Suggestions for 40th Birthday Trip?
Replies: 6 - Last Post: Sep 13, 2012 12:13 AM Last Post By: SoleneDartus
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Suggestions for 40th Birthday Trip?
Here's the deal - I love the ocean and I love to snorkel. I am turning 40 next year and I get my annual bonus in December which I want to use for an incredible once in a lifetime trip to celebrate in advance (bday is in July) in January my 40th birthday.I am looking to go to either Thailand, Indonesia or Malaysia.
My budget (without airfare) is 3000-5000 USD for 5-7 days.
I want to stay on the beach and love the idea of a pool villa if possible (however not sure if my budget works for that)
I want to be able to snorkel right off the beach or have water taxi readily available for snorkeling every day. I also want to not be in the middle of nowhere - would love the concept a fun town where you can walk and get dinners/lunches if you do not want to eat where you are staying and artistic shops to wander through.
I also love traditional decor (ie the traditional Thai or Indonesia decor) I really do not want modern western decor (I see too much of that here in the USA)
The main idea is to snorkel snorkel snorkel all day :)
Any suggestions?
2
Check out Castaway Resort or Serendipity Resort on Koh Lipe. Castaway's got gorgeous bungalows right on the beach while Serendipity's are set higher with great views. Great snorkeling right off the beach and easy to arrange transport to take you to the other islands. Lots of restaurants and bars, it's not a town but it's not the middle of nowhere. There are people around and things to do if that's what you're looking for, but you can also escape to a deserted beach on one of the nearby islands for some solo snorkeling if you wish. There are more snorkeling spots than you can hope to cover in your trip - you'll see loads of marine life, healthy hard coral gardens and brilliantly colored soft corals. So if you want to snorkel all day, Koh Lipe could be a good choice for you.3
Thank you so much everyone - I actually have been to the Similian Islands before (and fell in love with them) on all day trip from Khao Luk and thus really want something like that. I have considered the liveabroad concept but kind of wanted a combination of luxury and snorkeling. I will do the liveabroad concept another vacation! I also thought I heard they had closed the Similian Islands to visitors to try to save the coral and reefs - is this correct? I will definitely check out Castaway Resort or Serendipity Resort on Koh Lipe - thank you for the suggestions.I was also wondering about the Gili Islands in Indonesia or what about Vietnam or Malaysia?
Thank you again everyone!!!
4
I believe a very small number of the Similan Islands have been closed temporarily to allow them to recover but it has no impact as far as diving/snorkelling is concerned - the boats still operate and there are plenty of islands in the Similan Marine Park.Vietnam - terrible for snorkelling or diving. Don't bother.
Malaysia - see my earlier post
Gili Islands - not the best snorkelling in Indonesia, but still good and has a bit of relaxed nightlife too.
5
For an incredible travel and wonderful places i think you must go to Malaysia, on the island of Borneo (Sabah state).You have several choices :
- Lankayan Island :
- Mataking Island :
- Mabul Island :
- Sipadan water village : http://www.amazing-borneo.com/diving/mabul-island-sipadan-water-village-resort-abtw-d02.html
- Sipadan-Mabul resort : http://www.amazing-borneo.com/diving/mabul-island-sipadan-mabul-resort-smart.html
- Kapalai : http://www.amazing-borneo.com/diving/kapalai-island-sipadan-kapalai-dive-resort-abtw-d03.html
Do not hesitate to contact me for further informations.
Solene
6
i forget this :- Bungaraya Eco Resort in Gaya Island (in front of Kota Kinabalu) :
- Gayana Eco Resort in Gaya Island (in front of Kota Kinabalu) :
;)
