Goodbye to June 2011

Goodbye to June 2011

It's that time of the month again and for the weather archives, this will go down as a nice month. Plenty of sunshine with some really hot days, although in the middle of the month there were some very strong winds. There were also the occasional showers but they could all be categorized as tropical showers, meaning that they were sweet and short and on top of that they nicely cooled things down a bit. Most of these showers occurred during the evenings.

This was a good month, similar to the last two years.

One of the many sunny mornings on Gili Air this month

Half of the month I spend on Gili Air, a small but beautiful islands north-west of Lombok in Indonesia in order to conduct an IDC.

There weren't too many posts besides the daily weather updates, but one I like is the Gili Air Food on Wheels addition!

Am looking forward to next month, which will have me travel to Osan in South Korea, getting excited about that, but first there will be an IDC to attend starting tomorrow on Koh Samui!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th June, 2011

Today's weather;

A bit later than usual due to getting used and to and configuring a new notebook, but here we are nonetheless.

Koh Samui has some cloudy skies this morning and it seems there here to stay! Current temp at 7am is 27.8C

Cloudy skies this morning over Plai Laem

Yesterday Samui saw a dry day but with plenty of cloud cover although it was also very hot with a max temp of 33.2C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui's sky is slightly cloudy this morning but I expect the sun to burn some holes in these clouds fairly soon. Current temp at 7am is 28.1C

Yesterday started out cloudy but soon the sun broke through and it was hot, once more! During the evening there was some serious rain for an hour or two around Samui. Max temp reached 34.6C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th June, 2011

Today's weather;

I'm back home again and as always it feels good! I had a great time in Indonesia but it's great to see my family again. Having changed the sunny skies of Gili Air for a cloudy sky on Samui this morning is a bit of a change though! The current temp on Samui is 27.8C. The strong winds of recent days have completely gone again!

Chaweng lake from the air

Yesterday saw a sunny and warm day on the island with a max temp of 33.2C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is getting ready for a warm ans sunny day. Current temp at 7am is 28C, the strong winds during last week have receded.

Yesterday saw a warm day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 32.7C

Satria Ghatotkacha Monument near Bali airport, figures in this sculpture are taken from the Mahabharata, where the story is told as the knight Ghatotkacha being gallant and brave, the son of Bimasena, one of the Panca Pandava warriors.
The statue is believed to provide spiritual protection and security for tourists who are vacationing in Bali.

Bali, where I'm currently am, getting ready for a flight back to Thailand and Samui today, is wet, last night it started to rain and there's still a light drizzle. It's nice and cool!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is hot and sunny with very strong winds, although the forecast is that they're about to recede! Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Yesterday was a nice and sunny day around Samui with a max temp of 32.8C

Another sunny morning on Gili Air, with the Lombok mountains in the background

My time in Gili Air is up, this morning I'll hop on the fast ferry to Bali and tomorrow I'll be on the plane back to Thailand, going back home! The IDC has been successfully completed and there's a new one waiting for me on Samui, starting 1st July! I had a good time here though and am looking forward to be back later this year again.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is waking up with sunshine and a current temp at 7am of 27.5C, better get ready for a hot one! There are still strong winds out and about!

Yesterday saw a nice and warm around Samui. Max temp reached 33.3C

Very early morning at Oceans 5 dive center on Gili Air

Gili Air is steady, warm and sunny days with cooler evenings, nights and mornings! My last day on Gili Air today, I'm going diving, so keep an eye out on my dive blog for some pictures.

Camille

Food on Wheels, The Gili Air bicycle

Food on Wheels, The Gili Air bicycle

So here I am on the small island of Gili Air in Indonesia, an island that doesn't allow cars and motorcycles on it's island (and no dogs for that matter neither!).

We're still in South East Asia, though, right? Right indeed and this also means that I can continue my series about Food on Wheels with a post coming from Gili Air, since here they deliver the food on a bicycle!

The lady that travels around the island with her bike, the box on the back contains the food, in her case, all sweets.

Here are the goodies, tofu, deep fried bananas and various kinds of local sweets

Having tried a few of the sweets, most of them are really nice and I'm looking forward now each day to see her come by at the Oceans 5 dive center. The price, 5.000,-Indonesian Rupiah for three or four sweets, which is like 20,-THB

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is enjoying some strong wind this morning but it's dry! Current temp at 7am is 27.3C

Yesterday saw sunshine around the island but there was some rain on Samui as well. Max temp reached 33C

Morning on Gili Air with Lombok in the background

Gili Air keeps going strong, warm, sunny and cooler evenings and mornings due to strong winds.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is expecting another very hot day, with strong winds though. Current temp at 7am is 28.3C

Yesterday saw a very hot day on Samui, again, with very strong winds. Max temp reached 34.7C

The bungalows at Oceans 5 dive center on Gili Air where I'm staying at

The weather here on Gili Air is very consistent, sunny and warm days with slightly cooler evenings and nights!

Pocari Sweat, whaaaaat? Yes, this is the name of the local Ion supply drink, kind of the Indonesian version of a Gatorade. What's in a name!

See you tomorrow,

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd June, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is enjoying rather typical June weather, hot and sunny with some occasional showers. This morning sees a nice blue sky and it promises to be get hot again. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Yesterday saw a very warm day around Samui with some rain during the afternoon. Max temp reached 34.2C

Gili Air main road, just straight of the pier

Gili Air is going steady, the same weather pattern with blue skies and a few clouds prevails here and during the day time it's nice and warm with cooler evenings.

Barracudas at Shark Point, a dive site near Gili Air

A few days ago I went diving around Gili Air and on my dive blog you can see some pictures of the beautiful underwater world and animals that you can spot here.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is having a blast again, it's hot and sunny! Current temp at 7am is 28C

Yesterday saw a very hot day on Samui, max temp reached 35.2C, this years record so far!

A ferry arriving on Gili Air

Gili Air is steady, nice weather, mostly fairly cloudless skies with plenty of sunshine. Last night saw the warmest night here so far.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 20th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui woke up with a warm and sunny morning. Current temp at 7am is 27.5C

Yesterday was warm on Samui although there was some sporadic rain showers. Max temp reached around 32C

Consternation at Oceans 5 dive center on Gili Air yesterday when this lizard got it self stuck in the pool cleaning hose. It was still alive when it was pulled out!

Gili Air is still enjoying very nice weather although yesterday late afternoon we had a lot of clouds.

Camille

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is cloudy and it looks like some rain may come down during the day. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Yesterday saw bits and pieces of rain around Samui with a max temp of 31.6C

One of the many empty land plots on Gili Air

Gili Air is going strong, sunny skies this morning and lovely cooler evenings and nights. The wind also calmed down.

Camille

Gili Air, Indonesia impressions

Gili Air, Indonesia impressions

My second tip to Gili Air in Indonesia and at last I had some time to post some impressions. It reminds me of the Koh Samui that my wife talks about when she was a kid, some 30 years ago or maybe how some rural parts in Thailand may look like.

A busy high street, a horse cart and 3 bicycles

The island is very peaceful and relaxing. No cars or motorbikes are allowed and there are also no dogs! Whilst I was walking around taking these pictures a grin came over my face and I lowered my pace! The few locals I met were all very friendly and all greeted me with a hello!

The municipality for all the 3 Gili islands

The building above is the office of the main guy for all the three Gili islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. A very influential person who originates from Gili Air.

The main road, paved (!), around 5pm

The main road leads from the pier in a more or less diagonal or cross like figure over the island. It's the only paved road on the island with some sporadic houses next to it. There's still plenty of open space. The 'ring road' around the island, following the beach and ocean is unpaved, at some parts there's hardened sand and there's even a mini stretch of paved road. This 'ring road' is where all the activity is, all dive centers, resorts and restaurants can be found here.

The biggest supermarkets on the island

A secondary road

On the secondary roads you may find yourself just walking past some houses and their living areas. It's very intimate and as already mentioned, very peaceful and very friendly!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui has woken up under a sunny sky again with a current temp at 7am of 27.5C, there's still strong winds though.

Yesterday was a warm and sunny day on Koh Samui although there was some drizzle on some parts of the island. Max temp reached 33.2C with some very strong winds. Give it just a few more days and the strong winds will start to recede.

Gili Air with Oceans 5 dive center in full view, picture taken from the pier

Gili Air has very nice days as well, this morning it's bright and sunny with cooler evenings. Yesterday saw a similar day. The PADI IDC here is on it's way now and I enjoy being back on this lovely and quiet island, there are no cars and no dogs here! Very strong winds prevail here as well though at the moment.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui woke up under a nice and sunny sky with a current temp at 7am of 28C. There's a hard wind blowing though.

Yesterday saw a good weather day as well on Samui island with a max temp of 33.3C

Sunset on Gili Air yesterday

The weather on Gili Air is good, nice and sunny during the day, there's a very strong wind here as well but during the evenings it surprisingly cools down a bit.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is enjoying a lovely start to this day with sunshine. Current temp at 7am is 27.7C

Yesterday saw also a lovely sunny day on Samui with a max temp of 32.6C

Mataram airport on Lombok yesterday evening

I arrived safe and well on Gili Air, ready to start an IDC with Oceans 5 today! It's a lovely and sunny morning here!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th June, 2011

Today's weather;

It's early in Phuket, 5am and in a moment I'll be on my again for the airport to catch a Bali bound plane! When I landed yesterday evening it was nice and sunny but soon there was a shower and it rained all night long pretty much. Current temp at 5am is 25.2C

Chaweng beach from the air

Samui had a lovely day yesterday, nice and sunny. Current temp at 5am is 27.2C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui has a cloudy sky this morning although there is a blue spot in there! Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Yesterday it was cloudy when we arrived at the Nathon pier and the moment we were within a kilometer of out house a serious rain storm hit Samui. Last night there was some more rain. Max temp reached 33.7C

A stall on the the road between Phuket and Samui, selling durian fruit

The drive was a good one, sunny and just one shower on the way

Phuket started out cloudy yesterday morning but ended up being drier than Samui. Max temp reached 32.2C

Camille

Laguna Phuket International Marathon; Race day

The run for Ocean Protection during the Laguna Phuket marathon

It's done and over with. Pffffffffffff. After having competed in so many races over the years, cycling during my younger days and running fairly recently, it always amazes me how nervous one can get before the start of a race! But it's all good now and the race is in the bag with a good time for me, 2 hours and 4 minutes over 20.09km. I was aiming for a time between 2 hours and 2:15, so not bad at all.

From left to right, Rob Scammell (PADI Examiner) who was the inspiration for getting Project Aware involved, Lizzy, Mia, Cait and myself, last night at the registration.

Last night I met up with Mia and her two friends Lizzy and Cait from Singapore. They ran together with me under the Project Aware banner and Mia raised around 1.000,-USD for Ocean protection. Thanks a lot Mia, hat's off and I hope you enjoyed your race!

I raised 500,-AUD and 7.000,-THB so far, if anyone feels compelled to donate, please feel free and get in touch with me. 5.-000,-THB was donated by The Dive Academy and 2.000,-THB by Infinity Divers, both on Koh Samui and Stuart Hurley who completed his IDC with me in October 2007.

5:30am, half an hour to go before the start, still looking fresh

The race was well organised and I'm looking forward to a next challenge, providing my busy IDC schedule this year will let me. The next running event scheduled for me is on 8th October 2011 in Bangkok, a midnight 12km run on Sukhumvit Road! That sounds like a lot of fun.

Moments after I passed the finish line, relieved, satisfied and knackered!

The participants medal of this years edition of the Laguna Phuket International Marathon with around 5.000 participants coming from 45 countries

Signs along the marathon course in Phuket

I hope I can make it to next years edition, I'm looking forward it!

First stop now however is Gili Air in Indonesia for an IDC, starting 16th June!

Camille

Queen's Cup, Samui Golf Tournament, 16th-19th June, 2011

Queen's Cup, Samui Golf Tournament, 16th-19th June, 2011

Later this week, for the second conseuctive year in a row, the Queen's Cup Golf tournament will visit Koh Samui between 16th and 19th June at the Santiburi Samui Country Club, part of the Santiburi hotel.

Due to Bangkok Airways’ success in organizing Bangkok Airways Open – Asian Tour for 4 years consecutively, The Sports Authority of Thailand decided to cooperate with Bangkok Airways to organize Queen’s Cup Samui Golf Tournament- Asian Tour for the first time on Koh Samui in August 2009.

Continuing from last year’s successful debut, Queen’s Cup Samui Golf Tournament – Asian Tour makes it return for a second consecutive year in June 16-19 , 2011 at the Santiburi Samui Country Club. The total prize is valued at $300,000 USD.

The Asian Tour offers 30 tournaments with total prize money worth over $37 million USD. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognized pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status.

Bangkok Airways in cooperation with the Sport Authority to Thailand invites you to witness your favourite golf pros swing out on Samui at the;

QUEEN'S CUP BANGKOK AIRWAYS-SAT SAMUI GOLF TOURNAMENT 2011 for a prize of US$300,000.

If golf is your thing, you might to make your way over to the Maenam hills this week.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 13th June, 2011

Today's weather;

It's cloudy here in Phuket and it looks like there may be some rain during the day. Current temp at 7am is 28.2C

Yesterday saw mainly clouds covering the Phuket sky. There were occasional, scattered rain showers but in general it was nice for my half marathon yesterday! Max temp reached 32.1C

The Kasalong Resort where we stayed at during our stay in Phuket

Today it's back to Koh Samui, just to fly tomorrow afternoon back to Phuket and catch a very early flight out of Phuket to Bali in Indonesia to start an IDC on the 16th on Gili Air.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is cloudy this morning with a current temp at 7am of 26.5C

Yesterday saw plenty of rain around Samui. Max temp reached 33C

At 5.30am this morning, sleepy head is about to run a half marathon

Meanwhile back at the race track on Phuket, it's cloudy today, which suited me just fine for my first official half marathon that I participated in! Current temp at 10 am is 30.2C

I completed my first half marathon in 2hours and 4 minutes, not bad for a first attempt and very close to my expected time.

Yesterday saw a mixed bag of little bursts of sunshine, plenty of cloud cover and an occasional shower with a max temp of 32.3C.

Camille

Laguna Phuket International Marathon registration

Laguna Phuket International Marathon registration

Yesterday the whole family arrived nice and early in Phuket and after we checked in to our hotel and had a swim in the pool, it was time to head down and try to find the Laguna hotel and complete the registration process by picking up my BIB (race number) and timing chip.

The start and finish area

After trying pretty hard to get lost we did manage to find the Laguna resort after all and the registration process could be completed. It looked all very professional I must say.

My race number, probably not the number to look out for and expect in front but any cheering will be appreciated along the route

The expo marquee where the registration took place

Signing the waiver (it could be diving!) with the whole hungry and tired family looking over my shoulder

The shirt provided by the race organisers

My own shirt, apparently it's 'not done' to use the events shirt during a race

It's still not late to sponsor my cause, I use this marathon as a fund raiser for Project Aware, a non profit dive environmental organization; I run for Ocean protection. Please get in touch if you would like to donate or use the donation button on this page, top left side of the page. Thanks!

Now it's off to Central Festival for some serious shopping time with the family.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update;

Today's weather;

Samui is dry this morning but had some rain last night. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C and max temp yesterday on Samui reached 33.2C

One of the ferries sailing between Samui and the mainland (Donsak)

The whole family is in Phuket today, after we traveled here by car yesterday, to run the half marathon of the Laguna Phuket International Marathon. The weather here is a mixed bag, plenty of clouds with sunshine at some moments and rain at other times. Current temp at 7am is 29.1C and yesterday max temp reached 32.2C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui has a light cloud cover hanging overhead with a current temp at 6am of around 27C

Today we're off to Phuket where I will run a half marathon this coming Sunday. Please support my cause for Ocean Protection.

Bang Rak beach

Yesterday saw a mixed bag of cloud cover and sunshine over Samui. It was very quickly very hot once the sun was out. Max temp reached around 32C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th June, 2011

Today's weather;

The sky over Samui is fairly clouded this morning although it's dry. Current temp at 7am is 25C

A blue spotted sting ray, as seen on yesterday's dives around Koh Tao

Yesterday saw a merely cloudy day over Samui with some occasional sunshine, especially during the late afternoon. Max temp reached 31.8C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 8th June, 2011

Today's weather;

There's some serious cloud cover over Samui this morning although no rain is predicted. Current temp at 7am is 27.7C

Electricity work near our house, I can only hope that it will benefit the current power cuts to stop! This machine digs holes in the ground for the poles that hold the overground cables.

Yesterday started out with a light cloud cover but that soon was replaced with heavy cloud cover all around Samui. No sunshine in sight until around 5.30pm when the cover broke and the sun peeked out, It was dry all day long though. Max temp reached 30.5C and it was a cool and nice day.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 7th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui's sky is shaping up blue although right now there's a thin cloud layer waiting to be evaporated by the sun. Current temp at 7am is 27C

This morning's sky near Big Buddha

Yesterday saw a mixed weather bag on Samui, cloud cover and sunshine swapped around all day long with same rain around 6pm and during the night possibly. Max temp reached 32.7C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 6th June, 2011

Today's weather;

This morning Samui sees some overcast and no blue spots in sight! It's dry though. Current temp at 7am is 28.1C

6th June 1944 in Normandy, the D-Day invasion beaches

Yesterday saw a mixed weather bag over Samui, there were cloud formations on and off all day long but it remained dry until late in the evening when various thunderstorms and rain showers passed our part of the island. Max temp reached 31.7C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update;; 5th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is enjoying some sunshine this morning and it's warm already very early in the morning with a current temp of 28C at 7am.

A wall of fish (fusiliers) at Sail Rock yesterday with great diving conditions

Yesterday saw a sunny day out on the ocean and a fairly cloudy day over Samui but it was still warm with a max temp of 33.2C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 4th June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui is partly cloudy this morning with a tendency to be more cloudy than blue right now. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Today I'm diving at Sail Rock, some beautiful pix are up at my dive blog

Yesterday started out nicely on Samui, around noon clouds came in and during the later afternoon and early evening there was some periods of rain. Max temp reached around 32.5C

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 3rd June, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui's sky is beaming again and is showing off plenty of blue sky this morning. Another promise of a hot day! Current temp at 7am is 27.6C

Sun set during late May at the Big Buddha area

Yesterday saw an overcast morning with plenty of sunshine later during the day, it was hot and sticky on Samui. In the evening, between 9pm and 10pm it rained very hard and cooled things off a bit. Max temp reached 32.8C

Camille

Welcome to June 2011

Welcome to June 2011

June is usually a very nice month, with warm weather and some occasional, tropical rain showers. This means that the showers are short and possibly intense but that in no time the roads are dry again after the rain. Besides 2007, that's how the last three years were.

This is going to be an exciting month, come 12th June I'm planning to run my first half marathon during the Phuket Laguna International marathon and my run will be a fund raiser for Ocean Protection as part of Project Aware.

Straight after the Phuket (half) marathon I'll be off to Gili Air in Indonesia again for teaching a PADI IDC.

Looking forward to your visits and comments and don't forget to book your hotels through my Samui hotel recommendation blog and Thailand hotel recommendation blog!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 2nd June 2011

Today's weather;

Samui has overcast this morning with a current temp of 26.3C

Choengmon road towards Chaweng, almost 5 years ago. On the corner of the building under construction is an almost obligatory 7-11 nowadays

Yesterday saw a cloudy morning with some more sunshine during the afternoon around Samui, only to be followed up by more clouds and a few rain drops. Max temp reached 33.3C

Camille