Koh Similan or Island #8 is the prettiest out of the eleven Similans and is also the largest in the archipelago at 5 square kilometers. The bay has a lovely, alabaster beach and compelling forest walks. One distinct trait of Koh Similan is probably the rock overlooking the Donald Duck bay, which closely resembles the character itself. The climb up Donald Duck and Sail Rock formations, overlooking the north end of the beach, is highly recommended.
As the main island of the Similan Islands, it is no wonder that Koh Similan is known to be the ultimate destination chosen by the tourists. Various contributing factors include its famous diving and snorkeling activities, and the magnificent nature trail up the highest mountain of the Mu Ko Similan National Park. Koh Similan has beautiful white beaches with even some deserted, which makes for great exploration.
The crystal-clear waters are ideal for diving and snorkeling, where visitors can practice their diving or free-diving skills with the gentle sea current and 30 meters visibility. The vibrant marine life that greets you includes small sharks, sea turtles, and spiny lobsters. The bottom is where you can find soft swaying corals and huge boulders of sea fans. The Donald Duck Bay is probably the best place to begin your underwater experience. The scenic underwater along with the beautiful coral reefs make the experience of diving and snorkeling more wonderful.
While diving and snorkeling are preferred activities on Koh Similan, trekking and jungle exploration are other fun activities available. Hikers can explore the dense jungles, which are to various wild species of plants, including gum trees, rattan, and bamboo. One thing to take note of is to be extra cautious of not leaving the hiking trails while you are navigating around the island to avoid getting lost. Animals such as small monkeys, squirrels, and bats greet hikers. A popular route for the explorers starts from Nguang Chang Bay to Horseshoe Bay, where visitors can even climb the abandoned lighthouse of the Thai Navy with the permission of the park ranger. The view from the tower is spectacular.
