Located about 15 minutes speed-boat ride off Bang Saphan in Prachuap Khiri Khan (2 hours south of Hua Hin) is a private island call Koh Talu. The name Koh Talu or Hole Island came to place as there is a large hole on the west-side of the island due to erosion.
The island is now privately own but before, Koh Talu was the home to several fisherman families but as they decide to sell and move to the mainland, one of the family decide to buy it all up and develops and operates the Koh Talu Island Resort now.
While planning our recent trip from Ranong to Hua Hin, we came across this island which lies in between the two cities and decided why not, lets escape the busy city life and get back to nature. We decided for a 3D2N all-inclusive package for the 40 sqm Manila Chalet.
We got to the Koh Talu Island Resort Bang Saphan office in Prachuap Khiri Khan and since we got there a little late (past their 10am) boat trip across, they had to make special arrangements for us to get over on another speedboat which we were so thankful because we thought we might have to cut short our trip to the island by one day and stay back in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The boat ride is short and sweet – just a 15 minutes ride on their speedboat and the first stop they will take you is to the “hole” and will share a little history of the island. After the introduction, the boat will take you past Pearl Beach and to the landing point on the island.
Once landed at this charming rustic resort, you are welcomed by the island staff, with cold drinks (which is available all day) before you are lead to your chalet. There are about 80 mid-range chalet on the island, mostly on Big Beach which is where all the happenings are and a few chalets in Pearl Beach (mostly for the honeymooners).
We got the Manila Chalet (or the modern chalet) which comes with one king bed and one twin bed, an indoor toilet with an outdoor shower. The chalet is just about 50 meters from the beach.
The chalet are all air-conditioned and comes equipped with mosquito repellents but you might still get a few mosquitoes that managed to sneaked into the room in the evening. The power supply is by generator is supposed to be cut for a couple of hours a day but the two days we were there, there was not break for the power as they were doing some repairs on the main dining hall. WIFI service is available throughout the island resort.
So how’s the island life in Koh Talu?
Once checked in, we headed over to the dining hall for a specially prepared lunch – all the meals on the island are provided – breakfast, lunch and dinner and hot and cold drinks with some light snacks are available throughout the day. I would say the meals here are great, with lots of fresh seafood, vegetables, meat dish and fresh fruits.
After our sumptuous lunch, we were offered to hike up to the island’s peak but since we just climbed the Tiger Cave Temple, we decided to give the a pass but instead just kick back and chill out in the island. So for hikers and trekkers, you have the whole island to explore, and for sea lovers, you will never be bored here.
So instead, we asked the manager to show us the other option of stay at Big Beach – the Thai Traditional Chalet so that we can share with our readers.
The Thai-traditional chalets are a little further down the beach and as you go towards the end of the island, you will come around the turtle sanctuary that is part of the resort’s CSR to improve the survival rate of the turtles.
After chilling for most of the afternoon, the evening activity before dinner was squid fishing. It was my first time trying to catch a squid but after spending a good hour, I still have yet to catch my first. But the staff were around and did managed to get a few squids for dinner 🙂
Dinner again was super delicious, as always loaded with the freshest seafood, and probably some of the squid we caught in the evening. After dinner, it was lights out early for the first night as we started our journey from The Iconic Hotel in Ranong at 6am.
We all had a good night sleep and woke up fresh to the sound of the waves hitting on to the shore. The sight in the morning was beautiful, as with the weather.
Since the weather was so good, I decided to walk to the end of the beach to visit the turtle sanctuary and this is what you will see at the sanctuary. Baby turtles 🙂
After the walk, it was breakfast time with a view. How can you beat a breakfast with ham, sausage, bacon and fried eggs together with a view as such.
After breakfast we we out for some snorkeling, and indeed it was one of my best snorkeling trip around. The works that was done by the resort for coral planting since 20 years ago is starting to pay off as you start to see lots of fishes starting to come and visibility of the water was not perfect but was pretty good. You get to see lots of corals, anemones, many types of fishes as well as giant clams too.
We were told more than 40,000 corals were planted around the island since the program started back in 1997 and each year students from the universities will come to the island and help in the coral planting project.
After a few good hours – I really didn’t wanna get out of the waters but it was meal time again. We got back – had our lunch and afternoon was jungle trekking time but again we gave it a pass, chose to stay back at the resort and enjoy the island and the beach and some photography, even though the tide was quite low.
Apart from the snorkeling, guest at the hotel can also enjoy other water-sports activities such as kayaking or sailing the catamaran.
There are also table games such as pool and table tennis available at the lobby area for guests and is popular especially in the evening.
Day three came and it was pretty much is time to say goodbye, but before we depart on the speedboat back across to the mainland, we took a short 10 minutes walk to Pearl Beach and check out the beach and chalet there.
Three days two nights ended rather quick for our stay here in Koh Talu Island Resort. It was definitely a good way to escape the busy city life and get back to nature. Our island life definitely brought us closer as friends, and also meeting new friends in life as we get away from the daily distractions in life and connect with people and nature.
After lunch, we took the speed boat back to the mainland and we were told the island management is building up a new retreat center on the mainland to compliment their development on the island. We were also told the management are helping to cultivate crabs in the mainland to help the local fishermen in their catch.
We would definitely love to come back to Koh Talu in another few years time to see their development that are already in progress and I believe this island will continue to get better. Their nature’s conservation program is definitely their key to continue making the island more attractive and interesting for their guest.
So if you are looking for a good island get-away, do give Koh Talu Island Resort a consideration. The island also offer 1/2 programs as well as 2D1N programs if time is short for you.
Koh Talu Island Resort
111/1 Moo 10, Bang Saphan
Prachuap Khiri Khan
77170 Thailand
Tel: +6689 8103092 or +6686 0877675
Email: info@taluisland.com
Website: www.taluisland.com
