Boulder Bay Eco Resort - Nga Khin Nyo Gyee Island

Boulder Bay Island is a spectacular little island and the nearly all-inclusive resort (drinks and diving are extra) is a quite comfortable Robinson Crusoe experience. It is a private island and reminds us of LaDigue in the Seychelles but without any crowds. The multiple white sand beaches are studded with large granite boulders and there are trails through the rainforest-like jungle that crisscross the island. The Boulder Bay staff were very helpful in helping arrange our transfer from the Ranong, Thailand airport through the Ranong port immigration, short boat transfer across to the Kawthaung, Myanmar immigration where they also helped get us processed through. The boat trip from Kawthaung to Boulder Bay Eco Resort is normally done on the Sea Gipsy (actual spelling), a wooden live-aboard that is very comfortable and stable even if the wind comes up and makes the waves choppy. The Sea Gipsy trip takes about 6 hours and if you take the speed boat it takes 2-3 hours depending on the wind and waves. We were pleasantly surprised by the Sea Gipsy ride and would opt to do that again as you have a great opportunity to watch the Burmese fishing boats and other islands go by. The bungalows are 1 bedroom/bathroom with mosquito nets and outside deck. The showers do not have hot water but with the warm days, the cool shower feels good. There is also no AC but each room has an overhead fan and the ocean breezes are wonderful. The meals (set menu) are hearty with a nice variety of seafood, chicken, beef, and pork with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Another couple at the resort were vegan and were very happy with their meals. Our last evening there we were treated to a special barbecue dinner on the beach with a bonfire after dark! Boulder Bay does not pretend to be a luxury experience however the setting and the staff are all 5 star! Mr. Min Tun manages the resort and does a wonderful job of interacting with guests and arranging activities according to guests preferences. We did a lot of hiking across the island to all the different beaches, watching sunrise and sunsets from high points on the island, snorkeling, long beach walks, swimming in the bay, and relaxing. We did not dive so can't speak to that however we hear that they have access to some pristine areas for diving. Boulder Bay is very easy to access from Ranong, Thailand and there are none of the crowds that are typical of most of the places we have experienced in Thailand. For a private island experience this is hard to beat.

I just returned after spending 25 blissful days at Boulder Bay Eco Resort. This was a truly life-changing experience. I've been to nearly every island in Thailand with tourist accommodations, and they all have two things in common: multiple resorts and the constant noisy longtail boats from dawn to dusk. There's never really a peaceful moment. Boulder Island, 85 km west of the mainland, is different. With just one small eco resort and no shops or roads, it remains completely unspoiled. The beaches are pristine with no boat traffic - even fishing boats are rare sights. The 8 idyllic beaches felt like my own private paradise beaches. The waters are crystal clear turquoise, the sands white and clean. If you spot any washed-up plastic, please pick it up and dispose properly to preserve this island nirvana. The friendly jungle invites exploration, snorkelling and diving are incredible, the staff is wonderful, the food delicious, and the bungalows are beachfront perfection. Even the resident python who sometimes appears is considered good luck! This place is heaven on earth. If you want a true island escape, stay at Boulder Bay Eco Resort. Thanks to the awesome staff for an unforgettable experience!