Ko Bulon Lae is a small island, and the surrounding waters are neither the cleanest nor the greenest in the Andaman Sea. Yet, while under the radar for many, Ko Bulon Lae remains popular with returning vacationers year after year. Bungalow resorts are scattered around the island, so choices are as varied as the travellers who stay here: windy hillsides, beaches with or without rocks and mangroves, forested or exposed to the sun and salty air. There are some good snorkelling opportunities near the island, but this must be arranged through the resorts, and involves chartering a long-tail boat for the day.It's a short ride (1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions) from Pakbara pier, as long as waters are calm. Passengers are typically dropped off on the beach near Bulon Lae Resort, which has the nicest white sand beach on the island. Long-tail boats meet the ferry and charge 50B per person. This is a rare and important income for Chao Lay drivers, and must be paid.A sporadically-paved path winds from Bulone Marina resort -- between the two sandiest beaches -- past the Chao Lay village and several farang-oriented restaurants, to the other side of the island. The scent of coconut oil grows stronger as one walks towards the village; as with other islands in the region, coconut and rubber were important industries before the tourists arrived.Every night generators switch on around 18:00 and Bulon lights up for another laid-back evening. Many travellers come back again and again, to enjoy the particular tranquillity they've only found on Bulon. Note: there have been several reports of shoes -- even those in shabby shape -- being stolen from bungalows around the island. It's a good idea to bring shoes and clothing indoors at night time. There are NO banks on Ko Bulon Lae. Be sure to bring enough cash with you.
Getting there and away
Boat
During the high season Ko Bulon can be reached by a daily ferry from Pakbara (13:30, 350B, 1.5 hours) or Ko Lipe (14:30, 550B, 2.5 hours). Departing from Ko Bulon, there is a ferry to Pakbara at 09:00 (350B) and to Ko Lipe at 10:00 (550B). During the peak season there is a speed boat between Ko Lipe and Ko Bulon (700B). There is no fixed schedule and the boat makes the trip only when there is enough demand. For more information, contact the staff at Marina Bay Resort on Ko Bulon or Friends Tour on Ko Lipe. During the rainy season from May until November, there is no regular ferry service to Ko Bulon and boats may need to be chartered.
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