- Tina Pascual
- Jan 21, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 31, 2020
8:30 AM
Fetched by a car we rented to take us for a ferry ride at Klong Jilad Pier.
9 AM
Our ferry bid good bye for a trip to Phi Phi Island. We enjoyed a 2 hours scenic ride. The limestone mountains and islets we came across are impressively gorgeous. Looking at the landscape made me thank myself for deciding to visit the place and to finally stand in front of it. Truly, the amazing nature is more beautiful in actual than seeing it in photos. In fact, it made me frustrated each time I took a snap. Any capture doesn’t do justice to the scenery. I strongly recommend to see it personally.
11 AM
We docked at Tonsai Pier. It was hot, busy and crowded. Summer time and peak season of the Island falls from January to April. Since we reserved a hotel at the top of the mountain, we are glad they provided someone to meet us at the wharf and help us carry our luggages.
11:30 AM
We booked at the east area of Tonsai where the action and night life are alive. Hotels are cheaper and restaurants are everywhere. But our accommodation is way up the foot of the mountain which we have to trek for a few minutes.
Our room had a panoramic view of the beach including the iconic sand bar of the island. It made our climb all worth it.
The hotel wasn’t famous and was actually cheaper than the majority around it. Perhaps because of the macaque monkeys that greets the guests early in the morning. The staffs actually warned us to close the balcony before we sleep to avoid the monkeys to feast and party inside our room. Other than that, it was a value for money.
12:30 NN
Surveyed and explored the neighbourhood. Partly, to have something for lunch. When we finally chose an al fresco restaurant, we ordered local food: stir-fried noodles and pork, and coconut and guyabano milkshake to quench our thirst.
1:30 PM
While walking with our full tummy, we saw a stairs going up the mountain. We were curious to find out where it leads. And so, we decided to find it out. Fortunately, it leads us to stages of a viewing point park.
The first stage or Viewpoint No.1 was an 8-10 minutes climb. As soon as you reached the top, there will be a cheap entrance fee in exchange of a colourful garden. This part is generally good for children and the elders. It is more of an amusement park and photo taking spots. Also, you will already see a good view of the sandbar that divides the 2 beaches.
Going further up was another 10-15 minutes walk. While we were hiking, the rain poured down. But since the view was enticing, we carry on until we saw a cottage. This signalled us that we were already at the second stage or Viewpoint No. 2. Tourist flocked at the shaded resto, some didn’t mind getting wet and are happily taking pictures. This viewpoint was astounding enough.
Before we took our first step to Viewpoint No. 3, we were warned that the trek is not cemented and it only fits people who knows how to hike and are properly attired. Since it rained, the path is muddy. Tourists we met along the way said it will take about 20 minutes more for us to get there. Because of these considerations, we declined to go further.
4:30 PM
We started going down to the street level and advanced at the beach. We sat there while entertaining ourselves with the view and watching the sea rise higher. Also, we considered swimming until it was dark for us to see each other.
6:30 PM
Walked back to our hotel to freshen up and prepared for dinner.
7 PM
Went out to dine. However, due to the partying crowd and noise, it took us a long while after we settled down for a local food in a small yet quiet eatery.
8 PM
Had fun on the streets. We shopped for souvenirs, watched the tourists enjoy, familiarised ourselves with the norms and tried street foods.
9 PM
We didn't have specific itinerary prepared for the next day. So we just booked a tour package going to the surrounding islands and the famous Maya Beach. Thank goodness, travel agencies offering sets of routes are everywhere on the streets.
10 PM
Blissfully put ourselves to sleep.
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