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Alternative, environmentally friendly activities
in Phuket No dear reader, "soft adventure" is not the title of
the latest porn film gone wrong, it is, you might like to know,
the latest buzz word in the tourism industry.
I for one find the phrase just a trifle misleading. Upon first
hearing the term I figured it to be a little outdoor action for
those of us on the wrong side of 50. You know, those of us who
stash a bowling ball under our shirts but who refuse to believe
what is being told to us every time we return breathless from
our latest safari to the corner store for a pack of fags. "Soft
adventure". I mean c'mon now, doesn't that title imply a little
"just a few minutes out of the arm chair" kind of action. You
know what I mean, perhaps an invigorating stroll along the beach
ungracefully red-faced from extended periods of sucking in one's
tummy. Or alternatively, bungee jumping from an upper bunk, or
possibly pulling a bank job with a water pistol. You get the picture.
Nothing strenuous mind, just a bit of lets pretend action so we
can tell the folks back home we were not real "couch potatoes"
while we sipped our gin and tonics in the exotic East.
Sorreeee, wrong number. "Soft Adventure" oh soon to be enlightened
one, is a combination of discovery tourism, environmental tourism
and activity tourism. The idea, as far as I can figure it out,
is to cater for those folks who come to visit, say, this beautiful
Island of Phuket, and to get a bit off the beaten track, as it
were. The plan is to discover the people, the environment, the
solitude and not screw it up in the process. Becoming clear? The
idea is to become a caring nature buff, and to treat it as if
it were your very own possession, a treasure, not to be destroyed.
Hey, you know what? It is!
Those of you visiting Phuket are quite fortunate if your interests
fall into the above categories. There are lots of pristine and,
if not literally undiscovered points of interest, certainly a
host of those that are a heck of a lot less traveled than most
of the tourist magnets.
Options abound. There are a couple of local operators offering
what they bill as "nature tours". Judging from their brochures
and advertising copy, these firms ferry visitors to out of the
way places which reveal much of what Phuket once was. Their itinerary
includes transport by 4-wheel vehicle into tropical rain forests
and rubber and pineapple plantations. Often they is it small farming
and fishing villages and allow guests to get a real insight into
what life is like away from the bright lights and loud music.
According to both operators and clients these explorations are
fun and educational. But remember, responsibility for the environment
and the privacy of the people you meet lies with you, as well
as your guide. Please be considerate. A second, and incredibly
popular soft adventure outing, is sea canoeing. This is becoming
so popular that an "eco battle" in the form of a war-of-words
between operators is being waged. The best case scenario however
remains a magical visit to the "Hongs" (caves) of Phang Nga Bay
by sea canoe, or sea kayak. Ideally, small groups of visitors
are taken through these beautiful yet vulnerable sea caves. Described
as "sacred, undisturbed places" by John "Caveman" Gray, founder
of one of the operations, the hongs should only be admired, in
silence, by those fortunate enough to visit them. Nothing should
be touched or taken, and there should be no swimming, yelling
or torch lighting.
Again, you are the responsible one, and if your guide proves to
be irresponsible,
please let us know. What about deep sea fishing? Does that qualify
as soft adventure? We think so, especially if the "catch and release"
theme is adhered to. Steve Hedberg, hotel manager and keen game
fisherman puts it this way. "There is nothing wrong with keeping
the tastier game fish for a moonlight barbecue. However, if Phuket
is to remain
a bountiful and competitive sport fishing destination, the practice
of catch and release of billfish has to be supported and expanded
by all.
Not only by charter captains, but by the fishermen who retain
them as well". Sound advice, and there goes that multiple responsibility
theme again. The best place that we know of to charter a fishing
boat is at Chalong Bay. However, I am also reliably informed that
a number of skippers spend some of their off-duty time at Friendship
Beach. If you still can't get a line on it, check with the tour
operators on this page, they surely will be able to help you.
Yachting, bareboat or skippered, is also a possible contender
for the soft adventure category. Again Phuket is the right place,
as there are boat companies that make a living providing the right
boat to the right type of customer. As well, private boats can
also be hired for various lengths of time, and again, Chalong
Bay may well be the best place to begin your search.
There are many other possibilities too. Some would say diving
is soft adventure. Some would, I wouldn't. But snorkeling
might qualify. Looking at our Attraction pages might give you
some ideas of your own why not pass along some of your
experiences to us.
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