Forest 
| Koh Samui Fantastic Nature - Koh Samui Forest |
|
Samui is all about the beach, but there's much more to the island than soft sands and seductive seas. Just a short drive inland from the main island ring road sits some spectacular mountain scenery. From up in the hills another island appears, one alive with vibrant natural colours and sounds that offer a true reminder of the original forest environment that characterized Samui when it was still undiscovered. Before humans interfered, Samui was an abundant natural pasture heaving with tropical flora and fauna. Thick forests stretched from the mountain peaks all the way down to the sea, and a multitude of species survived on nature's feast. Today, if you drive around the island's main arteries, you are more likely to see motorbikes than monkeys. But a walk in the interior can be a refreshing experience that proves all is not lost when comes to natural splendour. If you take the time and effort to hike beyond the coconut plantations, you will soon find yourself surrounded by lush green vegetation, towering rainforest and the signature sound of cicadas buzzing among the branches. This is the island's natural legacy, and a short walk in these almost Jurassic-period surroundings provides a poignant reminder of the need for preservation. Farmers and fishermen in places such as Mae Nam, Lamai, and Plai Laem have long been treading the island's inland routes. You can even find unspoilt forest in the hills behind Chaweng around the Jungle Club, the location for this month's fashion feature. Coastal walks do offer a new perspective on the island, but it's the mountains that provide more spectacular views. To explore farther afield, it's a good idea to rent a car or motorbike to get you to the start of the trek. The best hiking opportunities generally begin where the paved roads end, so slip on your boots, grab a couple bottles of water and start walking. Mae Nam offers plenty of choices when it comes to mountain treks. A side road opposite 7-Eleven leads to the local temple and then on through a small village before reaching the hills. Once the concrete stops, it's up, up and then up some more until you reach the original forest. The path here stretches into the centre of the island, eventually arriving at the popular Buddha Magic Garden. That route takes around four hours, and finding your way requires a good local map, as the track makes a number of twists and turns and there are confusing side tracks that lead off to coconut and fruit plantations. Even if you trek for an hour then turn around and walk back down, the experience is still a literal breath of fresh air. Another route out of Mae Nam begins on the small road signposted for Quad Bikes. Once again the paved road leads to the foot of the hills, but after that you climb high on a track that leads all the way south to Lamai. The trip takes around three hours. The steep track makes 12.5 kilometres seem a lot more, but it's worth all the sweat for the fantastic scenery and tropical peace. The track conveniently emerges at Tamarind Springs Spa, the perfect place to rub down those aching muscles. Of course, you could also walk in the other direction and finish with a dip in the sea at Mae Nam Beach.
Whether you follow the coast or head for the mountains, using you legs for transport is certainly the best way to see the parts of Samui other visitors don't reach. It will also give you good reason to stress the importance of environmental protection to local people and your fellow travellers. Samui may be developing fast, but it is far from spoiled. Visitors to the island are vital to the economy, and they therefore have a right and a duty to keep the natural side alive. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites          |
Finally, for a slightly different hiking experience, there's the peninsula that stretches out from Ban Plai Laem. Starting at this colourful local temple with its impressive statues and Buddhist friezes, you follow the road that leads to the