simonjong.com

On my trip to Phuket last May, I had a chance to visit one of its famous beaches, Maya Beach.

Maya Beach attained its fame after the film, “The Beach”, starring Leonardo Dicaprio, was shot there a few years back. Ever since, it has become a tourist magnet.

There was no denying that the beach was gorgeous with its soft white sands and crystal clear waters but one thing really bothered me. The beach was jam packed with tourists from one end to another. At the same time, there were at least a few dozen boats parked in the lagoon waiting for the tourist. All these man-made distractions kind of killed the ‘idyllic beach paradise’ feel of the place.

This is a prime example of how a tourist attraction is being blatantly exploited for financial gains. The natural beauty and secludedness of the place is slowly being eroded by the mass of tourists that made their way here everyday. As I stood there on Maya Beach amongst the bustling crowds, I tried to comprehend how this type of tourism could be sustainable in the long run.

It is funny how the tour operators keep this up without contemplating the risk of destroying the very attributes that made Maya Beach attractive to visitors. And in the process, destroy their own livelihood.

Watcha lookin’ at?

How short-sighted we humans are.