VISTA DEL MAR
08/26/2013 in News

Phuket Island Guide: James Bond Island

James Bond Island 300x199

One of the many reasons Phuket is so popular for property investment is the abundance of activities and attractions for citizens and visitors; one of it’s strongest temptations is the accessibility to smaller surrounding islands! All over Phuket you will find opportunities to hire a long-tail boat or book onto an island hopping tour to explore these idyllic and treasured landmarks. With this in mind we will be posting a monthly blog that details the highlights of individual islands.

This month we will begin with perhaps what is our most famous spot; James Bond Island. Located off Phang Nga Bay this island shot to fame when it was chosen as the location of Scaramanga’s lair in the James Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’!

There are several parts to the island; the iconic column like rock, famous as the site of the lair, is situated just off  Koh Khao Phing Kan (also considered part of James Bond Island) and is called Koh Tapu (meaning Nail Island). This  is actually under Ao Phnag Nga National Park protection and since 1998 no boat can sail too close to the island. The rock is unique in its shape, wider at the top and slim at the bottom, and this embargo on tourists is an effort to slow the erosion of the limestone rocks that could eventually result in its collapse.

Most boats land at Koh Khao Phing Kan for the best viewing opportunities of Scaramanga’s lair. It is a small island,with a few caves and a collection of stalls selling souvenirs, refreshments and shells but an unmissable attraction!

Most of the organized tours to James Bond Island are combined with a visit to other popular islands and are available all over Phuket.