Ciki & Ciko

Koh Lipe with Fafa

Need a vacation? Lets go Koh Lipe!

Chances are Koh Lipe remains unknown to travellers and tourist alike, unlike the other famous islands of Thailand like Koh Samui or Phi Phi.

Koh Lipe is a small island in the Southern part of the Andaman sea. It is located in Satun Province, 30-mins by speedboat from Langkawi & about 60 Kilometres (38 miles) from the mainland. 

Koh Lipe on map

It is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, a large group of over 70 islands, and also part of a smaller cluster of islands called the Butang Islands or Adang Archipelago (Lipe-Adang-Rawi).

How to Reach KL (Koh Lipe) From KL (Kuala Lumpur)?

Although its closer to Langkawi, its cheaper to reach Lipe from Pak Barra pier in Thailand's Satun province (around 1.5hrs drive from Hatyai) speed boat fare only 400baht (approx myr40) for 1.5hr ride compared to rm150 from langkawi for 45-mins ride.

So, this was our journey to the Maldives of Thailand:

(1)
Take the night express bus at Puduraya station to Hatyai
There are few operators like Konsortium, Sri Maju that provide daily trip to/from Hatyai.
For this trip purpose, we took the night trip so we can arrive early morning in Hatyai.
Night buses normally depart at either 9.30pm or 10pm or 10.30pm or 11pm.
By 7am, we'll reach Bukit Kayu Hitam for immigration before entering Thai border.

Since Thailand is 1hour difference, we'll reach Hatyai around 8am, just nice for the next phase of our journey.
Cost RM45-50/pax (one way)

(2)
Buy Ticket to Koh Lipe at Hatyai Travel Agents

To go to Lipe, we need to take a van to the jetty in Pakbara which is about 1.5 hours away. At the travel agent, tell them you're going to Koh Lipe so they will arrange the van and speedboat ticket. Some travel agents give special package rate for the van trip + speedboat, as compared if you buy the trip separately.
Cost 500-600baht/pax (one way)

(3)
Take the Van to Pakbara

Get ready to endure one of the longest van ride of your life. It can be a pain in the ass.
This journey can take between 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on traffic and whether the van driver needs to pick up more travellers before hitting the road.

(4)
Take the Speedboat to Koh Lipe

Once you reach Pakbarra jetty, it can be disorienting to find where to board the right speedboat. You will be given a queue number in exchange for the ticket that you bought in Hatyai and the boat operators would be calling you once the boat is ready.

Just take a deep breath and enjoy the chaos.
Speedboat journey takes about another 1.5 hour and the boat may stop by at Koh Tarutao on the way to Koh Lipe.

Trust me, after all the challenges you face, it's worth it.
 

Me in Koh Lipe

View from Serendipity Restaurant 

Lunch at Serendipity

Perhaps Jesselton

Perhaps Jesselton 

A True Story 

by kakacrackr

It was the first time I visit Jesselton, as the A320 landed at the airport with me and you on board. We sat next to eachother 2 ½ hours earlier, but I chose to find those empty seats behind while the plane is over Natuna, as you kept your lips sealed. You are all mum since I came over to pick you up at your aunt’s, while I wonder should I tag along to Jesselton, or just drop you at LCCT, the same place I fetched you five days earlier.

I thought this whole holiday plan would be fun, as you and me together under the sun. That’s what we always wanted, to be together after months of phone conversations and texts. That’s why I booked you AirAsia tickets, so you could come over and stay with me for few days and we’ll have good times together over short stint of time. That’s the reason I surveyed for nice place to stay in Cameron Highlands among all the things in my plan.

Well I decided to follow you to Jesselton, tought we both can talk all night as our cab moved slowly up the Signal Hill, the shortcut our way to 1Borneo hotel on that busy evening. But you’ve got other plans, you need to see your boss tonight. So again you made me wait for you, just as the few days when you left my place. Staying with aunt and your cousin, I just have to let you since it was your wish. And how I waited for days, you just sent simple messages, giving me hope but you never returned.

3.30am, I was still awake, waiting for you in front of the hotel as it drizzles in Jesselton, there’s no sight of you or any signs. I bet you’ve found your comfortable bed somewhere.

As sun rises in Jesselton, I woke up and wished I never came here just to spend a night alone in hotel room. Then suddenly there was knocks on the door, just as I opened you stand right outside. Still you didn’t talk much compared when you’re on the phone last week, when you said how much you love me and that you can’t wait to see me. But it’s all changed.

This time you seemed can’t wait to go back to Tawau and how you rush me to call a cab. It’s still morning and the flight is only at night, what’s chasing you dear? You didn’t answer and just pulled your heavy suitcase out. I just followed and in no time we’re on the back seat of a cab.

I suggested we drop by at Jesselton, but you wanted to head straight to the airport. Well it’s ok, you just go ahead to Terminal 2, I’d go wander around Jesselton alone. I got off the cab in front of Centre Point, making my way to the waterfront. As I walk in Jesselton, my mind was on you. So I asked Jesselton, what I did wrong until you completely changed.

I walked alone along Tanjung Aru, thinking and pondering everything about me and you. Still I have no answer to the question I asked Jesselton. Perhaps Jesselton will tell while I walk in the drizzle towards Terminal 2.

As the plane took off the runway, I wave Jesselton goodbye. Perhaps Jesselton, I will come again with more stories to tell you. 

Perhaps Jesselton, my stories the next time will be more beautiful, just as beautiful as you.