Squealer magazine - The Travel Issue

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SQUEALER MAGAZINE / ISSUE 9.5

ISSUE 9.5 / JULY 2014KOH SAMUI’S DEFINITIVE TOILET READ

SQUEALERM

AGAZINE

THE

KEEPCALM

AND

TRAVEL WITH US

GEORGE CLOONEY“A Day Without Laughing Is A Wasted Day.”

FOCUS ON KOH SAMUIThe top tropical island in the sun.

CHILLY ON SAMUI?Only in the food!

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EditorLorraine Clark

Design and Web ets.io

[email protected]

[email protected]

SQUEALER magazine

Email: [email protected]: www.squealermagazine.com

Questions and Contact:

WELCOMEThe Squealer puts the fun back in travel, nothing more nothing less…

To start us off we place the focus firmly on Koh Samui, a little island just off the coast of Thai-land. It may be small but it’s big in attitude and style, well it hasn’t been voted the best beach holiday destination in Asia for nothing.

So to get us in the mood, enjoy some travel quotes from some seasoned travelers…

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” - Lao Tzu

“In America there are two classes of travel - first class, and with children.” - Robert Benchley

“What does it mean to pre-board? Do you get on before you get on?”- George Carlin

“When I’m home, I spend Sunday with my husband. If we’re not cooking, we travel around in our camper, stop at fast-food restaurants, and picnic. We love that stuff that will harden your arteries in a hurry.” - Dolly Parton

“Southeast Asia has a real grip on me. From the very first time I went there, it was a fulfillment of my childhood fantasies of the way travel should be.” - Anthony Bourdain

“When I think, where did I laugh the most, where did I eat the most, where did I just feel good all the time, I would say making the Bond movie ‘Die Another Day.’ To be part of such an iconic fran-chise and to travel to exotic places - that was the mo...” - Halle Berry

Happy travels!Lorraine

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DON’T CRY FOR ME KOH SAMUIJoe Swain laments the demise of Koh Samui’s once proud species of visitor: the backpacker

TRAVEL SQUEALER

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It’s hard to imagine Koh Samui as it was in 1989. No airport, no giant superstores, no golf courses and certainly no McDonalds. Indeed, it was a major stopping off point on the South East Asian backpacker route and as such,

catered mainly for budget travelers. Or ‘bloody hippies’ as they were affectionately known in those days. The sort of people who thought nothing of spending an hour haggling an impoverished coconut farmer down from 60 Baht a night (to displace him and his family from their rickety timber shack) to 59 Baht. “We’re not rich you know” they’d whine as they snapped away at disappearing sunsets with their 1000 USD Olympus Trip camer-as. “You must understand, we’re not tourists, we’re travelers. “As is such a minor change in terminology might bring about a ritual slaughtering of scared chickens by an overjoyed tribal leader, a garland of flowers and a free opium pipe. I know all this of course be-cause I was one of them. I didn’t think of myself as a hippy though; that was a term strictly reserved for people who ‘traveled’ in India. We were the new breed of backpackers, twenty something office workers who’d saved up enough cash from their grimy city jobs to see a little more of the world than the Spanish Costas. We accepted the tag ‘backpacker’ more readily

because we actually used backpacks to carry our things around rather than the rolled up sarongs favoured by the hippies. Not that the Thais saw the difference. I remember chatting to a bar own-er in Samui’s then most frequented bar called The Pink Flamingo (or something like that) who asked me a straightforward enough question. “Why is it”, he enquired, “that you all carry around

those huge bags on your backs and yet all you ever wear are shorts and vests? What’s in the bags? 30 more pairs of shorts and 30 more vests?’ I had no answer. In those days a trip to Samui entailed an over-night voyage on a packed open-topped ferry

from the mainland port of Suratthani. There was talk of an airport coming soon, a truth that usually solicited a “what a shame” type response from the budget bunnies who thought such a move would surely be disastrous for the island’s businesses. They (ok ‘we’) were of the horribly naïve opinion that the retaliatory shift to less spoilt Thai islands (i.e. poorer ones) that the air-

port’s arrival would surely spark the consequent removal of our sweaty little wads of cash from the local economy, would somehow sound the island’s death knell as one of the most popular ‘R&R’ destinations in Asia. A conclusion based upon the view that the only people willing to holiday in places like Samui were those who didn’t mind roughing it a bit. In a way we were right. Backpack-ers are indeed a rare sight on Samui today. But you’d be hard pushed to find a local business-man ruing that fact. The island has, you might say, ‘un-rough-ened’ itself rather spectacularly.

A process which started with the arrival of the airport. It now boasts a plethora of International standard hotels and resorts and it draws its mil-lions of annual visitors from virtually every coun-try in the world. Indeed some would say it now rivals its traditional big brothers, Phuket and Bali in that category. Distressing news for the hippies,

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who kept their side of the bargain by moving to neighbouring, Koh Phangan and Koh Lanta on the West Coast. And whilst the airport is still one of the cutest you will ever see, with its beautiful open air terminal buildings and manicured lawns, an extension to the runway has opened the door for Thai operator Bangkok Airways to complement its original propeller fleet with small jets. A move which has, for example, cut the journey time from Singapore down to well under two hours. But more interestingly perhaps is not the island’s

growth as a tourist resort, but as a retirement and holiday home destination. Recent changes in land laws have made it possible, with naviga-ble restrictions, for foreigners to own property here on a long term basis. This has seen a an incredible acceleration in construction and a market of such buoyancy that is now able to attract buyers way from traditional hotspots like England, Spain, Florida and Western Australia. The latest figures cite an expatriate population in excess of 25,000. Hence the rush to build state of the art golf courses, plush villa complexes, Inter-national schools and high-tech business parks.

Some people worry about the sheer ace of the island’s development. That with the construction of so many back garden swimming pools, Samui will surely sink into the sea. And it’s true, s with all construction boom towns, the local saloons boast more than a few Stetson-clad builders selling their dubious dreams to impressionable on-line investors. But in my opinion the sort of people, who can afford to spend anything be-tween 200,000 USD and 2,000,000 USD on a slice of paradise without even making a site visit, de-serve to be fleeced. The best advice is probably look around for a developer who actually lives in one of his or her own complexes, or, better still, has a Samuian on the board of directors.

I make no great bones about being a big fan of Samui. Every time I go there I wish I could afford to buy a piece of it before it’s too late. Prices have risen steadily over the last 10 years but it’s still true to say that for what you would pay to own a crappy little one-bedroom flat above a fish and chip shop in some godforsaken provincial sub-urb in England, you can still get a 3-bedroomed luxury villa with all the trimmings here in Samui. No sweat.These days the fashionable investors are buying plots on inland developments within a quick drive or a healthy evening stroll of the beaches, rather than paying high premiums for a salt-in-the-nostrils location. You might not get that Mali-bu-de-bum-bum experience that the rock stars so enjoy, but you get far more square meters for your money. Wherein lies one of Samui’s greatest

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ironies. For 30 years ago (the first tourist didn’t arrive until the mid-70’s) the island’s main wealth lay in its lush coconut plantations, which were, and still are, mainly located inland. Hence local families would reward their ‘good’ offspring with bequests of fertile inland plots, as a reward for being goodie goodies. Whilst the naughty ones were fobbed off with the ‘rubbish’ beachside plots. Who says the meek are going to inherit the earth?

Want to learn more?

Visit www.samuiholiday.com

Getting there:

Bangkok Airways flies from a variety of locations seven days a week: www.bangkokair.com for details.

Living there:

Call Holiday Property Abroad on +66 89 047 6348 or visit their website www.holidaypropertyabroad.com(buy me one, please)

http://www.holidaypropertyabroad.com

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SAMUI PHOTOS

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SAMUI PHOTOS

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Back in the 1970s the word ‘Samui’ was known only to a few of the most adventurous backpackers eager to explore this little known and tricky to reach island.

Then, a basic thatched bungalow with generator power and running water was considered luxury.

Nowadays, 5-star resorts, that rival any world-class destina-tion, occupy the prime beach-front and cliff-top locations bringing the jetsetter crowd to this now well-known and easily accessible island in the Gulf of Thailand.

Samui is Thailand’s third largest island, yet measures just 21 kilometres at its widest point and 25 at its longest. A ring-road runs around the island for approximately 50 kilometres and links the many beaches and bays, so hiring a car or scooter is recommended, as it’s the best way to explore. Don’t be afraid to venture down an unmarked palm-lined track – this is how you come across some of Samui’s best kept secret beaches.

And it’s beaches after all that bring visitors to a tropical island, and those visitors will not be disappointed with Samui’s selection of bays and coves - from long stretches of white sand, to small coves, protected by giant boulders.

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SQUEALER MAGAZINE / ISSUE 9.5Samui’s eastern and northern shores are the most populated, and Chaweng is the busiest beach, with hardly a gap along the beachfront between restaurants, resorts and bars. At night, the beach takes off her sundress and glams up with her evening dress, completes with diamond earrings – metaphorically speak-ing that is.

As the sun sets, sun-loungers are replaced with tables set out at the water’s edge. The aroma of sunscreen is replaced by the mouth-watering smells wafting from the open seafood barbe-cues on the beach. Sunglasses come off, first to view the brilliant sunsets, and later to gaze at the moon over the bay, or the fairy lights and lanterns lighting up the beach and palm trees.

As developed as Samui has become in some areas, what’s good to know is that the island observes a quaint building regulation – no building may be higher than the closest coconut palm. Now while these palms can get quite tall, this is still a far cry from the skyscrapers that line Phuket’s (Thailand’s biggest island) shore,

and most resorts are still of the villa or bungalow style. If you’re looking for a slower pace, head west and south and get a feel of what Samui must have been like a few decades ago.

Another beach worth visiting is Choeng Mon at the north-east-ern tip of the island. Frequented by expats, this is an ideal family beach, with just enough vendors to be convenient when you’re looking for a snack or drink, but not enough to bother you. South of Chaweng, before Samui’s second largest beach of Lamai, are two small coves, namely Crystal Bay and Coral Cove.

Samui has more to offer visitors and residents than just glori-ous beaches. Golf enthusiasts will delight in the views on offer from the challenging Santiburi Golf Club, high up in the hills above Maenam. There’re other golfing options available on the island too, including mini golf, and believe it or not, football golf. There’s a fair selection of adrenalin sports, both on land and in water too.Prefer something a little less energetic? Well Samui has become

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known as a spa, detox and pampering hub of Southeast Asia. Whether you’re after a full detox program or just a day of ‘me time’, you’ll find a vast array of spas to choose from. You can’t go wrong with a 300 baht massage on the beach too.

Whether you’re a backpacker, a flashpacker or a 5-star-all-the-way kind of traveller, again, Samui will please accommoda-tion-wise. From tiny beach bungalows, with not more than a hammock swinging between two trees, to luxury establishments offering the best of everything as well as all types of rooms in between, you’ll find it on Samui. There’s traditional to contem-porary, family-friendly to hip and happening and all-inclusive resorts to self-catering establishments too.

One of the best parts of travelling is trying new food. Whether it’s Thai food you’re after or international cuisine, Samui’s chefs can prepare it for you. Be sure to try a walking street market during your stay too.

Fancy a night out on the town? Well the busier areas such as Chaweng and Lamai are home to a vast selection of night clubs, bars and cabaret shows. But you don’t have to wait until evening to party, with venues such as Nikki Beach on the west coast, and Beach Republic on the east coast, hosting DJs from lunchtime as guests mingle, dine and laze by the beachfront pools.

There’s plenty to see too during your stay, from viewpoints to

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temples and religious sites and butterfly gardens to Muay Thai boxing matches. There’s so much to see and do, that’s it’s best to make a list of your favourites so you don’t miss out.

Shopaholics won’t be disappointed with the retail therapy on offer. From bargaining at market stands to buying local design-er-wear or original souvenirs made on Samui , you’ll find just what you’re looking for. Samui may not have big shopping malls (yet), but that doesn’t mean shopping can’t be fun and reward-ing as you wander along the shopping strips set back from the beaches. Of course, you can have a suit tailor-made too in just a day or two. Who would have thought?

Whether you’re planning an action-packed holiday, or a time to unwind with the family, you can find all the information you re-quire at www.samuiholiday.com. It will even tell you how to get here …

www.samuiholiday.com

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Holiday Property Abroad – Villa rentals on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand.

We have a great selection of rental villas to choose from – With the best deals and the knowledge to be able to make your Villa vacation dream come true.

If you can’t find what you like on our website, contact us with your details and we will look for you! www.holidaypropertyabroad.com

email: [email protected] phone: (+66) 089 047 6348

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FUNNIESA TOUCHING LOVE STORY… An 82-year old woman was arrested for shoplifting. When she went before the judge he asked her: “What did you steal?” She replied: “A can of peaches.” The judge asked her why she had stolen the can of peaches And she replied that she was hungry. The judge then asked her how many peaches were in the can. She replied: “6.” The judge said: “Then I will give you 6 days in jail.” Before the judge could conclude the trial, the woman’s husband spoke up and asked the judge if he could say something. The judge said: “Yes, what is it?” The husband said: “She also stole a can of peas.”

AN IRISHMAN AND THE MERCEDESOn a golf tour in Ireland, Tiger Woods drives his Mercedes into a petrol station in a remote part of the Irish countryside.The pump attendant, who knows absolutely nothing about golf, greets him in a typical Irish manner completely unaware of who the golfing pro is. “Top of the mornin’ toyer, sir” says theattendant.Tiger nods a quick, “hello” and bends forward to pick up the nozzle. As he does so, two tees fall out of his shirt pocket onto the ground. “What be those?” asks theattendant.“They’re called tees,” replies Tiger. “Well, what on this God’s earth are dey for?” inquires the Irishman.“They’re for resting my balls on when I’m driving,” says Tiger. “Jaysus,” says the Irishman, “Mercedes think of everything!”

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FUNNIESSOME QUICKIESThe Grim Reaper came for me last night, and I beat him off with a vacuum cleaner. Talk about Dyson with death.

A mate of mine recently admitted to being addicted to brake fluid. When I quizzed him on it he reckoned he could stop any time....

I went to the cemetery yesterday to lay some flowers on a grave. As I was standing there I noticed 4 grave diggers walking about with a coffin, 3 hours later and they’re still walking about with it. I thought to myself, they’ve lost the plot!!

I was at an ATM yesterday when a little old lady asked if I could check her balance , so I pushed her over.

I was driving this morning when I saw an RAC van parked up. The driver was sobbing uncontrollably and looked very miserable. I thought to myself that guy’s heading for a breakdown. Statistically, 6 out of 7 dwarves are not Happy. Paddy says “Mick, I’m thinking of buying a Labrador .”Bugger that” says Mick “have you seen how many of their owners go blind?”

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

Tom Ka Gai4-6 cups good-tasting chicken stock 1 stalk lemongrass, minced, 3 kaffir lime leaves 3-4 cloves garlic, minced1-2 red chilies, finely sliced, OR substitute 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. dried crushed chili 3 Tbsp. Fish SauceA generous handful of fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced thinly12 medium raw shrimp, shells removed1/2 can good-quality coconut milk, OR 1/2 can evaporated milk1 Tbsp. freshly-squeezed lime juice1/3 cup fresh coriander (cilantro), roughly choppedoptional: 1/2 tsp. sugaroptional: extra vegetables of your choice (shown here: cherry tomatoes & broccoli)

Preparation:1. Pour stock into a deep cooking pot and bring to a boil.2. Add the lemongrass and boil for 1-2 minutes. If using fresh lemongrass, also add the upper stalk pieces for extra flavor .3. Add garlic, chili, lime leaves, and mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 1-2 minutes.4. Add the shrimp (plus other vegetables such as cherry toma-toes and broccoli, if using). Simmer 3-4 minutes, or until shrimp is pink and plump.5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the coconut milk plus fish sauce and lime juice. Stir well to combine and gently sim-mer until hot. Test the soup for salt and spice, adding more fish sauce instead of salt (I usually add 1 more Tbsp.), or more chili as desired. If too sour, add 1/2 tsp. sugar. If too spicy for your taste or if you’d like it creamier, add more coconut milk. If too salty, add another squeeze of lime juice.6. Serve in bowls with fresh coriander sprinkled over. For an extra hit of flavor, you can also add some Thai chili sauce.

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To virtually visit Koh Samui…www.samuiholiday.com

Top 10 Foods1. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)2. Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)3. Tom Kha Gai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)4. Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)5. Pad Thai (Thai style Fried Noodles)6. Khao Pad (Fried Rice)7. Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry)8. Yam Nua (Spicy Beef Salad)9. Pak Boong (Morning Glory)10. Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with Cashew Nuts)

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FEATURE

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SAMUI FACTSKoh means island in Thai

Samui is Thailand’s third largest island

It is only about a 50 kms drive to get round the whole island

Koh Samui is surrounded by sixty other islands, some inhabited…some not!

“Tom Yum Goong” or Spicy Shrimp Soup is Thailand’s No1 food

The Thai Elephant is the symbol of the nation – the king has ten rare ‘white’ ele-phants

“Tu Rian” or Durian fruit is the most expen-sive Thai fruit and banned from some pub-lic places

Koh Samui Airport is often described as “the most beautiful airport in the world”

“Cha Yen” or Thai Iced Tea is one of the most traditional everyday drinks

“Khom Fai” or Sky Lanterns are often re-leased on the many beaches by people for good luck

Thailand is known as “The Land of Smiles” for a reason, so remember to ‘Smile a lot’!

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The traditional form of greeting is a “Wai” , where both hands are put together “prayer like’ and rasied the

face…here is a short video to help you out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCgJx4j9Sow

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“The funky café with a twist!”A full café menu, accompanied

with high class cuisine…The En-glish style Fish & Chips will blow your mind! The A La Carte menu

will delight your senses and there is plenty to choose from the Fine

Wines, Beers and Champagne on offer, there is most definitely something for everyone at The

Red Brick Café.

Fully air-conditioned restaurant, with a Kiddies Corner with enter-tainment for the younger ones…giving parents a chance to enjoy themselves and relax a little. Fast

WIFI and Flat screen TV’s.

You can find us in the Boonjum-nong Apartment complex (also home to Wine Connection and

The Irish Times), adjacent to Tesco Lotus Chaweng.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Tel: 077 484 980 Email: [email protected]

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SQUEALER MAGAZINE / ISSUE 9.5 Stand Out From The Rest Advertise in The Squealer and get yourself noticed!

The Definitive Toilet ReadTraveling needn’t be such a heartbreaking affair…

Come to Koh Samui AND bring the family!

For more information contact: [email protected] or phone Lorraine (the one who does most everything in the office)

(+66) 089 047 6348Issuu

www.squealermagazine.com

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