Phuket Tales: A Tribute To Tour Guides

Back in 2009, I submitted an account of my Mount Kinabalu experience to The Star Newspaper, hoping to win a voucher from a beach side resort. I did not win the vouchers, but my submission was published nonetheless, in the newspaper, on 3 October 2009.

Julius and me, standing atop Mt. Kinabalu

The focus of my submission was of the crucial role played by our mountain guide, one Mr. Julius Dani, in us successfully reaching Low's Peak, the highest point of the mountain.

It was a tribute of sorts, and an expression of gratitude towards his assistance throughout our hike.
(The full length submission can be found at the following link http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/10/3/lifetravel/4827246&sec=lifetravel)

Having just recently returned from a short trip to Phuket, Thailand, an encounter with another guide, this time a sea canoe guide, prompted me to sit down and write another piece about the importance of these irreplaceable members of the tourism and hospitality industry.

We met JJ (short for Jarean Chanapon) of Sea Canoe (Thailand) Co Ltd. on board our escort boat for the Phang Nga Bay canoeing day trip. We had the whole boat to ourselves as it was low season for travellers, and my friends and I got to know JJ better as the day progressed.

JJ is fluent in English, which makes communication a breeze. Having spent the best part of the past two decades in Phuket (with the last nine years as a guide in Sea Canoe), he has clearly mastered the art of connecting with travellers from different walks of life.

Playing the perfect canoe guide was probably part of his job description, and he pulled this off with minimal effort. JJ cracked jokes and played photographer to the four of us, while providing commentaries regarding the many sea tunnels and lagoons that we paddled into.

JJ and Joe, our paddling guides for the day

It was, however, what he offered after the canoe trip that made him one of the more memorable tour guides that we have ever had. He had volunteered to show us around Phuket Island on his off days without asking for compensation beyond the fuel cost for his car.

The morning following our canoe trip, he showed up at our resort in Patong and brought us to an ATV ("All-Terrain-Vehicle") operator near Ao Por, north-east of Phuket Island, where we spent an hour joy-riding across muddy terrains, past sandy beaches and through the jungle.

We had lunch at a beach side restaurant which catered mostly to the locals, so much so that we were surprised to see a couple of westerners sitting at an adjacent table. Lunch included steamed fish, prawn, chicken and vegetables, with portions enough for all five of us, and cost only THB850 (approximately RM85). Contrast this to our dinner for four, the night before, at the tourist area of Patong street, where there were no prawn, no fish, and yet we were still charged THB990.

As the next day was Wesak, and our flight departing Phuket was scheduled at 9.45 pm, we had a full day to explore Phuket town. JJ continued playing host by driving us to various lookout points throughout the island (such as the Karon View Point), the Wat Chalong, the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hills, elephant trekking, and another sumptuous and affordable lunch at Nai Yao Luktharn situated at a secluded part of Palai Beach.

By the end of our trip, lifetime-lasting friendships were well established among JJ and our little group of travellers. Before sending us back to our resort for our transfer to Phuket International Airport, we exchanged contact information and promises to keep in touch.

Andy, JJ and me at the Big Buddha site

So, to our dear friends, Mr. JJ and Mr. Julius, as well as the other guides that we have met from our many adventures (such as Eric from Mt. Kinabalu, Joe from Sea Canoe, and the unnamed elephant trainers), we thank you for making these trips memorable by your sheer presence and your willingness to ensure that we, the tourists, have the best time that we can possibly have.