General information  Highlights Nature trail Getting there
	The last remaining virgin          rainforest in Phuket
			Nature-education trails

      Forest walking trails have been developed at all 3 of the park's stations; each station has a circular nature-education trail situated close by. Naturally formed ponds and streams can be found along the way for slaking your thirst and helping to cool down in the intense heat and humidity of the forest. Details of each trail are as follows:

"A female Orange-bellied flowerpecker consuming a ripe fruit of Streblus asperinfront of the Park Headquarters Office. This bird also competes with the gibbons for food." (B0004 @Suwit Punnadee)

1. Baan Taak nature-education trail at the Park Headquarters
       Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife in the area surrounding the station, where the last remaining wild boar in the forest are often seen foraging. This area is not as well known as the two other park entrances, so has fewer visitors. It is a fairly easy trail circuit passing through plain terrain into dense secondary rainforest, which covers a distance of 1,500 meters.

      This station consists of a spacious office which also contains a meeting room. In addition, Baan Taak houses both the park director and the other staff-members in basic accommodation. The visitor's facilities include a basic camp site and toilets.

The local kids jump down to swim in cool ponds. (K0015 @Phamon Sumphanthamitr)

2. Bang Pae nature-education trails at the Bang Pae sub-station
       This is KPT's recreational heart; in contrast to Baan Taak it is much visited by both Thais and foreigners. The attractions of Bang Pae include the waterfall, the gibbon rehabilitation site and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project information centre. The trail circuit passes through steep terrain along concrete paths on the banks parallel to the stream, then reaches the best viewing point of Bang Pae waterfall. Go deeper into dense primary rainforest along the dirt path up to Wang Sai, the water basin in the middle of the forest where some of the gibbons from the first successful release can sometimes be seen and heard. From here, the visitors can cross through the primary rainforest to Ton Sai waterfall, or turn back to the sub-station along a circular path in the territory of another gibbon family, where you can also find a spectacular view-point looking out to the Andaman Sea. This circular trail has a total distance of 2,500 meters.

     This sub-station has a very small and inconspicuous office, and very basic staff accommodation. There is also a guest-house overlooking the Bang Pae Reservoir where water from the waterfall is collected for agricultural activities in surrounding villages. Visitor's facilities are basic although there are camping areas situated along the reservoir close to the park's entrance, and also some restaurants and toilets.

At the GRP's rehabilitation site and information center, visitors can see some of the gibbon enclosures from a viewing platform. These gibbons are under our rehabilitation programme prior to the release stage. The visitors also will be touched by the friendly spirit of our volunteers who play the role of resource personnel. They provide information and share their knowledge of gibbon reintroduction and conservation.

 See Bang Pae sub-station's map.

3. Ton Sai nature-education trails at the KW-Centre
       The other important attraction is the spacious Ton Sai waterfall and well equipped visitor center. Two circular trails pass through steep terrain. One trail has a total distance of 600 meters along the concrete path to the waterfall, and the other is a 2 kilometer trek along the nature trail which reaches a clump of palm lang kaw about half way through the loop. This beautiful palm is categorised as endemic and is a rare and endangered plant species. From here the visitors can cross through the primary rain forest to the other side, Bang Pae waterfall, or back to the center along a circular path.

       The centre is able to accommodate a large number of both local and foreign visitors. Well-established facilities include the tourist information centre, exhibition hall, seminar room, restaurants, camping zone and at least 6 basic guest-houses which are available throughout the year. For any enquiries, please contact 076 311 98.

"A baby Spiny turtle feeding on a Russula sp mushroom. These turtles are often found in streams or crawling onto a bank. Some times they can be found feeding on ripe fruits that gibbons drop from the canopy." (R0004 @Suwit Punnadee)

See KW-Center's map.

4. Bang Pae -Ton Sai nature-education trail
       The longest trail is a 3.5 kilometer trek cutting through the heart of the forest. From the car park, walk along the 500 metre concrete path parallel to the stream to reach the best view point of Bang Pae waterfall. Then continue approximately a kilometer further along the steep pathway up to a water basin called "Wang Sai", which is part of the reintroduced gibbons' territory. From here, keep going along the path for another kilometre parallel to the stream. Here you will enter into the territory of another gibbon family and make your way to a clump of palm lang kaw, a beautiful plant of the Palmae family first discovered here in 1929. Carry on along the path down the valley for a kilometre to reach the final destination of this trail, "Ton Sai waterfall".

       For family groups or the less adventurous visitor who may prefer to walk along a shorter trail, the easily accessible 500 metre paths toward the Bang Pae waterfall or Ton Sai waterfall are ideal, and the scenery is just as spectacular. Alternately, there is the longer distance trail along the softer terrain of Baan Taak nature-education trail. Why not make the most of these idealistic surroundings with an eco-friendly picnic close to either of the waterfalls or the reservoir where you can simply sit back and enjoy the serenity without breaking a sweat!

     
       "The local kids enjoy a basic ecological lessen at Bang Pae reservoir. On the right, a huge fallen tree covers part of the trail, which is a common occurance in the rainy season." (K0016 @Owart Maprang; K0024 @Phamon Sumphanthamitr)

       The nature-education trail does not always remain clear, especially in the rainy season when plant growth is very fast, branches drop, and large trees often fall down covering the trail. Visitors must be aware that information and directional signs are scarce along the nature trails. Although the path is fairly easy to follow, it may be worth hiring a lecturer who knows the forest to prevent the chance of straying onto the wrong pathway and becoming lost. There are also no toilet facilities along the way, so make sure to use facilities provided at the stations before heading off. Reception for mobile phones grows weaker as you go further into the forest, and there are areas where there is no signal at all. Arrangements will need to be made in advance if you wish to take a lecturer with you.

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