Koh Samui Wednesday 5th April 2017 Day 9

TEMPERATURE SCREENSHOT

 

AMETHYST AND SAPPHIRE CAFÉ

Kitchen closed for the day

 ADVENTURES OF THE DAY

We woke up to yet more rain bucketing down. “Raak nou Gatvol”.  Eventually, to escape looming “cabin fever” we took on the rain and gathered our backpacks, raincoats and helmets and hopped on board our trusty scooter. We headed off South, down Moo road, also called Ring Road (as it practically circles the entire island). Our planned destination, the Secret or Magic Buddha Garden.

We stopped to take a quick photo at the Bhundhari Resort and Spa which looks to be the perfect island wedding venue. (http://www.bhundharichaweng.com/)

We took to the road again for a lovely long drive (in the rain) in search of the Magic Garden. Mandy needing to feed her Karaoke cravings, started singing as we drove along and Richard broke into song with her.  (I beg your pardon, I didn’t promise you a Rose Garden – Along with the sunshine, there’s gonna be a little rain sometime).  Sometime?????
By the way, another thing about which we were misinformed “Karaoke”. Apparently in every second bar. We are yet to find the elusive “Karaoke” bar.

The winding road was bracketed by mountain jungle on the right and resorts and spa’s to the left, which blocked what would be a spectacular view of the ocean mere metres away). Every now and then however, we would catch glimpses of the bay,  dotted with boats and islands, stretching into the distance.

Halfway along the mountain-side road we decided to pull over to stretch our legs. The general rule is to stop wherever you see a bunch of scooters parked as there is bound to be something worth seeing. And what a fantastic spot. We had stopped just outside the Vikasa Yoga Retreat.

We took a walk down a series of wooden staircases threading through the villas to the sea below. The villas are situated on a relatively steep mountain side leading down to secluded little beaches, some rocky and some sandy.

The peaceful tranquility we felt was beautiful. We can only imagine what it must feel like for those not on a tight budget who can afford to holiday at such a resort.

There is a beautiful mural painted on one of the walls we walked past and we had to take a picture.

In between the villas are neatly kept gardens and pathways with a few private pools scattered around overlooking the bay (for the meditative yoga practitioners to relax and unwind after a long day of relaxing and unwinding).

We came across a secluded private beach where we wandered around and found some sea treasures, bits of coral and sea-stones washed up by the waves. There were some fascinating shapes and one especially notable heart-shaped stone. We took a photo and left our findings on a rock to remember us by.

Mandy found a new friend, a beautiful buxom mermaid perched on a rock, and posed for an intriguing photo.

The quiet solitude by the sea was such a blessing after the busy bustling roads we were rather reluctant to make our way back up to the road, our scooter and our continuing quest for the Buddha Garden.

After some more long and winding road, we found the turn-off we were looking for and headed up Pom Mountain, also called Khun Nim Peak. This is one of the highest mountain peaks on Koh Samui and the road is pretty steep in places as it winds through an incredibly dense and lush jungle. Surrounded by trees filled with bird calls and the hum and chitter of insects we felt that we had been transported into the Vietnam and Cambodia as seen in the American war movies.

We reached a lookout point and restaurant where we were greeted by a few barking dogs. One rather cute, friendly looking terrier type proceeded to welcome Mandy with a little nip to her leg.

The woman running the restaurant assured us that these were her dogs and they had all been vaccinated. We were however still a bit concerned as this nick was bleeding a little. The lady brought out a first-aid kit and cleaned, disinfected and smeared some ointment before covering with a plaster. Mandy had received her first “Thailand Tattoo”. LOL

While being doctored, Mandy had a long conversation with the lady who spoke English quite well.  She mentioned that most residents keep dogs for security reasons.  She also advised that as most the tourist establishments on the mountain were closed due to the rains, that we should be careful and descend before dark.

She allowed us to proceed to the Lookout Point without charging us the usual entrance fee.  As we took to the exquisitely hand crafted path, we went through an area which had sculpted dinosaurs and other animal figures. These were quite detailed and seemed to fit in perfectly with the jungle setting.

The view from the Lookout Point was spectacular. Rolling green jungle carpeting the hills and dales, with the sea and a few islands rising in the distance.  Absolutely breath taking.

We pressed onwards to the objective of the day, the Secret, Magic Buddha Garden.

From the entrance-way to the Garden, looking down the path, one only sees the lush green jungle. Yet hidden secretively in amongst the greenery are these small temple buildings and statues, scattered in between the trees and alongside the river which flows down over a number of small picturesque waterfalls.

This quiet and somehow awe-inspiring location is the work of a fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuck, who began putting up statues and temples on his family land in 1976 at the age of 77. He continued until his death at the age of 91. The statues include groups of angels, musicians, animals and more.

We were fascinated with the carvings of a fish which made one think of a huge Salmon swimming upstream.  We also couldn’t decide which of the buildings could have housed Nim Thongsuck in the last few years of his life.

The name Secret or Magic Buddha Garden is so appropriate for this majestic hidden garden in the Jungle.

It was time to hit the road and complete our first ride around the entire perimeter of this beautiful tropical island, Koh Samui.

It must be noted that Mandy’s navigational skills were top notch throughout this memorable road-trip with her usual GPS homing skills kicking in.  With Richard’s much improved and far more confident scooter driving skills and Mandy’s unerring sense of direction, this Amethyst and Sapphire Team, make a perfect Amazing Race combination.

For the record, we must add that if anyone is thinking of holidaying on Koh Samui, they should really consider finding accommodation in Lamaai, where there is so much to see and do. From Temples to spectacular waterfalls, Zip-lines, Elephant and 4 X 4 jungle tours, a Butterfly Park, beautiful beaches and more.

Homeward bound, to complete the remainder of the Island Ring Road trip.

On the long way back to Choeng Mon Beach, we stopped to stretch our legs once at Nathon Sunset Viewpoint.

We wanted to get back before it got too dark and tonight was also “Wednesday” market night at Choengmon Beach. The thought of the tantalizing street food for supper drew us on speedily.

The long drive was starting to take it’s toll on Richard and at the rather busy intersection alongside the market stretch, where traffic was a bit backed up, he lost concentration and the scooter scraped against a curbside railing. The scooter had also received its first “Thailand Tatoo”.  No harm or much damage done, we scooted on to home and to supper.

Having completed our travel around the island perimeter, we have realised that most of the interior is mountainous jungle. The surrounding coastline encircling the island is where all residences, businesses, shops and hotels are situated, with only what appears to be a few wealthy private residences on the mountain slopes.

The market was open (less stalls however due to the rains).  We decided rather quickly on wok-fried bacon-wrapped Enokitake mushrooms, grilled squid on sticks, minced pork and crushed peanut dumplings, Thai sausage, Pad Mee with pork (a spicy stir-fry noodle dish).  Yes, we were rather hungry………

 

On arriving back at the Hotel, Amethyst and Sapphire Balcony Café opened its doors and supper was served.  The meal was absolutely scrumptious.  What an amazing taste experience.

Only the squid was a bit chewy and made Mandy think of her childhood and eating periwinkles.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY

It is quite difficult to choose a specific highlight of the day as the entire day was amazing and the experiences so memorable.

Our street market fare supper however was such a wonderful end to a wonderful day that this did stand out. We sat outside on our balcony, slowly savoring our meal with closed eyes and joyful taste buds.

We will definitely return to Lamaai soon and cannot wait to experience this lovely area in more depth and to share this with you.

We want to spend more time exploring the Secret Buddha Garden, and Mandy is set on an Elephant Jungle tour and Richard is keen on the 4X4 Jungle tour.  After their Ceres Zipline experience the Zipline through the Jungle also sounds very appealing.

Continue to read our blog and we look forward to you joining us on our next adventure.