Phi Phi Lei

Tue 06 Jan 2009
Cruising into Phi Phi Lei from Chalong Bay is a Westerly approach. The small island stands very tall with its limestone cliffs rising 100+ metres above the sea, with their stark eroded jagged peaks. At the water level the tide has eroded under the cliffs and in parts caves into the island are 20 metres plus.

With the wind in the NE, the western bay is not just ideallic, its superb, and thus the 50+ speed boats and long tails backed up to its fine sand beach. The amassed tourists laying on the sand or frolicking in the water. Concern is on the mind for a time as you paddle to the reef, with the long tails and speed boats doing the occasional doughnut in the swimming area. While there was some fish life and some darkish coral, the words "amazing" and "excellent" obviously have a different interpretation from the Whitsundays' 100 magic miles guide, compared to the local guide.

Meanwhile the coming of evening meant that the day trippers and power boats, long tails et al, had to get their punters back to Phi Phi Don in time for them to start spending big bucks on booze. We took the time out to unfold the deck chairs and crack a coldie in ready for the evening light descending into darkness. Overnight the anchorage was calm and overhead the equatorial star field was clear. In the morning the beach made a pleasant visit, a scattering of overnight "camp on beach" backpackers were an interesting sight. The most opportune moment was the depth of field with a long tail at the beach, the clear waters and golden white sand for a photo. Despite the tourist numbers, the cleanliness was impressive.

All too soon it was time to make for the tourist overnight favourite of Phi Phi Don after a circumnavigation of the island.