Thailand has a large number of islands, and one of them is more beautiful than the other. The island of Koh Libong, which is located about 50 kilometers from the Thai mainland, is especially popular with travelers who love peace and seclusion. Although Koh Libong is the largest island of the 46 Trang Islands, the island is very leisurely. Only about 6,000 permanent residents settle on the 35-square-kilometer island. Koh Libong is not yet really developed for tourism, which makes a trip here a very special experience. In addition to silence and a real respite from everyday life, Koh Libong gives tourists an insight into the original life of the islanders.
How to get to the island and useful tips
Koh Libong can be reached from the mainland by ferry or private taxi boat. In the high season between December and March, the ferries run every two hours, in the low season less frequently. Koh Libong can also be reached by boat from the neighboring islands of Ko Muk and Ko Kradan. Of course, all this also works in the opposite direction, which is why the island is an ideal first port of call for a small island tour near the mainland. If you cross over to Koh Libong, you should still equip yourself with enough cash on the mainland. Because the island has no bank, no official exchange office and no ATM and card payment is not possible everywhere. Money can be exchanged in one of the hotels and certainly also with locals, but at a very bad rate. Since the majority of the island’s inhabitants are Muslims, guests should not be too open-hearted either on the beach, in restaurants or in the streetscape.
You should not miss this on Koh Libong
There are no sights in the classic sense, such as museums, architecturally particularly interesting buildings or monuments to well-known personalities, on Koh Libong. On the other hand, the magical nature of the island has a lot to offer. You should definitely book one of the boat trips offered on the island to the settlement areas of the dugongs native to Koh Libong. Dugongs are a special type of manatee that is very rare worldwide.
Around Koh Libong, about 130 representatives of this type of manatee settle today. They are mainly found in the east of the island between mangroves and seagrass. A trip to the eastern part of Koh Libong is also highly recommended for tourists. Here the soils are less moist than in the west. Drier savannah landscapes are home to rare grasses and cashew trees, especially in our latitudes. The interior of the island of Koh Libong invites visitors to go hiking. There are sprawling primeval forests on gentle hills, densely overgrown with exotic-looking plants. There are several designated hiking trails that lead through the jungle area. At best, the heat can be a problem, because the highest elevation here is limited to 300 meters. On the way there is also a stalactite cave to visit, which can boast interesting formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Visiting the village of Batu Bute
The best place to spend the night on Koh Libong is in the small village of Batu Bute. Because here you can look over the shoulders of the locals during their everyday activities as well as their livelihood. Many of the islanders make their daily living by fishing or growing rubber. In front of the bay of Batu Bute there is a long wooden jetty from which the fishermen of the village can be observed at their daily work. Guests can spend the night in one of the classic wooden huts, which are built here on stilts and seek shelter from the rising sea water during the monsoon. A firmly paved path leads through Batu Bute to an observation tower, which can also be climbed by tourists. From there, a breathtaking view stretches out to the sea. With a bit of luck, you can watch some manatees from the observation tower.
The beaches of Koh Libong Island
The most popular beach on the island is Haad Lang Kao, located on the west coast. It borders the only real holiday resort on the island and is characterized by deep yellow sand in front of a turquoise blue sea. Tourists can stay at one of the resort’s four hotels, but guests staying elsewhere are also welcome here. Hammocks are available for rent at Haad Lang Kao. Here, lying in the comfortable hammock, you can listen to the sound of the sea and really unwind. Some locals earn extra money by taking guests by traditional longtail boat to enchanted-looking, secluded beaches that can only be reached from the water side.
Important facts about Koh Libong
Geographical location
Koh Libong is located in the Andaman Sea and is part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The island is about 30 minutes by boat from the mainland port of Hat Yao and is easily accessible from Trang town.
Nature and landscape
The landscape of Koh Lidong is diverse and characterized by:
- Mangrove forests: These play an important role in the ecological balance of the island and provide habitat for numerous animal species.
- Beaches: The beaches are quiet and often deserted, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
- Hills and small villages: In the interior of the island, there are some elevations and traditional Muslim villages that give an insight into the life of the locals.
The Dugongs of Koh Libong
Koh Libong is known as one of the last refuges for dugongs in Thailand. These rare marine mammals feed on seagrass, which grows in large quantities around the island. Visitors may be lucky enough to see the dugongs on boat trips, especially in the Thung Chin area of the island.
Important for visitors:
- The dugongs are under strict protection. Tourism on Koh Libong is deliberately designed to be sustainable so as not to endanger the animals and their habitat.
Things to do on Koh Libong
- Boat: Explore the coastline, mangroves, and surrounding small islands.
- Snorkel: The waters around Koh Libong offer a variety of fish and corals.
- Bird watching: The island is an ornithologist’s paradise, with rare species such as the heron.
- Wander: Discover the interior of the island, which is characterized by coconut groves and small villages.
Culture and locals
Most of the inhabitants of Koh Lidong are Muslim and live from fishing and agriculture. The local culture is strongly influenced by Muslim tradition, and visitors should behave respectfully towards customs, such as by wearing appropriate clothing in the villages.
Accommodation
Koh Libong offers mainly simple accommodation and resorts that are well integrated into nature. You won’t find luxury hotels here – which is part of the island’s charm. Most resorts are located directly on the beaches and offer a quiet environment.
Cuisine
The cuisine on Koh Libong is simple but authentic. Specialties include:
- Fresh fish and seafood: Directly from the surrounding waters.
- Southern Thai curries: Often sharper and more intense than in the north of Thailand.
- Roti with curry: A popular breakfast dish that reflects Muslim culture.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny. During the rainy season (May to October) some tourist services are restricted, but the island is particularly green and quiet then.
Journey
- By plane: The nearest airport is Trang, which can be reached from Bangkok.
- From the mainland: From Hat Yao Pier there are regular boats to Koh Libong. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.
- Island transport: The best way to get around the island itself is on foot, with rented motorbikes or tuk-tuks.
Sustainability and nature conservation
Koh Libong is a pioneer in sustainable tourism:
- Ecotourism: Many activities are designed to protect nature and not disturb the dugongs.
- Plastic reduction: The island supports initiatives to reduce plastic waste.
- Community projects: Part of the income from tourism flows into local development projects.
Interesting facts about Koh Libong
- Koh Libong is the largest of the over 40 islands in Trang Province.
- The island is far less touristically developed than nearby destinations such as Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi.
- Koh Libong is part of a Ramsar protected area that preserves wetlands of international importance.
