Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’ Phuket is so large that it doesn’t seem like an island at all. Some of Thailand’s best beaches are here and its fun in the sun for visitors to Phuket. Patong town and Patong beach are the busiest spots in Phuket with many leisure activities including aqua sports and a vibrant night life. Phuket resorts attract many of the jet set from Thailand and overseas. For designer relaxation in tropical splendor Anantara Phuket Villas with their premium facilities and services is an excellent choice.
A must see place in Phuket is the Monkey Hill (Toh Sae Hill) located on the north side and just outside old Phuket Town. The domain of macaques Monkey Hill is probably the highest hill Phuket and offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas as you go higher up the hill. A platform for viewing the beautiful countryside has been built near the top in the curve of the mountain just before reaching the TV stations which share Monkey Hill with the macaques.
Pae Hog (aka Uncle Hog) is the great friend of the macaques and visits and feeds them daily. He feeds them separately as otherwise the monkeys will fight over the food. Pae Hog estimates the monkey population to be around 400. Pae Hog will do a show for visitors with his friends. There is also a platform built to feed the monkeys where visitors leave fruit.
A colourful shrine devoted to the three holy spirits, namely, Toh Sae Dang, Toh Sae Dam and Toh Sae Kaow where devotees worship especially on Fridays. The devotees especially request lucky numbers for lotteries from the spirits.
The macaques have got used to people feeding them and are often seated on the wayside hopefully waiting for generous visitors. On the whole these monkeys are not aggressive but it is best to be careful if you have young kids with you. Also do not attempt to get close to the baby monkeys as the monkeys, especially the mums are very protective. Also it is best to leave the burly leader of the pack well alone.
Finally, take good care of your belongings and do not tempt the monkeys too much!
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.