Final morning on Koh Phi Phi

I woke up early today to be sure I had enough time to get up to the top of Koh Phi Phi...the viewpoint. Had breakfast at my hotel and then ventured down the road to see if I could find this "hidden staircase" that takes you to the highest point of the island...I did eventually find it. I was told it was hidden, but I don't know how you could miss the 5 X 5 foot sign which read "Viewpoint of Koh Phi Phi" just at the bottom...?



344 stairs in all, not counting the slanting walkway that seemed to go on forever (probably at least a mile) once reaching the top of the steps. I had to count on my way down b/c I just couldn't believe how many stairs there were! Too bad I didn't discover this days ago, it was a good workout! I was kicking myself for leaving so late (830 am) it was already hot and steamy and I was being attacked by mosquitos. There were lots of coconut trees up there with large piles of dried up coconuts just laying in a pile at the base of them. Also a chicken coop with lots of little chicks running around...



Eventually I made it to the top and the view was amazing...you could see both bays of the island clearly, just like on all the postcards. This view was similar from the views I saw yesterday climbing that rock (but from the other side of the island)...but I could enjoy it more this time as I wasn't as distracted hanging off the side of a cliff 80+ feet from the ground! There was a shop up there but aside from the guy setting up his stand, I was alone. I stayed long enough to take some photos and then headed back down...passing a very very Very long line of marching termites I believe...these things definitely were definitely not ants...but I can't be sure what they were. I just didn't want them on me is all I know...



I decided to wander through the village just one last time...walked down to the beach which was high tide and empty. I guess 9am was much too early for all the hung over party goers from last night. There are no "streets" on Koh Phi Phi but I took some photos of the trash that lined the narrow roads...Snapped a shot of a street sign warning tourists that "alcohol can impair judgement" along with a photo of a guy underwater kissing a fish??

I grabbed a snack...banana rolled in black sticy rice and coconut...and headed back to my hotel for my "transfer". One of the Bamboo Mountain Resort's staff strapped my backpack on his back to walk me 15 minutes to the pier. I was grateful as my bag is getting a bit heavy...

The ferry to Ko Lanta took about an hour and I kept dozing off...the lack of sleep is definitely taking its toll! Onto the next chapter...