Ko Tarutao

Ko Tarutao is the largest of the 51 islands in the Tarutao National Marine Park archipelago in the Southern Andaman Coast of Southern Thailand, in Satun Province.

An introduction to Ko Tarutao

Ko Taratao lies roughly 30 kilometers west off the coastal city of Satun. The island is 26.5 kilometers long and 11 kilometers wide. The highest point is over 700 m elevation. Rainforest covers over 70 percent of the island.

The name Tarutao comes from the (Malay) words "Pulau Tertua" (the island of old).

In the early 1940s Ko Tarutao was used as a prison because it was remote and hard to escape from.

The 5th season of the television show Survivor was filmed on Ko Tarutao.

Get in

There is a one-time national park admission charge upon arrival of 200 Baht for foreign adults and 40 Baht for (Thai) adults.

Speedboats operating between Ko Lipe and Pak Bara will stop at Ko Tarutao if the captain is notified ahead of time. An extra charge may have to be paid. The journey from Pak Bara takes 30 min. From Ko Lipe to Ko Tarutao takes 1 hr. minutes and costs 450 Baht. You may be able to buy a ticket between Pak Bara and Ko Lipe and "stopover" in Ko Tarutao for a few days. Pak Bara offers bus and shuttle van connections to most of the major cities in Thailand, while Ko Lipe can be visited from Malaysia. If taking the bus to Pak Bara from elsewhere in Thailand, make sure that you will arrive in time to catch the ferry, otherwise you will have to spend a night in Pak Bara.

Ferries depart Ko Lipe daily for Ko Tarutao at 09:30 year round, with additional daily departures at 11:30 and 15:30 during the high season (February 2022).

Ferries depart Pak Bara daily for Ko Tarutao at 11:30 year round, with additional daily departures at 09:30 and 15:30 during the high season.

Get around

Walking is the best way to see the island. The speedboats drop off passengers near the park headquarters building on the north side of the island.

What to see in Ko Tarutao

• Crocodile Cave - Tam Jorakae | Guided Tours in Ko Tarutao by ehalal.io (email for prices) from the park headquarters building.

Bays

• Ta Lo Wow Bay is on the northeast side of the island.
• Pante Malakar Bay is on the northwest side of the island.
• Son Bay is the only bay on the west side of the island and is knows as a place where turtles come to lay their eggs. Its longest beach is about 200 meters. There is a canal to divide the private beach and the public beach. Since it is on the west side of the island, it is a great place to watch the sunset.
• Makham Bay is on the southwest side of Ko Tarutao.
• Ta Lo U-Dung Bay is on the southeast side of Ko Tarutao and offers a view of the tiny Singha island.

What to do in Ko Tarutao

• Beachcombing - Collecting shells is easy on the island due to the abundance of ocean wildlife and lack of visitors. Its legality is unknown.

• Birdwatching - Groups depart from the park headquarters building on the north side of the island early in the morning.

• Snorkelling - The calm, clear water makes the Tarutao Marine Park area ideal for snorkelling, with 25 percent of the world's tropical fish species found in the area. On the island Ko Tarutao itself there is not much to see when snorkelling, even though there is a good spot on the northeast side of the island which you can reach by longtail boat. According to the park staff, it is not worth going if you plan to go on to Ko Lipe or Ko Adang afterwards.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Ko Tarutao

There is no ATM on the island. The closest are in Pak Bara or Ko Lipe.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Ko Tarutao

The national park runs and manages a restaurant that provides a considerable range of good quality meals: fried rice/noodles (70 Baht), main courses (100-150 Baht), all day with cold soft drinks and water. The national park also runs a small mini-mart for Halal snack foods, halal soft drinks, and halal bottled water.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Ko Tarutao

eHalal Group is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Ko Tarutao. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Ko Tarutao ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Ko Tarutao. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2025 in Ko Tarutao

Ramadan 2025 in Ko Tarutao

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Ko Tarutao

All lodging on the island is park-owned and managed, and guests have the choice of bungalows or camping.

Bungalows

Bungalows are between 800 Baht (two persons) and 1,500 Baht (four persons). Bungalows have a varying degree of luxuriousness: some are a simple room with four beds, some have room dividers and some have outdoor toilets.

Camping Places

Tents can be hired from the park office for 150 Baht per day, which includes the cost of the tent site near the beach. The tents are not waterproof, can comfortably accommodate two persons without luggage, and lack headroom for anyone over 178 cm. Luggage can be stored in the office to free-up space in the tent. Tent sites cost 30 Baht per day if you bring your own tent.

Where to go next after Ko Tarutao

• Ko Lipe
• Pak Bara