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AMPHOE BACHO
Budo-Su-ngai Padi Mountain Range National Park
The park is part of the Sankala Khiri Mountain Range that serves
as a natural border between Thailand and Malaysia. The area was
once mostly inhabited by guerrillas, therefore, few people could
get in to admire the natural beauty of the virgin jungle. It was
only with the establishment of the Pacho Waterfall Park (later known
as Budo-Su-ngai Padi National Park) in 1974 by the Royal Forest
Department that the situation had changed. The park occupies an
area of 294 square kilometers and extends into parts of Narathiwat,
Yala and Pattani Provinces.
Luang Pho Daeng of Wat Choeng Khao
The temples former abbot and a revered monk of the province, Luang
Pho Daeng, died on 1 January 1979 at the age of 90 years old. After
death, his body did not decompose, resulting in much reverence by
local residents who placed his body in a glass coffin for others
to pay their respect.
This temple is situated at Mu 4, Ban Choeng Khao, Tambon Paluka
Samo, approximately 13 kilometers from the District Office on the
way to Pattani. Take Highway No. 42 (Phetchakasem Road), turn left
at Ban Ton Thai and drive for 5.5 kilometers.
Taloh-manoh Mosque (Wadil-husen Mosque or the 200-year Mosque)
Situated in Bacho District, the mosque is usually dubbed the 200-year
mosque or 300-year mosque by the locals. It is believed that Haji
Saihu, a religious teacher ordered a builder named Sae-ma to build
the mosque in 1769.
Instead of using nails and screws, the whole mosque was traditionally
built using old building tools such as Malarbar ironwood (a local
timber known as Mai Takien) and wooden bolts and pins. The 26 wooden
poles are 10x10 inches, the floor is two inches thick and window
shutters are of solid wood boards. The mosque itself consists of
two adjacent buildings built in a mixture of local Thai, Chinese,
and Malay architectural styles. The most prominent feature is the
buildings three-tiered roof where the Imam prays. The top tier features
a dome constructed in the Chinese pavilion style. In the past, it
functioned as the minaret or tower where people were called from
at prayer times. Visitors can see the building from the surrounding
area, however, those wishing to see the interior are are required
to receive permission from the village Imam.
Next to the mosque is a Muslim graveyard. Rocks decorating the
grave of deceased males will be round, while those for females would
be half buried, with only half of the rock visible above ground.
The mosque is located in Ban Talo Mano, Tambon Subo Sawo, 25 kilometers
from Narathiwat town. Take Highway No. 42 and make a turn at Burangae
intersection.
AMPHOE MUEANG
Ao Manao Park
Located at Mu 1, Tambon Kaluwo Nua, the 4-kilometer beach connects
with the eastern coast of Pattani Province. Divided into several
segments by its rocky terrain, Hat Ao Manao borders on Thaksin Ratchaniwet
Palace to the south. The beach is an ideal place for relaxation
with its arboretum and row of pines. In addition, there is a beach
forest study trail for nature enthusiasts. Native plants such as
Chak Thale, Manao Phi and Toei Thale (appearance similar to a pineapple)
can be found in the area. Private accommodations nearby are available
for overnight stays. The beach is situated approximately 3 kilometers
from town along the Narathiwat - Tak Bai route (Highway No. 4084).
Ban Thon
A traditional Thai Muslim fishing village, Ban Thon is located approximately
16 kilometers from the city. The village is a well-known center
for production of real and miniature Korlae boats, which is considered
to be an exquisite form of local art. Boys over 13 years old traditionally
make the miniature boats, costing from a few hundred baht to 2,000
baht. Moreover, some children spend their free time making these
miniature boats.
In addition, products made of Krachut sedge and Annonaceae leaves
are also sold here. A few popular products are colorful and exquisitely
designed eyeglass holders, bags and mats. They are value-for-money
souvenirs ranging in price from 30 baht to a few hundred baht.
Other renowned village products are the sumptuous Budu sauce and
fish crackers. Along the beach visitors will see lines of dried
fish and many Budu sauce vats. The sauce is used extensively in
southern cooking, similar to the use of fish sauce in Thai cooking.
It is possible to see how the sauce is made and purchase some as
souvenirs daily.
Visitors please note that on Fridays, villagers go to prayers and
take the day off. Therefore, it may not be convenient to buy things
on Friday.
The village is located at Tambon Khok Tian, around 16 kilometers
from the town on Highway No. 4136 (Narathiwat-Ban Thon).
Ban Yakang
This is not an ordinary village, but is an old community established
when the province was known as Bang Nara village. At present, the
village is a major Batik production center with distinctive, traditionally
made fabrics that have beautiful designs and fascinating colors.
They are multi-purpose fabrics that are very popular among both
local residents and tourists.
The village is located some 4 kilometers from the Provincial Hall
on Highway No. 4055 (Amphoe Muang-Amphoe Rangae). Turn onto Soi
6 of Yakang 1 Road and proceed for about 700 meters.
Hat Narathat
This white-powdered sandy beach stretching for 5 kilometers is located
near the estuary of the Bang Nara River, where the annual Korlae
boat races are held. The beach is naturally decorated with dense
pine trees, which provide a tranquil shady area suitable for pitching
tents. Several beachside restaurants serving southern-style cuisine
and accommodation facilities are provided. The view from the beach
is impressive, as there is a backdrop of fishing villages extending
along the river and the bay is full of Korlae fishing boats.
Narathat Beach is located just 1 kilometer from town on Phichit
Bamrung Road. Visitors can conveniently hire motorcycles, tricycles
or mini-buses from town to the beach.
Khao Kong Buddhist Park
The Park occupies an area of 142 rais (56.8 acres) in Tambon Lamphu,
about 9 kilometers from town on the Narathiwat-Rangae route (Highway
No. 4055). The main attraction in Wat Khao Kong is a graceful southern
Buddha image, the golden Phra Phuttha Thaksin Ming Mongkhon, which
is seated in the lotus position. The construction of the steel-reinforced
concrete image that was decorated with gold mosaics started in 1966
and was completed in 1969. This mountaintop Buddha image, which
is considered to be the most beautiful and largest (17 meters wide
and 24 meters high) outdoor Buddha image in southern Thailand, is
decorated in the South Indian style.
New Central Mosque
The mosque is located at Ban Bang Nara, just before Narathat Beach.
This mosque, which is the provinces second central mosque built
in 1981, is a religious site highly revered by Thai Muslims. This
3-story Arabian-style building with a large dome on top has the
main convention hall on the ground floor and the prayer rooms on
the top 2 floors. In addition, there is a high tower that is used
to call Muslims to prayer.
Old Central Mosque
Also widely known as Yumiya Mosque, or Rayo Mosque, the compound
is located to the north of town, further from the Provincial Hall
on Phichit Bamrung Road, just before the intersection at the clock
tower. This original wooden mosque was built in 1938 in the Sumatran-style
and is the burial place of the old city Lord, Phraya Phu Pha Phakdi.
Usually there is only one provincial mosque, but because this mosque
is quite small, a new mosque was built at the mouth of Bang Nara
River. However, this old mosque is still highly respected by locals
and is regarded as the central one.
Phikun Thong Development Study Center
The center was established according to an initiative of His Majesty
the King who saw the necessity for a knowledge center for land reform
in the area. The center has a complete range of activities such
as analyzing and testing plants, livestock care, providing technical
know-how and providing agricultural training. Occupying an area
of 2,784,000 square meters, the center is divided into office buildings,
demonstration plots and testing plots in swamp forest areas.
Royal projects include a soil project that adds maximum acidity
to paddy soil, then attempts to find a solution so it can be used
to counter acidic soil nationwide. Other projects include a new
concept in agriculture that is used in areas with an abundant supply
of water and planting of oil palm in highly organic soil. A small,
fully integrated factory and Prince of Songkhla University jointly
produce products from palm oil, like oil extracts, soap and butter
that are sold to workers and outsiders. A livestock factory produces
animal waste gas wells. There is also a project that plants Zalacca
palm to supplement rubber plantations.
Furthermore, on weekdays the center operates a training center
on making products from Krachut sedge and Annonaceae leaves.
People who come here to study also receive considerable enjoyment.
This is in accordance with His Majesty the Kings intention that
an observation tour should be similar to a picnic in a park. Every
September, the center holds an exhibition that coincides with the
Narathiwat Products Fair.
The center is located between Ban Phikun Thong and Ban Khok Saya
in Tambon Kaluwo Nuea, about 1 kilometer from the Thaksin Ratchaniwet
Palace and 8 kilometers from Narathiwat town on Highway No. 4084
(Narathiwat-Tak Bai).
Siri Maya Pagoda
The bell-shaped pagoda is situated on the hill adjacent to the Khao
Kong Buddhist Park. Small pagodas housing Phra Phrom images were
built above all four doorways and the holy relics of Lord Buddha
are enshrined at the very top of the pagoda. A convocation hall,
with the outer walls decorated with carved, terracotta tiles is
located on a nearby hill behind which is a figure of an elephant
kneeling to present a lotus. In addition, the buildings awning portrays
a warrior and an angel holding a jug. Local residents built the
pagoda as a dedication to Her Majesty the Queen.
Thaksin Ratchaniwet Palace
This Palace is on Tanyongmat Mountain, Tambon Kaluwo Nua, on the
coast near Manao Bay. It is 8 kilometers from town on Highway No.
4084 (Narathiwat-Tak Bai). Situated on an area of 480,000 square
meters at the summit of the Tan Yong Mut Mountain, His Majesty King
Bhumibol Adulyadej commissioned its construction in 1973 as his
royal summer residence. The compound is comprised of throne halls
decorated with an assortment of trees which provide a good shade
for the whole area. A craft center providing training on pottery
and ceramics, as well as selling products is also located nearby.
When the royal family is not in residence, the grounds are open
daily for public viewing between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. The Royal
Family normally resides here between October and December. The garden
provides a great view of the adjacent beach and contains an aviary.
To visit the Palace, take a bus that goes to Amphoe Tak Bai and
get off in front of the palace.
AMPHOE SUKIRIN
Wat Chon Thara Singhe
Wat Chon Thara Singhe is at Moo 3, Tambon Chehe, on the bank of
Tak Bai River. From town, take Highway No. 4985 (Narathiwat-Tak
Bai) to Tak Bai District Market intersection and turn left for about
100 metres to the temple entrance. In 1873, Phra Khru Ophat Phutthakhun
established the temple and requested land from Phraya Kelantan for
its construction. At that time, Tak Bai was still a part of Kelantan
in Malaysia.
This is a Buddhist temple among a predominantly Muslim community.
It played a role in the secession of land between Siam and Malaya
(then a colony of the United Kingdom) during the reign of King Rama
V in 1909. The Thai side raised the fact that since this is a Buddhist
temple, it should remain with Thailand. The British relented and
agreed to use the Klok River (Tak Bai River) that flows through
Tak Bai as the boundary. Therefore, the temple is also called Wat
Phithak Phaen Din Thai or the temple that protects Thai sovereignty.
The temple is generally peaceful and has a spacious lawn on the
bank that is ideal for relaxation. The chapel, built in the reign
of King Rama V, has wall murals drawn by Songkhla monks. The paintings
clearly recount the life of Lord Buddha and the interesting life
of locals at that time. It also houses a main Buddha image made
of gold, which covers its original features of a red mouth and black
hair. It is situated on a 1.5 metres high base. From the style of
the base, it is believed that this is a Mon image. Another building
houses a reclining Buddha image and the inner walls are covered
with old Sangkhalok porcelain.
To get there, you can take a bus to Tak Bai district. In addition,
there are mini-buses (20 baht), vans (30 baht and get on at the
roundabout in town) and buses. You can get off at Tak Bai intersection
and walk for around 500 metres. Vans will take you right into the
temple.
AMPHOE SU NGAI KOLOK
Chao Mae Tomo Shrine
The shrine is located in Soi Phuthon, Charoen Khet Road. Originally
housed at Ban Tomo in Amphoe Su Khirin, villagers transferred Chao
Mae Tomo to Su-ngai Kolok District. The goddess is highly revered
by the local residents and residents of nearby provinces, as well
as Chinese Malaysians. Every year, a festival is held at the shrine
on the 23rd day of the third month of the Chinese calendar (around
April). Activities undertaken include a procession, lion parade,
a fancy acrobatic stilts procession, a long drum procession, and
walking over hot coal.
Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Forest Nature Research and Study Center (To
Daeng Peat Swamp Forest Pa Pru To Daeng)
This last remaining peat swamp forest in Thailand spreads over 3
districts including Tak Bai, Su-ngai Kolok and Su-ngai Padi. Covering
an area of 192 square kilometers, of which 80 square kilometers
are dense forests, the swamp is rich in fauna and flora. Major waterways
that pass through the area are Khlong Su-ngai Padi, Bang Nara River
and Khlong To Daeng, from which the forest derives its name.
Publicized nature study treks are provided to transfer knowledge
on peat swamp forests to visitors. The 1,200-meter trail starts
from a swamp behind the research center with one segment of the
trail consisting of a wooden bridge suspended by metal slings and
another consisting of a high tower for viewing the lush scenery
below. Informative signs provide interesting facts about trees and
provide guidance for new trekkers. The trail is open daily from
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no admission fee. An exhibition room is also
provided to give nature enthusiasts additional information.
A peat swamp forest originates from fresh water that is confined
in limited space for a long period of time and subsequently leads
to an accumulation of organic matter in the soil, like dead plants,
trees and leaves. These progresses are slowly transformed into peat
or organic soil that is soft like sponge with low density and absorbs
water very well. In this area, peat has accumulated together with
marine sediment to create 2-3 interlocking layers of both types
of soil. Because the sea level was high enough to cover the forest
accumulation of sediment ensued and seawater was contained in the
area. This resulted in the demise of plants in the forest and created
a mangrove forest in its place. When the water level receded and
rain came, the water was transformed into fresh water and the peat
swamp forest emerged. The deeper soil layers date from 6,000-7,000
years, while the top layers is from 700-1,000 years.
The forest has a diverse ecological system with every life being
interconnected. Trees have strong roots that spread out to those
of other trees and help them in supporting their large trunks. Therefore,
trees in the peat swamp forest will grow together in a group. If
one falls, so will the others.
There are over 400 species of plants in the peat swamp forest.
The most outstanding are strange palms like Lum Phi whose fruits
can be eaten and red palm whose entire trunk is red in color. Red
palm is popular as a garden plant. Moreover, there are aromatic
flowers like the Goniothalamus giganteus, a plant of the Annonaceae
family that has large flowers. In addition, with careful scrutiny,
visitors may be able to spot orchids and an assortment of small
plants.
There are over 200 animal species in the forest. Small creatures
include langurs, civets, wild cats, Singapore rats, and Malayan
tree frogs while large animals include wild boars and binturongs.
A variety of fish also makes it home in the forest, including a
certain species of catfish that can be raised in acidic water and
the strange angler catfish that has a flat, wide head and a long
body. This catfish has a poisonous spine in its dorsal fin. The
fish uses the forest as a refuge and to spawn. Villagers catch this
fish for food when it is fully grown.
Birds here include the Rufous-tailed Shama that is mainly found
in Sumatra, Borneo and Malaysia and was first discovered in Thailand
in 1987. The Malaysian Verditer Flycatcher is found only in Sirindhorn
Peat Swamp Forest in Thailand. Both species are now endangered.
The forest is interesting not only because of its unusual flora
and fauna, but also because of the overall unique experience that
people, particularly children, are bound to receive when they visit.
The surrounding nature offers a constant stream of surprises. While
trekking amidst a serene forest, visitors may encounter an animal
grazing. Trails take you close to, but not overly interfering with,
nature.
Note: Visitors to the forest are recommended to bring notebooks,
colored pencils, binoculars, cameras, and mosquito repellent. With
these items in hand, it is possible to spend a whole day of fun
here as the cool climate of the forest is conducive for explorations.
The best time to go is during February-April because there is little
rain. The other months will see frequent rainfall because the forest
is situated on a peninsula.
Tourists should be aware of the disease-carrying black mosquitoes,
which are prevalent in the area and come out in the evening. Forest
fire can happen as a result of smoking and discarding cigarette
butts on the ground. When there is a forest fire in this forest,
it is more difficult to put out because there is ample fuel in the
form of trees, dead barks and organic matters in the ground. The
fire will actually spread underground, making it extremely difficult
to extinguish and control and can last for months. The only way
to put it out is to wait for heavy rainfall where the subsequent
inundation should extinguish the fire.
Getting there: It is more convenient to get there by train from
Bangkok as the last station is at Su-ngai Kolok. If not, bring a
car which can also be chartered from Su-ngai Kolok.
If driving, take Highway No. 4057 (Tak Bai-Su-ngai Kolok) for about
5 kilometers, then switch to the branch road and proceed for 3 kilometers
to Chawananan Road. After that, turn left and proceed for 2 kilometers
where directional signs that lead visitors all the way to the forest
are posted. For more information, contact P.O. Box 37, Su-ngai Kolok,
Narathiwat 96120.
Su-ngai Kolok Checkpoint
The largest border trading area in the province, the checkpoint
opens between 5.00 a.m. and 9.00 p.m. Cross-border traffic is via
a bridge common between Thailand and Malaysia. Thais like to cross
to Rantu Panyang to buy electrical goods and snacks while Malays
come over to shop for food and fruits.
The checkpoint is located around 1 kilometer from Su-ngai Kolok
train station. There are 2 possible routes from the city. The first
is via Highway No. 4055 (Narathiwat-Rangae). Proceed along the highway
and turn left at Ban Manang Tayo, then take Highway No. 4056 to
Amphoe Su-ngai Padi into Su-ngai Kolok. The second route is by taking
Highway No. 4084 from Narathiwat town to Amphoe Tak Bai, turning
right to Highway No. 4057 (Tak Bai-Su-ngai Kolok) and proceeding
for 66 kilometers.
From Su-ngai Kolok Checkpoint, visitors can drive across the bridge
to Kota Bahru in Malaysia, but each car must be insured (see details
below under Taba Checkpoint). For a border pass, call tel. 0- 7361-4296.
AMPHOE SU NGAI PADI
Chat Warin Waterfall
Chat Warin Waterfall is at Tambon To Teng, not too far from town.
Take Highway No. 4056 to Su-ngai Padi Hospital, then turn left for
6 kms. The entrance is a good asphalt road in Budo-Su-ngai Padi
National Park. This is a medium-sized waterfall that has a year-round
water supply and is shady by the many trees in the area.
The most striking plant here is the rare Bangsun Palm that is found
in the jungle around 1,800 metres above sea level. Originating from
Malaysia, the plant is a low tree with many branches that can get
as high as 3 metres. It has neatly arranged large, diamond-shaped
leaves. The palm is regarded by many as the most beautiful palm
in the world and is found only in this forest. The name Bangsun
Palm was given by Professor Prachit Wamanon, advisor of the royal
projects, when he inspected the area and found the palm had grown
in a Muslim village. The professor saw that the palm leaf was similar
to a Bangsun, a large umbrella used in processions. The locals call
the palm Buke Ipae, meaning mountain centipede, probably because
the flower is shaped like a centipede.
AMPHOE TAK BAI
Ko Yao
The island is located close to Wat Chon Thara Singhe. From Tak Bai
District Market intersection, there is a 345-meter long wooden bridge
spanning Tak Bai River to Ko Yao. The islands attraction is its
eastern seaside section with a white sandy beach and cozy ambience.
In addition, most of the inhabitants are Muslim fishermen who dwell
in simple homes in coconut plantations.
Kubu Beach-Ban Khlong Tan
This 24-kilometer beach extends over Tambon Sai Wan, Tambon Sala
Mai and Tambon Chehe ending at the mouth of Maenam Su-ngai Kolok.
The beach has a long, powdery beach dotted by shady pine trees that
creates a relaxing environment. To get there, take Highway No. 4984
(Narathiwat-Tak Bai) and proceed for 20 kilometers and switch to
the beach road that runs for 1 kilometer.
Taba Checkpoint or Tak Bai Checkpoint
This checkpoint is at Ban Taba, Tambon Chehe, approximately 3 kilometers
from the district. The checkpoint is another trading post between
Thailand and Malaysia apart from the Su-ngai Kolok checkpoint. Crossing
over is possible by long-tail boats or by ferry (different landings).
Boats leave every 15 minutes and operate between 6.30 a.m. and 5.15
p.m. The fee is 6 baht per person. (same price for every pier) The
fee for a motorcycle is 15 baht, a 4-wheel car is 50 baht and a
bus is 100 baht.
Visitors wishing to drive a car further than the customs checkpoint
have to obtain car insurance for driving in Malaysia. Other regulations
are that the car must not have more than 40% tinting and must have
seatbelts, as Malaysia is very strict about vehicle safety. It is
possible to purchase insurance in Thailand providing coverage for
9 days to 1 year with the normal cost of insurance being between
600 and 700 baht. To get there, take Highway No. 4084 (Amphoe Mueang-Amphoe
Tak Bai).
Wat Chon Thara Singhe
This temple is at Mu 3, Tambon Chehe, on the bank of Tak Bai River.
From the town, take Highway No. 4985 (Narathiwat-Tak Bai) until
the Tak Bai District Market intersection, turn left and proceed
for another 100 meters to the temple entrance.
In 1873, Phra Khru Ophat Phutthakhun established the temple and
requested land from Phraya Kelantan for its construction. At that
time, Tak Bai was still a part of Kelantan in Malaysia. This Buddhist
temple, which played an important role in the secession of land
between Siam and Malaya (then a colony of the United Kingdom) during
the reign of King Rama V in 1909, is located in a predominantly
Muslim community. The Thai side raised the fact that since this
is a Buddhist temple, it should remain with Thailand. The British
relented and agreed to use the Klok River (Tak Bai River) that flows
through Tak Bai as the boundary. Therefore, the temple is also called
Wat Phithak Phaen Din Thai or the temple that protects Thai sovereignty.
The temple is generally peaceful and has a spacious lawn on the
riverbank that is ideal for relaxation. The chapel, built in the
reign of King Rama V, has murals drawn by monks from Songkhla. The
paintings depict the life of the Lord Buddha and the daily life
of locals at that time. It also houses a main Buddha image made
of gold, which covers its original features of a red mouth and black
hair and situated on a 1.5-meter high base. From the style of the
base, it is believed that this is a Mon image. Another building
housing a reclining Buddha image has inner walls covered with old
Sangkhalok porcelain.
To get there, take a bus to Tak Bai district. Other transportation
options are mini-buses (20 baht), vans (30 baht and board at the
roundabout in town) and buses. If traveling by bus, get off at Tak
Bai intersection and walk for around 500 meters. Vans will take
you right into the temple.
AMPHOE WAENG
Hala-Bala Wildlife Reserve
A not-to-be-missed attraction for nature lovers, Hala-Bala is one
of Thailands more recent conservation areas. Officially established
in 1996, the reserve is located near the Thai-Malaysian border.
Covering an area of approximately 433.16 square kilometers, it extends
over Sankala Khiri Mountain Range and the deep forests of Hala and
Bala Forests that are not connected to each other. Although they
are a part of the same reserve, Hala Forest is in Amphoe Betong
in Yala Province and Amphoe Chanae in Narathiwat Province while
Bala Forest, the only part that is open to the public, spans Amphoe
Waeng and Amphoe Su Khirin in Narathiwat.
Highway No. 4062 (Khwam Man Khong Road) goes through Sankala Khiri
Mountain Range, making access to the reserve easier. Visitors can
start at Ban Buketa in Amphoe Waeng, go through Bala Forest and
end up at Ban Phu Khao Thong in Amphoe Su Khirin for a total distance
of 18 kilometers. On both sides of the road are the most verdant
jungles in Thailand. To study nature, you only have to drive through
the area and you will likely see many extraordinary things from
the park office on.
For nature enthusiasts, simply driving through the area from the
Park Office onwards will provide extraordinary views of nature.
Approximately 5 kilometers from the office, is a wildlife lookout
point. The numerous Banyan trees flourishing in the area yield plenty
of fruit for animals that regularly come to feed there. About 10
kilometers further is the Phu Khao Thong Protection Unit, a sub-office
of the reserve. From here it is possible to see a sea of mist at
dawn. Walking about 100 meters from the unit, visitors will find
a gigantic Somphong (Kraphong) tree that has a diameter of 25 meters.
The height of a section near the ground that supports the trunk
is about 4 meters. This tree likes to grow near water and is a softwood
tree used in making toothpicks or matches.
Along the route are several plants that are rarely found elsewhere
in Thailand such as the Yuan tree of the bean family. This tree
is regarded as the third tallest tree in the world, after the redwood
and eucalyptus, respectively. It has a white trunk and can reach
a height of 65 to70 meters. Normally, the tree is perfect for making
furniture. Another tree located here is the Saya tree of the rubber
family, which is the most striking tree of the Hala-Bala forest.
Looking carefully, visitors will see hornbills as the forest are
their preferred nesting sites. In addition, it is possible to see
the Hua Roi Ru Nam tree, which is one of the newest plants found
in the country.
Wildlife here creates an ecological balance for the area. Many
of the animals are on the list of nearly-extinct animals of Thailand.
They include the large black gibbon, or Sia Mang, that is totally
black in color and nearly double the size of the white-handed gibbon.
There is also the agile gibbon that is usually found on Sumatra,
Borneo and northern Malaysian jungles and southern Thailand. With
luck, visitors may be able to see two of these creatures hanging
from a branch. The area also has Thut frogs that are the largest
frogs in the country. It is about a foot long and weighs over 5
kilograms. The frogs live in watershed forests on high mountains.
A survey discovered that four types of protected mammals, which
are the Sumatran serow, tapir, marbled cat, and Asian two-horned
rhinoceros, inhabit the area.
The hornbill, a rare bird, is an indicator of the state of the
forest. Nonetheless, the reserve has 9 out of 12 species of hornbills
in Thailand. These include the wrinkled hornbill, helmeted hornbill
(the only kind of hornbill that has a thick upper beak and Indonesian
villagers hunt it to get the beak to carve into ornaments like ivory),
Oriental pied hornbill, great pied hornbill, white-crowned hornbill,
bushy-crested hornbill, Malayan rhinoceros hornbill, black hornbill,
and wreathed hornbill.
Visitors wishing to enter the area for nature study must write
in advance to the reserve at P.O. Box 3, Amphoe Waeng, Narathiwat
96120 or the Wildlife Reserve Department of the Natural Resources
Conservation Office, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok. As the reserve
is a sensitive area, visitors are not permitted to stay overnight.
The best time to study nature here is from late February to September,
when there is little rain.
Getting there: Mini-buses can be hired from Amphoe Waeng Market
or from Su-ngai Kolok train station.
Namtok Sirindhorn
The waterfall is actually a stream that comes down from a forest
at a higher altitude. The falls feature a wide rock plateau which
is suitable for relaxation. Another attraction is the Southern Forest
Flowers and Decorative Plants Survey and Collection Project under
the Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The project
has more than 200 plant species that are grouped according to their
natural habitat. Signs provide plant names and useful information.
Plants here are both interesting in terms of local botany and breeding
to be developed as decorative and economic plants. The project is
open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. The waterfall is located approximately
7 kilometers from Amphoe Waeng on Highway No. 4057. Turn left onto
Phua Khwam Man Khong Road and proceed for around 8 kilometers, then
drive another 300 meters to the waterfall.
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