SuperStar Libra 4D3N Phuket/Krabi Cruise: Phuket Day 2 of 4

The ship had already entered international waters in the night, and when we opened the curtains to the morning glow, we saw we were cutting through blue-green waters to our next destination – Phuket.

The staffs are really friendly onboard, at any hour of day or night. Service is exemplary and efficient, from friendly waiters to restaurant hosts. We tried the Chinese set menu breakfast at Ocean Palace, after which our ship’s tour began. Well-planned, as it’s good to do walking after a meal!

We were brought to see a variety of staterooms available, to suite all kinds of passengers and capacities. The Child Care Centre, Porthole, is at Deck 3 and is minded by three attentive staff. A cake-painting session had just ended, and the kids were now relaxing with some TV time.

Activity Centre (Games and books loan centre)

We chanced upon one of the many ongoing activities. Passengers are reminded to check the daily Star Navigator so as not to miss out on these interesting highlights. These may include Charades, Mosiac, Yoga, Towel Origami, Morning Dancercise etc. Here, we join a fruit-carving demonstration by international chefs.

Fruit-carving demo by the host who was also one of yesterday’s party performers

The day is heating up under the Thailand sun, so we escape into the plush and exclusive Tai Pan Restaurant. Reserved for special occasions, the cooling, intimate interior is where you may enjoy a cigar, sit back at the lounge and later dine on a tantalizing menu of cuisines.

At Taipan Lounge

Taipan Restaurant

Taipan Restaurant

Taipan Restaurant

PHUKET

Land ahoy! Our approach to Phuket

Many passengers opted for the Phuket Landmarks shore excursion, so disembarkation had a short queue. Our tenderboat ride would bring us straight into Patong Bay and onto the famous Patong Beach. 

Our tenderboat ride

The difference is apparent, the impossibly blue waters and clear skies are devoid of the pollution you usually see in our homely kay-el…

Patong Beach Pier

The sight of the air-conditioned bus is welcomed. Soon, we are trundling leisurely through Bangla Road and the vicinity, viewing Phuket from the comfort of the bus.

Air-conditioning!

Our humourous guide

First stop, was Promthep Cape, which is the island’s most photographed spot. Located on the southernmost tip of Phuket, the beauty of the sweeping view of the sea is breath-taking. If you can be here at 6pm, you can snap the perfect photo of a Phuket sunset.

There is also a Hindu Elephant Shrine with thousands of porcelain and carved elephants, donated by patrons who had their prayers answered.

Wat Chalong is a sprawling complex of Buddhist temples and the important ordination hall, built to commemorate Luang Poh Cham. The ex-abbot had held sanctuary for the locals during a coup, and roused them to defend the land.

The stunning 61m high Chedi, containing a sacred relic of the Buddha

Throughout our journey, we had ample opportunities for souvenir and snack-hunting. Local hawker stalls offered everything from fresh coconut juice and meat (40baht), to roasted tidbits and meaty noodles.

Our bus continued uphill to visit one of Phuket’s most beloved attractions – the Big Buddha. Located 400m above sea level, the Buddha statue is covered in white jade and is constructed entirely via funds by donations. The serene face of the statue looks east.

Phuket’s amazing attraction

Big Buddha’s adorable guard dog at the gate-house!

Next, we make an educational stop to Sri Bhurapa Orchid Cashew Nut Factory. We’re welcomed with a complimentary glass of cashew juice, said to have medicinal goodness, and hunt around the shopping hall for lots of yummy stuff for folks back home!

Phuket is called the ‘pearl of the Andaman’, and at Wang Talang Gems Gallery and International Lapidary Store, one can purchase genuine raw pearls. Gleaming jewelry cases contain real South Sea and Akoya pearls, while other display cases offer jewelry made of gold, ruby, sapphire, emerald and semi-precious stones such as amethyst and topaz.

We’re bushed. Even the guide lets us snooze a bit on the bus. But the night is just beginning and is when Phuket’s main attractions appear! We’re dropped off for dinner at Patong, and have been given time-off to explore.

Bangla Road and its surrounding boulevards will tempt you will the most prolific entertainments choices on Phuket. You’re free to choose between the nightclubs, discos, bars and open-air seafood gardens. Or simple unwind with a Thai massage, visit Jungceylon mall in the heart of Patong, or try a hotel’s evening buffet.

With so much to do, we almost didn’t make it back to the jetty on time for the tenderboat return ride. Luckily we saw the rest of our tour friends also on the last boat back…so no danger! :P

Ahh, it’s good to return to our tidied room, and we found a souvenir from Star Cruises. What a nice end to the day!

Continue reading SuperStar Libra 4D3NPhuket/Krabi Cruise: Krabi, Gala Dinner Day 3 of 4!