We opted for Tiger Airways since they offer very reasonable fares (more or less 13,000php RT) We headed to Clark DMIA early morning to catch our flight to SG then from there, transfer flights for Phuket. At the Changi airport, Achi was questioned since her PH passport will be expiring in less than 6mos. She explained that when she comes back to the US, she will be getting her US passport that's why she didn't see the need to renew. They let us through after about an hour of phone calls.
For our first night, we chose to dine in an in-the-hole Korean restaurant (sorry wasn't able to get the name) on the way from the airport to our hotel that as we have observed, Koreans frequent. There were about 2 groups of Koreans drinking there that night.
Our DIY food
We asked the man who greeted us coming in, which he can recommend and he pointed out to a set menu. We went with his suggestion and this was what came. The proper way to eat this as they say is to cook the meat, put toppings and roll with the lettuce.
We were in awe when we saw the resort Achi got for us to stay in. Marriott Beach Club was stunningly beautiful! No doubt, the best resort I have been to so far. There were 3 huge pools to choose from which were all fronting the beach. We statyed in a villa with 2 huge bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen, pantry, balcony and a sofa. It was like home, the beds were made everyday and the beddings were so so soft!
One of the 3 infinity pools
Achi and L
Beyond the sun beds is the beach. Waves are huge!
L and I on another one of the pools
L have always wanted to go scuba diving and though hesitant at first, I finally gave in. Although achi has gone diving before, we opted to avail the introductory program since it was both L and I's first time. We were to dive at Racha Noi and Racha Yai. These two islands were 18km south of Phuket and were known to the locals as Raya Islands. "Yai" in Thai means big and "Noi" means small.
First time divers. We promise to avail an open water course soon!
Getting into the suits was no easy task. It was so hard! A lot of tugging, pulling and stretching after, we were finally all set for our very first dive.
Some weird fish we saw. My sister said we must have blinded him due to the flash. Haha!
Those spikes must be sharp! We have no idea what this was.
This one looked like an underwater caterpillar. We had no idea there were so much creatures underwater we haven't even heard of.
One of the most popular beaches in Phuket is Patong. This was where the night life is! There were also a lot of tourists in the area. The beach was okay, still prefer Boracay's white sand Patong's.
See those 2 girls from a distance? They were both topless!
The Ph Phi island tour was definitely the highlight of this trip. Snorkeling on open water was amazing! You can see a lot of fishes even before you go underwater. Phi Phi was the island's superstar. It has been on movies, the go to place for travelers and for some, may be the only reason to visit Phuket.
On the way to different islands, we keep on seeing these man-made stilts.
First stop was this island where in we swam for less than an hour
More fishes
Maya Bay. The most beautiful beach I've been to, hands down.
Maya Bay the is surrounded by 100m high cliffs on all 3 sides. Several beaches inside the bay exist but only on low tide, the main one is 200m long and has a powdery, silky white sand. If this looks familiar, it is because this is the setting for Leonardo Di Caprio's Movie, The Beach back in 1999.
Paradise is not lost. Maya Bay, and Phuket for that matter has resurrected from the devastating effects of the Tsunami back in 2004. Locals have moved on and everything seems to be back to how they were before
For more infromation on Marriott Phuket Beach Club you may visit: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hktpb-marriotts-phuket-beach-club/
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