Dear friends,
Today, I want to take you to a very special place called Pig Island in southern Thailand. This was an incredibly special experience for me, as both pigs and Thailand are very close to my heart. I actually have a rescue pig at home named Hamlet, and she is quite the character, that's for sure. I will dedicate a post to her one of these days, but I'll have you know that living with a pig has led me to an even deeper love and compassion for these terrifically smart animals.
Pig Island, Thailand (Koh Madsum)
This is our Hamlet who is not in Thailand
As you may have already read in a previous blog of mine about my wonderful experience at the Chai Lai Orchid elephant sanctuary in Northern Thailand, it was there that I fell in love with this beautiful country. As someone who is approaching having visited nearly 100 countries, I have to say Thailand is my favourite. Well, as I started in Northern Thailand before, let my journey this time take you to a tiny little island called Koh Madsum off Koh Samui in the south.
My very good friend Terrance and I met up in Koh Samui; I was travelling from Ireland, and he was travelling from the United States. We met and became very close friends many years ago while working on-board cruise ships. On this trip to Thailand, Terrance and I were staying on Koh Samui for a few days before flying on to Phuket to meet up with another friend of ours, Jess. Our trip to Thailand was going to span a spectacular couple of weeks, and I will be sharing the whole journey with you here on Hive over my next few blogs.
As most of you know, I am very passionate about animal rescue and am a huge animal rights advocate. The story of how Pig Island came about is one of compassion and love. Mr Kitt, who was a local beach bar owner on the mainland, visited a market in Surat Thani. While he was there, a family of four incredibly distressed pigs (mummy, daddy, and two piglets) caught his attention. This beautiful family was destined for slaughter. Seeing this really affected Mr Kitt, and he decided to purchase them, saving them from a terrible death, and brought them to Koh Madsum, meaning they were safe from any future harm.
Since this heroic act of kindness and compassion, this family of pigs have now taken over Pig Island, and it is now home to dozens of pigs and also rescued street dogs. Mr Kitt and his family still to this day care for the pigs and dogs of Pig Island. This amazing place has become famous as a tourist attraction where visitors from all over the world can interact on this paradise island with the pigs that were saved from slaughter. When I heard about this place, I had to go and experience it for myself, and what a wonderful paradise this truly is. Thank you, Mr Kitt, for what you did.
On the longtail boat ready to head over from Koh Samui to Koh Madsum
The boat ride from Koh Samui to Koh Madsum takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of boat chosen. Embracing the local culture, we opted for a traditional longtail boat. Our captain was very friendly and even made a surprise stop for snorkelling, a delightful opportunity to cool off that Terrance and I hadn't anticipated but greatly appreciated.
Longtail boat ride over
After our short snorkel, we hopped back on our longtail boat, which we had all to ourselves, by the way—and headed on to the main event: Pig Island. Our boat ride was filled with fun and laughter as we were sprayed with seawater and reminisced about our days working on ships.
So happy to have arrived on Pig Island
Upon arrival on Pig Island, regardless of your chosen boat or tour, a small entrance fee is required. As of October 2024, this fee was 50 Thai Baht, which is quite affordable. Once on the island, you have the option to purchase food for the pigs, dog food, and, of course, something for yourself. We wasted no time in greeting these friendly island inhabitants. I bought pig food and Terrance bought dog food.
Hungry, Hungry piggies
On the island, there is a small stall where you can purchase food. I, of course, bought two large bags; if caring for Hamlet has taught me anything, it's that piggies love their food. As you can see, they devoured that plate within seconds, not quite as polite as my Hammy. Look at how sweet they are; this was so much fun. Definitely not recommended for anyone who is nervous around animals.
Take note that during this trip to Thailand, I go through three, count them three sun hats, this is the first one at the beginning of the trip that I took with me from Ireland. I lost this one along with my shoes on Pig Island.... don't ask.... Pig Island has them now.
Thirsty piggies too
There was certainly a range in the size of the pigs, from the tiniest of babies to some real chubby ones. I have always found it quite fascinating that pigs are born so incredibly tiny. Pigs are very social animals and deeply care for one another, and this is very apparent on the island.
The pigs are very relaxed
Contrary to popular belief, pigs are very clean animals. They will designate a specific area as their "toilet" and consistently use it, ensuring their living spaces remain clean. Therefore, the island is not filthy.
A dedicated team cares for the pigs on the island. However, being in the Thai heat on a beach does make them thirsty, and pigs will never turn down some food. Tourists visiting the island not only help maintain the care of the pigs and dogs, providing food, water, and medicine—but also provide a team of people with jobs they love. I think it's a pretty awesome place to work.
It's feeding time at the ..... on the island
Before arriving, I was aware of the rescued pigs, but I wasn't expecting to see so many dogs. In hindsight, I should have anticipated this, as Thailand unfortunately has a significant number of stray dogs. Believe me, I would take them all home if I could. In fact, I rescued an abandoned dog while travelling in Seattle earlier this year (2024); I'll share that story with you here soon. This island not only provides a safe haven for pigs but also serves as a sanctuary where workers and volunteers rescue street dogs from Koh Samui and the mainland, bringing them here to enjoy island life alongside the pigs.
Terrance bonding with one of the rescued street dogs
Terrance has a heart of gold. While most visitors focus on the pigs, feeding them and giving them all the attention, it's easy to feel that the dogs are somewhat overlooked, at least by tourists. Terrance, however, bonded with a sweet dog and made sure to get him some food. It was a special moment of trust and connection.
My absolute favourite, fresh coconut water
We spent about two and a half hours on Pig Island. Before heading back to Koh Samui, I had to get myself a drink, a fresh coconut, of course. It's a close tie for me between fresh coconut water and watermelon juice as my favourite drink; both are so good.
I did experience a moment of sadness when I noticed a very small piglet looking unwell. Every instinct urged me to pick her up and bring her home. I spoke to a staff member, who was aware of her condition; unfortunately, she was born unwell, and they are unsure if she will survive into adulthood. While this is a sad aspect to mention, I'm grateful that all these pigs and dogs have sanctuary here. What a beautiful place, who wouldn't want to live on a tropical island in Thailand, where groups of people come every day to feed you and show you love? It's a great thing they do here, all thanks to Mr. Kitt for starting it all.
Back on the longtail boat ready to head back to Koh Samui without this hat and my shoes.
What an incredible experience that I recommend to everyone, especially animal lovers. The origins of how this little island came to be famous as Pig Island is just beautiful. Stay tuned as I continue my adventure around Thailand as I explore national parks, ancient temples, stay in the most unique places and eat the best food. Thank you for reading, until next time, Vegoutt everybody!
