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 Mu
Ko Similan National Park has been rated first by the U. S.
publication Skin Diving of the top ten dive sites in the world. The
Similan Islands in the heart of the Andaman Sea are indeed
unparelled in their exotic beauty. If planning a visit, keep in mind
that anytime between December to April is recommended, with the best
month being March, because the monsoons are over and the water is
clear.
The national park is established in 1982 and located in Ko Phrathong
Sub-distreict, Khuraburi District, Phang-nga Province and covers 128
square kilometers, 80,000 rais, of area, 14 square kilometers of
which is land composed of all the islands put together. Located
along the western coastline of the Andaman Sea and in the Indian
Ocean, rest these nine exotic granite islands created by upwellings
of hot magma during the Teritiary-Cretaceous Period some 65 million
years ago, then smoothed by glacial ice and the wave action of the
sea.
Similan is really the Malaysian word for nine, as there are nine
islands in the Similan group: Ko Bangu, Ko Similan, Hin Huwagralok,
Ko Payu, Ko Ha, Ko Hok, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong.
In 1998, the park boundary was expanded to cover Ko Tachai which is
located further north of Ko Bon and the Similan group. Then the park
area becomes 140 square kilometers.
Topography
Consists of numerous islands with high and steep granite mountain,
beaches and rocks formation of many shapes. The shoreline of each
islands are of inconsistent curves since they are situated in the
outer part of the sea and are worn away directly by waves. Part of
the water lies in the Andaman Sea and eastern side of the Indian
Ocean while the shoulder of the continent borders the western
shoreline of Phang Nga province and Union of Myanmar, paralleling
the Nikobar Islands of India. There is no mud at all along the
beaches, so the sands are very clean, white and very fine. Some
islands do have hills in the area, which are usually quite tall with
the highest top of 244
 meters above mean sea level, while some
islands are of flat area surrounded by sand dunes and coral reefs.
Climate
Summer begins in mid February and ends in May. Rainy season starts
from mid May till October with North - Western wind. Average annual
temperature is 27๐c with average of approximately 83% humidity all
year round. Average annual rainfall is measured at 3,560 millimeters
with evaporation rate of 1,708 millimeters per year. In rainy
season, the park will be closed during 16 May - 14 November every
year for visitors safety.
Flora and Fauna
Types of forests can be divided into 3 main characteristics
Beach Forest –open forest
with scattered plants at approximate height of not over 15 meters
such as Terminalia catappa, Barringtonia asiatica, Callophyllum
inophyllum. Small perennials and large shrub not exceeding 10 meters
in height found are Xylocarpus gaugeticus, Herltiera littoralis,
Hibiscus tiliaceus which is a smaller shrub found are Capparis
micracautha, Breynia vitris-idaea Fischer, Pandanus odoratissimus.
Grounds covering plants common in the area are beans, Vigna sp.,
Spilanthes sp., Ischaemum barbatum, Lophatherum gracile, Hoya
parasittrica, Asplenium nidus.
Scrub Forest – habitat
for shrubs which can develop on grounds with soil depth of not
exceeding 30 centimeters. A few cacti can be found while more common
shrubs found are Cercus spp., Dracaena spp., Memecylon caeruleum,
Cleistanhus polyphyllus.
Primary Forest
–
habitation for perennials at a height of 20 meters or above such as
Dipterocarpus costatus, Dipterocarpus boudii, Shores spp.,. Lower
perennials at 15-20 meters in height are palaquium obovatum, Eugenia
denaiflora, Wrightia sp., 10-15 meters in height are Hydnocarpus
ilicifolius, Semecarpus curtisii, Diospyros wallichii. Bambusa sp.,
Calamus longisetus, Plam, Amydrium medium and Bauhinia glauca are
also found with other creepers and parasites such as betel pepper,
bauhinia and orchid.
The most unique vegetation found only on Ko Yai in the Andaman sea
are sapodilla and Nguang Chang Talay while edible plants are
Manilkara sp., Toumefotia argentia, Bouea oppositifolio, Lepisanthes
rubiginosa, Diospyros wallichii, Neang and Copparis micracantha.
Marine and Wildlife:
Beneath the sea at Mu Ko Similan National Park lies a complex
ecosystem commonly called the rainforest of the sea: the coral reef.
The major res idents of the reef are coral and the closely related
sea anemones; of the Phylum Cnidaria, Class Anthozoa, which contains
all radially symmetrical invertebrate animals. Corals and sea
anemones exist as individual polyps living in either solitary or
mostly colonial forms. The polyps of hard corals construct communal
limestone homes which are built up into a multitude of shapes and
sizes eventually giving rise to a coral reef. Soft corals have soft
bodies made of large numbers of identical polyps connected by fleshy
tissue (Zooxanthallae). These soft corals contain small algae within
their tissues which are able to convert the sun's energy into food.
This cooperative relationship is known as symbiosis and also exists
in hard corals, clams and other marine organisms. There are several
factors that support good environment for the reef i.e. temperature,
salinity, light, wave and tide, sedimentation and nutrient.
Therefore, healthy coral reef can be found easily in the Andaman Sea
comparing to the Gulf of Thailand. In Andaman Sea, coral reefs are
able to classified as deep water and medium water. For the deep
water coral reef grow down to 30 m. Of course, in this case water
allows enough light for the algae. This reef type is mostly found in Similan and Surin islands. For the rest area, medium water coral
reef grow between 8-15 m beneath the surface.
Coral can also be classified to fall into these structural
categories: massive, columnar, encrusting, branching, foliceaous,
laminar and free-living coral. The hard corals found in Mu Ko
Similian National Park are deep water species of mostly staghorn
coral types (Acropora echinata) and the smaller cauliflower shaped
types (Seriatopora histrix). Many other species of marine life
co-exist within the coral reef: Gorgonian sea fans, flower-like soft
coral, several species of crabs, spiny painted lobsters, squid,
sponges, sea cucumbers and giant clams.
Above the sea surrounding each island lies Beach forest, which
steadily becomes Tropical forest further inland. Important tree
species include Ma nilkara sp. Cordia subcordia, and Tournefotia
argentia. A survey conducted in 1992 revealed that 39 species of
birds can be found on the nine islands. Resident species include the Brahminy Kite, and the White-breasted Waterhen, while migratory
species include the Pintail Snipe, and Grey Wagtail. Temporary
migratory species include the Barn Swallow, Cattle Egret, Watercock,
and the Roseate Tern. The most commonly seen species include the
Pacific Reef-Egret, Nicobar Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon,
White-bellied Sea-Eagle, and the Collared Kingfisher.
The environment of Mu Ko Similian National Park is obviously that of
a small island, wherever you go, you are not far from the sea.
Natural fresh water reserves are few, and as a result, large mammal
species cannot exist. Surveys have revealed that 27 species of small
mammals exist within the park, including 16 species of bats namely:
the black-bearded tomb bat, the lesser false vampire bat, the
intermediate horseshoe bat, the lesser bent-winged bat, and the
hairless bat. 3 species of squirrels can be found including the
gray-cheeked flying squirrel. 4 species of rats: the yellow Rajah
rat, the ricefield rat, roof rat and noisy rat can be seen scurrying
around as well. Finally, the more unusal but fairly common residents
include the bush tailed porcupine, common palm civet, flying lemur
and the bottlenosed dolphin. 22 species of reptiles and amphibians
can be found in the park including the banded krait, reticulated
python, white-lipped pit viper, common pit viper, garden blue
lizard, hawksbill turtle, leather turtle, bengal monitor lizard,
common water monitor lizard, ornate froglet, common asiatic frog,
marsh frog, and the common bush frog. Finally, another most
interesting species located in the Similans island is called the
hairy leg mountain land crab. This crab is found in such large
numbers you will be sure to see many just by walking around a bit.
No matter where you are on the island, seeing this creature will be
a reminder you are never far from water.
Islands within the park
 Ko
Huyong (Huyong Island)
Huyong Island or Island 1 is the closest to Phuket with the longest
clean white sandy beach of all the islands, making it an inviting
place for turtles to come lay their eggs. Huyong Island has the
easiest dived at a depth of 10 to 15 meters. With hard and soft
corals and an abundance of sea fans. The shallowness of the area
allows sunlight to penetrate to the bottom resulting in a region
teeming with marine life.
Ko
Payang (Payang Island)
Payang Island or Island 2, The area is full of rocky mountains with
cliffs and rocks formation round the island
Ko Payan (Payan Island)
Payan Island or Island 3, The area is quite rocky with cliffs; there
are no beaches on this island
 Ko
Miang (Miang Island)
Miang Island or Island 4 is the next largest island in size to
Similan Island and is the site for the headquarters of the park.
Here are two white powdered beached, the large beach, in front of
the island and the small beach, which is about 20 minutes walk away
through evergreen forest.
This is the best site for viewing wildlife and for an overnight stay
in Mu Ko Similan National Park. By venturing further inland from the
beach you may catch a glimpse of the Nicobar Pigeon or the hairy leg
mountain land crab (Pu Kai in Thai, because it makes noise like a
baby chicken). If all you want to do is snorkelling, try viewing off
the beaches of Miang Island, in the channel between Miang Island and
Payu Island, and also off Similan Island.
Ko
Ha (Ha Island)
Ha Island or Island 5, It's a small island but interesting location
for diving. The main attractions and uniqueness for this island is
Garden Eels (white and grey eels) can be seen stretching their necks
from holes in the sandy floor. There are so many of the place called
“Suan Pla Lai”. Moreover, the area is also full of soft coral and
stony coral.
Ko Payu (Payu Island)
Payu Island or Island 6 has a very stunning snorkelling and scuba
diving site on the eastern shore. Many divers prefer this site to
any other because there are both hard and soft corals, sea fan and
many species of schoolling fish. A minore site is found to the west,
and another to the north has rocks covered with sea fans. The island
has no beach.
 Ko
Hin Pousar
Hin Pousar Island or Island 7 or Hin Huwagralok is the rock with the
elephant head shaped-rock outcrop. Beneath this curious rock
structure you will find caves, swim through and unique underwater
formations to delight your eyes.
This island is a rock of approximately 30 metres in width with piles
of rock around it at a depth of 20-50 metres. Soft corals can be
found along the cliffs and there are many types of fish around such
as rabbit fish and wrasse. Further away from the piles of rock to
the south, there are many sea fans scattering around at 30 metres.
Manta rays and sea tortoises can also be found a little deeper.
 Ko
Bangu (Bangu Island)
Bangu Island or Island 9, is known for good scuba diving at the
northwestern tip between some rock outcrops known to local divers as
Christmas point. The water depth is between 10 and 35 meters and one
can find many pelagic fish amongst the rock formations.
Ko Bon (Bon Island)
Bon Island or Talu Island, there is a beautiful white powered beach
on this island but no accomodation. The waters are suitable for
scuba diving, and Whale Shark is often found here.
Ko Tachai (Tachai Island)
Tachai Island is located at the northern most tip of the park. There
is a beautiful white powdered beach on the island but no
accommodation. The water are suitable for SCUBA diving, and Whale
Shark is often found here.
Getting there
By Car
There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Phang Nga
(approximately 788 kilometres)
Standard bus fee is 357 Baht, air-conditioned bus fee is 459 Baht,
and VIP air-conditioned bus fee is 685 Baht.Then another 65
kilometres from Phang Nga to Thap Lamu District, it cost 35 Baht.
for Motorbike can then be taken to continue on to Thap Lamu Pier
(another 5 kilometres) at 30 Baht.
By Airplane
Flights from Bangkok-Phuket operate daily at 2,300 Baht. From Phuket,
take a bus to Thap Lamu Pier, Phang Nga province then take a ferry
to Mu Ko Similan National Park.
By Ship
Thap Lamu Port to Mu Ko Similan National Park, you can take a
private tour boat which controlled by the national park and serves
tourists everyday. The cost for round trip is 1,500 - 2,300 baht per
person. This tour boat departs from Thap Lamu Port at 08.00 am. in
everyday. From the port to this islands is about 70 kilometers which
takes about 3.5 - 4 hours of journey. The return boat from Mu Ko
Similan National Park to Thap Lamu Port departs at 14.00 pm. in
everyday. However, this service would be closed at May 16 every year
because entering of raining season. Once reached Ko Similan,
motorboats are available for tourist to get to different islands per
the following fare
Ko 4 to Ko 6 – distance 3 kilometres a 150 Baht/person
Ko 4 to Ko 8 – distance 11.5 kilometres a 200 Baht/person
Ko 4 to Ko 9 – distance 13.5 kilometres a 300 Baht/person
Around Ko 8 and Ko 9 a 300 Baht/person
Facilities
Camping site/Tent - Around the chalets (2.5 rais) with bathrooms
and shared toilets. Around the national park office, Ko 8 (6 rais)
with bathrooms and shared toilets.
Docking , Boat Tie-up , Wharf - located at Ban Thap Lamu.
Closed period
Raining season starting from mid of May - October with North -
Western wind which has a highest level of rainfall. In rainy season,
the park will be closed during 16 May - 14 November every year for
visitors safety. Reservation
For reservations please go to
http://www.dnp.go.th
Contact & Source
Mu Ko Similan National Park
93, Mu 5, Ban Thaplamu, Phetkasem rd, Lamkaen Sub-district, Amphur
Thai Muang Phangnga Thailand 82210
Tel. 0 7659 5045, 0 7642 1365 Fax 0 7659 5210 E-mail reserve@dnp.go.th
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