I has long been overdue, I shall continue my Overland Thailand Backpacking stories after stopping at the last post here.
Phi Phi made famous for its sandy beaches, pristine water and it's island geographical. It became the talk about the world when the 2004 Tsunami hits this Island, causing unimaginable death and devastation. I became aware of my surrounding after hearing a first- hand story from a victim . When he retold his story, I can vividly imagine the chaos on the beach that I stood at. My prayers goes to you.
Phi Phi to me is a wonderful island that I would love to return one fine day. The alley that I walked, full of farangs (white people) suddenly become no stranger to me. Yes, Phi Phi Island relies heavily on its tourism. But as you walk further down the street, you will see the local people, some survivors of the 2004 Tsunami. Cooking, chit chatting with their neighbours, slaughtering chicken (oh yes, live!) and people selling food to foreigners.
Things can be a little bit expensive on the island, but come to think of it, they don't get it produce it here eh? In order to get supplies from the mainland, the either have to take a boat ride about 45 minutes to 1 hour to Ao Nang in Krabi or a boat away from Phuket (Which I believe is even further).
How expensive can it be? Well, put it this way ; a piece of roti with nutella is about 20 Baht on mainland, here it can be from 40 Baht to 60 Baht. Food were good when I was there, I had some really good pancake and sweet drinks while watching people at the beach. I also got the halal buffet food provided in the Island Hopping package I took from Boon Rup Travel.
Being a muslim, I've heard/read about the mosque that stood the 200 tsunami when it happened. I went to seek for it and eventually found it behind some rebuild houses and piles of blue giant water tanks. People were friendly there, they gave salam to me knowing that I am Muslim and tried their best to talk to me despite the language barrier. Because of them, I was allowed to also used their bathroom to cleanse myself from all the salt water I got myself into earlier of the day.
If you want something more memorable, may I suggest you to mail yourself and your friends postcards from the island itself? I believe they already know that people wants to do it, they even prepare a special stamp that says Phi Phi Island Post, Thailand. I got my postcards for 5 Baht at Krabi town, postcards were 10 - 20 Baht on the island.
All in all, it was a great day going for Island Hopping on the Andaman Sea. Phi Phi island being the last island I made the stop was a perfect ending to a perfect day. I think everyone on the boat had a terrific time knowing each other and enjoying the water of Andaman Sea.
I shall return one fine day Phi Phi. Till Then, keep on traveling peeps! :D
