JUNGLE YOGA ON KHAO SOK LAKE, THAILAND
"The casual, intimate, remote eco retreat Jungle Yoga is like a place out of this world. The vibrancy of nature sounds contrasted with the stillness of the lake, the gentle lulling of the flo ating bamboo huts and the solidity of the high-rising cliffs provide a unique place of placidity, serenity and tranquility that touches you deeply. The experience of being connected to nature, to yourself, to the life force within you and everywhere around you that is the key of yogic teachings is ever present here." Eija Tervonen This year’s yoga holiday group will enjoy staying and practicing yoga on Khao Sok Lake, one of the most spectacular destinations in Thailand. This is the very best time of year to be in this region. It is the dry season and weather is nearly always warm, sometimes hot and usually free of rainfall. This yoga holiday is not only a wonder-filled opportunity to connect with your 'inner being' & the natural world of this stunning national park, but also a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from all the usual distractions & offerings of modern day living in developed countries that we so often take for granted (cell phones, power on demand, internet access, hot water on tap, air conditioning etc). I regard it as a great privilege to be able to experience this situation while enjoying such a beautiful environment, wonderful local food, daily yoga & like-minded company. VENUE - You will spend 10 nights on Khao Sok Lake, a secrect paradise destination deep within the National Park. You will take an awe inspiring boat journey on to a short hike (20 mins) through lush primary rainforest to our own private lake where no other tourists will be staying. Your destination is a small, floating bamboo village community, set up as a perfect yoga venue, with separate huts with interconnecting bamboo walkways and a floating bamboo yoga shala. The entire village is made out of bamboo and floats on tree trunk platforms! "The ten days were wonderful - relaxing and challenging (particularly for my hamstrings). During that time, I feel we built up a lovely atmosphere in the group. I liked the way everyone committed her-and-himself to the yoga practice. I specially liked the way Simon taught: at the same time very sensitive and tender as well as holding the energy of the whole group with assertiveness." Caroline Schilling LOCAL AREA - The lake offers sensational lake and cliff vistas, snorkelling, kayaking, primary rainforest, extraordinary wildlife including hornbills and gibbons. The pristine moist evergreen forest abounds with wildlife and fascinating plants. The park provides an adventure for botanists, environmentalists, naturalists and anyone interested in exploring plant and wildlife in a rain forest. The mountains in the park are intersected by a range of limestone karsts (tall cliff-like formations, some nearly 1000 metres), leftovers of a coral reef system that stretched across the seas of South-East Asia millions of years ago. "I'm going to miss hearing all the rich sounds of the rainforest (though I have the CD of it!); the forest is so alive. I will especially miss hearing the gibbons calling every day. It was a fantastic experience with a great bunch of people. Simon, Dick, Beth and all the Thai staff make you feel so welcome that leaving is a bit like leaving home." Steve Whittam ACCOMMODATION - Bamboo huts with interconnecting bamboo walkways. CLASSES - The two classes will take place in the beautiful outdoor yoga sala, also on the water. You will not find a more stunning place to practise your yoga. CATERING – You will enjoy amazing Thai food featuring freshwater lake fish and rainforest grown vegetables. PRICE INCLUDES
– Bus transfer from Surathani airport to the Wildlife Sanctuary (o
nly if you are able to fit in with group timings.) ; 10 nights twinboard; yoga classes; boat transfer to Khao Sok Lake; breakfast/lunch/dinner on Khao Sok. On booking, please note that there is an additional charge of £12 if the paypal service is used. (We charge this on at cost.) If you would prefer to send a cheque, please make it out to Simon Low, but post it to Mary Elliott, 9 Derwent Close, Tangmere, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 2FQ. Or we can give you our bank details if you would like to do a bank transfer. If you do this from a non-UK bank account, there is a £10 bank charge. TRAVEL – We recommend that you book your flights through our preferred travel agent Robinson Travel. Email kay@robinson-travel.com or telephone 01237 476798 Suggested route is arrival into Bangkok and then an internal flight onto Surathani. We will look after you with regard to getting you from Surathani airport to Khao Sok Lake. The holiday schedule and internal transportation information will be sent to you approximately 1 month before departure. Any required ‘arrivals’ bus transfer bookings will be arranged well in advance of your arrival. Each student will need to carry Thai baht for restaurant/cafe meals, shopping and bus / boat transfer charges, beverages, and personal expenditure. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR HOLIDAY There are certain recommendations that have been advertised by some travel companies / relevant authorities, which include: Some authorities also suggest typhoid, tuberculosis, rabies, hepatitis B and Japanese B encephalitis These are all vaccinations that can be taken via homeopathic remedies, should you wish to take vaccinations. Weather warning March is a gorgeous hot & dry time of year ... my favourite time of year at the lake. Late nights & early mornings are cooler, otherwise expect warm to hot weather throughout your holiday. There a possibility of the occasional light tropical rain shower. What to bring Pack light. With the above weather conditions, you will need very little....so no excess baggage charges! While we are in Thailand, please respect the local customs regarding clothing. Absolutely no nudity or topless bathing until you are appropriately distant from the venue, or any other building. Think long sleeves for extended periods in the sun & lengthy kayaking around the lake. Important items to bring personal yoga mat strap yoga towel bathing towel (a thai style towel is provided) biodegradable hair & body wash products (no chemical products to be brought into the lake) torch & spare batteries sunblock small backpack for expeditions Electricity / lighting & power source / phone signals Electricity is provided by a small generator for certain times of the evening, so you will be able to charge up cameras, ipods etc Lighting is primarily by oil lamp, although when the generator is working, there is also some electric lighting also. We prefer to keep the generator use to a minimum. There is no cell phone signal at the lake, although if you are desperate to make a phone call, a boat ride would take you to an area of the lake where you would find a signal (boat costs incurred). Preferably for absolute emergencies only, there is a satellite phone available, although these satellite calls can prove expensive. There is no internet access ... fortunately.
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