Monday, August 17, 2009

Tourist Police Koh samui

Tourist Police on Koh Samui is a mixed Team by Thai Police officer and voluntary working Foreigners. If you are having any trouble here on the Island please dont hesitate to call immediately the Tourist Police!



As I am a resident here on Koh Samui, i hear and see a lot of problems with Farangs (foreigner) especially when renting Motocycles and Jetski and having accidents afterwards.



So if you are in an emgergency or any other conflict call always and only the Tourist Police! They speak english very well and help you in any conflict situation.

You will find Tourist Police Stations at all Tourist areas here in Thailand.

Tourist Police - Emergency: 1155 - Samui Tourist Police: 0 7742 1281
Internet: http://www.thai-touristpolice.org 

Sunday, August 16, 2009

The Cliff Bar & Grill a Marvelous location

Marvelous location. Fabulous style. Terrific food. With these attractions, you would think that The Cliff Bar and Grill would be extremely popular.



And you'd be right! But before I go any further, I'd better say that dinner reservations here are definitely advisable. Tables do get snapped up very quickly and for very good reasons...The setting, as the name suggests, is breathtaking.

It's high up on the mountainous section of the ring-road between Chaweng and Lamai, and looks down upon huge natural boulders next to the water's edge and across a picturesque bay to a tropical headland.

And being open from midday makes The Cliff an ideal spot for stopping for lunch too when you can really appeciate the surrounding natural beauty.



Choose between the 50-seat marble-floored interior section with its abundant 'birds of paradise' plants, hand-painted ceramics and its designer dŽcor, or the 28-seat terrace area outside under the stars. Both spots are equally spacious with heavy wooden tables and chairs giving a very 'solid' feel to the place.

And next, the food. It's Mediterranean, with the accent on Portuguese, Italian and Spanish. And although the menu isn't large, there're plenty of choices in many categories.



But most importantly, and this is where the magic ingredient comes in, it's all prepared and presented by owner and master chef, Bradley Munns.






Samui Mostwanted recommendation!

Update: If been there again and the food was fantastic! I recommend the Filet Steak and the Creole Chicken! If you want to enjoy the amazing view you´ll need an reservation! 

Rai Ra Spa - Muang Samui

Rai Ra Spa‘s treatments focus on aromatherapy, and natural ingredients such as herbs, fruits and honey.

Ancient eastern secrets are combined with western new age methods to give you an exquisite experience that melts away stress, ageing and impurities.



For the Rai-Ra pampering, we have designed a selection of exotic and indulgent treatments into 90 minutes rituals. Every treatment we provide Thai herbal steam, which were available under the guidance of monks’ centuries ago.

At our renowned Rai Ra Spa guest can experience the ultimate sanctuary of peace and tranquility in a beautiful tropical setting beyond comparison. Using natural healthy combination of elements and resources that can nurture individual’s spirit, mind and soul Our facilities are specifically made for your total relaxation, comfort and satisfaction.

Private steam rooms, Jacuzzi, aromatic baths and massage rooms with breathtaking views are all combined to make a perfect venue for your treatment.

We have created a full range of spa packages available exclusively for men and women. We have compiled a program of all our treatments, with its simple explanation of their purpose, relevant procedures and what you can obtain from them.

Escape the pressures of life and enter our haven where a team of dedicated experts will care for your individual needs.

Amari Palm Reef Resort



Amari Palm Reef Resort offers unmatched luxury and comfort, at the quiet end of Chaweng, Koh Samui's most popular beach.

With elegant traditional Thai style buildings, divided by a small road, set either on the beach or in tropical gardens, this boutique Samui resort offers spacious rooms and unrivalled services.



Guests will enjoy a peaceful retreat for a romantic holiday or a family getaway, as well as the use of wifi internet access(chargeable), available throughout the resort.



The resort features a range of fine dining options, two swimming pools, a fitness room and a diving centre among other facilities.



A full range of facial and body treatments is available for ultimate pampering at Sivara Spa.


Hotels Combined

Discovery Dive Center - Samui



Discovery Dive Centre is Located within the exotic Amari Palm Reef Hotel. Provideing you with Professional , Safe & Fun underwater adventures, to ensure rewarding and memorable diving experiences during your stay.

We are able to offer a new concept in diving for the Gulf of Thailand. Discovery Dive Centre is owned and managed by Richie Lopez previously of Chang Diving School along with George Clancy.



All courses and trips are conducted by The Discovery Team of highly experienced, professional and friendly staff. Discovery Dive Centre provide fast speedboat excursions to all the prime dive sites that the Samui Archipelago has to offer.

Samui - Big Buddha Temple

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) is on the the top Sightseeing Locations on Samui's north coast. The temple is a rather modern construction, and it lacks almost all of the grace and beauty typical of most Thai temples.

The 12 meter high Buddha sits on a small islet connected to the big island by an unpaved causeway. In front of the temple is a cluster of shops and food stalls catering to bus loads of tourists and day-tripping Thais.



Entering the temple, you first come to a large paved courtyard with a dragon ( Naga ) stairway on the other side. Flanking the stairs are two small pavilions housing smaller Buddha images.

The stairs lead you up to the platform on which the Buddha image sits. From the platform you get some good views of the long beach where the islet sits.

On a filled area facing the big island are a number of mythical statues painted in bright sparkling colors.
Samui Mostwanted recommendation!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Ocean 11 Eleven Restaurant and Lounge

Ocean 11 Eleven Koh Samui’s only two-storey beachfront restaurant, right in the heart of trendy Bangrak – the ‘Village of Love’.



Originally built more than 40 years ago, this tastefully decorated restaurant, bar and lounge offers you a memorable time in the comfort of spectacular surroundings, with tasty food, attentive service and a trendy ambiance.

Koh Samui has truly established itself over the last few years as a gourmet’s heaven, boasting of no-less-than 300 quality restaurants of ever-improving style and flair.

Most of the favourite world cuisines can be found somewhere on this tropical island jewel, and numerous guides are available to help you find the very best.



Ocean 11 Eleven is proud to be part of this exciting mixture of quality restaurants and offers, apart from the freshest seafood available, a wide selection of international and Thai favorites, as well as daily specials that promise quality and value for money.


Samui Mostwanted recommendation!

Update: If have been there again, great food an location!

SALA Samui Resort & Spa



At SALA Samui, a comfortable, relaxing ambiance is created by a harmonious blend of traditional Thai architecture with modern facilities and amenities. Friendly, well-trained staff pamper guests with professional, personalized service.

Located on pristine Choeng Mon beach on the northeast corner of Koh Samui island, SALA Samui is just 15 minutes from the Samui airport, 20 minutes from Bo Phut's quaint Fisherman's Village, and only 15 minutes from Chaweng Beach shopping and nightlife.



SALA Samui benefits from excellent facilities and is ideally suited for a romantic and unique Koh Samui wedding, with 80 meters of white sandy beachfront.

SALA Samui boasts two beachfront swimming pools, including a stunning 25 meter lap pool surrounded by 4 massage salas "floating" in a beautiful lotus pond.




Samui Mostwanted recommendation!


Hotels Combined

Thai Fruits



Rambutan


Scientific Name : Nephelium lappaceum L. Color : bright red skini with green spintern; white flesh
Taste : sweet and fragrant
Shape : oval and thick skin,cover with long spintern
Availibility : Apr. - Aug.

Preparation And Eating Cut the fruit in lengthwise. Remove the skin. Remove the seed.

Uses : Eaten fresh and frozen ,added in fruit salad and added in syrup as desserts and canned rambutan.

Storage : 3-5 weeks at 2-7C, 90-95% Relative Humidity Do not leavethe frit directly exposed to ambient air,because the spintern and red rind will turn dark brown rapidly.



Pummelo


Scientific Name : Citrus maxima(Burman) Merr.
Color : dark green skin;pink , or yellowish flesh
Taste : sweet and juicy
Shape : globular
Availibility : All year
Peak Period : Oct. - Dec.


Preparation And Eating: Use a knife to curve the outer green skin off. Peel off the white fleshy part of the skin. Cut the fruit into two pieces. Separate the segment and remove the skin and seeds.

Uses : Eaten fresh , made juice and added in fruit salad. Storage : 4-6 weeks at 12-15C,95% Relative Humidity.



Pineapple


Scientific Name : Ananas comosus
Color : dark green or yellowish orange rind;mild yellow flesh
Taste : sweet and sour
Shape : cylindrical, and shallow seedy
Availibility : All year
Peak Period : Apr. - Jul


Preparation And Eating: Remove the rind with a knife and make sure to cut off the enough skin to got the eyes. Slice the fruit lengthwise into 8-10 pieces. Remove the core. Cut up the pieces crosswise and arrange them on a plate.

Uses : Eaten fresh ,added in fruit salad, made jam and juice, green salad, Thai cuisine and deserts and canned pineapple. Storage : 2-4 weks at 7-13C, 85-90% Relative Humidity.



Mangosteen


Scientific Name : Garcinia mangostana L.
Color : thick skin with dark purple color;white flesh
Taste : sweet juicy and mild fragrant
Shape : globular
Availibility : Apr. - Dec.
Peak Period : Apr. - Jul.


Preparation And Eating Cut the rind around the middle. Open the fruit, the segments inside will stick to the basal part. Use a fork to lift the segment out.

Uses : Eaten fresh and frozen, added in fruit salad and made wine.

Storage : 3-4 weeks at 13C,90-95% Relative Humidity



Mango


Scientific Name : Mangifera indica L.
Color : mature fruit-dark green; flesh-white. it should be eaten this stage
Taste : sweet, slightly sour and crispy
Shape : oblong
Availibility : Mar. - May.


Preparation And Eating Peel of the skin. Slice or sliver the flesh along the length of the mango.

Uses : Eaten fresh with sweetened fish sauce relish, added in fruit salad and desserts.

Storage : Keep the fresh fruit at ambient temperature(25-30C). It can be kept for 3-4 days before ripen.



Lychee


Scientific Name : Litchi chinensis Sonn.
Color : bright red skin; white flesh
Taste : sweet, slightly sour and fragrant
Shape : globular
Availibility : Apr. - Jun.


Preparation And Eating Slit the with a knife or using strong thumb-nail around the fruit from end to end. Remove the skin. Remove the seed.

Uses : Eaten fresh and frozen, made juice, added in desserts and canned lichi. Storage : 3-5 weeks at 2-5C, 90-95% Relative Humidity. Do not leave the fruit directly expsed to ambient air because the red rind will turn dark brown rapidly.



Longan


Scientific Name : Dimocarpus longon Lour.
Color : brown skin; white flesh
Taste : sweet
Shape : flattened spherical shape
Availibility : All year
Peak Period : Jun. - Aug.


Preparation And Eating Slit the skin with a knife or using a strong thump-nail around the fruit from end to end. Remove the skin. Remove the seed. Uses : Eaten fresh, added in fruit salad and canned longon. Storage : 2-3 weeks at 4-7C, 90-95% Relative Humidity.



Jackfruit


Scientific Name : Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.
Color : yellowish brown skin; golden yellow flesh
Taste : sweet and fragrant
Shape : ovate or oblong, approximately 7-15 kg/fruit
Availibility : All year
Peak Period : Apr. - May.


Preparation And Eating Cut the fruit in half lengthwise. Wipe ot all the latex with paper. Remove the core. Place each the half fruit on a table or a flat surface; press the skin along the edge down with your hands to separate fruit sections. Pull out each sections,cut to open the flesh and remove the seed.

Uses : Eaten fresh or frozen, added in fruit salad smoothie, ice cream and desserts. Storage : 2-3 weeks at 15-20C,90-95% Relative Humidity, depending on cultivar and maturity stage. The pulp can be refigerated up to 7 days in closed packaging.



Durian


Scientific Name : Durio zibethinus Murray
Color : mature fruit-golden yellow-brown; flesh-creamy yellow
Taste : sweet with strong smell
Shape : elongated with spiny rind, the base has a pronounced beak
Availibility : May. - Aug.


Preparation And Eating The fruit should have a good smell when it ripes. insert a knife and slit from end to end along the two grooves. The rind will naturally split open from the bottom to the top. Separate the sections and take out the segments. Remove the seed. Uses : Eaten fresh ,made durian chip, cake and ice-cream.

Storage : Mature unripe durian10-15 days at 13-15C, 90-95% Relative Humidity. Ripe durian(whole fruit):7-14 days at 13-15,90-95% Relative Humidity without refrigeration The ripe fruit has a shelf life only 2-5 days. The pulp can be refrigerated up to 7 days in closed packing or frozen for later use.