Samuiscape - Paradise Park Farm

This month the Samui Explorer team went to check out Samui's latest and biggest attraction, Paradise Park Farm located at Taling Ngam. The brain child of English Peter and Thai Orawan took three years to develop. The idea sprang from Peter's love of animals and Samui's need for something truly different. Set on 20 acres of mountain covered by rain forest, Paradise Park Farm is the prefect spot to spend a day, or two. The air is cool and you find yourself surrounded by water falls, small rivers, canyons and exotic birds and wildlife animals. The views from the park are absolutely spectacular, the mountains, the valley and the ocean in the distance is nothing less than picture postcard perfect. You can choose to sit in a number of beautiful gardens and enjoy the spectacular views. Leisurely walk the trails beneath towering natural rock formations. Pat the Ponies, feed the Deer, visit the aviaries filled with hundreds of birds or simply laugh at the Emu's and Pygmy Goats.

We arrived at the farm at around 10 am, and enjoyed a coffee in the spectacular Thai teak wood restaurant. After enjoying a chat with Orawan we armed ourselves with a bag of food for the animals and our first port of call was feeding the brightly coloured love birds in a large and airy aviary. It really was quite something to have the birds take seeds and dried fruits right out of your hand while marvelling at the views in the background. This is one place you really don't want to forget your camera!

On from there we took a small but pretty walk down to the deer pen and enjoyed feeding them grasses that were picked from the park, having been specially planted to feed these amazing creatures. From there we continued down the trail, past the emu and onto one of the many salas perched on the rocks, a perfect spot for taking in the atmosphere, relaxing and feeding the ponies and the pigmy goats. I was amazed to find that one of the pony's favourite treats is bananas! The goats munched on grasses, bananas and sweet corn.

Feeling refreshed we went back onto the trail that took us past waterfalls, rubber trees, papaya trees, banana trees and tropical plants. The walk around the park is just stunning and can be taken at your own pace. The walk back up is steep in places but at an easy pace anybody with a reasonable level of fitness will find it thoroughly rewarding, the sounds and smells of the jungle are out of this world and the area is teeming with beautifully coloured butterflies.

Once back at the top it we decided it was time for a frolic in the infinity Swimming Pool, The spa is also a perfect place to unwind or you may choose to play with the parrots and marvel at the famous "Free Flying Painted Doves of Samui". The restaurant is another perfect place to relax and enjoy fine food or you can refresh yourself with a drink or two at the poolside bar. From the restaurant and the pool you can see and smell the local fruit trees, flowers, orchids and view traditional rubber tree tapping on site.

This park is truly 101% stunning and for those of you that like the outdoor life, you can hire a tent here and stay in the park overnight. The tents are new and self assemble, all it takes is to pull the tent out of the bag and it springs into shape! Bedding is provided and there are toilet and shower facilities in the park. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and on hand at all times to tell you about the animals and cater for your every need. There is ample parking for those who would like to make their own way to the park and a free hotel transfer service for those who do not. There is a gift shop selling park and Samui souvenirs and very reasonable prices and the entry fee to the park is one of the most reasonable deals to be found anywhere on the island.

Paradise Farm Park is a must on your stay here on Samui, not just because the animals are so fascinating, or that the scenery is so stunning, but because it's the perfect way to unwind, the area is reminiscent of Chiang Mai and it really does go to show that Samui is not just Chaweng, nightlife and beaches, but in parts has retained its very natural beauty and is a haven of peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the streets and towns, busy roads and construction sites below. The land that the park covers has been sympathetically developed the animals and pathways that have been introduced are in perfect harmony with the natural environment. This really is a taste of heaven.

For more information on the park you can check out the website, www.paradiseparkfarm.com or contact Khun Tim on 08 4849 6233 for directions, bookings and transfers.