Koh Lipe( Maldives of Thailand )
麗貝島 ( 泰國馬爾代夫 )
Ko Lipe ( Thai: เกาะหลีเป๊ะ )
is a small island in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago of the Strait of Malacca, in Satun Province of southwest Thailand, close to the Malaysian border. The Thai name is transliterated in many different ways into English. The most common names are "Koh Lipe", "Koh Lipeh", "Ko Lipey", and "Ko Lipe". Ko Lipe is on the border of the Tarutao National Marine Park and is directly south of the larger islands Ko Adang and Ko Rawi, and about 50 km from the island of Ko Tarutao.[1] It was originally settled by a group of sea gypsies (chao leh in Thai), originally from Malaysia, known as the Urak Lawoi’ people.
Ko Lipe (sometimes spelled Koh Lipe) is outside of the jurisdiction of Tarutao National Park, and as such is exempt from certain laws prohibiting development. It is surrounded by uninhabited islands of the Butong Archipelago.
Ko Lipe has three main beaches: Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong), Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley), and Pattaya Beach. The calm, clear water makes Ko Lipe ideal for snorkeling, with 25 percent of the world's tropical fish species found in the area.
The island is home to about 500 Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsies, who were given a grant to half of the island and live in small villages, predominantly around the far east side of the island near Sunrise Beach. The name "Ko Lipe" means "Paper Island" in the local Chao Ley language.
The huge tourism business of Ko Lipe results in water shortages, waste disposal issues, and other environmental problems. It is common to see garbage being burnt since there are not many reliable options for waste disposal. To help combat this problem, many restaurants and bars will refill reusable water bottles for free or very little cost. Look for places with white water jugs or standard water dispensers to participate, reduce waste, and save money!
- Beaches. Ko Lipe's beaches feature clear, calm, and shallow water. There are four main beaches to relax on: Pattaya Beach in the south the most popular beach; Sunrise Beach on the east, near the Chao Ley village; Karma Beach in the north which faces the Adang / Lipe channel; and Sunset Beach in the west, which as the name implies, faces the sunset.
- Buddhist Temple, (centre of the island). Very small.
How To Go
In high season (November to May) there are several locations from which travellers can take a ferry or speedboat to Ko Lipe, including: Pak Bara, Langkawi, Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, and Trang. In low season ( May to October ) the only way to get to Ko Lipe is by speedboat from Pak Bara.
From Langkawi, Malaysia there are two speedboats per day ( from November until May ). These boats dock at the south end of Pattaya Beach. Ferry services are also available but as there is no pier in Ko Lipe, you may be transferred by local longtail boats to the beach. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.[2]
Ko Lipe only has an open water pier located 100m of shore from Pattaya beach. Most speed boats and ferrys will drop you there. You need to pay 200 baht per person for national park entry fee and 50baht for long boat to transfere you from open water pier to the Pattaya beach.
Save the national park entry ticket. It is valid for 7 days, so you dont need to pay that fee again if going for a snorkeling trip or visiting another islands around Ko Lipe.
By plane
You can buy the Flight Ticket thru ANY Flight Company to Langkawi Island ( Malaysia ) and By ferry to Koh Lipe.
By boat
Our companies Operate Ferry From Langkawi ( Malaysia ) in the
High Season ( November to May )
Low Season ( May - June )
Health and Safety tip:
Speedboats can often bounce off the waves at very high speeds and passengers can get quite strong jolts into the non-sprung seats, so persons with back or neck problems should not travel on the speedboats, but on the ferry. There have been reports of serious back injuries happening on the speedboats.
Environmental concerns
Development on the island is rapidly growing to meet the increase in tourism, leading to issues with waste management, wildlife conservation, and energy supplies. The parks department is trying to control the amount of building on Lipe as many developers have built resorts on National Park land. Upon arrival at Ko Lipe you must pay a National Park admission fee and environmental fee.[2]
Get around
All of Ko Lipe can be covered on foot, although its size at first can be a little deceiving. There are few motorcycles around the island, none of which are for rent. There are no cars on the island. Long-tail boats will take you from any point on the island to any other point on the island for 50 baht. Small concrete roads link the various beaches. There are some motorcycle taxis that can take you around the island for 50-200 baht.
Do Not
Note that fishing is illegal near the island, so stay away from fishing trips and do not purchase locally-caught fish.
Sundries Method
There are currently 3 ATMs on the island.
One is located at 7-Eleven on Walking Street. Another is across from Pooh's Restaurant at the Sunrise end of Walking Street, and the third is in front of Harmony Bed & Breakfast.
Many travel agencies or hotels will offer to charge your debit / credit card and give you the cash in exchange for a 5-8% fee.
For currency exchange,
Bundhaya Resort offers the best exchange rates for dollars, euros, pounds or ringgit, but the rate is less than you would receive in a major city.
Ice cube can be bought from Ricci house.
They have big ice machines. Ice is made from drinkable water and costs around 10 baht/kg. To get to Ricci house, go to the end (inland) of the walking street and then turn left. It is the second building to the left (after the "big" shop)...
Stay safe
Precautions
Stonefish have been spotted and photographed in the waters of Ko Lipe. While the chances of getting stung are slim, you may want to consider protective footwear when swimming in the water.
Medical care
There is a hospital located next to the school on Sunrise Beach, with an English-speaking doctor. There is a small clinic next to Pooh Restaurant, with an English-speaking doctor.
Network Connection
Free Wi-Fi is available at almost all resorts and bars / restaurants.
Special Thanks:
Sources Details from: Wikipedia & Wikitravel
Sources Photo from: Wikipedia & Wikitravel
Sources Details from: Wikipedia & Wikitravel
Sources Photo from: Wikipedia & Wikitravel
