Phi Phi

Trust me, it's paradise. This is where the hungry come to feed. For mine is a generation that circles the globe and searches for something we haven't tried before. So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite and never outstay the welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience. And if it hurts, you know what? It's probably worth it. -Richard, The Beach (2000)

Koh Phi Phi rose in popularity after The Beach, a film that will catch the fancy of travelers and adventure-seekers, was released. I took a short bus ride from Patong Beach to the port and rode a speed boat to Phi Phi. It was a bumpy ride but fortunately my tour guide gave everyone anti-seasickness pills. The sight of the blue sea and the green islands was a treat. The scorching sun made the water glisten as we we sped by.

The first stop was Maya Bay of Ko Phi Phi Leh, also known as The Beach. It was crowded with tourists, mostly from China and Russia, trying to escape the bitter cold at home. As expected, the throngs of vacationers chipped away at the charm and mystique of The Beach. I wonder if this island is ever empty. Its popularity has become both its bane and its boon. Fortunately, despite the crowds, I was still managed to snatch photos of the lovely coastline.

Our tour group snorkeled and fed the fish bread before heading off to the following island. Sadly, the corrals seemed dull and lifeless, probably because of unregulated tourist activity and lack of environmental protection measures. This is risky for a area that significantly depends on tourism income.

Next up was Ko Phi Phi Don where we stopped by to chill under colorful umbrellas. The island is wide on one end then it becomes extremely thin in the middle before it widens again as show in the movie. Our boat stopped at the thin portion of the island. It was a welcome respite from the heat of the sun and perfect time to enjoy fresh coconut juice. It only takes five minutes to walk across the opposite beach.

The whole Phi Phi Island tour lasted until late afternoon. I’ve ticked another destination on my "Places to See" list. Admittedly, if it weren't for the movie that made Phi Phi famous, I don't think I would have found myself there. Nonetheless, Ko Phi Phi definitely deserves a visit especially for nature-lovers out there.