Ko Jum

Ko Jum, also called Ko Pu at its northern end, lies between Krabi and Ko Lanta and has stayed quiet while both of its neighbours were developed. It is around twenty square kilometres with three main villages - Ko Jum in the south, Ban Ko Pu in the north and Ting Rai between - a mixed Muslim, Thai and sea-nomad population, rubber plantations, and a set of long west-facing beaches with almost nothing built on them. Much of the island's land is held by families who have not sold to developers, and there is a marked local preference for keeping it that way. The ferry between Krabi and Lanta stops offshore and passengers transfer to longtails, which is the usual arrival. Electricity was late arriving and some places still run on generators. From May to October most resorts close entirely and the island effectively shuts. There is a hill, Khao Ko Pu, with a hard climb and a view.

What you actually see

• The empty beaches - long west-facing sand with very little built on it.
• The three villages - Muslim, Thai and sea-nomad communities.
• The rubber plantations - the island's working economy.
• The longtail transfer - the standard arrival from the passing ferry.

When to go

November to April; most of the island closes from May to October. Arrivals are by longtail transfer from the Krabi-Lanta ferry or direct from Laem Kruat.

Honest expectations

Almost everything closes in the low season. Limited bank machines and patchy card acceptance - bring cash. Some accommodation runs on generators with power off at night. Very little nightlife or dining variety.

Nearby

Ko Lanta is south; Krabi Town and Ao Nang are north-east.