekend hide-out we will always long to have.

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Ao Nang, Krabi Thailand 1 Day Itinerary

Updated: Aug 31, 2020

6 AM

It was still dark when we woke up to have our breakfast buffet at our hotel's restaurant. After eating, we spent a few minutes to admire the sunrise at the pool area.

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7 AM

Unlike our few days earlier in Krabi, today, we reserved a ticket for a 4 Islands Hopping Tour before we arrived in Thailand. As arranged by the agency, we were picked up at our hotel lobby by a jeep. Then, journeyed to fetch few more tourists to join the trip.


Right after we arrived near the port, we were all given sandwiches, bottled water and stickers to stick on our shirts. The purpose of the adhesive is to identify our groupings based on the tour we booked. We were around hundreds of tourists gathered at the park. The organisers are strict with time. Late comers who mostly chose not to be fetch from their hotels are left behind by their boats. So they were forced to join other tour destination or timing instead.


8 AM

We rode a speed boat with about 20 of us and we realised that in order for us to get the best view and sit at the front deck, we need to be fast. They don’t reserve seats for each. Other than that, everyone was provided with life jackets and we have to wear it while on journey.


9 AM

Arrived at the first island, the Phra Nang. The island is lovely with its crystal clear water and fine white sand. However, it was jammed with lots of boats and people. Nevertheless, the island is interesting as it owns the Princess Shrine and Cave known for its colourful wooden penis collection. It was believed that couples visit and pray in this island to ask for an offspring. That is why they also call it the ‘fertility cave’. In the island, sporty people also tried out to climb the cliff for adventure.

10 AM

Went back at the boat with unlimited juice and water for everyone. Also, off to our next stop.


11 AM

Finally saw and appreciated the beauty of Tup Island even under the undeniable heat. It definitely looks like a paradise if only it is serene and isolated. The interesting part of this island is the sandbar that appears during low tide. It connects Tup to the iconic, Koh Gai or Chicken Island. We enjoyed crossing from its powdered white sand. By the time the sandbar had already disappeared, we decided to swim back and enjoyed the tiny fishes with us.

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Arrived at Poda Island to attack the pack lunch the tour guide had prepared for us. Though we cannot choose what to eat, the lunch was agreeable to everyone's taste. We had a cup of rice, sunny side up egg and chicken meat to fill us up.


There is nothing so geographically notable about the island but it is good for those who likes to sunbath since the afternoon is scorching. But for us, we just took the opportunity to have a good swim and feel the crystal blue water.


3 PM

We bid goodbye to the island. Again, the jeep took us back to the hotel from the pier.

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4 PM

After we had freshened up, we decided to explore the town. Specifically, we looked for artefacts and souvenirs to take home.


6 PM

We settled down at the seaside restaurant where we bought fresh seafoods based on grams and let them cook whats on the menu. Luckily, we came earlier than the rest of the customers. We were able to sit by the window and get a good view of the beach and the sunset. Then, a cheers of local beer ended our scrumptious dinner.

8 PM

Strolled along the coast to get some fresh air, bargained at the local market, and tried street foods before we retired ourselves for tomorrow’s early morning flight back to our home country.





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Closure of Maya Beach

Updated: Aug 31, 2020


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Since the Maya beach had been popularised by the Hollywood movie, The Beach, which mainly told a story about the existence of an ideal paradise, tourist flocked like crazy. The movie was starred by the famous Leonardo di Caprio and it is made with astounding cinematographic landscape and pictures of the Beach.


Hence, the island had been receiving an average of 5,000 visitors per day which unfortunately resulted to the death of its numerous corals. On that account, last 2018, the Thailand government decided to close the island down for its restoration. Thankfully, it will again soon accept tourists in 2021.


As for me, I see nothing wrong in visiting this touristy site and any other most visited nature, archeological site, museum or city. However, I am one with the Thai government (and all the governing bodies) in appealing to practice a responsible tourism. I should say to take and leave nothing but memories. While appreciating how beautiful and astounding the God given nature, be it known to respect it and abide the environmental policy of the country. In this way, the future generation can still to enjoy its natural, majestic and glorious beauty.


For the coming opening of Maya Beach, make sure to plan your stay well, be properly informed and don’t forget to bring lots of respect to the island, its locals, culture and guidelines.




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