Remember...why? Why...must we remember?



In recent times, I have had the opportunity to travel to Krabi Province very frequently. It is a province with an abundance of tourist attractions, offering a wide variety of styles. No matter how many times I visit, I always feel like it's not enough. And there is one more place I haven't been to yet, and that is Koh Jum.

This trip marks a return to the province of Krabi, with Koh Jum as the intended destination. The focus will not be on extensive sightseeing, but rather on relaxation, listening to the sound of the waves, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the seaside. Immersing oneself in the local way of life will complete the experience.


Let's go on a trip to Koh Jum!



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Get to know Koh Jum


English:


Initially, I was completely unaware of the location of Koh Jum within Thailand. I didn't even know which province it belonged to. I had only vaguely heard the name but had no idea where it was situated. It wasn't until I started seriously researching travel options to Koh Jum just a few months before my trip that I finally discovered its location.

Ko Jum is located in Ko Sri Boya Subdistrict,เหนือคลอง District. The island consists of three villages: Ko Pu, Ting Rai, and Ko Jum. Each village is located close to each other. Most of the beaches are located on the west side of the island, stretching from north to south: Lu Bo Beach (Ko Pu Village), Ting Rai Beach (Ting Rai Village), and Ko Jum Beach (Ko Jum Village). Ting Rai Beach is considered the most popular beach on the island.

View the large-scale map of Ko Jum at the following link:


Map image courtesy of bigmapthailand.com

http://bigmapthailand.com/maps/1168_ร้านอาหารไทย_อร่อย_สะอาด.html



Exploring Koh Jum: A Tranquil Island Escape

Koh Jum offers a serene escape for travelers seeking relaxation and natural beauty. To fully explore the island, renting a motorbike is highly recommended. Numerous rental shops offer competitive rates, ranging from 250 to 300 baht per day. Alternatively, inquire about motorbike rentals at your accommodation.

A half-day motorbike ride is sufficient to circumnavigate the island, visiting its various beaches. These beaches are ideal for lounging, swimming, and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere. Koh Jum attracts a predominantly international crowd, drawn to its peaceful ambiance. Many visitors choose to extend their stay, spending weeks or even months on the island.

Accommodation options on the island are diverse, ranging from budget-friendly choices starting at a few hundred baht to more luxurious options costing thousands. Package deals that include meals and transportation are also available, offering convenience and value. However, due to budgetary constraints, I opted for a more affordable option. The Aosi Bungalow, located near Ting Rai Beach, provided a simple yet comfortable stay at a reasonable price of 600 baht per night, including breakfast (booked through Expedia). This accommodation proved to be a satisfactory choice.




Journey to Koh Jum


Crossing to Koh Jum by Boat

There are two piers from which you can take a boat to Koh Jum:


Klong Jilad Pier is located approximately 2 kilometers from Krabi Town. This pier offers ferry services to Koh Lanta, with a stopover at Koh Jam. Ferries depart twice daily, at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM, and the journey to Koh Jam takes approximately 1 hour. The fare is 300 baht (the ferry operates only during the tourist season).

2. Laem Kruat Pier is located in the Ao Luek District. Taking a ferry from this pier is the most convenient and economical option. You can take a songthaew (shared taxi) from Krabi Town to Laem Kruat Pier for 60 baht. The journey takes approximately 1.30 hours. However, the frequency of this route is limited, so you might have to wait for a while. Alternatively, you can take a songthaew from Krabi Town to Ao Luek District (any route that passes through Ao Luek District) for 20 baht. Then, take another songthaew from Ao Luek District to Laem Kruat Pier, which is 25 kilometers away and costs 40 baht. This option costs the same (60 baht) but avoids the waiting time.

All buses traveling from Krabi to Laem Kruat Pier or Krabi to North Klong will pass Krabi Airport. If you arrive at Krabi Airport by plane, you can wait for a songthaew (shared taxi) in front of the airport.

Ferry Schedule: Laem Kruat Pier to Krabi Town (Last Ferry at 2:30 PM!)

From Laem Kruat Pier to Koh Jum Pier: A Seamless Journey

This passage describes the convenient journey from Laem Kruat Pier to Koh Jum Pier. The text highlights the efficient connection between buses and boats, minimizing waiting times for passengers.

The passage details the type of boat used, a "หัวตัด" (bow-cut) vessel, suitable for approximately 15-20 passengers. This boat allows for the transport of motorbikes, making it convenient for motorbike enthusiasts to explore Koh Jum.

The fare is mentioned as 50 Baht per person (100 Baht for foreigners) and an additional 50 Baht for motorbike transportation.

Original Text: เส้นทางเดินเรือจาก ท่าเรือแหลมกรวด ไป ท่าเรือมูตู(เกาะจำ)

This sentence describes the navigational route from Laem Kruat Pier to Koh Jum (Muthu Pier).

Round-trip ferry schedule from Laem Kruat Pier to Koh Jum (Moo Koh) Pier, where you can also catch a boat to Koh Si Boya. For the return trip from Koh Jum, the latest ferry departs at 13:30, ensuring you arrive in time for the last songthaew to Krabi Town at 14:30.


The journey has begun once again!


The journey began at Don Mueang Airport, as usual, at a rather late hour. The weather in Krabi during the trip had been raining continuously for 3-4 days. It was a bit of a gamble as to what the weather conditions would be like at the destination. Even though the sky was clear at the time of departure, there was still some uncertainty.



The journey to Krabi took approximately an hour. As the plane descended, mangrove forests could be seen below. Despite the clear skies and sunny weather during the flight, upon entering Krabi, the sky became overcast. There was a fear that rain would fall, making travel difficult and potentially ruining the trip.



After landing, I only had a small backpack with me, so I didn't have to carry a lot of luggage. I walked out of the airport building and headed towards the entrance gate next to the main road in front. Many people might be familiar with taking a shuttle bus into Krabi town or to various tourist spots after arriving at the airport. However, there is another option for transportation: waiting for a shared taxi (songthaew) in front of the airport, which is about 400 meters away. I think it's not too far to walk, and I often use this method because it's economical.



Upon arrival at the airport's front gate, passengers heading to Krabi Town should proceed to the right side. (To board a shared taxi to Krabi Town, cross the street and wait on the opposite side of the airport. The distance to the city center is approximately 13 kilometers.) Passengers heading to Trang Province should proceed to the left side.


At the airport entrance, there is a pavilion where you can wait for a car. The next destination is Laem Kruat Pier, which is on the same route as Trang Province. Therefore, you need to wait for a shared taxi at this pavilion. (For those who want to go to Krabi Town, cross the road and wait on the opposite side. There will be a pavilion with a yellow roof in the distance in the picture where you can wait for a car.)


From Krabi Airport to Laem Kruat Pier: A Two-Step Journey

Initially, I considered taking the direct bus from Krabi Airport to Laem Kruat Pier. However, the long wait between buses, estimated to be 30 minutes to an hour, discouraged me. Instead, I opted for a more frequent option: the songthaew (shared taxi) to Amphoe Nuea Khlong. This short 5-kilometer ride costs only 15 baht (20 baht from the city center) and drops you off at Nuea Khlong Market. Here, you can stock up on snacks and drinks before continuing your journey. Across the street from the Top Charoen optical shop, you'll find the songthaew queue for the Nuea Khlong – Laem Kruat Pier route.



Walk into the alley next to Top Charoen glasses shop, not far, you will see a two-row passenger car waiting.


After a 40-minute drive covering approximately 25 kilometers, I arrived at Laem Kruat Pier. To ensure I boarded the correct vessel, I inquired with a local who was also riding the shared taxi about the location for boats bound for Koh Jum. As it turned out, everyone on the taxi was headed to Koh Jum, and the connections between the taxi and the ferry were perfectly timed, eliminating any waiting time. As soon as we disembarked, we boarded the ferry, which departed promptly. The fare was 50 baht (100 baht for foreigners), payable upon arrival at the destination.



The passenger boat is a bow-cut boat with two decks. The lower deck has U-shaped seats, while the upper deck is an open space with a roof and an empty area at the front of the boat that can carry various items. The design of the bow allows for convenient docking and unloading of goods. It can also transport motorcycles across the island (the fee for transporting a motorcycle across the island is 50 baht).





The boat sailed forward leisurely. Along the way, mangrove forests could be seen on both sides, making for a delightful journey through the lush, verdant nature. The trip also offered a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen.

After approximately 40 minutes on the boat, we began to see various structures on the island, indicating our approaching destination, Mutu Pier.

The boat docked at the simple pier of Koh Jum's Moo Tu port, where passengers disembarked alongside their belongings. As they unloaded their cargo, they remembered to pay their fares. I almost forgot to pay mine and nearly walked away empty-handed.




Hello, Koh Jum. Why remember? Why remember?




Upon setting foot on Koh Jum, a sense of tranquility washes over you. The atmosphere at Mu Tu Pier is more peaceful than anticipated. From the pier, transportation to your accommodation is readily available via the island's taxi service (shared songthaews). Fares vary depending on the distance; for instance, a trip to Aosi Bungalow on Ting Rai Beach, my destination, costs 60 baht per person. Alternatively, for larger groups, a chartered ride costs 150 baht. Notably, some accommodations offer complimentary transfers between the pier and the property, eliminating the need for taxis. In my case, Mr. Kesem from Aosi Bungalow kindly awaited my arrival at the pier with a motorbike, saving me the expense of a taxi ride.



From Mutu Pier to Aosi Bungalow (located in the middle of the island)

The main roads on Koh Jum are currently in excellent condition, with well-laid concrete. Only a few sections, or those leading to resorts, remain rough and muddy. Upon arrival, a gravel road cuts through a rubber plantation, immediately immersing you in a sense of tranquility.

Turn onto a small road that cuts through the rubber plantation to reach the accommodation. The distance is only 300 meters.

The Reception Area: Your Gateway to Relaxation and Adventure

Nestled beside the pristine beach, the reception area serves as your central hub for all things relaxation and exploration. Here, you can effortlessly access a range of services, including:

  • Food and beverage: Indulge in delicious meals and refreshing drinks, perfectly complementing your seaside escape.
  • Boat rentals: Embark on a personalized journey around the island, charting your own course for adventure.
  • Day tours: Discover the hidden gems of nearby islands, including the breathtaking Koh Rok, with tours starting from 2300-2500 Baht.
  • Breakfast haven: Start your day with a delightful breakfast, savoring the flavors while soaking in the tranquil ambiance.

Beyond its practical offerings, the reception area invites you to unwind and embrace the island's serenity. Sink into a comfortable seat, lose yourself in a captivating book, or simply sip your drink while gazing at the mesmerizing ocean vista.

The rooms are located on the top floor, offering stunning views from the beach below.



The surrounding area of the room is full of trees, providing a close connection to nature and a refreshing feeling. However, there is a drawback, as mosquitoes are also abundant.

The room has a private bathroom, a bed with a mosquito net (which is essential to prevent mosquito bites), and a fan. Although there is no TV or refrigerator, the sea breeze provides natural ventilation. Towels and drinking water are provided, as in most accommodations. The caretaker, Mr. Kesem, also reminded us to "beware of monkeys." Do not leave food or snacks in the room, as monkeys may enter and rummage through them. However, there is no need to worry when people are present, as monkeys will not approach. This is a truly immersive experience in nature.


Let's open the door and take in the atmosphere on the balcony in front of the room. Since it is a room located on a high ground, you can see a wide view of the sea. Everything looks peaceful until you can clearly hear the sound of the waves hitting the shore.


Just sitting on the balcony is almost enough to make you never want to leave. Gazing out at the sea, relaxing and taking it easy, unwinding with no particular agenda...


As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the beach, the air cools and a gentle breeze picks up. This is the perfect time for a leisurely stroll along the shore. While the sand may not be as pristine white as other beaches, it possesses a raw, natural beauty. The tranquility of the evening is palpable, with only the occasional foreign tourist breaking the silence.

In the evening, you can watch the sunset at the beach without having to walk far. Tourists come out to stroll and wait for the sunset. However, it is a pity that today there are many clouds, so the sun cannot be seen. But it's not a big problem. Just walking around in this atmosphere is okay, right?

Dinner time arrived, and while strolling, I stumbled upon a small shop selling dried fish skewers. Unsure of the fish species, I was drawn in by the affordable price of 5 baht per skewer and the owner's enthusiastic description of its delicious, oily flavor. Unable to resist, I purchased a few skewers along with a 5-baht piece of "galamang," a traditional Thai sweet. Being someone who readily adapts to simple living, I ordered a fried egg with rice from my accommodation to accompany the purchased fish. The meal proved to be a satisfying, budget-friendly, and tummy-pleasing experience before bedtime.





A new morning.. Go around Koh Jum


The sound of waves crashing against the sandy shore lulled me to sleep throughout the night. Waking up to a new day, the sound of the waves still lingered, albeit slightly softer. The morning atmosphere remained tranquil, seemingly devoid of human voices. With sleepy eyes, I stumbled out of bed and sat by the balcony, gazing at the sea. It was a refreshingly bright and clear morning!



Gazing down at the beach below, I spot a young Westerner strolling along the shore, preparing to take a dip in the ocean. The thought of joining him is tempting, as the water looks refreshingly cool. However, a wave of laziness washes over me, making me reluctant to even go down for breakfast. Perhaps I'll just stay here and relax for a while. After all, this trip is all about rest and relaxation, so there's no need to exert myself too much.

After shaking off the laziness, it's time to go out and explore the island. The most convenient way is to rent a motorbike. The rental price per day is 250-300 baht. There are rental shops on the island, or you can contact your accommodation. After contacting Mr. Kesem, who manages the accommodation, he saw that I only needed the motorbike for a few hours, so he gave me the motorbike for free! However, I had to fill up the gas myself.

From the accommodation, a dirt road leads into the village, where several small petrol pumps, both hand-operated and bottle-fed, can be seen.

After refueling, it was time to explore the island by motorbike, starting with Ting Rai Beach. This long, kilometer-long beach offers plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the scenery. Various beach activities were observed, including strolling, fishing, and kayaking.

The beaches here may not be pristine white, but they are raw and natural. In some places, you may even see wildlife.

Subsequently, descend to the southernmost village on the island, Ban Ko Jum, passing Ban Ko Jum School.

The scene depicts the daily life of local fishermen as they prepare to set squid traps.

The market sells fresh produce, including vegetables and fruits, some of which are not grown on the island and must be imported from the market north of the canal for resale.

It was getting late in the morning and I was starting to feel hungry. I hadn't eaten breakfast at the accommodation, so I needed to find something to eat. There are actually recommended restaurants on the island, such as Koh Jum Seafood, but I wanted to save some money. I also wanted to try some local food. So I drove around looking for a place to eat. Most of the breakfast places were already closed and were packing up. Then I came across a restaurant that was still open, so I parked my car and went in to eat. I planned to eat quickly and then continue on my journey, but I ended up talking to the owner, Ma, for a while and stayed there for a long time. Ma told me that ten years ago, Koh Jum wasn't as developed as it is now. Good roads and electricity are relatively new. Recently, the number of tourists has increased, but it's still less compared to other places. As the number of tourists has grown, some locals have started to open guesthouses or homestays to accommodate them.


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This meal only cost 35 baht! (Chicken biryani 20 baht, dessert – I don't know what it's called, but it's sticky rice with coconut 5 baht, coffee 10 baht)




The northernmost point of the island.. Luboh Beach



After we were full, we continued our journey to the northernmost village on the island, Ban Ko Pu. Ko Jum and Ko Pu are located on the same island, but they are separated by village names only. The road from the good concrete road to Ban Ko Pu is a gravel road, which requires some caution. On both sides of the road, we passed through forests and rubber plantations. The deeper we went, the quieter the atmosphere became.


Luboh Beach is a small beach located in the Ban Ko Pu area. It features a short, curved coastline and sand that is not particularly fine. However, the overall atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, making it a suitable destination for those seeking tranquility.

The Luboh Beach Bar is a great place to relax in the evening. You can build a bonfire on the beach, sip a beer, and watch the stars. I actually wanted to stop by last night, but the entrance was a bit far and it was quite dark, so I missed it. I'll have to come back another time.




Crystal-Clear Waters at Haad Ting Rai!



It didn't take long for Luboh Beach to be left behind as we zipped back south on our motorbikes towards Ting Rai Beach. This stretch of coastline is accessed via a small, unpaved side road branching off the main highway, making it a relatively peaceful and secluded spot.

The area is quite lively due to the presence of numerous resorts and accommodations. Its proximity to the road attracts tourists who come to swim, as well as local children who seek respite from the heat.

The crystal-clear seawater tempts one to jump in and play with the children. Seeing them having so much fun, it's hard to resist. 55+




Farewell, Koh Jum



Glancing at my watch, I realized it was time to head back to my accommodation. I wanted to allow ample time to pack my belongings and freshen up before continuing my journey north. I returned to my lodgings, parked my motorbike, and quickly returned it to the kind Mr. Kesem, who had generously lent it to me. We then discussed my return trip. Mr. Kesem suggested that I take the latest possible boat from Mutu Pier (Koh Jam), which departs at 1:30 PM, to ensure I would arrive in time for the last songthaew to Krabi Town at 2:30 PM. Thankfully, Mr. Kesem offered to ride the same motorbike back to the pier for my departure.


With some extra time on my hands after tidying up, I decided to enjoy the view from the balcony for a while. The atmosphere was so pleasant that I found myself reluctant to go back inside.

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The boat will depart in 15 minutes, but there is no need to rush as the pier is only 2-3 kilometers away from our accommodation. We hopped on the back of Mr. Kesem's motorbike and headed back to the Mutu pier. Upon arrival, we saw the boat docked, ready to load cargo and depart in a few minutes.


The boat departed on time! Leaving Koh Jum and returning to the mainland at Laem Kruat Pier. The return boat was relatively empty, with only a few passengers. This allowed for a comfortable journey, stretching out my legs on the lower deck, without having to climb to the second floor like on the way there. After approximately 45 minutes, we arrived back at Laem Kruat Pier, where the last songthaew to the city was conveniently waiting. Some of the passengers from the boat boarded this vehicle to return to the city. After a short wait, the songthaew departed, heading straight back to Krabi Town via the original route, which inevitably passes Krabi Airport. I pressed the bell to disembark in front of the airport and continued my journey back to Bangkok comfortably.

The Island of Koh Jum: A Tranquil Escape

This trip to Koh Jum was a delightful journey, offering stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful atmosphere. The island provides the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Traveling to Koh Jum is surprisingly convenient. Public transportation, including buses and ferries, makes the journey accessible and affordable. This cost-effective option allows for a budget-friendly getaway.

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The island remembers... But why, why... must it remember? This, I do not know...





Chailai Backpacker | Adventure Tourism

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