Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.
The popular traveler's adage literally means not to take, not to leave,
and not to destroy anything from the places you visit. Sustainable
travelling is the goal.
Private
owners always reserve the right to change the property so instructions on where to dispose the garbage would have been preferable.
The island barely takes 30 minutes to walk
all the way around which means that’s a distance of 1 kilometer maybe 2. I
walked around as I usually do and the island has changed a lot in 7 years. There are traces everywhere.
Huts have multiplied up to the back of the
island. Back then structures used to be limited only on the eastern side which also
happens to be the best place to swim.
There are more elevated huts – 2 floors
up – with cemented base when it used to be just one big tree house – also with
concrete support. And for some reason there lies a big red bed – just a bed – out
in the open.
Somewhere in the middle, in the open
grounds, I also saw a small obstacle course which I assume is used to attract
team building trips.
And if there was ever any doubt what island you’re
in, its name can be read in big 3D on the eastern shore and another at the
very center, in the open grounds. The one on the eastern shore looks like it
was meant to be lighted - the better for boats to read.
When I first saw Potipot I thought of that
reality show involving an island which was then on the rise. I could imagine
myself being in the show; white sand beach, trees, and tents.
The big tree
house was the only permanent looking structure, one or two huts for the
caretaker, maybe more huts for those who’d want to pay for a roof. Anything you find back then was just wood
which blends with the surroundings or tents which can be packed up.
What was great about it is that for being able to feel being in Survivor, the island is just 1km off shore from my usual hotel in
Dawal. You're not really stranded like a cast away. That seems like long ago now.
Separate but equal waste segregation |
From the Mainland
The view standing from Dawal Beach Resort. Its a 10-15 min boat ride. |
A few alternatives to Dawal Resort if you want cheaper and at the same distance to Potipot for a day trip |
Just so you don't doubt what island you landed on |
Proof of Payment
Feeling the corporate feeling of stickers wrapped around my wrist as proof of payment |
I saw the sign
I really hate that sign.
This is taken from the side of the island. Beach front, less popular |
Angled shot on the popular side of the island |
Angled shot on the popular side of the island |
Angled shot on the popular side of the island |
Permanent Structures
Wood has its limits but it has a natural look to it. Or at least its biodegradable.
Wood has its limits but it has a natural look to it. Or at least its biodegradable.
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