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Bill D. Whip
Ely

Postcard from 2014.

Review of Baba Ecolodge
5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed Feb 22, 2022
It's not easy getting to Ko Phra Tong, but that's sort of the point. We spend the night in Phuket Town, then take a long bus ride up to a little place called Khuraburi. A taxi picks us up at the bus station and takes us to the pier where we find the long boat that the hotel has sent for us.

A Thai long boat is a narrow, flat-bottomed wooden craft with a steampunk motor that looks like someone welded a long propeller shaft to a lawn mower engine. The skipper stands at the stern and steers the boat by swinging the motor this way and that.

We spend the next hour slowly churning past low lying islands girdled by mangroves, trees that look like one-part tree, one-part giant spider. Finally, we putter through the narrow passage between Ko Ra and Ko Phra Tong and crash into the Andaman Sea. The skipper expertly navigates over the swells between puffs on his cigarette.

The we float into a little tropical cove that looks familiar to me because I grew up watching late-70's tv and this could be the location of "Fantasy Island," minus Mr. Roarke and Tattoo. We wade ashore with our pants rolled up and our suitcases held over our heads, which I like because it's the first time I've ever stayed at a hotel where wading is part of the check-in process.

After dark, we retreat to our cabin. We secure the door, as advised, to keep the monkeys from stealing our soap, and we duck under the mosquito net to keep the mosquitoes from sucking our blood. Then we fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle, which is the soundtrack of an alien planet in a 1950's sci-fi movie: uncanny yelps and chirps, flutters and glissandos.

Just before dawn, the whole jungle swells up in a high-pitched trill as a zillion cicadas sing out all at once to announce a new day.
Date of stay: February 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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    All reviews beach bar beach front pizza soft sand beautiful island mosquito net andaman sea long boat local ingredients four days a special place after dark wade ashore nothing too much trouble food menu outdoor bathroom week stay
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    10 - 15 of 203 reviews
    Reviewed February 16, 2022

    Here we are again—covid easing everywhere, and this small slice of paradise remains just that, but of course a lot quieter this year. Not that this place is ever ‘busy’—in a peak year if you see more than 12 people on the 10km soft sand safe beach, it’s a shock.
    Food excellent, changing everyday; houses perfect especially beach front—we like Manam and Mangon. Staff outstanding especially Theresa and Pibi, nothing too much trouble even when one of our party tested positive (asymptomatic of course). It takes a while to get here—the long tail boat trip is a perfect way to arrive—but it’s more than worth it. Get out of your congested world and escape here for at least four days—anything less is sacrilege! 15 years of enjoying it, and it never wears off.

    Date of stay: February 2022
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      • Location
      • Service
    Thank tfinney3
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Reviewed January 9, 2022 via mobile

    We stayed for a couple of nights as 2 couples in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom beach villa and have to say that the resort is fantastic. Amazing beach, great villas, wonderful food and fantastic service. Theresa and the team were all really helpful from the initial e mail query to finalising the booking, including moving the date due to COVID regulations.

    The food menu changes daily with some great dishes and flavours. Prices are good considering the remote location with a nice selection of wines and spirits.

    Really chilled out and relaxing vibe and will definitely be visiting again.

    Date of stay: January 2022
    Trip type: Traveled as a couple
    Thank Steve E
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Reviewed April 15, 2021 via mobile

    Theresa and the team do everything they can to make sure you have a wonderful stay. Dealing with Theresa to book the accommodation was smooth and nothing was a trouble for her. She did everything she could and was always there to make sure we were fully taken care of. We had a group of 8 adults and 2 kids and everyone had a fabulous time. This is a slice of paradise with a homely feel and wonderful food. Can’t wait to return!

    Date of stay: April 2021
    Trip type: Traveled with friends
    Thank longsunnyday
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Reviewed April 1, 2021 via mobile

    We literally had the island to ourselves!
    Endless sandy beach, shallow crystal clear bay with coral reef, bountiful mangrove, and unique Savannah.. we had them all to our own.

    As a group 6, we stayed in 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms beachfront villa with large balcony, which was perfectly fitted our needs (private rooms with common area). Although there’s no air condition, it wasn’t an issue thanks to those ceiling fans and cool climate at night. The cleanliness of the villa was also flawless.

    Foods and drinks at hotel’s restaurant were surprisingly delicious (at very reasonable price comparing its location). Our special BBQ dinner was well arranged and even more impressive with bonfire!

    The most important part of this hotel is their superb staffs (plus Doro and all the cats). Every of them really have great hospitality minded. Theresa and her team did their best to accommodate us throughout our stay.. thanks again Theresa and team! We truly appreciated :)

    PS. If insects (e.g. mosquito, sandfly) are your real enemy, don’t forget to bring your protection spray and repellent.

    Date of stay: March 2021
    Trip type: Traveled as a couple
    Thank ssukha
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Reviewed May 14, 2020

    After several months of stress at work, I decided I needed a break, and had some annual leave I needed to clear. I wanted somewhere a little off the beaten track, somewhere I could exercise and perhaps try a bit of yoga, but most importantly somewhere I could switch off from work, disconnect and relax.

    Golden Buddha Beach Resort exceeded my expectations - right from the moment I stepped off the boat to be welcomed by Hugo, through to being warmly sent off by Theresa and team at the end of my stay, everything was, frankly, perfect!

    This place is a real paradise, and through the resort's excellent transport arrangements, very easy to get to. I flew into Phuket from Singapore in the early morning, was met by a driver at airport arrivals, then after the 2.5hr drive up the coast, was then smoothly transferred onto the very pleasant boat ride across to the resort. Arrangements on the return were also flawless.

    During the stay itself I divided my time between the house I was staying at (Baan Tamarind - a wonderful beachfront house), the beach, and the sea. I did some kayaking, snorkeling, as well as took in some yoga (Alisa was great - very patient with a complete novice like me!). Food was also stellar throughout, and all staff were incredibly attentive and friendly.

    Wifi connection was non-existent at the house (though is available at reception if needed), and phone reception was also patchy, but that was exactly what I was looking for, so was perfect for me!

    I definitely have plans to come back with my family (who were immensely jealous having seen the pictures and heard my stories) and also have recommended to friends and colleagues, particularly those who just need time away from work to chill. To this day (6 months after my stay) I still cannot believe how lucky I was to find this place - it exceeded all expectations.

    A huge thanks to Hugo (despite being an Arsenal fan...:)), Emma, Theresa, Alisa and the whole team for making me feel so welcome. I really hope to see you again soon!

    Date of stay: December 2019
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    2  Thank Familyman28
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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