Tarutao National Park
Tarutao National Park is surrounded by a sea, measuring 1,490 square kilometres. It is located in Tambon Ko Sarai, Amphoe Muang in the province of Satun.
By ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
With photo contributions from the management of Tarutao National Park, Pamela Reblora, and Eisen Bernardo.
Limestone formation of Tarutao (2015) by Pamela Q. Reblora and Eisen BernardoASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Old, mysterious, and primitive
This is what Tarutao means in the dialect of Southern Thailand, and for centuries, the island has been the home of Chao Lay ethnic group, a sea gypsy community.
Viewpoint in Tarutao National Park by Pamela RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
The park covers 51 islands and can be divided into two main parts: the Tarutao Archipelago, located 30 kilometers away from the coast, and the Adang-Rawi Archipelago, another 45 kilometres to the West.
Tarutao small island (2013)ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Various nature trails lead to panoramic views and superb beaches. Visitors can ride boats or kayaks, and go island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, and caving. Bird watchers and avid photographers will also enjoy the tremendous wildlife inhabiting the park.
Corals and Fish by Pamela RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
A great area for snorkeling and scuba diving
Some of the more important marine species include shark, grouper, eel, carp, catfish, salmon, flying perch, angelfish and butterflyfish. Marine mammals that can be spotted include dugong, the common dolphin, the Irawaddy dolphin, sperm whale, and minke whale.
Tarutao Hornbill (2015) by Pamela Q. Reblora and Eisen BernardoASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Wildlife of Tarutao National Park
The island is dominated by large mangrove trees such as Sonneratia caseolaris, Anacardium sp., Vitex sp., Myrsine sp., Rhizophora sp., Brugiera sp., and Ceriops sp..
Wildlife of Tarutao National Park
Dusky langurs; crab-eating macaques; mouse deer and wild pigs; squirrels; tree shrews; gaur; serows; hornbills and woodpeckers; banteng; bears; tigers; dhole; lesser mousedeer; bird species include reef egret, white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, and hornbills.
Mangroves in Tarutao National Park by Pamela RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Habitat Types
Moist evergreen forest; dry evergreen forest; mixed deciduous forest; mangrove forest; secondary forest; old agricultural land; beach forest; coconut plantation; and scrub forest.
ASEAN Heritage Parks
ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) are protected areas of high conservation importance that provide valuable contributions to safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity.
AHPs provide a window to the world, showcasing a wealth of biodiversity that is uniquely ASEAN.
With photo contributions from the management of Tarutao National Park, Pamela Reblora, and Eisen Bernardo.
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