Island hopping around Phi Phi Island was one of the most unforgettable experiences I had in Phuket, Thailand. I highly recommend adding this day tour to your itinerary—it’s an absolute must for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone craving a bit of adventure on the Andaman Sea.
Viking Cave
We gathered at Marine Plaza around 8am, where our tour operator Diamond Sea Marine Co. Ltd. briefed us before setting off. The staff was extremely friendly and humble, helping everyone feel at ease right from the start. A quick tip: if you’re prone to motion sickness, don’t hesitate to ask the crew for sea sick pills—they have them on hand, and trust me, the open-sea ride can get bumpy! We had our light refreshment before boarding.
Once we boarded the speedboat, we were off to explore the stunning islands around Phi Phi. Snorkeling masks were available but need to be returned, and if you didn’t bring your own towel, you could rent them easily. I also recommend bringing a waterproof bag, an underwater phone case, and a change of clothes—these came in really handy throughout the trip. There’s a simple shower room at the pier for rinsing off after the tour, so don’t forget to pack your own toiletries.
Our first stop was Monkey Beach, where wild monkeys greeted us from the limestone cliffs. While adorable, do be careful not to get too close—they’re still wild animals. However, feeding the monkeys wasn’t allowed, so our visit was a short and simple stop to observe them from a distance. Next, we dove into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, surrounded by colourful fishes in every direction. It felt like swimming in a giant aquarium! I truly enjoyed that moment, even though I didn’t capture any underwater photos or videos. All those magical encounters with the fish are now beautifully stored in my memory.
We had lunch at Phi Phi Don, the main island of the Phi Phi group. The beachfront restaurant served decent Thai dishes and there were also souvenir shops to browse while we digested. There are also cafés and Instagram-worthy spots around where you can hang out and snap some great photos. Then, we cruised past Viking Cave, where you can spot ancient wall paintings and learn about the bird’s nest harvesting that still takes place there.
One of my favourite moments was at Pileh Lagoon—the emerald water framed by towering limestone cliffs made it a perfect photo op. We even took turns posing on a traditional long-tail boat, soaking in the view. Just so you know, the long-tail boat ride is not included in the package, so we had to pay a little extra to experience it.
And of course, Maya Bay, made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach. Although swimming isn’t allowed to preserve its ecosystem, standing on that powdery white sand and gazing at the turquoise bay was a dream come true. Make sure not to wander too far into the water, or the attendants will call you out over the loudspeaker with something like, “The man in the blue shirt, please come back!” or “Lady in red, stay out of the water!”—it can be a bit embarrassing! But honestly, props to the crew for doing their part to protect Mother Nature.
Our final stop was Khai Nok Island, a chill little paradise for sunbathing and water sports. You can rent a jetski, try a banana boat, or just relax at the island’s café with a coconut in hand.
By the time we returned to the pier around 5pm, we were sun-kissed, salty, and thoroughly worn out—but in the best way possible. The whole trip took around 8 to 9 hours and was packed with adventure, nature, and beauty.
Here are 5 tips to make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free!
1. Take seasick pills before the boat ride Even if you’re not prone to motion sickness, the sea can get choppy. Ask the crew—they’ll have pills ready.
2. Bring a waterproof bag and phone case Keep your belongings dry and snap awesome underwater shots without risking your phone.
3. Wear proper swimwear and pack dry clothes You’ll be getting wet often. Quick-dry outfits and a change of clothes will keep you comfy throughout the day.
4. Use reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated You’ll be under the sun for hours. Reapply sunscreen regularly and drink plenty of water.
5. Respect the rules and marine life Don’t feed monkeys or step on corals. Stay within allowed zones—getting shouted at over the loudspeaker isn’t fun!
If you’re considering this tour, do it. It’s a full day of fun, and you’ll come back with a memory card full of stunning photos and stories to tell.
As a passionate turtle lover and a proud member of the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia, I have always dreamed of visiting a turtle sanctuary and taking part in the release of hatchlings into the wild. That dream finally became a reality during my recent trip to Phuket, where I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 13th Sea Turtle Release 2025 event at Naiyang Beach.
A Special Event for Turtle Conservation The Sea Turtle Release 2025 was organized by the Turtle Conservation Group Phuket, supported by Tourism Authority of Thailand on 22 March 2025. This annual event, now in its 13th year, aims to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation while giving these beautiful creatures a better chance at survival. We arrived at Naiyang Beach around 3pm, just in time to witness the vibrant atmosphere filled with excited visitors, conservationists, and volunteers.
The event was more than just a release ceremony. There were stage performances, food stalls, charity sale booths, and educational workshops where visitors could learn about the importance of sea turtle conservation. The highlight, of course, was the release of 75 one-year-old Olive Ridley sea turtles back into the ocean.
Why One-Year Old Turtles? You might wonder why these turtles were not released immediately after hatching. The answer lies in their survival rate. Newly hatched sea turtles face immense challenges, with a low survival rate due to natural predators and environmental hazards. By raising them for a year in a protected environment, their chances of survival increase significantly once they are released into the wild.
My Experience Releasing A Baby Turtle When my turn came, a volunteer guided me on how to properly hold the baby turtle. I was instructed to gently place it onto the sand and not touch it again once released, allowing it to find its way to the ocean on its own. The moment I held my turtle, it flapped its fore flippers swiftly, as if eager to dive into the sea. The instant I placed it onto the beach, it crawled determinedly towards the waves, without even a backward glance—no goodbye for me! (How rude, right? 😆)
A Heartwarming and Meaningful Experience Participating in this event filled me with immense happiness and pride. Watching these young turtles take their first steps into the vast ocean gave me hope that conservation efforts like these will help maintain, or even increase, the population of sea turtles to a healthier, more sustainable level.
A huge thank you to the Tourism Authority of Thailand for allowing me to be part of this meaningful event. If you’re a nature lover or a conservation enthusiast, I highly recommend experiencing this unforgettable moment for yourself! Maybe next year?
Stay updated about this annual sea turtle release event with Phuket Love Turtle
Lenggong Outdoor Festival 2023 (ODF23), which will take place from 16 – 18 June 2023 at Resort Tasik Raban, Lenggong in Perak, Malaysia, is back this year following its first successful event held in 2022, which attracted over 30 community groups and more than 1,000 active lifestyle enthusiasts from across the country.
Lenggong, also known as “Mini Amazon Malaysia,” is renowned for its stunning landscapes and is once again chosen this year as the main location for a variety of extreme sports that serve to indirectly advance the district’s tourism industry.
YB Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Deputy Home Minister who is also Lenggong Member of Parliament
ODF23 is a uniting medium and platform that combines many elements of life; among others the active-healthy lifestyle, physical and extreme outdoor adventure that best commemorate all range and societies as well as the connected communities which projected to the local economy to boost. ODF23 is a timely event in the efforts to create more positive communities which support each other and the purpose of this festival to be the one with healthy vibes and acceptable by many,
said YB Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Deputy Home Minister who is also Lenggong Member of Parliament
With the theme “Unplug & Reconnect,” the co-organizers of ODF23, Majlis Daerah Lenggong (MDL) and LOCCO, invite all participants to take advantage of the chance to meet new people and share experiences through a range of organized activities.
More individuals from abroad are anticipated to participate this year, where they can network with locals and celebrate the diversity of interests through a variety of ODF contents like forum sessions, workshops, explorations, and musical performances.
Camping, kayaking, Stand Up Paddling, bridge rappelling, and archery are just some of the activities. This year’s “Merentas Desa” will also feature newly-inaugurated activities like the ODF Ride, Lake Flying Fox, Flatland Skimboarding, and Tree Climbing. A few workshops will also be held, including ones on making organic soap, water safety, ultralight hiking, rope climbing, and handmade paracord.
Sharing sessions and forums, such as Cerita Kedai Kopi, Sembang Bawah Fly, community awareness, and cycling technique workshops, are also planned for ODF23 to spice up the event. Evening performances by gig and local bands like Teman Lelaki, Cisco, Nami, The Mirza, and others will keep attendees entertained.
The most exciting aspect of this year’s ODF edition is the festival’s collaboration with the Jakarta-based Kahf brand, which has since changed its name to “KAHF LENGGONG OUTDOOR FESTIVAL 2023.”
Men’s personal care and grooming company Kahf offers a variety of halal goods, including facial washes, EDTs, moisturisers, and beard treatments. The brand constantly strives to prioritise quality in support of men’s active lifestyles with a mild formulation and a contemporary image to awaken functional, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
In an effort to reach Kahf users and introduce the Kahf product line through outdoor activities and today’s active lifestyle, Kahf is participating as the main sponsor of the event.
This year’s ODF23, which aims to attract more than 1,500 participants, is supported by more than 35 community groups, including ANBOT, HAUSBOOM, BOOM+, Lost World of Tambun, and Kembara Meals. Additionally, RNR Adventures, Skycamp, Santrav, Rileklah, Pretty World, 30 Ascend, Project Vacation, Santrav, Tanjak, Decathlon, and Nomadism are among strategic partners.
Tickets can still be purchased. Through our official website, www.outdoorfest.my, ticket purchases can be made by those who are interested in outdoor activities. Participants could also learn more about ODF23 by keeping up with their social media updates below: Instagram: @outdoorfestmy Twitter : @outdoorfestmy Facebook : facebook.com/outdoorfestmy
Catch the highlights of the Lenggong Outdoor Festival 2022 here:
About Kahf Kahf is a halal and nature-inspired men’s skincare brand that always strives to prioritise quality in supporting men’s active lifestyles. As a brand, Kahf carries #JalanYangKuPilih has a tagline to show commitment in spreading positive influences that can accompany men in every path he chooses to become better human beings and benefit those around them. As a brand that supports men’s activities, Kahf also continues to collaborate with various men’s lifestyle communities to jointly spread goodness according to the path they choose.
Did you know that reptiles in the order Testudines, such as terrapins, turtles, and tortoises, are all different from one another in terms of their appearance, habitats, behaviours, and diets? Many of us do now know about the differences among these animals. Hence, let me share with you some of the key variations:
Physical Features Terrapins typically have a flattened shell, webbed feet, and are small in size. On the other hand, turtles have a more rounded shell and feet with claws or flippers that are designed for swimming in rivers and oceans. Tortoises have feet made for walking on land and a high-domed shell.
Habitat Estuaries, swamps, and marshes are among the brackish water habitats where terrapins are most frequently found. Turtles can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, including lakes, rivers, and oceans. On land, tortoises can be found in arid environments like savannas, deserts, and other dry areas.
Diet Terrapins are omnivores and consume a variety of foods, including plants, insects, and crustaceans. Although some species of turtles are solely herbivorous or carnivorous, all turtles are omnivores. Herbivorous tortoises eat cacti, grasses, and leaves.
Behaviour Terrapins can live in groups and are typically more social than turtles. Turtles may only gather together during mating season because they tend to be more solitary. Tortoises are solitary creatures who prefer to spend most of their time in the sun.
Terrapins are small aquatic turtles that inhabit habitats with brackish water. Both freshwater and saltwater habitats are home to turtles, which are bigger than terrapins. The largest of the three, tortoises inhabit dry habitats on land.
Turtle Conservation Effort in Malaysia For your information, Malaysia is home to several species of sea turtles, tortoises and terrapins, including the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, and olive ridley turtle. Threats to these turtles include habitat loss, pollution, poaching, and unintentional entanglement in fishing nets are some major issues we are facing. Numerous NGO organizations and governmental organizations in Malaysia are engaged in turtle conservation initiatives to address these threats and safeguard turtle populations. Here are a few instances:
Department of Fisheries Malaysia The Department of Fisheries Malaysia is responsible for managing and conserving the country’s marine resources, including sea turtles. In order to protect sea turtles, the department has put in place a number of strategies, such as the creation of marine protected areas, the enforcement of fishing laws, and the tracking of turtle populations.
SEATRU The research group SEATRU (Sea Turtle Research Unit) is based at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and focuses on sea turtle conservation in Malaysia. SEATRU works with government organisations to implement conservation measures, conducts research on turtle populations and behaviour, and engages in community outreach and education.
WWF-Malaysia Wildlife and their habitats are protected in Malaysia by the WWF-Malaysia organisation. The group runs a number of initiatives aimed at protecting sea turtles, such as monitoring turtle populations, assisting nesting grounds, and collaborating with regional groups to lessen threats to turtles.
Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia is a non-governmental organization that is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles in Malaysia. The group works with nearby communities to promote turtle conservation, runs a turtle hatchery, and studies turtle populations.
I am glad that I have had a great experience volunteering for TCS back in 2018 in one of their programs in Kuala Lumpur. From then onwards, I have been a supporter of this society, by making frequent donations and terrapin adoptions to help them in their effort to preserve the population of freshwater turtles.
About Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) was established out of necessity in 2011 when co-founders Drs. Chan Eng Heng and Chen Pelf Nyok realised that despite the country’s home to 18 native species of tortoises and freshwater turtles, there was no organisation or agency in charge of them.
TCS is the first non-profit, non-governmental organization in Malaysia devoted to the preservation of freshwater turtles. Through collaborations with other like-minded organizations, people, and local communities as well as through its own programs, the Society seeks to restore Malaysia’s declining wild turtle populations, with a focus on freshwater turtles.
About Executive Director, Dr. Chen Pelf Nyok
Dr. Pelf is the co-founder and Executive Director of TCS. She receives the country of Malaysia’s first doctorate in the study of non-marine turtles. The distribution, biology, and ecology of freshwater turtles are some of her areas of interest in research. She oversees a neighborhood-based terrapin conservation project in Kg. Pasir Gajah, Kemaman, and was just given the Commonwealth Points of Light by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her work on behalf of turtle conservation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG) counts her as a member.
I knew Dr. Pelf from the event I joined previously and been keeping contact with her since. She is such a humble and friendly person. And her dedication and passion towards helping the terrapins and preserving their population are exceptionally high and exemplary. Dr. Pelf, I wish you all the very best in your continuous effort. You have my support!
About Scientific Officer, Aminah bt. Madi
Aminah graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Zoology) degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 2022. Before receiving her first job offer as a Scientific Officer, she first joined TCS as an intern. She is eager to find out more information about turtle conservation. She works with university lecturers and students to plan, carry out, and support research projects. She is also committed to educating and inspiring the next generation about the value of freshwater turtles and the ways in which we can protect them.
Adopt A Terrapin NOW! Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) carries out a River Terrapin Conservation Project in the Kemaman River, Terengganu. A large number of river terrapin eggs are secured for incubation through the completion of this project and cooperation with the neighbourhood communities. The hatchlings of river terrapins are raised for four to five months after their emergence before being allowed to return to the river.
The river terrapins are available for adoption each year as part of our fundraising efforts. Each terrapin adoption costs RM35 (or US$10), and you will receive a unique Certificate of Adoption in addition to an official tax-deductible receipt. Choosing a name for your adopted terrapin is also encouraged! River terrapin conservation projects will be carried out in the future using all of the funds raised through the Terrapin Adoption Program.
I have participated in this program twice and here are the Certificate of Adoption that I have received from my previous adoptions:
I named my adopted terrapins Max and Alex. I just adopted another one today and I named it Petra. By the way, this Terrapin Adoption Program is a symbolic gesture in an effort to raise funds for turtle conservation in Malaysia. Adopters do NOT get to bring home a terrapin. And at the end of the day, ALL terrapins will be released into the river, regardless of whether they get adopted or not.
Some Other Ways to Support Turtle Conservation Society (TCS) Join As A Member As a TCS member, you will be a part of an exciting partnership that contributes to the protection and conservation of turtles in Malaysia. You may also participate in all the outreach activities that the Society carries out at a discounted rate; and automatically receive newsletters as well as updates from the field. Members are also entitled to a special discount on selected exclusive turtle-themed merchandise. Join now!
I signed up as a Life Member since May 2020. Wow! It’s been 3 years.
Donate Your donations would benefit the river terrapins, school kids and the local villagers. It could be used to help defray the cost of some bills (water, electricity at the hatchery), or it could also be used to sponsor a Turtle Awareness Program. Workshops with the villagers’ women could be organised with the help of donations. These activities enable the women to develop their skills and earn a living while also increasing their capacity.
Buy Merchandise from Online Store and Shopee Store What better way to raise awareness about turtle conservation than to include it in something that they can share with large numbers of people worldwide? Because their products are made by the local women of Kg. Pasir Gajah, you directly support them when you shop at TCS (especially when you purchase their batik products).
I like this cap very much. Got this from their Shopee Store.My collection of all their lapel pins to date.Decorated the cap with my pins.
I am so glad that I have the opportunity to play a small role in this meaningful event Cyber Eco Hunt 2022 by @alamflorasdnbhd with the theme “Towards A Sustainable Future” in Kuantan, Pahang.
The event aims to show commitment by Kumpulan Alam Flora and their continuous effort to reduce 40% recyclable wastage sent to disposal sites towards 2025. I had so much fun with the other participants who are also fellow bloggers and influencers in all the activities in each checkpoints.
The event was officiated by Dato’ Mohd Zain Hassan, CEO of Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, and also attended by Tuan Sharudin bin Hamid, Director of SWCorp Pahang.
There are a few points that I have learned from this activities: 1⃣ Dispose garden wastage like tree branches and bamboos the proper way, so that it is safe for Alam Flora staff during rubbish collection.
2⃣ “Beach comber” is used to clean up the beach around Teluk Cempedak, which removes rubbish like cigarette butts, plastic bottles and cans from the sandy beach.
3⃣ Segregate recycleables into 3 main categories – paper, plastic and others, and sell them to any Buy Back Centre or 3R on wheels. Earn when you recycle.
4⃣ 1 Supervisor 1 Transformation Area (1S1T) program, an initiative by supervisors of Alam Flora to improve the surroundings of their servicing area, an effort giving back to the community. They beautify the area, build playground and garden, make and paint sculptures with recycled rubber tyres and many more.
5⃣ Dining with tiffin containers to avoid using ‘single-use plastic’, is a more environmental-friendly way to pack food. Also, avoid food wastage can help to reduce methane gas which contribute to global warming.
6⃣ Plant more trees to make the Earth greener.
I was lucky enough to win a prize for one of the tasks we had to do throughout the event – Saya Sayang Bumi, Tree Planting (Blogger category). Very grateful to my team mates and glad to know other fellow blogger and influencer friends with the same passion and interest.
You can also be a part of this effort and join Alam Flora’s “Manage My Waste” TikTok Vlog Contest. Head over to @alamflorasdnbhd or this click this link for more information.
dixonthum 