Attracted by the outstanding coral reefs surrounding KoTao, and the quick growth in sport scuba diving, a number of companies have set up divebusinesses on the island, these companies in turn developed resortsfor their clientele, and over the years several of these resortshave become quite elegant.
The early 1980's brought to Koh Taosome of the first visitors from Koh Phanganwho were searching for something new away from the crowds and masses who were going barmy for the full moonparties on Koh Phangan. Here they found something more than just a new islandto explore and soon the backpackergroups were buzzing about the magnificent newly found islandparadise. Mesmerised by the striking crystal white beaches, the back of beyond aura, and of course the low-priced living, back packers soon arrived in droves. Departure and arrivals were on the local fishing boats, and even then delays of several days were frequent. Back to the hammock and a world of dreams; The boat comes another day . Subsequently, as its status for elegant nature, outstanding marine life and astonishing landscapes grew, simple access was offered when improved and safer boats were brought in to deal with the number of back packers, being attracted to the island.
A culture shock to most people, but generally the island reacted with a passion to these new visitors, over the following months much change has taken place, new resorts, with more facilities, a new array of restaurants offering different food from all over the world.
Suddenly the island ferries were disgorging people with suitcases, not backpacks, portable computers not guitars, and what is this; trainers not flip-flops?!, and some had children as well.
Koh Toa is a small island, only 22 sq km with practically half of that too steep to access. Initially the islandwas not colonized, visited only by fisherman from nearby islands while on the lookout for a safe haven during storms or when in need of fresh water and supplies. It seems strange that such a tourist paradise should have been in earlier times set up as a top-security prison. Strange, but true. From about 1933 until 1947 the islandhoused political prisoners. Being nearly 70 kilometers from the mainland meant it was comparatively escape proof! Alcatraz...piece of cake. KoTao is surrounded by a lot of Whale sharks and Black Tip Sharks as well.
Attracted by the outstanding coral reefs surrounding KoTao, and the quick growth in sport scuba diving, a number of companies have set up divebusinesses on the island, these companies in turn developed resortsfor their clientele, and over the years several of these resortshave become quite elegant.
Initially this petite island was not inhabited, visited only by local fishermen from near by islands when seeking shelter during storms or when in need of fresh water and supplies.
From the days of being a prison camp, through to its current redevelopment, Turtle island has retained it's sparkle, though it now caters for everyone's needs and costs. |
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