Bush Walking adventure in Kao Sok

As we approached Phuket from the air, we could see the mountains of Khao Sok and we were captivated by the landscape. We all knew there were things down there waiting to feed on us. 

A short minibus ride followed by a heavenly longtail boat ride through the pristine peaks and pure waters of Khao sok found us in a beautiful bay with floating bamboo bungalows surrounded by jungle and the calls from the wild – wow.  

Then the call came out, it knocked the air out of our lungs and time stood still – there was NO WIFI. This truly was Jungle survival. But we had each other, instead of texting we talked and found much fun in the evenings with a group character games. Fred in Year 9 led these games and he was great with his tales of intrigue in our imaginary village.

We had three days of expedition and challenges all based in the insect infested humid and damp forest. The mosquitoes had hypodermic proboscises and buzzed like chainsaws in our ears. The leaping leeches left a trail of blood in our footsteps and every plant we walked past had weapons designed to slice and pierce our exposed flesh. Yet Dave our tour guide led us through every step with a Zen-like tranquility, for this was his world; it was our world back home that scared him.

We climbed a huge jagged limestone peak that tore your skin away but the view made it all worthwhile. Later we slid down muddy jungle hillsides in the pouring rain with every plant slicing and stabbing at us with cruel intent. On Thursday, Dave and his assistant Mr Bao got us into teams to tame the mighty jungle as we learnt many of the secrets to survive as well as the many wonders of Bamboo. 

Our afternoons were times of bliss as we swam and frolicked in the warm tranquil waters upon which our huts floated. Never has so much joy come from a bottle of Shampoo.

It was all over too soon, but we’ll be back… 

written by Anthony Johnstone, Head of Year 11