Khao Phra Teow Protected Area, Phuket Province
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Covering only 22.28 sq/km Khao Phra Teow Protected Area hasn't been recognized as a National Park and therefore can often be overlooked by visitors and locals alike, however it holds an abundance of natural flora and fauna.
Of the most charismatic and in many cases (especially during the morning) the loudest animals in the park is its population of Gibbons ( a Gibbon rehabilitation center is situated on the east side of the park). There are even wild boar, langurs and mouse dear, numerouse species of bird including various Pitta’s and a wealth of insect species.
Khao Pra Teow is also one of the main sources of Phukets fresh water and a vital refuge for freshwater invertebrates which inhabit the areas in and around waterfalls such as Bang Pae and Ton Sai. These waterfallas are a big draw fro local Thai tourists and also one of the areas main features.
If it is trekking your after then there are also 2 treks of varying difficulty that cut through the park. One trek, the easiest in our opinion is on the left of the protected areas headquarters as you enter (expect to walk for around 2km’s), and the second which cuts right through the middle of the park and covers around 4 km’s is of a moderate level. To reach this trek you have to head to the right hand side of the car park past the parks headquarters (and its only restaurant) and cut through into the forest. Maps and literature are available at the parks headquarters and any of the park wardens will be able to direct you to the appropriate starting place. It is also possible to secure the services of a local guide, just ask at the headquarters. If you do decide to go it alone then please inform park staff of your intended return time.
Found along the way is the White Backed Palm or Palm Lang Khao , this palm is endemic to southern Thailand and is also one of the rarest palms in the whole world. Interestingly during the day this palm has an unique resident; a small bat calls this palm home and at night heads out to feed. It roosts on the underside of the palm and in order to gain some privacy nibbles in a ring around the underside of the palms leaves. The small cuts made by the bats teeth cause the tips of the palm to bend downwards creating a perfect cone for hiding from the bright sun’s ray’s………amazing! 
So how do you get there? Well, being located on the holiday island of Phuket the park is around a 30 minute drive or 45 minute bus ride from Phuket Town and also easily accessible from Kata, Karon, Patong and Rawai beaches. From Rawai and Phuket Town head north on road 402 (Phukets main artery) and for those of you coming from Kata, Karon and Patong head northeast on 4025 until it runs into the 402 and head north again. You will reach Thalang roundabout with the monument to the 2 heroines of Phuket. Turn right here onto 4027 and continue for around 7 kilometers, take a left where it says Bang Pae waterfall and you will reach the national park headquarters. For tourists the entrance fee is 200thb per person per day (keep your ticket – you can re-use this as long as it is on the same day at Sirinat National Park also located on Phuket).
Situated close to Khao Phra Teow there is also Sirinat National Park which has some of the best beaches on Phuket, vital mangrove ecosystems, stunning sea eagles and beautiful corals…..check out our next Destination for details of how to get there!
