Save Koh Tao: On Island Resources & Sustainable Tourism
It’s easy to understand why Koh Tao has become a popular destination. Beautiful beaches, tropical coral reefs, palm tree groves and ancient rainforest, Koh Tao is a spectacular tropical island.
Yet it’s important that we take a moment to consider our impact on Koh Tao & the Gulf of Thailand, and all make an effort to ensure that the island remains un spoilt.
Once of the most important resources on the island is fresh water. With such a small catchment area, and steep slopes allowing the majority of rainfall to run rapidly into the ocean, water is a very valuable commodity. Especially compared with the growing demand for Koh Tao accommodation.
Similarly, with no fixed power lines running from the Thai mainland, all electricity used on Koh Tao has to be generated locally.
All of us can do our part to help preserve Koh Tao by using these resources sparingly. For example turning off a light when you’re not using it, not running the a/c whilst your balcony doors are wide open, and trying to conserve water by not needlessly leaving a tap or shower running. It all helps.
Similarly, rubbish is another challenge facing the island. Any waste produced on Koh Tao either has to be carried off the island by boat, or incinerated. Again we can all help the situation by being considerate of the waste which we’re producing, for example trying to minimize the amount of plastic bags which we use when shopping, and placing glass, plastic bottles and cans in designated recycling bins.
Electricity and Water Supply
The electricity supply used by Simple Life Koh Tao Resort is reliable and we have a backup system in the event of failure. However, when you visit Koh Tao you need to remember that you are visiting a small, remote tropical island. On rare occasions it’s possible that the power supply may be interrupted for a few moments – during that time you can be assured that we’re doing everything we can to restore electricity as quickly as possible.
Similarly for water, we have a main well and backup system in place, with ample storage to get through our dry season, yet on very rare occasions it may be necessary for us to carry out maintenance work or switch between supplies. In the unlikely event that this does happen whilst you’re here, please bear with us for the few moments it takes – we’ll be restoring normal service as rapidly as possible.
Summary
Koh Tao is a spectacular destination, and the highlight of many people’s visit to Thailand.
But please remember that this is a small, remote and relatively undeveloped island paradise. The infrastructure supporting Koh Tao resort accommodation isn’t the same as say Bangkok or Singapore, so sometimes you’ll have to bear with us.
And most importantly please remember, it’s up to all of us to make an effort to help preserve this special place.
