~ The beauty of nature lies in its imperfections ~

Monday, December 31, 2012

Soaking in the Soul of the Forest - Khao Sok


 Our annual motorbike trip began with a bang. Or should we say : began with a splash.  Despite the warnings of monsoon rain and rumours of flooding along the east coast of Malaysia, we decided to make the long haul to Thailand.  Our journey to Taiping saw us cruising through 4 sets of HEAVY torrential downpours.  You know what they say about GoreTex boots keeping the water out?  Well mine also kept the water in after it had rolled down my leg…   so it’s not the boots at fault here!

The next day, we took a shorter ride towards Songkhla province, wanting to stay in somewhere else besides bustling Hatyai.  A bit of mucking around the countryside, and then VoiLa we reached Chanonda Lake View Resort. 
A little slice of manicured paradise, just 8km away from Hatyai City.  Despite the remote location, the chalet was everything a wet & tired biker could want.  Space to hang up the wet gear, dry sheets for a comfy night, peace and quiet in a countryside setting.    
The compound links to a newly opened seafood restaurant, anyone who can decipher the dates, let me know…

Our next day is a half day ride to Khao Sok in total happiness.  Dry skies, dry roads and flowing curves are all a biker could ever want. 
 To stay at Our Jungle House, it is most refreshing because the owner insists of retaining the primary forest around the tree houses. 
This creates the perfect ambience, with outdoor temperatures of 23 degrees C in the morning, birds & crickets happily chirping away in harmony!  
As someone said "Relaxed By Nature"   :)
 Our jungle house clearly believe in using as much of the natural stuff as possible, so the garden furniture was an attempt to re-use a fallen log, while an uprooted tree stump presented itself as a most unique visual sculpture! 
 We spent time lazing in the river, nothing beats the feel of a cool stream flowing across your lap, just before dinner. 
 Christmas Day dinner comprised of a meal that looked western and tasted Thai!  Roast Chicken with the just right succulent texture, with warm glutinous rice and stir-fry vegetables.
All in the middle of primary rainforest! 
Our wish for 2013 is that may all your wishes come true, and may YOU start living your lives in the way that you hope for as well!  Cheers!