Thailand: Ko Tarutao Marine National Park, Ko Tarutao, near Ao Pante Malaka

Ao Pante Melaka is a long bay on the northwest shore of Ko Tarutao, with a fine sandy beach. The Ko Tarutao Marine National Park Headquarters are located here, as well as a tourist service center which houses an exhibition covering the historical and natural background of the park.

Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just seven of the islands are of any size, including Ko Tarutao in the east, and Ko Adang-Ko Rawi to the west. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia’s celebrated Langkawi Archipelago.

Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Covering a broad area of 575 sq miles (1490 sq km), Tarutao became Thailand’s second national marine park in 1974. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia