Koh Lipe: The gypsy island that speaks a fusion of Thai and Malay

Originally home to the sea gypsies or the Urak Lawoi, a tribe of aboriginal Malay people- Koh Lipe, translated as Paper Island, is a tiny hamlet lying idly on southern Thailand’s Satun province near the Thai-Malay border.

With electric blue waters and sparkling white beaches bordering its perimeters, it is one of the less known, least visited, and off the grid islands situated by the rugged coastline of the South Andaman Sea. Though immigration is mandatory when visiting here from Malaysia, the culture of the island reeks of a blended fusion of Thai and Malay traditions (because of its proximity to both the countries). The locals also say that on a clear day, one can easily see Langkawi, which is almost an hour away, from the shores of Lipe.

How to get there?

The closest airport to Koh Lipe is Hat Yai in Thailand. You can take the ‘Fly and Ferry’ option of Nok Air and book the direct transfer from Bangkok. When travelling from Malaysia, you can take a ferry to Koh Lipe from Langkawi, which is one of the most beautiful Malaysian islands. You will have to go through immigration from the Malaysian side of the border.

Unofficially also known as the Maldives of the country, the island is still a hidden picture-postcard destination offered by Thailand. Not so popular as the more commercial towns of Phuket and Koh Samui, Lipe offers an excellent opportunity to explore its flora in the utmost peace and tranquillity, away from the humdrum of all urban infrastructure and interference. The island is surrounded by its three main beaches, the Sunrise, Sunset and Pattaya Beach, each of them adding their own element of exclusivity to the unparalleled panorama of the place. The Pattaya Beach, known for its nightlife and psychedelic music festivals is a great destination for all party lovers who are forever in search of revelry in different corners of the globe. The Sunrise and Sunset beaches as their name seemingly suggest, are paradisiacal destinations to bank on for just doing nothing and relaxing by the waters. Offering an instagrammable view of both the sunrise and sunset you’ll witness the golds and tangerines quietly take over the pinks, as you sit by the beachside tiny bungalow, mojito by your side, taking in the indulgence and extravagance of the spectacular moment.

How to get around?

Everything here on this cute little place is a walking distance away, therefore you might not spot any cars on the island. If you want to ditch the hike, there are tuk-tuks and motorcycles too which can be used to get around the serpentine streets of the town.

L-shaped in structure, Lipe’s strategic placement in the Tarutao National Marine Park of Thailand also makes it a paradise for scuba, snorkelling and diving activities. One of the best of such spots is Stonehenge, a boat ride away from the island. It is full of brilliant reefs, exquisite corals and submerged clusters of granite stones. On a good day, one can spot a variety of rich and quiet underwater marine habitat, including some of the rare ones like barracudas and snappers. Currents here can sometimes be strong and therefore it is recommended for certified drivers. You can also take up a professional course while on the island, which is available in plenty, and indulge yourself in one of the eco-tours that the island has to offer.

What to do?

Actually nothing. It is a lazy island and you can easily give those crowded ferry trips a miss, chill on the beach, provided you have been to the other islands of Thailand and already indulged in some dive sessions. In the evenings, take a walk along with the boutique cafes and dive into fresh seafood at Walking Street in Koh Lipe. The island is very famous for its nightlife, you can attend the electronic music festivals and fire shows that adorn the nocturnal coastline. If you still feel like taking up some guided tours you can book some of them here.

For the adventure seekers, Lipe also offers day trips to Koh Tarutao; an unspoiled, virgin and prison-turned exploration islet of the Marine Park which is surrounded with mangrove trees and limestone cliffs. Remote and a far-flung oddity, this pristine spot has an eerie memory attached to it. It served as a prison camp for Thai political convicts, who had also been subject to massive starvation and devastation during World War II. The knowledge of its history attaches an unusual uncanniness to the streets of the island, its air feeling heavy with myths and legends untold.

To this and much more, given Lipe’s bounty of undiscovered secrets, it would probably take someone several trips to do justice to its adjacent wilderness. Until then all we can do is keep going back. In search of the unspoken truths, in quest of some cute hidden cabins.

About the author:
"Enchanted by the fragility and the unpredictability of the Arctic, the author is forever in awe of places having unusual histories and unknown futures. When not globe stalking, she helps people discover places through her stories. You can find here here"

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