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The Similan Islands (Thai: เกาะสิมิลัน) is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga Province, southern Thailand. It is a national park which was established in 1982.

Similan Islands National Park was established after the one-year exploration by the Foresty department. The park is the archipelago consisting of nine islands which are Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. Recently, the park was expanded to included two remoted islands which are Ko Bon and Ko Tachai. The Similans are situated 70 kilometres from Phang Nga town. "Similan" is a Yawi word which means "nine". Similan is one of the most famous diving sites in Thailand.

It is located at 8°39′09″N 97°38′27″E / 8.65250°N 97.64083°E / 8.65250; 97.64083

Attractions

Ko Similan

Similan Island is the largest island. It has the average depth of 60 feet. Underwater is full of rock formations and coral reefs in several shapes and forms such as deer, leaf, brain, and mushroom.

Above the water are found many diverse species such as the Nicobar Pigeon, Mangrove Monitor Lizards and more.

Ko Huyong

Ko Huyong has the longest and widest beach in the park. However, the park prohibits any tourists from landing on the island as the beach on the island is the place where turtles come to lay their eggs.

Dive sites

The Similan national park is famous for its divesites. It has typically 2 different kind of diving. East side diving consists of gently sloping coral reefs with sandy patches and the occasional boulder in between. West side diving is known for its huge underwater granite boulders with numerous swimthroughs. Maybe the most famous east side dive site is East of Eden, off Island number 7. Elephant head rock is arguably the most famous west side dive site with a maze of swimthroughs and the reputation for spin-cycle like currents running in every direction.

Elephant head rock was named by Horst Hinrichs from Germany in the mid 70s, founder of one of the oldest dive shops in Phuket, Santana Diving.

Other popular divesites include North Point, Deep Six, Boulder City and the awesome pinnacles off Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.

The mother of all divesites in the Similans, which is actually part of Surin national park, is Richelieu Rock. Famous for its incomparable variety and abundance of marine life. Whale shark sightings are not uncommon here.

However, since 1999, its once most beautiful dive site, the Fantasy Reef, has been closed from all diving activities after its condition had been significantly deteriorated from overcrowding.^[1] The site also suffered significant damage from the tsunami in 2004 which prompted government to extend the closure period.

Wildlife Protection

Islands 1, 2 and 3 are closed for public due to turtle hatching protection program and reef conservation efforts. Island number 3 belongs to HM the Thai Princess. Fishing is banned in Similan and Surin National Park, however fishing boats are constantly seen in and around the Park. When diving, one can often find nets stuck to reefs and illegal fishing traps. Park rangers are posted on several islands but seem to be little interested in anything beyond collecting the national park fees, which have to be paid in cash. Consequently corruption is ripe. Mid November 2007 the Rangers increased the Surin national park fee to 600bt per person from 400bt with no prior announcement and posted a patrol boat at Richelieu Rock to collect the fees.

I have not seen them make any effort in inspecting the numerous fishing boats moored around Richelieu Rock.

This season many illegal fishing traps have been found outside the most common divesites, suggesting the fishermen are betting on divers not venturing off the known divesites. They have contained among others Giant Trevallies, Batfish, Barracudas, Golden Pilot Jacks, Giant Triggerfish etc. We have cut open every trap we have found and released the fish.

The fishing traps seem to be overly abundant around Koh Bon and Koh Ta Chai.

Public awareness of this increasing problem will be the only way to change the situation so if you visit Similan and Surin National Parks and witness illegal fishing, please report your sightings. Public pressure and fear of lost revenue will eventually force the authorities to lean on the Rangers to actually do what they are supposed to do - protect the most beautiful and famous island group and divesites in Thailand

Access

Access to the Similan Islands is easiest from Khao Lak, Phang Nga province. The mainland office is in Thap Lamu. Boats depart daily from November-May. The trip takes three hours each way on slow boats or 70 minutes via speedboat.

Sources

External links

8°39′09″N 97°38′27″E / 8.65250°N 97.64083°E / 8.65250; 97.64083 Template:National Parks & Forest Parks in Thailand

^ Study suggests closure of the popular site (Thai Language) [1]

[1] Study suggests closure of the popular site (Thai Language) [1]

[1]

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 The mother of all divesites in the Similans, which is actually part of Surin national park, is Richelieu Rock. Famous for its incomparable variety and abundance of marine life. Whale shark sightings are not uncommon here.
+However, since 1999, its once most beautiful dive site, the Fantasy Reef, has been closed from all diving activities after its condition had been significantly deteriorated from overcrowding.<ref>Study suggests closure of the popular site (Thai Language) [http://www.biotec.or.th/biodiversity/update/news/news/oldnews/november/15.html]</ref> The site also suffered significant damage from the tsunami in 2004 which prompted government to extend the closure period.
 ===Wildlife Protection===