Koh Jum aka Koh Phu

Koh Jum and Koh Phu is an island of medium size located near the coast between Koh Lanta and Krabi. We used the term "an island" deliberately, because it has the strange peculiarity, and perhaps the only, to have two names. The hilly northern part of the island, with a peak reaching 395 meters, is called Koh Phu, meaning Crab Island, while the flat southern part covered by casuarina trees and palms is named Koh Jum. Both names are commonly used to identify it by the approximately 3,000 residents, which are very proud of this peculiarity, although the island's official name is considered Koh Jum. The majority of island residents are Muslim, though there are also communities of Chao Ley sea gypsies, on Koh Jum, as well as Buddhists. Virtually unknown until a few decades ago, Koh Jum in recent years has had a moderate tourism development, but it is still an unspoiled island and favorite destination for travelers which prefer a quiet and relaxed holiday just enjoying the beaches and the beautiful sunsets over the Andaman Sea. Nowadays, there are at least twenty accommodations on the island, all placed on the six beaches located along the approximately seven kilometers of the west coast. They range from the low-cost accommodation in very basic huts for backpackers to more luxurious bungalows for the most demanding taste. There’s nothing more than a handful of beach bars for evening entertainment, and little to do during the day except to sunbathing, water sports, and strolling along the beach. The wild sandy beaches are characterized by rocky stretches at low tide, but they’re mostly long and always uncrowned offering peace and privacy to the lovers of beach activities. Baan Koh Jum is island’s main village. Situated on the southeastern tip, it is home of island's school, a few local shops and small restaurants, and one of the island’s three piers, which allow the connection of Koh Jum to Laem Kruat Pier on the mainland. Just one kilometer to west is placed Long Beach, the island’s most popular beach. Next to Long Beach lies Golden Pearl Beach, which is just south of Baan Ting Rai, the village located in the middle of west coast. Continuing the journey to the north you can find the remote beaches placed at Ao Si, Ao Ting Rai, and Ao Luboa. Located on the northeastern tip, Baan Koh Phu is the island’s third village. It is home of the Bua Mosque, a school and of another pier, which is the closer to Laem Kruat Pier, approximately 9 kilometers away.
Getting there - In high season, from 1st November to late April, you can get to Koh Jum with the ferry service that leaves from Klong Jilad Pier, just outside downtown Krabi, and reaches Baan Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta. During its crossing, the ferry makes two stops along the western coast of Koh Jum and then at island's main pier at Baan Koh Jum. There is a daily departure from Krabi at 11:30 and reaches Koh Jum in about one and half hours. The return trip from Koh Lanta departs at 13:30, stop-over on Koh Jum after half hour for then reaching Krabi at 15:30. The one-way ticket from Krabi costs around 400 THB. During the same period there is a ferry that connects Koh Jum to Phi Phi Islands. Ferry leaves from Koh Jum at 8:30 reaching Ton Sai Pier on Phi Phi Don at 11:00; the return trip departs from Phi Phi at 14:00. The one-way ticket costs around 400 THB. There’s no ferry service to Koh Jum in low season, so to reach the island you’ll have to take a taxi to Laem Kruat Pier from Krabi Town, about 37 km away, and then hire a long-tail boat until the pier in Baan Koh Phu. It is not really convenient, not less than 2,000 THB for boat and taxi, but the only way to reach Koh Jum during the monsoon season.Read More