Last Moments in Koh Tao
Staying in our little bubble at Sai Daeng Resort it's a little hard to leave. With food at your fingertips, a clean shower around the corner, and a big comfy bed to sprawl out on it's a little slice of heaven my Sri Lankan self hasn't experienced in quite some time. However, there was a bit more shooting we had to do to take full advantage of showcasing all that Koh Tao Island has to offer, which is a lot.
This tiny little island is actually a lot bigger than one would imagine from running a quick google image search. We came to find small, paved island roads crammed with all kinds of fruit shops, roti stands, convenience stores, bike rentals, tourist gear galore tents - you name it, you can find it here. It's honestly been a breath of fresh air coming from somewhere that's fairly isolated in comparison. To take full advantage of the day, it meant an early morning rise.
We took off at about 7:30 AM with our scooter rental (about 200 baht in town). The air was crisp and fresh, oxygenated by the lush green jungle that surrounded us. Sunlight streamed through the dense forest and peaking palm trees to tickle our skin in warm touches. The town itself was just waking up - most shops were closed or opening. Driving by you'd see a storekeeper sweeping the front area of his shop or people start to unlock their doors, ready for the influx of tourists for the day.
This place is widely more touristy when compared to Sri Lanka, but I presume it'd be much less than other islands in Thailand. From what I've understood, Koh Tao Island is less well-known, but just as amazing. Even as I'm writing this I'm staring at a beautiful hawk soar above this stretch of sky, playing in a downdraft looking for its prey. It's incredible to be this close to nature, yet still have the comforts of modern civilization.
First stop for us was Koh Nang Yuan Island, probably one of the most photographed islands in the area, and for good reason. We had visited the island on foot earlier in the week, but missed our opportunity to get some aerial shots. To get to the island would've been a time consuming mission, so we opted to take a scooter out and get as close as possible instead. Still remaining on the island of Koh Tao, we managed to get both photographs and footage of this amazing place early enough to beat the crowd of tourists and late enough to get some light to shed on the turquoise water.
Next stop: Sairee Beach. Yes, this place is a tourist trap. But it has it's perks as well. If you're not one to like touristy areas my suggestion is to get here early. There's a bit of a party scene in Sairee Beach, which works as an advantage if you're early enough to beat the hungover to the beach. We tried going here the night before for sunset pictures and it was all too crowded with plenty of people cruising with brews. So the second attempt was at about 9:30 in the morning and I'd say it worked out just right.
There are a few "famous" coconut trees at the beach notorious for their unique shape. They jut out parallel to the ground and then bend at a right angle where the palm fronds sit. I'm not sure if this is a natural creation or a manmade one, but whichever the case it made for some stunning photographs. A taxi boat sat right next to the tree, very fitting for life on the island. They keep people off the tree with a sign and some barbed wire, so you'll just have to stand next to it if you're keen on taking a picture with it.
After these two places, we were ready to wrap it up and get to work editing and writing back at the resort but not without one last stop. After being in Sri Lanka for a while I've really started to miss a good cafe. You know the kind where you can get settled in, let the decor and vibe set your mindset for those few espresso moments - short and bittersweet. There are all kinds of trendy little spots in Sairee Beach, but we chose the one closest to our tired feet - a little cafe called New Heaven Cafe.
Rather than a cup of coffee I opted for something I couldn't get anywhere else, a tip I'd suggest for anyone traveling to somewhere new. Jake and I ordered two Thai teas - one iced and one hot. They came in unique glassware - the hot in a v-shaped mug and the iced in an old-fashioned milk jug, sitting atop a small wooden tray. In each glass sat three delicious layers you blend together for a sweet, rich taste - sweeten condensed milk, freshly brewed black tea, and whipped fresh milk. I love how much sweeten condensed milk is incorporated in Thai drinks and treats. Although I know it's probably not the best for you, my taste buds can't help but lick every last bit left.
We headed back to Sai Daeng for the afternoon to get one last snorkel and pool dip in before the sun sets and the night will lead us to our journey back to Sri Lanka.