LONELY PLANET REVIEW
Latest edition published August 2007
Trang Province - page: 725
LONELY PLANET REVIEW (Islands and Beaches)
Published July 2006 - Trang Province - page: 377
'...Haadyao Nature Resort rooms & bungalows. Run by enthusiastic naturalists,
this place offers a variety of environmental tours in the Hatyao area. Very
orderly and homey bungalows come with shared baths, while the better
self contained bungalows have verandas and frilly extras. There’s also a great
pier where you can watch the fisherman ply their trade over tasty Thai victures...'
'...Libong Nature Beach Bungalows is set on a lovely grassy garden and surrounded by
rubber plantations. This place is run by the same friendly, environmentally conscious
people as the Nature Resort in Hat Yao. There is a simple restaurant with tasty food
and the owners run excellent sea-kayaking tours of the mangroves...'
ROUGH GUIDE October 2006
'...Haadyao Nature Resort is an efficiently run, eco-friendly resort whose aims are nature conservation and
helping the local communities. There are fan cooled rooms with share bath, as well as nicer self-contained
rooms and bungalows with hot water and air-con, some which have balconies over the canal. The breezy
waterside restaurant serves up Western breakfasts, vegetarian food and excellent squid and other
seafood dishes...'
'...Libong Nature Beach Resort runs award-winning, environmentally friendly, day long boat trips which are also
available from their sister resort, Haadyao Nature Resort. As well as visiting a chao ley village, these give
you the chance to kayak into the sanctuary to observe the rare birds and to snorkel at the sea grass beds
– with they reckon an eighty percent chance of seeing a dugong. The resort has neat, brick en-suite
bungalows are set slightly back from a secluded stretch of beach, a ten minute walk south of the fishing
village of Ban Lan Khao. There’s a good restaurant attached too and internet access is available...'
Sustainable Tourism Management in Thailand
A Good Practices Guide for SME's
October 2007
ALLT OM RESOR October 2006 Sweden's Leading Travel Magazine
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CITY MANDAG January 2007 Sweden's Daily Newspaper
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ALLT OM RESOR AND CITY MANDAG (English Translation)
'... Where to Stay - Haadyao Nature Resort: Is situated at the beach and the pier with the same
name and is a suitable place for tours in the neighborhood. It is run by a very nice family where
everyone speaks extremely good English. The resort has sleeping halls as well as individual bungalows,
and a good restaurant on a terrace towards the sea. Libong Nature Beach Resort: The place is run
by the same family as mentioned above and is a perfect place for the tourist who wants to relax in a
tranquil atmosphere. There are a bit more than ten bungalows and a restaurant. Also equipped with
high speed Internet via satellite...'
'...THE UNSPOILED (VIRGIN) THAILAND THE SKIPPER SLOWS THE BOAT DOWN and we start drifting
along the water.It is low tide, and below the hull of the long tail boat we can spot the bottom of the
sea. We stare intensively at the green vegetation moving back and forth in the water current. Not
because we have a special interest in seaweed, but because the dugong has. We are on a dugong
safari. Before leaving the hotel the staff gave me some excusing smiles, saying that the chances of
seeing a dugong are very small, which of course made me even more decided to find one. Thus, we
are sitting here, watching the glittering sea – the skipper, the guide, and myself. The dugong is a
kind of sea cow, looking like a seal with the snout of a pig. It can reach the length of a couple of
meters, with a weight of 900 kilograms, and is probably one of the friendliest animals in the world.
Unfortunately, in spite of its friendliness the dugong is endangered, and in Thailand today only about
a hundred individuals remain. All of them live just outside the island Koh Libong in the province of
Trang, and that is where we are. Before the tsunami, which hardly affected the Trang province at
all, the number of dugongs was only half of today’s count. But as the number of tourists decreased
the animals could quietly multiply. The sun is blazing, time is passing by, and after half an hour I feel
like one of the fools watching across the water of Loch Ness, hoping to see something non-existent.
Suddenly it happens:
Look, a dugong! the skipper shouts, pointing at the water surface. He happily laughs at his own joke,
and returns to the engine while the guide and I smile dutifully and continue staring at the empty sea.
If there is any dugong out there I will definitely catch the sight of it, I console myself. Look, a dugong!
It is my turn to shout, and this time it is not a joke. Neither the guide nor the skipper believes me,
not even when I point at the ripples on the surface where the animal just showed up and quickly
disappeared. But they have to surrender two minutes later, when the dugong has to get some new air.
A grayish-black head cuts the water surface and we can clearly see the nose as the animal during a
few seconds picks up oxygen, just to return to the delicious seaweed on the bottom. Unbelievable,
I have never before seen a dugong, says the guide, and the skipper’s enthusiasm tells me that I have
experienced something very special. Before returning to the Haadyao pier we saw the dugong six times,
and as we went ashore I was congratulated as a lucky guy by some sea gypsies from the nearby village.
The very friendly family assures me that seeing a dugong is an unusual thing. Together with their
daughter they run an eco-tourism resort, Haadyao Nature Resort, in the virgin nature of the Trang
province. The family is also involved in a Sida financed project, supporting the development of sustainable
tourism in the region, in order to avoid the negative impact caused by large scale tourism.
ONE DAY WE PADDLE canoes through the mangrove forest surrounding the resort. We are accompanied
by Bang, a local guide from the sea gypsies’ nearby village. Sea Gipsies, or Sea Nomades as they are
also called, is an ethnic group called chao ley in Thai. They are believed to be of Malayan origin, and
have since ancient times been sailing around in south-east Asia, settling down wherever they for the
moment felt at home. Illiteracy and poverty among chao ley is high and in many aspects they live
outside the Thai society. We paddle through the dense vegetation. We see monkeys, lizards, and birds
on our way to Pirate’s cave, the cave where pirates only some generations ago used to hide their loot,
away from chasing policemen. We paddle through a narrow and dark tunnel and duck in order not to hit
the stone formations above our heads, enter a lagoon with high cliff walls and then pass through a
partly hidden passage in the mangrove forest before we finally reach the cave. No wonder the policemen
could not find their way here.
In the cave we climb provisional ladders, walk over shaky wooden bridges, drag and slide up and down
steep and slippery cliff walls. - Treasure map, says Bang, pointing at some signs carved in the floor of
the cave. Anita, the guide, interprets the story how Bang as a small child was playing in the cave and
found objects left behind by the pirates. However, no treasures but cooking vessels and other utensils.
But the map on the floor bears witness of treasures once hidden in crevices and narrow spaces. With
this new experience in mind we paddle back...'
MONDO Finnish Travel Guide Book 2007
'...Haadyao Nature Resort and Libong Nature Resort – Anthropologist after retirement founded
this great resort that takes eco traveling exceptionately seriously. Example the water that is
used for washing is rain water collected. The bungalows are simple yet clean and equipped
with warm water. The resort organizes well guided kayak and boat trips to the nearby islands
and to see the sea cows...'
MONDO 2007 Travel Magazine Article - 178 Things to do in Thailand
'...TRANG, stay at the Libong Nature Resort, Anthropologist after retirement founded this great
resort that takes eco traveling exceptionately seriously...'
DAGENS NYHETER
November 2006 Sweden’s Biggest Daily Newspaper
Feature on Libong Island and Libong Nature Beach Resort
as an environmental best practice.
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CHECK IN MAGAZINE
November 2006 Scandinavia's biggest travel magazine
in Sweden and Finland
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DAGENS NYHETER AND CHECK IN
'...The Libong Nature Beach Resort has in the same way been chosen as the pilot site on Sustainable
Accommodation as a pilot site. On the way to Libong Island with a longtail boat, there are many
seagrass for the dugongs that will attract any ecotourists. Dugongs are like sea mermaids and are
quite rare today and can only be found along the coastlines. If you are patient enough, outside
Libong Wildlife Sanctuary,stop the boat engine and wait and there is a chance and a reasonable
opportunity to see this strange mammal. It is like a small whale coming for fresh air. It is exciting
to notice. I am snorkeling along the bottom following the path of the eating trail of the dugongs.
The Bungalows at the Libong Nature Beach Resort are simple stone houses with big rooms and
bathrooms. The restaurant is just close to the sandy beach which is well known for its purple red
sunsets. The family that runs the resort is engaged in eco design, solar cells, compost sewage
systems, waste sorting, tsunami safety issues, environmentally friendly transport systems and
cooperation and benefits going to the village people on the island. The direct result has been
seen recently when they became the only resort that was mentioned in the Lonely Planet and
Rough Guide for their environmental work...'
DESTINASIAN MAGAZINE
Leading Asian Travel Magazine
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007
Feature on Libong Nature Beach Resort as an environmental best practice.
‘ …the Libong Nature Beach Resort … as a pilot site for the project, it has begun implementing some
fundamental ecological practices. Wash-water is used for plants, and as much waste as possible
is recycled … installation of water-saving taps in the bathrooms, the use of solar cells to enhance
the electricity supply, and gardens for growing organic vegetables and herbs, especially lemongrass,
which repels mosquitoes and pests and hence limits the need for chemical pesticides…’
NORWEGIAN TRAVEL MAGAZINE
Interview complete. Publication date to be notified.
ME NAISET
Published in August 2007
Biggest women’s magazine in Finland. Featuring the daughter of the owner of
Libong Nature Beach Resort in the list of four women that are trying to change
the world. Emphasis is place on the management of the resort as a best
practice for sustainable tourism.
A GUIDE TO LOCAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
A publication of the Thai-Swedish Project on Sustainable Tourism in Trang August 2007
‘… Libong Nature Beach Resort (LNBR) located at Libong Island is well known for its
environmental profile. A cornerstone in their work is information given to their guests
about environmental practices and the local sea gypsy culture. Tourists are invited to
be part of their ongoing environmentally friendly activities. LNBR separates solid waste
for recycling (paper, glass and cans etc.) and compost organic waste for their in-house
garden. Water saving push taps are installed in public areas and treated waste water is
used for irrigation. Energy saving practices are also carried out in the resort bungalows
and surroundings.
The future sees solar energy contributing to the energy supply of the resort.
LNBR offers its guests bicycles and sea kayaks as an environmentally friendly mode
of transportation. Tsunami warning signs and safe shelters have been developed and
tested at the site.
The resort also employs sea gypsies as service staff and purchase seafood, fruits,
vegetables and transportation from the local fishermen, farmers and boatmen to
support the local island economy. The resort also offers a variety of eco tours such
as their dugong tracking expeditions.
LNBR is in the process of applying for Green Leaf Certification…’
ME NAISET LEADING WOMEN’S MAGAZINE IN FINLAND
PUBLISHED 10 JANUARY 2008 MAGIC ISLAND PARADISE
The island of Koh Libong of Thailand is trying to become a sustainable travel destination.
One of its rarities are, among other things, the last mermaids of Thailand which are
supposed to change your life if you see them. Beware of the Copies In Thailand,
you can find many different copies of almost everything. Be it DVDs or clothes.
Resorts are now copying services. In the case of the Nature Resort on Ko Libong,
there is also another business of a similar name, but the other place has nothing
to do with Ecotourism. For the REAL Libong Nature Resort, check this website
www.trangsea.com or email natureresorts@trangsea.com.
The best way to travel is by coming through Haadyao Nature Resort.
(** Translation **) ‘The small red and white fishing boat is going across the white horses
of the waves. Although the white horses are making Professor Laurence wet, the grey haired
Thai anthropologist smiles. "If it would be anyone else but the boat driver, I would be afraid,”
he said pointing to the stern of the boat where there is a very tanned man with a T-shirt and
swimming costume who is steering the boat with his legs. "He knows the sea, he is a Chao Ley
sea gypsy".’ ‘I asked the professor whether he is sad about the disappearance of an ancient
culture. He said that the sea gypsies have the right to live the present time and to destroy
their way of being and their health if they want to.
The professor then quotes a poem of a Lebanese Kahlil Gibran, "Your children are not your
children, they are the children of the future. Parents are the bow and children are the arrow.
You cannot keep them for ever. You have to let them go and they will land wherever their
destiny takes them." The professor continues, "The sea gypsies will have to choose their
own destiny."
‘In the end, what will happen to the island of Libong and its mermaids, and the remaining paradise
islands of Thailand is not dependent on the Laurence family. It depends on the holiday makers and
whether they are ready to invest in ecological travel - to pay a little bit more for minimal facilities.
For example a luke-warm shower of rainwater, no air conditioning or that the lights are turned
off early in the evening. But there is no doubt that it is beneficial if people choose the ecological
option. When the boat is pulled up on the beach the next day, Anita runs to the beach to say
goodbye by saying, "Do not forget to tell us how your life changed after the encounter with
the dugongs". Soon after I saw the mermaids I decided to propose to my wife.’
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY
BANGKOK POST
Feature on Libong Island and Libong Nature Beach Resort as an environmental best practice.
Interview complete. Publication date to be notified.
ROUGH GUIDE BEST 1000 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD
Feature on Libong Island and Libong Nature Beach Resort as an environmental best practice.
Interview complete. Publication date to be notified.
GUIDEBOOK ON RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN THAILAND
(Australian publication)
Feature on Libong Nature Beach Resort as an environmental best practice.
Interview complete. Publication date to be notified.
RESENAREN – SENIOR CLASS 1 – 2007
Swedish Senior Newspaper
My Environment-Friendly Journey in Thailand
‘… My Environment-Friendly Journey in Thailand started at the Haadyao and Libong Nature
Beach Resort which is owned and managed by the retired Professor and his family.
They manage several environment adjusted projects. The professor is a very dedicated
man who cooperates with the Mayor of Trang city to develop environment safe tourism in
the area. This is new thinking in Thailand, and one can only hope that his dreams can be realized!
… the food was delicious. The fish comes directly from the sea, and vegetables and fruit is
ecologically grown on the resort property…’
THE NATURAL GUIDE TO THAILAND & HANDBOOK FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
A publication of the French Indonesian Cooperation on Sustainable Tourism August 2007
Libong Nature Beach Resort featured as a case study and best practice in Thailand.
‘… the resort is a good illustration for other operators on how to raise guests'
awareness to become more responsible towards the environment and community…’
A SOUTHERN PEARL
Bangkok Post – The Magazine 10th July 2008 issue: 119 page: 35
‘Trang is very natural, and has few resort, so the idea is that it’s not too late to
develop green tourism’ says Anita, coordinator of the project for sustainable
tourism and co-owner of the Libong Nature Beach Resort, one of the pilot
accommodation sites on Ko Libong. ‘As well as involving the local community,
we have implemented simple ecological practices. For example, we use only
glass water bottles, we use sink or laundry water for plants and we
recycle all waste’.
Where to stay:
The Libong Nature Beach Resort is among the top resorts in Libong.
The Good Tourist - IN THAILAND
Responsible Travel - January 2008
ACCOMMODATION
Haadyao Nature Resort – Libong Nature Beach Resort
These resorts, located at Haadyao Pier and Libong Island (south of Kantang) have
been chosen by the province to be a leader in the field of sustainable accommodation
to influence the future direction of the tourism industry. The resorts are dedicated
to nature conservation and the local Sea Gypsy community. All income is used for
local welfare and conservation work. The intention is to create a Back-to-Nature
friendly community in Thailand. The resorts have adopted a Sustainable Code of
Practice which covers energy and resource management as well as tsunami safety
issues. The resorts also arrange eco-tours. For instance, they run award winning
dugong spotting tours and tours of the mangroves in sea kayaks.
Support of Sea Gypsies
The Haadyao Nature Resort and Libong Nature Beach Resort support
sea gypsies in Trang area. The resorts support the sea gypsies by training
them as guides for tourism, giving them jobs to apply their training, helping
them cope with tourists, teaching them English and giving them an
opportunity to apply their skills as well as allowing for local community
participation in their resorts.
