Author: Kev

Singer, Drummer, Husband, Father, International Traveller, International Business Entrepreneur, Travel Blogger

Boat Charter – Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands archipelago, is a world-famous tourist destination. The scenery is spectacular. You can do an organised tour with 40 or 50 of your new best friends from all over the world or you can charter your own private boat and crew. The latter option gives you a lot more flexibility, privacy and is (in my opinion) the best option. It costs a bit more, but well worth the extra money.

Swimming in the Andaman Sea, surrounded by jungle and cliffs, with curious tropical fish peering into your goggles, is a very special experience.

Maya Bay gained international fame after it was featured in the 2000 movie “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters portrayed in the movie captured the imagination of movie goers worldwide, and it became a “must-go” selfie location with up to 5,000 tourists per day!

Sadly, the excessive influx of tourists to Maya Bay, led to significant environmental degradation, threatening the very beauty that made it famous. With hundreds of boats anchoring and destroying the delicate coral reefs found in the bay, the destruction to the ecosystem was devastating.

In response to this environmental impact, the Thai government took measures to preserve the delicate ecosystem and temporarily closed Maya Bay to visitors in mid-2018. The closure aimed to allow the damaged coral reefs and marine life to recover. At the time of closure, the seafloor was devoid of any life.

Incredibly, within a year of the closure and restrictions, marine life started to return at a rapid rate. The highest profile species that has returned to Maya Bay, is more than 100 Blacktip reef sharks that have made the bay a nursery ground. 

COVID forced the total closure of the entire Thai tourist industry for 2 years.

Tourism is vital for the Thai economy. After 4 years of closure, and due to pressure from tour operators, Maya Bay reopened in January 2022, but with regulations in place, designed to protect its natural resources.

Tour boats must dock on the other side of the island, and visitors must now walk to the beach via a newly erected boardwalk. The total number of visitors allowed per hour is capped at 375 and you are no longer permitted to swim in Maya Bay. The Thai government totally closes the beach of Maya Bay annually for 2 months (normally August to October) to assist with the ongoing and positive environmental rejuvenation.

The people we meet…

The people we meet while traveling, often end up being the moments we recall and talk about and share the most. The memories and stories of the amazing, funny, warm (sometimes crazy) individuals we’ve met along the journey. Sometimes these are fellow travellers, but more often, they are locals. These people can change your trip, or even your entire life, in ways you could never imagine. Meeting people, hearing their stories and sharing yours, is one of the coolest things you can do when traveling around the world.

Thai’s are very friendly and courteous. Phuket is a fantastic place, geared for international tourists, and the locals want visitors to have fun, and will go above and beyond to ensure that you do.

Thai people appreciate receiving courtesy in return and if you make the effort to learn a few simple words and phrases, it goes a long way to making your experience even more fun.

Thai people will give you a “wai”, when they greet you by placing their palms together and raising their hands to their chest or head. Feel free to reciprocate with your own “wai”. A “wai” can mean “Hello,” “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” or “Goodbye.” To accompany the “wai”, you can also say “sawadee”, after which you add the polite “khrap” if you’re male, and “ka” if you’re female.

One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are in the world. Traveling is one of those things that restores my faith in humanity. Over the course of my lifetime of travel, there are so many people that have made the trip special. Some actions are big, some actions are small.

As Anthony Bourdain said: “I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.” 

Le Meridien – Rock ‘n’ Roll

Music has afforded me some very special moments in my life. My ‘real’ job, the one that pays the bills, has given me the opportunity to travel the world. When the two worlds collide, and I find myself at a global networking conference, located in Thailand, with the chance to jam with the band, how could I refuse?

Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort is situated on 40 acres of jungle. It is a stunning resort, located between Karon and Patong.

Imagine a stage set up on the beach, facing the Andaman Sea, in a secluded cove, with towering cliffs on either side. The cliffs were the ‘screen’ for a stunning light show, with the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, competing with the volume of the PA system.

There was a moment when I looked over the beach, as I rocked with ‘my’ band of Thai/Filipino musicians, watching my friends and colleagues attending the conference, smiling, dancing, singing, laughing. More than 170 delegates from 45 countries, I thought to myself: “The power of rock ‘n’ roll to unite us all”. It was surreal. It was awesome. It’s a moment I will treasure forever.   

Weed in Thailand – Legal?

Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022 for medical purposes, but in practice the market appears virtually unregulated.

The details of what constitutes illegal use or a ‘nuisance’ are murky and liable to exploitation by police. Officers have been known to blackmail and extort tourists caught on the wrong side of the law.

Tourists have also been warned that cannabis is still illegal in neighbouring countries and must not be transported across borders. Singapore, which has some of the world’s strictest drug policies, can arrest citizens for using drugs outside of the country as if they were consumed at home.

The unregulated use has led to a public backlash, with concerns over misuse and crime, and pressure on the Thai Government. Thailand’s Health Minister has recommended a draft bill to the Cabinet banning the recreational use of marijuana and reclassifying it as a controlled substance.

Neon weed signs have become ubiquitous in Thailand’s tourist areas, with dispensaries cropping up on every corner. Hundreds of food and drink vendors advertise cannabis-infused menus.

This could all change under the PM’s proposals to strictly regulate marijuana use and restrict it for medicinal purposes. Before weed was legalised in Thailand in June 2022, the country had some of the world’s harshest drug laws.

Possession of cannabis could land you in prison for up to 15 years, with the infamous Bang Kwang Central Prison – ironically nicknamed the Bangkok Hilton.

Since cannabis was legalised, over 1.1 million Thai people have registered for licences to grow it and more than 6,000 weed dispensaries have popped up across the country.

When backing the legalisation of marijuana in 2022, the government argued that it would ease overcrowding in Thailand’s prisons and help boost the rural economy. On the day of legalisation, more than 3,000 inmates held on cannabis charges were released.

Within the year, the country’s weed industry was worth 28 billion Thai baht (AUD$1.2 billion) and by 2030 it was projected to reach 336 billion baht (AUD$14 billion).

Based on these financial stats alone, I would suggest that putting the ‘Weed Genie’ back in the bottle in Thailand may not be easy.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery – Tour

Saturday 12th October – 2024

For those who like to drink rum, Chalong Bay Rum is – according to their website – Thailand’s best-known rum brand. I’m not sure whether the distillers of ‘Sang-Som’ and ‘Mekhong’ dispute this claim? I’m certainly no expert on Thai Rums.

Prior to coming to Phuket, I’d done some research and learned that Chalong Bay, conduct daily tasting tours and a cocktail making class. Their behind-the-scenes tour covers the facilities use of centuries-old French distillation techniques. It was great to learn how they transform locally grown and pressed sugarcane into smooth white rum. I was impressed to see that every single bottle is hand filled and sealed. The tour is laid back, fun and informative and the location and setting is stunning, like most parts of Phuket.

Whilst Chalong Bay Distillery’s best known for their Rum, and trust me, I made sure that I tasted ALL 7 of their different Rums. They also make 2 excellent Gins (also tasted) and a Vodka. I’m not a big fan of Vodka, but this is one of the smoothest I’ve ever had.

The tasting was followed by a Cocktail making class. My friends and family reading this know that I love to make (and drink) cocktails, but you can always learn more. It’s always inspiring to get new recipes and tips from professional mixologists. I made (and drank) 3 different Rum cocktails, inspired by Thailand and the beautiful island paradise that is Phuket.

I’d highly recommend a visit to the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery in Phuket. However, be warned, you’ll be cross eyed when you leave.

Disneyland – ‘The happiest place on Earth’

With respect to my previous Disney post. I could have just gone with the popular narrative and told you that it is – ‘The happiest place on Earth’. It’s not. Well, not for me. But I admit that I had fun there. Besides, there’s not much point in getting too deeply analytical, I mean, it’s Disneyland.

Disneyland and the world has changed a lot since my first visit back in 1986. Some say (including me) that it has strayed too far from Walt’s original vision.

They’ve brought a lot in to the fold over the past 30 odd years. Pixar was a bona fide moneymaker, purchasing it was a no-brainer. Marvel, was on life-support, and was a bountiful repository of over 50 years of comic book mythology. Add Lucasfilm, bringing cinemas most popular movie franchise, and all of its merchandising into the fold, gives us Darth Vader, Spiderman and Buzz Lightyear standing side by side with Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Goofy. Somehow it works, and whilst change and progress is inevitable, we were all disappointed that Bugs Life had been replaced by The Avengers.

Today, Disneyland is one of the world’s largest companies as well as being one of the world’s largest media conglomerates. It’s all about the shareholders and the money. I’ve visited the original park here in California many times. Maybe too many? But there were still moments when I got caught up in the Disney magic. Only the most jaded and cynical person would be able to withstand Tinker Bell’s pixie dust. I’ve also been to Tokyo Disney, and we stayed at the Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Louise has also been to Disney World in Florida. Lou, Bailey & Josh absolutely love Disneyland. Travers really enjoyed the rides, but Blake & I could only handle about 2 hours during the day, then we needed a break. We’d go back to the park later, during the cool of the night.

That’s an advantage of staying at one of the 3 Disney hotels, we chose to stay at the Disneyland Hotel. It’s easy to leave the park, chill at the pool, grab a cocktail from ‘Trader Sams’, have nap in the cool comfort of your hotel room, then wander back to the park(s) via ‘Downtown Disney’. There are actually 2 parks.

The original Disneyland to the left as you pass through security and California Adventure to the right. With our park hopper passes, we could move from park to park, and with ‘fast-pass’ pre-book rides and minimise wait times.

California Adventure is open until 10pm and Disneyland closes at midnight. Bailey was escorted off the premises by Mickey & Minnie one night, protesting that there was still a minute left until the gates shut.

Being here in the California summer was testing. The crowds were big and the heat was brutal. The popular attractions have wait times of up to an hour during peak times. Of all the Keeler’s, I declare Josh the winner as far as most rides. I think he did 27. As for most photogenic, Bailey wins in a landslide. She had a different outfit every day, with mouse ears to match. She received lots of compliments every day from Disney cast members and even other park goers with regular shout outs: “Love your outfit”!

Yes, Disneyland is expensive, and personally, I’ve had my fill of Disneyland. For me, it’s a long way from Sunday nights watching Walt’s ‘Wonderful World of Disney’. I have no intention of ever walking through the turnstiles again, but the joy on my family’s little faces was worth every cent. For them it will always be – ‘The happiest place on Earth’ and that to me is priceless.

Disneyland – by Blake & Kevy

Disneyland. The people here are too happy. Why does everything have to be so much fun? I find the ambiance to be too magical. It’s unnatural. I thought Lord Farquad decreed that all fairytale creatures be banished from the kingdom and that all fruitcakes and freaks were hereby evicted?!

The princesses are not convincing. Their dresses seemed unsuitable for the occasion. Let alone the ridiculously hot California summer heat! It’s as if they’re overcompensating. I don’t mean any disrespect if they are genuine royalty, but they were taking selfies with commoners, just like Meghan Markle and the Kardashians.

Peter Pan gave me no peanut butter. Captain Jack shared no rum. And Elsa made me no ice. I did eat a crab meat sandwich at ‘Earl of Sandwich’. Sorry kids, I think it was Sebastian.  

The induced laughter & smiles made the corners of my mouth numb & my belly feeling uncomfortably of butterflies. The security guards would not permit me to abide in the sleeping quarters of the castle. My Mickey Mouse ears fooled no one. Worst of all, I had to explain to my 16 year old son Blake why there were 5 Goofy’s in the park, on the same day, and why they were all wearing different outfits?! It was worse than last Christmas, when I had to explain to him why there were so many Santa’s at Westfield West Lakes.   

Ask yourself. Do you enjoy hot, sweaty, overcrowded places? Long lines, terrible rides, annoying kids, stupid mascots, dumb music, unreasonably over-priced tickets, and nasty, expensive food? If you answered yes to any or all of the above, then you’re gonna’ love Disneyland.