Reflection: Astonishing Satun Geo Park

(Credit: Satun Geopark)

"Will you still go back to Davao?" a friend asked.

I paused for a moment before responding, "Satun is already my home; it is where my heart belongs, and where I believe I will die."

Satun has a lot to offer a person who enjoys wild adventure and a laid-back lifestyle, with its beautiful beaches, amazing waterfalls, green forest, delicious food, diverse culture, and ethnicity.

Very Scenic Paknam Beach, Langu, Satun, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion 
Photo Credit: Satun Travel 

It was the last day of the summer break of 2018, we were thinking to have our one-day family picnic before our kids would go back to school. 


So we were exploring the west coast of Satun, Paknam Village, Langu, Thailand, searching a quiet place where we could reach our souls. 

Unforgetable Time At Wangthainan Waterfall, Satun, Thailand

By Ianpassion, Picture credit: My Friend Philip 

I asked a friend “Bro, would you like to hike with me in the jungle and trek to the waterfall?” 

“That’s cool. Which waterfall bro?” he replied.

“Wangthainan Waterfall,  have you heard this waterfall before?” I asked.

Honeymoon 2013 | Lipe Island Satun, Thailand

By Ianpassion

I think it is not too late to write about our trip after our wedding on April 8, 2013. Actually, we planned to go to Vietnam but the Father did not allow this to happen. We went to Lipe island in Satun instead. 

Koh Lipe is one of the most famous islands in the south of Thailand located in the sea of Satun province near the border of Malaysia. Our trip to this island after our wedding turned out to be one of the most remarkable moments in our lives as a newlywed couple.

New Year 2018, Last Day in Langkawi, Malaysia, Cenang Beach, Fireworks Display, and Street food

By Ianpassion 

New Year 2018 in Langkawi, Malaysia, we were in Cenang Beach to see the countdown and fireworks display. Many travelers were there. Almost the 3 km shoreline of Cenang Beach was covered with tents, benches, mats, and people standing. 

Most of the crowd rounded the huge bonfire which was the main area of the beach. Everyone looks so excited. Minutes later the countdown began, followed by a fireworks display. It was beautiful to see the dark sky lightened as fireworks pierced up and popped like iron dome rockets. 

Family New Year 2018, 1st day to 2nd Day in Langkawi Malaysia, from Satun, Thailand

By Ianpassion

Langkawi is an island just 40 minutes by ferry from Tamalang, Satun, Thailand. It is located in the most northern part of Kuala Perlis, Malaysia, and the most southern part of the western coast of Thailand, this island is as the Jewel of Kedah.

Our decision to spend our new year 2018 in Langkawi turned out to be a remarkable one. December 30, 2017 (Saturday), at 10:00 am, we arrived at the harbor of Tammalang, Satun, Thailand.  Staff in the ticketing section told us that there was no ferry available anymore, they only had the long-tail boats but taking this would be so risky for our two little kids because of strong and high waves. 

Dao Kra Jai - The Highest Waterfall in Satun, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion

Tucked away in the jungle of Manang, Satun Province, South of Thailand, there is a waterfall called in Thai "Namtok Dao Kra Jai" or Scattered Stars Waterfall in English. This is the highest waterfall in Satun.   I have been here several times, yet I  never get bored coming again. This place is always enticing.

Together with friends, we trekked this waterfall. It was almost noon when we arrived. From the parking area, I immediately noticed the rapid sound of river streams and birds and crickets singing. Right ahead of us was a vast tropical jungle.

Delicious Street Food in Hatyai, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion

Thailand will always amaze you with its lots of choices of food especially those are on the walking streets. If you are already in the deep South of Thailand, Hatyai is the best choice for this.

Hatyai is the main city in the South, a gateway to the southern bordering countries - Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It is known as a little California in the South.

Amazing Furniture Museum (Ban Rak Mai), Manang, Satun, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion

Hidden in the village of Ban Papon, Manang, Satun, South of Thailand, there is a museum, furniture display made from roots and trunks of very old and large trees. The said place is called in Thai "Ban Rak Mai" or "Tree Roots House".

While on the road we were amused by tropical green nature. From towering mountains, rain-forest, rivers, and wooden Thai houses all were caught by our eyes. Simply they were beautiful. 

Kayaking at Wangsaithong River, Satun, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion 

Wangsaithong river, located in the most forested area of Satun, Langu district, South Thailand, is where you can paddle a kayak for 7-10 kilometers.

Although the river is in Langu district, the road leading in from Hatyai or the central town of Satun is in Manang district. As a result, some travelers believe that the Wangsaithong River is located in the Manang district.

Tam Phu Pha Phet- The Only Diamond Cave in Satun, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion

Situated in the jungle area of Manang district, Satun, South of Thailand, the Diamond Cave called Tam Phu Pha Phet in Thai is waiting for you to be explored. 

Wangsaithong - The Only Limestone Waterfall in Satun, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion

Have you ever visited a limestone waterfall? 

The Wangsaithong Waterfall is the only limestone waterfall situated in the forested district of Langu, Satun, South of Thailand. It is about two hours drive from the main city of the South of Thailand - Hatyai, and more than an hour from the central town of Satun Province.  

Underground River - Cave Jet Khot @ Manang Satun

By Ianpassion 

When you finally arrived in Manang (Satun Province), you might think that there are no more exciting things you can do, yet the underground river of Tam Jet Khot ( seven curves cave) is waiting for you to be explored. 

During our last visit here with my friends (2015), we were amazed by the spectacular beauty of the untouched tropical nature of this place. It was utterly fantastic, paddling our kayak to the mouth of the cave as entrance heading through inside the underground river - Tam Jet Khot. 

Hatyai To Satun Side Trip : Boripat Waterfall

By Ianpassion 

I was passing the Rathaphum district from Hatyai (the main city in the south of Thailand) and approaching Satun, South of Thailand when a sign on the main road caught my attention. It was the Boripat waterfall. Out of curiosity, I turned to see what was inside. 

Jungle Trekking Satun, South of Thailand I Photos of my Hiking

By Ianpassion 

I love hiking and camping. If you are of the same interest as me, don't hesitate to connect. 

With my 10 years of experience in hiking, climbing, and leading teams in the tropical jungle, I can say that I have acquired knowledge and skills that have made me better equipped for this adventure. 

Long before, when I was at the university, my friends used to call me taga bukid (a mountain boy). At that time, I felt insulted when someone labeled me taga bukid.  However, as the years passed by, I realized that I found the essence of being a mountain boy. It turned out that hiking and camping become one of my passions that I enjoyed during my holiday. With that, I am able to connect people, make friends, and reflect the beauty of nature that is replicating the strongest force-- the LOVE of our Abba Father. 

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More Pictures of my Hiking Trips 

With my friends, Mt. Apo, Philippines 

Sunrise, Mt. Apo, Philippines 

Crater, Mt. Apo, Philippines 

Our Tents, Lake Binadao, Mt. Apo, Philippines 

7 Peaks, My Tent beside the big Rock, Mt. Apo, Philippines 

Peak, Mt. Apo Philippines, Behind me is  the Lake Binadao 

Breakfast, Cooking Through Portable Stove

Sunrise Mt. Apo, Davao Site Peak 

Base 1, Gudi-gudi, Mt. Apo, Philippines 

River of Manang, Satun, South of Thailand 

River Trekking, Jungle of Manang, Satun, South Thailand 

Reflective: Hatyai- Satun Road Trip, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion 

Most of the time I travel alone Satun to Hatyai ( or vice versa). On the road may take one and half an hour but if you are commuting, it takes more than two hours considering several stops for refreshment.  

One day the weather was cold with a little rain shower. I was speeding from Hatyai back to Satun. I did several stops to see what Hatyai –Satun highway could offer to waken me from my heavy-eyed due to lack of sleep the night before.

The 5 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Satun, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion

Waterfalls are beautiful. And Satun has much to offer which I am always proud of. Here are the following:

1. Wangsaithong Waterfall is a limestone waterfall located in Langu district.  It has a pool where adults and children can enjoy swimming and jumping. Get a shower on its streams fall from each limestone stairs. This waterfall connects the mainstream called Wang Sai Thong River with a total distance of 8 km fenced with big trees providing shades to kayakers. It is impressively pleasant for rafting, feel like in Amazon. If time is not enough, there are bungalows available nearby. But if there is a hammock or tent available, sleeping facing the waterfall is best as well. Read more. 

GPS: 7.089795, 99.909769

Wangsaithong Waterfall @ Langu District, Satun, Thailand

Celebrating My Birthday 2016 | Hiking

By Ianpassion 

The most common way to celebrate our birthday is to have dinner with friends or with family.

I remembered those moments when I was still a child. My parents used to organize a special party for me. Native chickens around our house were always the victims, at least ten slaughtered every birthday event.