Ko Bulon Leh

Ko Bulon Leh is a small island in Satun Province, near the Tarutao National Marine Park, on the Andaman (west) coast of the south Thailand.

Understand

Ko Bulon Leh is a small island with comparatively little development. The island has no ATM, no place to exchange cash or travellers cheques and no reliable cash advance service. Bulone resort will do Visa cash advance when they have enough cash for a 7% fee.

Get in

You can get the boat direct from Pak Bara (400 baht) on the mainland or Ko Lipe on the journey back to Pak Bara (600 baht).

You will need to pay 50 baht per person for a longtail boat transfer to the beach and back again to the speedboat.

Get around

There are no cars and even roads on the island and transport is very much two-legged. If you want to walk through the forest (which is highly recommended) wear long sleeved clothes against the mosquitoes, wear proper shoes, and don't do it at night.

See

Bulon Leh is a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach. Don't expect daily excitement. Jungle trekking, snorkelling and swimming will make up the bulk of the visit.

You can walk through the village via the Viewpoint Resort and through the rubber plantation to Mango Bay and go rock pooling or shell collecting.

Buy

As of 2024, there is no ATM.

• Bulone Minimart (Between Pansand and Bulone Resort, south of the soccer field). Sells snacks, water and other basic items such as toothpaste, shampoo and mosquito repellent. 

Eat

Most of the lodgings have their own restaurants and, with the exception of the three resorts near each other on the east beach (Pansand. Bulone, Marina), you are best not walking too far through the jungle to find food. All the restaurants do great seafood, but at prices that are significantly higher than on the mainland.

Sleep

• Bulone Resort (at the far end of the track from Pansand). Beach front bungalows at a premium price and a nice beach restaurant. 
• Marina Resort. Away from the beach slightly, this resort has the most original bungalows set into the hillside. Prices fluctuate greatly depending on demand (500-1,000 baht for a double bed bungalow). Bungalows have large comfortable beds with mosquito nets, a clean wet room/bathroom, and large jungle view balcony. 
• Pansand Resort. The boat will drop you on this beach but this is the most expensive resort on the island with nice bungalows that reflect this. 

Stay safe

Ko Bulon Leh is very safe and you will have more problems with protecting yourself from local wildlife than local people.

Ensure you bring enough mosquito repellent and good walking boots. Most hotels will provide a mosquito net but for eating dinner or walking in the jungle you will need either repellent or long sleeved clothes. Snakes can be a danger in the jungle but as long as you don't approach them and wear strong shoes the danger is reduced.

Go next

Provided you have enough money, you can take a boat back to Pak Bara in just 30 minutes. This will cost 400 baht per person, plus 50 baht for the longboat out to the speedboat. Boats leave around 11:00 from the Pansand Resort. Ensure you mention at Pansand reception that you are hoping to catch the boat. You can buy tickets at the Marina and Pansand Resorts.