"Koh Phi Phi (post tsunami)" Ko Phi Phi Don by K1W1

Koh Phi Phi was devastated by the tsunami that shocked the world on Dec 26th 2004. The wave came in from the right (see the photo below) and swept almost everything in it's wake into the bay on the left. What was once a dense strip of trees and bungalows, was now just sand and debris.
Although very sad, it did return the island to a very natural state with little in the way of development left. I felt very lucky to be there at the time as the island really was beautiful and it was a pleasure to be there.

This photo was taken from the viewpoint in May 05,

Tonsai Bay - post tsunami

Arrived in May for a 3 day visit,
Still here after 6 months,
Love the place and people.

This is a very common story amongst those who have been volunteering on Phi Phi since the Boxing Day tsunami. The island was buzzing with new energy and those lucky enough to visit were treated to a rare privilege of seeing and experiencing this paradise before it gets to the developed stage that it was pre Dec 26th 2004.

I have a many photos and info on Phi Phi, so If you have any questions about Phi Phi, email and I'll try to answer them for you.

8am wasn't easy, especially after a big night !

At 8.00am every day but Friday, there would be a queue outside the Adventure Club, and we were given our kit for the days' diving. Those who arrived early enough got a dose of caffine as well while waiting out on the footpath outside
A typical day started at 9.00am (after collecting your kit at 8.00am), and we took a boat out into the bay, where we would dive 2 cylinders each. Lunch was back on shore from about 12.15 to 1.15 and then we went back out for another cylinder. We would usually finish up, clean and return our kit and be out about 3.30pm.
The crew changed continuously as the 'volunteers' consisted of travellers who could afford a bit of time out of their travel plans. This varied from a half day to several months. There were always fresh faces and this kept the job interesting.

Dive Camp consisted of divers for the underwater cleanup and snorkellers who worked in the shallows and beaches, and also retrieved the heavy nets of debris sent up by the divers.

HI Phi Phi is another volunteer organisation who worked in harmony with the Dive Camp, but concentrated on the cleanup away from the water.

During 2005, there was a special community atmosphere amongst those helping out. It was a privilege to be part of the group.

Thank you to all those who took part.

For those interested there is a website http://www.phiphidivecamp.com/