Mu Koh Surin National Park
Surin National Park
Mu Koh Surin National Park is situated in the Andaman Sea approximately 60 km from the coast of Phang-Nga Province in the southern Thai peninsula region. The park covers an area of approximately 135 km². Of the protected area, 102 km² or 76% is sea.
The park comprises 5 main islands: Koh Surin Nua, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ree (or Koh Satok), Koh Glang (or Koh Pachumba) and Koh Khai (or Koh Torinla). Koh Surin Nua and Koh Surin Tai are the larger islands and are situated on a north-south axis. A few kilometres to the north of the park is the Myanmar border and about 100 kilometres to the south is Mu Koh Similan National Park.
The main attraction for most visitors to Mu Koh Surin is the fact that it is an unspoiled tropical paradise far from the mainland, with healthy forested islands, surrounded by clean water and a profusion of coral reef species. The coral reefs are the best, most diverse coral reefs accessible to snorkellers, as they are generally shallow and so scuba equipment is not required. The islands also attract great research interest, and many scientists visit the islands each year for a variety of reasons, ranging from coral reef surveys to bird observation.
Around the Surin Islands
The 2 large islands of the Northern Surin Island (Koh Surin Nua) and Southern Surin Island (Koh Surin Tai) are twinned very close to each other. They are separated by 200 metres of shallow sea which can be walked across at low tide. The other 3 islands are rock islands with some dwarf trees and rainforest plants. The islands are surrounded by one of the biggest and most fertile shallow coral reefs in Thailand.
Notable natural attractions include:
A visitor centre is located at Chong Khat Bay on the North Surin Island where there is also a small restaurant, some basic bungalows, restroom facilities and a first aid centre. Camping is possible at Mai Ngam Bay of the North Surin Island.
Flora and FaunaMarine LifeThe clear and unpolluted seas around the islands are home to healthy populations of hard and soft corals, starfish, feather stars, lobsters, clams, anemones, crabs, sea pens and a rich diversity of fish including parrotfish, damselfish, triggerfish, lionfish, angelfish, batfish, grouper and reef sharks to name just a few. Whale sharks and whales are occasional visitors to the area.
There are 3 types of giant clams found on the fringing reefs of the area. They are Tridacna Maxima, Tridacna Scuamosa and Tridacna Crocea. A 1999 UNESCO funded survey found the area suitable for a spawning project to increase the number of clams in the area. The same survey team also found 29 species of edible invertebrates including jellyfish, crabs, bivalves, polychates and cephalopods. Sea cucumber numbers were found to be far lower than in a similar 1994 survey due to over fishing by the Moken fishermen for sale and barter. Sea cucumbers were recommended for total protection to allow stocks to recover naturally.
Sea turtles still nest on the Surin Islands, with 2 species coming ashore to lay their eggs, Hawksbill and Green turtles. In the early 1990s a few of the rare Olive Ridley turtles also nested there. Hawksbill turtles are most common and Mu Koh Surin is arguably the best place in Thailand for swimming with sea turtles. Protecting the turtles nesting sites is one of the parks main responsibilities.
source:
blue-guru.org
wikipedia.com
dive-the-world.com
The park comprises 5 main islands: Koh Surin Nua, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ree (or Koh Satok), Koh Glang (or Koh Pachumba) and Koh Khai (or Koh Torinla). Koh Surin Nua and Koh Surin Tai are the larger islands and are situated on a north-south axis. A few kilometres to the north of the park is the Myanmar border and about 100 kilometres to the south is Mu Koh Similan National Park.
The main attraction for most visitors to Mu Koh Surin is the fact that it is an unspoiled tropical paradise far from the mainland, with healthy forested islands, surrounded by clean water and a profusion of coral reef species. The coral reefs are the best, most diverse coral reefs accessible to snorkellers, as they are generally shallow and so scuba equipment is not required. The islands also attract great research interest, and many scientists visit the islands each year for a variety of reasons, ranging from coral reef surveys to bird observation.
Around the Surin Islands
The 2 large islands of the Northern Surin Island (Koh Surin Nua) and Southern Surin Island (Koh Surin Tai) are twinned very close to each other. They are separated by 200 metres of shallow sea which can be walked across at low tide. The other 3 islands are rock islands with some dwarf trees and rainforest plants. The islands are surrounded by one of the biggest and most fertile shallow coral reefs in Thailand.
Notable natural attractions include:
- Ao Tao (or Turtle Bay) on the eastern part of South Surin Island is about 2 kilometres from the park HQ and has beautiful coral reefs. It's one of the best places to see turtles.
- Pak Chak Bay on the southern part of the South Surin Island, 5 km from the park HQ and has a pristine coral reef.
- Mai Ngam Bay located on the western part of the North Surin Island 2 kilometres from park headquarters, can be reached by walking through a marked trail or by taking a long-tail boat. The beach is suitable for swimming and snorkelling.
- Torinla Island (or Khai Island) is located on the southern part of the South Surin Island. On its eastern side is a long and very beautiful fringing coral reef which is suitable for snorkeling and diving. The reef is home to huge schools of longfin batfish and the water is usually crystal clear.
- Chak Bay and Suthep Bay located on North Surin Island and South Surin islands respectively are also good snorkeling spots.
A visitor centre is located at Chong Khat Bay on the North Surin Island where there is also a small restaurant, some basic bungalows, restroom facilities and a first aid centre. Camping is possible at Mai Ngam Bay of the North Surin Island.
Flora and FaunaMarine LifeThe clear and unpolluted seas around the islands are home to healthy populations of hard and soft corals, starfish, feather stars, lobsters, clams, anemones, crabs, sea pens and a rich diversity of fish including parrotfish, damselfish, triggerfish, lionfish, angelfish, batfish, grouper and reef sharks to name just a few. Whale sharks and whales are occasional visitors to the area.
There are 3 types of giant clams found on the fringing reefs of the area. They are Tridacna Maxima, Tridacna Scuamosa and Tridacna Crocea. A 1999 UNESCO funded survey found the area suitable for a spawning project to increase the number of clams in the area. The same survey team also found 29 species of edible invertebrates including jellyfish, crabs, bivalves, polychates and cephalopods. Sea cucumber numbers were found to be far lower than in a similar 1994 survey due to over fishing by the Moken fishermen for sale and barter. Sea cucumbers were recommended for total protection to allow stocks to recover naturally.
Sea turtles still nest on the Surin Islands, with 2 species coming ashore to lay their eggs, Hawksbill and Green turtles. In the early 1990s a few of the rare Olive Ridley turtles also nested there. Hawksbill turtles are most common and Mu Koh Surin is arguably the best place in Thailand for swimming with sea turtles. Protecting the turtles nesting sites is one of the parks main responsibilities.
source:
blue-guru.org
wikipedia.com
dive-the-world.com