Island 4
A popular island with day trippers, snorkels and those who want to experience the serenity of the Similans without the help of a liveaboard. As with all of Thailand’s islands, Island 4 is the property of the Princess who occasionally visits the island. If this is the case then the island is closed to visitors and the surrounding islands are closed to divers. However, when the Princess is not on holiday, Island 4 is one of the two islands (Island 8 being the other) which is open to the public.
The island is also the headquarters for the Similan National Park, who provide basic accommodation as well as a resident medic. It is possible to book a speedboat trip to the island and to stay on the island in either a large canvas tent (which comfortably sleeps two people) or in a bungalow.
Food can be purchased from the one restaurant although the selection of meals offered is limited. Do take mosquito repellent and flash lights for the evening.
It is possible to organize beach diving through the National Park. However, for more varied diving prior to departure organize for a day boat to collect you and take you diving around the nearby islands.
For those visiting the island for the day there is plenty to pass the time. The two beaches are Honeymoon Bay and Princess Bay. The former is the larger of the two and more sheltered making it an ideal spot for introductory dives, refresher courses as well as a lovely snorkeling spot. However, do watch out for boat traffic as this tends to be a busy spot. Both the beaches are perfect for sunbathing with fine golden sand and large wooden swings to jump when you feel the need for a little activity. Princess Bay tends to be quieter until after four o’clock when the day boats have departed.
A great little excursion is to follow the signs for the ‘Adventure Trail’ which begins in the middle of the island and continues via a jungle path to a stunning viewpoint, providing a panorama of the Similan Islands, and on a good day includes Koh Bon and the mainland. The trail takes about twenty minutes and includes pulling yourself up rocks with the help of a couple of ropes – but it is great fun and the view is definitely worth the effort. Trainers or barefoot is preferable to open-healed sandals which will
prevent you from defying gravity quite so easily!
Most liveaboards will provide transportation for divers during a surface interval on the first day, providing a welcome opportunity to stretch your legs. If not the boats are usually moored close enough to the island to allow for a short swim or snorkel around the bay.
If you really want to enjoy your time on the islands - and would prefer to skip out on the diving - why not try a Similan Overnight Snorkeling Tour?
Similan Island #4 - Koh Miang...
-Similan Diving
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