Limestone cliffs on one side and golden shores on the other, with an abundance of nature and cultural attractions in between, Krabi perfectly exudes the allure of an ultimate beach getaway.
Words: Irvin Hanni Photography: Affandi Abd. Hamid/FND
I’ve always been fascinated with interesting legends that explain the origins of a place. In this modern and fast-paced world, legends, folklore and mystery add a dash of wonderment to an otherwise grey landscape. One such story is about a Princess Goddess and her commoner lover in Southern Thailand. The villagers apparently were dead against this union, as the couple hailed from differing social spheres. Hurt and dejected, the princess cursed the villagers and turned them into islands.
Longtail boats on the shores of Tup Island.
Fast forward to the present. There is an estimated 200 islands around Krabi: A few large ones, some accessible, others remote and a few totally untouched by man and modernity. But one thing’s for certain, the islands off Krabi are definitely beautiful gems blessed with white sandy beaches, azure waters and warm island breeze.
Island Allure
Ao Nang Beach just before sunset.
From Krabi International Airport, Ao Nang is just a 45-minute drive by car. After checking into my hotel, I wasted no time for my fun-in-the-sun vacay. Armed with beach hat and sunglasses, I hopped on a longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach to explore the famed islands off the coast of Krabi.
First stop was Tup Island. There were already plenty of sun seekers when I arrived at the island but that didn’t stop me from appreciating the beauty of the place. What’s unique about Tup Island is the ‘bridge’ connecting it to Chicken Island. Between these islands lies a submerged sand bank that becomes visible only during low tide, enabling you to walk from one island to another! Imagine my delight as I gingerly stepped on the sand bank to walk from one island to the other with gentle waves licking my feet from both sides of the sea!
As I was leaving the island by boat, I noticed a ‘monstrous’ chicken staring out to the ocean from atop the rocks. Well, it wasn’t a real chicken but a rock shaped like one. Then it made sense why this island was called Chicken Island. It really looked like one! And its neighbouring islet looked like a turtle. Did the princess curse the animals too, I wondered.
The aptly named Chicken Island seen from afar.
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