Behind the Curtain of Beauty at Similan National Park

The official opening of Similan National Park runs from October 15th to May 15th each year, allowing visitors to enjoy one of Thailand's most beautiful national parks.

Similan National Park organizes joint trash collection activities and provides educational opportunities to learn about the natural ecosystems of the Similan Islands, particularly at Koh Similan (Island No. 8) and Koh Miang (Island No. 4), which is home to the famous Princess Bay.

The Similan Islands are like paradise, boasting fine white sand beaches, emerald-clear water, and a relatively pristine environment thanks to the careful supervision of park rangers and strict visitor restrictions. The park is closed annually to allow the ecosystem time to recover.

On October 11, 2015, the Similan National Park organized an activity called "SAVE Similan." This was the first time I participated in an activity with the national park. This activity was a spark for me. 

This year, I must say, we Thais have faced many challenges concerning Thailand as a whole. As a tourism-related organization, I felt the urge to give back and do my best to contribute to Thailand. This means providing accurate tourist information to enhance tourism. Starting with small steps may not change everything, but it's better than doing nothing at all. Travel agents are an integral part of tourism. In another sense, they act as reception desks, providing information to tourists in various tourist destinations, especially Phuket on the Andaman coast and the southern region."

The focus on volunteer activities began to be evident. The generosity and unity of the Thai people was truly overwhelming. The Save Similan event brought together numerous tour companies and organizations. I learned about this activity through a tour company I work with. I'd like to thank Sea Star for providing transportation and a speed catamaran.

On the day of the trip, a van picked me up from the office on Patong Beach early in the morning at around 6:00 AM. We arrived at Thap Lamu Pier in Phang Nga Province around 8:00 AM. From there, we traveled by speed catamaran for about 1.20 hours to Similan Islands National Park. The boat docked at Similan Beach. My first thought was, "Where's the camera?!" I grabbed my camera to take a video. The water was so crystal clear. "I've fallen in love with Similan Islands forever!"

It was a fun and warm time. Many organizations came together. In the tourism industry, there were tour companies that organized Similan trips and tour agents. This demonstrated the collaborative spirit of all the volunteers who came that day to keep Similan Islands National Park clean and reduce the amount of trash that ends up in the ocean.

·       The first activity was to help clean up the beach at Similan Island, or Koh Paet. Normally, the park collects trash every day. Today, we helped collect small pieces of trash around trees and rocks. It's important to remember that trash is everywhere, even though the park is closed. Trash still floats in from other places, which has a long-term impact on our planet. We encourage awareness, starting with small, everyday things like household trash. Dispose of trash in designated areas. You may help make our world a better place.

·       The second activity was an activity where the park provided knowledge and understanding of nature in the Similan Islands. There were three stations, and they were very informative for visitors to the islands.

At the first station, the staff provided information about buoys in the sea. The Similan Islands utilize different types of buoys for navigation and conservation:

• Heavy-duty Mooring Buoys: Large bases (e.g., 10-ton) are designated for large vessels and liveaboard boats to ensure they do not drop anchors and damage the coral reefs.

• Standard Mooring Buoys: Smaller buoys (e.g., 5-ton) are available for speedboats and catamarans in designated mooring zones. The use of these buoys is mandatory to protect the seabed.

• Swimming and Boundary Buoys: These smaller, brightly colored buoys (often yellow) mark the safe zones where swimming and snorkeling are allowed. This year marks the first time that the park has designated zones for freediving, clearly marked by buoys, which is good news for freedivers (Yellow and Red colored buoys).

• Restriction Buoys: Red buoys or markers are typically placed in sensitive shallow water areas containing coral reefs to indicate that boats are strictly prohibited from mooring or entering, minimizing environmental impact.

The second station will provide information on giant hermit crabs, which are considered a vital part of the natural ecosystem of the Similan Islands. They are invertebrates that rely on shells for protection and moisture retention. If their habitat is lacking, they may have to resort to marine debris.

Giant hermit crabs are useful as "cleaners" within the ecosystem, feeding on plant and animal debris, removing waste and reducing bacterial buildup. They also play a role in controlling shellfish populations, increasing biodiversity by providing food for other animals, and improving water quality.

The Similan Islands National Park is home to a large number of giant hermit crabs. The "Return Home to the Hermit Crab" project is currently accepting donations of leftover shells to provide a safe home for homeless hermit crabs. Donating shells will help enrich the ecosystem and reduce the use of marine debris as a habitat.

Today, volunteers have placed shells on some of Koh Miang Island, contributing to the balance of nature. The giant hermit crabs now have a home!

When visiting the Similan Islands, be wary of hermit crabs, as they may be invisible. Some are very small and not yet fully grown.

The last base is focused on the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) , a key species of sea turtle found in the Similan Islands. The park is a vital habitat for this large, heavy marine reptile.

General Characteristics: The Green Sea Turtle is a relatively large species, capable of reaching a maximum length of approximately 1 meter and weighing up to 130 kilograms. It is characterized by a rounded head, a short beak, a slightly curved dorsal shell, and a flat abdomen.

Color and Naming: The shell of the Green Sea Turtle typically appears reddish-brown, olive, or greenish-brown, with lighter scale edges. However, the turtle is globally known as the 'Green Sea Turtle' because of the greenish fat and cartilage found beneath its shell, a color derived from its diet of seagrass and algae.

Green Sea Turtles are sometimes released into the sea within the Similan National Park as part of conservation efforts. Today, for example, the park released three young Green Sea Turtles back into the wild. The regular sight of these turtles in the Similan Islands demonstrates the richness and health of the local marine ecosystem.

Today's activity demonstrated the interdependence of marine ecosystems to ensure the long-term health of nature. However, we are indispensable to our marine life: the park rangers who oversee Similan Islands National Park. Visitors should cooperate and understand the richness of this natural environment. At the very least, this article should be helpful to many. Please refrain from littering or making loud noises within the park to avoid disturbing nature. Remember, we are  “ visitors to the pristine nature of Similan Islands National Park”.

Writer : Better Call Nika

Notice :

Join-Trip Similan Island (Speed Catamaran 2 Storeys)- pick up time 06.00 am. : https://bit.ly/42Hqsos

Join-Trip Similan Island (Speed Catamaran 2 Storeys) -pick up time 07.30 am . : https://bit.ly/3L12zlw