Similan National Marine Park
The Similan Islands are
justly renowned among divers for their rich coral reefs,
clear waters and pristine beaches. The best diving months
are between December and May when the weather is fine
and underwater visibility at its best. The name similan
is believed to derive from the Malay word " sembilan"
or nine, because there are nine islands in the group.
Similans are located around one hundred kilometers northwest
of Phang Nga in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea.
As interesting as the
Similan Islands may be above water, it is the diving
which has really made their name. Ko Similan National
Park has just about every ghing a diver could dream
of coral walls, huge boulders, intriguing sea fans and
barrel spoges, as well as intriguing "swim-throughs".
Hin Pousar, for example, offers no fewer than fifteen
different swim-throughs in single dive. There are also
magnificent coral gardens as shallow as two or three
metres, ideal for scuba diving or snorkeling.
On Ko Miang, which is
second in size to Ko Similan, there is a visitor's centre,
the park headquarters and accommodation. The beaches
on this island are especially good for walking and snorkeling.
The largest granite out-crop in the archipelago is also
found on Ko Similan and from the top there is a fine
view of the surrounding sea. For visitors who want to
stay overnight, there camp grounds on Ko Ba Ngu, Ko
Similan, and Ko Miang. Ko Miang also has bungalows of
simple design and a small restaurant. Campers should
come equipped with mosquito nets.
If you decide to stay
on the islands, be prepared to rough it out. On island
No 4, the park authorities rent out a bungalow capable
of accommodating twenty people as well as two-man tents.
Toilet facilities are rudimentary: only the squat type
is available. You can reserve accommodation by writing
to the National Parks Division, Lodging Service, Bang
Khen, Bangkok 10900 or by calling 662 579 0529. You
may be able to make arrangements for accommodation on
arrival at the island, but during the high season this
could be a risky option. You should bring along your
own food supplies if staying overnight. Another option,
and a more comfortable one, is to book a place on a
live aboard dive operation. Several dive shops in Patong
offer week long dive safaris on board comfortable yachts
to the Similans.
May to November is the
wet season, with strong winds and rains of the Southwest
monsoon. September sees heavy rainfall, but December
to April, the main tourist season, is dry and pleasant.
Virtually no rain falls in January and February.
