Phi Phi Island is world-renowned for its breathtaking marine life, pristine beaches, and stunning limestone rock formations. But the island’s incredible beauty has also become a challenge. Over the past 15 years, tourism has surged dramatically—especially after 2010, when director Danny Boyle chose Maya Bay as the iconic filming location for The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
In 2017 alone, an estimated 2 million visitors came to Phi Phi, with around 3,500 people visiting Maya Bay every day. This overwhelming number of tourists, combined with damage to the coral reefs and seabeds, forced authorities to close Maya Bay in June 2018 for environmental rehabilitation.
Signs of Recovery
Just six months after the closure, the positive effects are already visible. Marine life is thriving once again, especially the blacktip reef sharks—key predators that maintain balance in the coral reef ecosystem by controlling fish populations.
A New Hope: Discovery Marine Centre
The efforts to protect Phi Phi’s environment don’t stop at Maya Bay. A new educational centre has opened in the northern part of the island, located within the luxurious SAII Resort. Owned by Singha Estates, this five-star resort invested 10 million baht to establish the first Discovery Marine Centre in Koh Phi Phi.
The centre is dedicated to education and rehabilitation of the local marine ecosystem and features four main exhibition rooms:
The Shark Room: Showcases different shark species, their biology, and the role they play in the ecosystem. It also includes a nursery caring for juvenile sharks rescued from fishing nets, with plans to release them back into the ocean.
The Clownfish Room: Focuses on the decline of clownfish populations and the vital importance of coral reef restoration. Visitors can explore a breeding laboratory and enjoy interactive games designed to educate children about marine conservation.
Phi Phi Island Room & Auditorium: These spaces host lectures and short documentary screenings that raise awareness about the island’s marine environment.
Free and Open to All Visitors
The Discovery Marine Centre is free to visit—even if you’re not a guest of the resort. To get there, you can take a longtail boat taxi from the main Tonsai pier or hike over the scenic Phi Phi Viewpoint.
Moving Toward a Sustainable Future
This centre is the first of many similar conservation initiatives planned throughout Thailand. It offers hope and inspiration for protecting local ecosystems and educating both residents and tourists.
Every step toward positive environmental education and sustainable tourism is a vital step in preserving the natural beauty that makes Phi Phi Island so special.
To view E-brochure visit: SAII Resort
