Cock's Comb Island is an island without beaches, surrounded by mountains and the sea. When viewed from above, it resembles a heart shape. The sea inside is emerald green, hence the name "Cock's Comb Island." To enter the emerald heart, one must swim through a small channel during low tide. Therefore, tour programs change according to the low tide times. To visit Cock's Comb Island, regardless of where you book your trip in Thailand, you must travel with Grand Andaman only. The exception is if you book at Koh Son, where the tour will be operated by the hotel under the name "Fharung." This company has organized new tours to Emerald Island this year and caters to hotel guests. It is a tour company owned by the wife of Mr. Fuk, a Thai-Burmese who holds the concession for the island.

The hotel van dropped us off at the Grand Andaman Pier's outside parking lot in the morning. Those who drove themselves can park their cars here. After registering and receiving your immigration clearance form, fill out the insurance return form and give it to the staff. You can then grab a snack. There is a shop at this location where you can buy waterproof bags, sea urchin-resistant shoes, pants, shirts, and other equipment. If you need to rent fins, you can do so here for 100 baht per pair. Your diving goggles will be available on the boat. There are also restrooms available in this area.

Emerald Heart Tour Itinerary

Morning:

• 08:00: Arrive at Grand Andaman Pier (Ranong) and complete border formalities.
• 09:00: Board a boat to Koh Son.
• 09:00: Transfer to a boat to Koh Kood Ma.
• 09:00: Introductory scuba diving lesson for beginners.
• 09:00: Guests staying on Koh Kood Ma check in to their accommodation.

Midday:

• 11:30: Lunch and free time. Guests can enjoy canoeing.
• 13:00: Depart for Koh Ta Fuk.
• 13:00: Guests staying on Koh Ta Fuk check in to their accommodation.
• 13:00: Free time.

Afternoon:

• 14:00: Scuba diving at Emerald Heart.
• 15:00: Scuba diving at Koh Yan Cheuk.
• 15:00: Return to Grand Andaman Hotel (Koh Son, Myanmar).

Evening:

• 17:30: Shower at the hotel's swimming pool.
• 17:30: Buffet dinner at Victoria Restaurant.
• 20:00: Return to Grand Andaman Pier (Ranong). Guests can wait for the last boat at 23:00.

Once all the tour participants have arrived, the guide will explain the tour itinerary and document submission process. Participants will then board a shared taxi or van to the immigration checkpoint. At the checkpoint, participants will present their ID cards along with the documents provided by the guide during the initial registration. After submitting the documents, participants should return them to the guide. Restrooms are available in this area.

Once you have completed the paperwork, you can walk along the path to the pier.

The walkway is paved with tiles and has a roof that extends all the way to the pier.

The right side is a pier used for traveling to the Dragon Islands by Love Andaman.

At the pier, a boat from the Grand Andaman Hotel was already waiting.

Upon arrival, chairs will be provided for you to rest while waiting to be called to board the boat.

The small hotel shuttle boat can accommodate 16-20 people. Hotel guests are given priority to board the boat before tour guests.

The boat takes 10-15 minutes to reach Koh San. We waited for another boat and then boarded the boat to the island. There are restrooms available at the Koh San pier.

Today, we have 36 tourists on board. The boat we are using is a 3-engine speedboat with seats on both sides and 3 seats in the middle.

The boat stopped at Koh Song to pick up the guide and buy painkillers for the customer.

Burmese mail boats were already docked at Koh Song Pier, waiting to pick up and drop off passengers.

After approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour of travel, we arrived at Horseshoe Island.

Horseshoe Island, aptly named for its horseshoe-shaped beach, offers a unique snorkeling experience. Boats anchor on one side of the beach, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant coral reefs. Afterwards, the boat relocates to the other side of the beach, enabling snorkelers to follow the coral formations as they swim along the coastline.

Horseshoe Island offers 20 bamboo bungalows for accommodation.

We booked a tour to stay on this island. Today, there are only two people staying on this island. The other 11 people went to stay on Koh Ta Fuk, and the rest returned to the mainland.

The bamboo bungalow is equipped with a concrete bed platform, complete with bedsheets, blankets, mosquito net, and a fan.

The room and balcony have light switches, and the door is secured with a bamboo lock. Electricity is available from approximately 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Dining area

The island's only shop has limited supplies. During my visit, they had Lay's potato chips for 40 baht per bag, canned soft drinks for 40 baht each, and **no** Leo beer. They did have bottled water, which they brought to our accommodation free of charge. However, they did not sell ice, only ice for chilling beer.

The bathroom has 3 toilets for men and 3 for women. There is a shower where fresh water will be released for us to shower after the tour group leaves. However, the water used to flush the toilet is salt water. On the left side of the men's room, there is a urinal area without a faucet. Don't expect much from the bathroom door, as people can definitely see through it.

For lunch, we had boxed meals from the tour, which included rice, fried rice, fish cakes, and fried chicken.

The other box contains pork stew, stir-fried chicken with basil, pineapple, and bread.

After finishing your meal, you can take the canoe out for a paddle.

We are staying here to relax and paddle. Those who continue their journey, please do not paddle too far, or you may not make it back in time for the boat's departure.

There are over ten canoes here, three of which are damaged. This is because they were left out and were smashed against rocks by waves.

The fishing boats anchored off the beach are inhabited by Burmese workers, while only three employees, including the cook, reside on the island.

Today, I came across a very large jellyfish that was still alive. There were fish swimming around its tentacles.

A photo of me canoeing.

Located on a remote island, internet connectivity is extremely slow. We are using DTAC, which offers 1-2 bars of 3G signal and occasionally switches to E. AIS also has a presence, while True has no signal at all.

We were the only two tourists on the island, so we had the swings all to ourselves.

The only place on the island with a phone signal is the swing area. There is no signal anywhere else on the island. After playing on the swings, you can take photos.

Come back to the bungalow. It's very hot. Who said it was going to rain?

As the tide recedes in the late afternoon, we set out to paddle and explore the coral reefs.

In the afternoon, I went diving and sunbathed. In the evening, I went paddleboarding and took pictures. I saw everything, so I didn't need to go diving.

Sea anemones and large clownfish can be found in multiple locations. I observed approximately five such locations.

After watching the coral, the guide on the island took us out on a boat to fish for squid. The fishing guide was very experienced.

Squid fishing equipment. The guide told us to release it slowly. I haven't caught anything for a long time. I have no luck.

Paddling to observe the bird's nest climbing route and the point where the cliff collapsed from dynamite fishing.

The boat sailed slowly until the sun began to set behind the mountain peaks.

Circling around to the back of the island, the sun is about to set.

We have now reached the back of the island. Let's stop by the first beach to take some photos.

This beach has a lot of pebbles.

Paddle to the next beach, this beach has very fine white sand.

I went to see the sunset, but I didn't stay until it set because I was afraid of getting dark before I could paddle my canoe back to the front of the island. The guide told me to paddle another way so that I could paddle around the island, so I followed him. The waves were strong, but I managed to get through them. I tried not to get wet, but I got hit by a wave and got soaked.

Come back and take a shower. No need to argue, there are more bathrooms than people. The electricity is already on, it was turned on before 6:00 PM.

For dinner tonight, we will have one steamed crab per person.

Sweet and sour sea bass.

Squid and shrimp with spicy dipping sauce

We had a huge bowl of Tom Yum Goong to share, but two people couldn't finish it.

The night air was quite cool. The lights were on all night and were only turned off around 5:30 AM, but they were turned on again during rice cooking. When we went out to the bathroom at night, we didn't need a flashlight at all. It was very bright. In the morning, we walked out to the sea and the water was very low.

Let's go explore the coral reefs and marine life, starting with the brain coral.

Staghorn coral, crystal clear seawater, clearly visible.

Is it a sea anemone?

Sea urchins are available for consumption. Please consume them on-site and do not take any with you.

At first glance, I didn't even recognize the crab. It's incredibly well camouflaged.

The sky is overcast this morning, and it looks like it might rain. The weather forecast also predicts rain for today. Let's wait and see.

I went to check the line and there was a phone call. Anyone who contacts me after this will not have a signal.

This morning's breakfast is chicken rice porridge.

Ovaltine and coffee cannot be dispensed from the electric kettle. You must use a cup to scoop it out.

Feeling lonely being alone. Waiting for the boat to pick us up. 555

The guide will take you on a hike to see the view.

The view point is slightly obstructed by trees.

Capturing memories as we embark on a secluded island adventure for two.

Climbing a little further up, you will find the former living quarters of the island's inhabitants. Before the construction of the accommodation, there was a rainwater collection point where the tank is now located.

I've climbed down. Be careful not to slip on your way down.

Take another scenic photo.

Climbing down to the bottom, my shoes ripped. Now I have to walk barefoot all day.

A lonely atmosphere awaits visitors.

It's lunchtime. Today, the chef cooked for me before the other tourists arrived. Today's menu includes stir-fried minced pork with eggs, stir-fried mixed vegetables, minced pork with red curry paste, and clear soup with tofu and minced pork. The omelet was particularly delicious today.

This morning, a boat from Fa Rung arrived to allow tourists to swim before a boat from Grand Andaman followed.

After a while, Burmese officials arrived at the island, accompanied by Mr. Fuk, the concessionaire of the island.

It's time to board the ship. Let's take some photos first.

Today, there are only about twenty tourists. Eleven of them have disembarked to the island, leaving fewer than twenty on board. It's a comfortable number.

The boat trip from Horseshoe Island to Koh Ta Fuk takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Dunkin Island boasts four interconnected beaches stretching nearly 2 kilometers. The beaches feature fine, soft white sand, making them ideal for swimming, canoeing, or leisurely walks along the shore. Notably, the island has fewer than 10 canoes remaining.

After boarding the boat, we headed to the island's sign to take pictures.

The beach on this island has fine, white sand that is perfect for relaxing on.

Beach view captured on iPhone 6 in Pano mode.

Returning to explore the area, this photo shows the cafeteria section.

Shops on the island

Workers'宿舍

Tourist accommodation on the island

This island offers 15 elevated tent accommodations.

The tent has a headlamp and a fan inside. Electricity on the island is available from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

The tent is equipped with a bed, pillows, blankets, and towels.

A small folding table and a seat cushion, with a flashlight.

The beach is dotted with trees that provide shade.

This log is called a crocodile head. Sit on it for a bit.

Sculpture

The sun is scorching hot, and people are still playing in the water. My shoulders are already sunburned from yesterday, and I had to use the coconut oil I brought to help soothe the burning sensation.

Swinging on the swing, waiting for the journey to the Emerald Heart.

The bird guide took the tourists back after squid fishing. Take a picture of the canoe on this beach.

A kind stranger took a picture of us together. Thank you!

It's time to dive into the Emerald Heart. The boat has stopped at the mouth of the cave, and we can see light coming from inside. Today, we can enter.

After going down into the water, I realized that I could take pictures with my phone, so I went back up to the boat, put my phone in a waterproof bag, and took pictures. Pictures inside the Emerald Heart as seen from the opening.

A souvenir photo, hehe. From inside to outside.

A photograph taken from the mouth of the cave looking inwards.

Swim into the cave and take a picture of the view from the mouth of the cave.

Take a picture of the Russian tourist and send it to them via Facebook.

This photo was taken by a female guide.

After leaving Emerald Heart Island, we continued diving at Ko Yan Cheuk.

This underwater photo was taken by our guide, Nok. The guide will dive down first, giving us 45 seconds to follow and take pictures.

The coral reefs and marine life here are stunningly beautiful and diverse. We swam and explored, never tiring of the sights.

The marine animal pictures shown below were taken by the bird guide during a diving trip.

This area is abundant with large anemonefish.

We cannot see the sea slug. We need to dive down and take a close-up photo.

This photo was taken by our bird guide during low tide. When we visited, the water level was a bit high, making the view less clear.

After the dive, the boat will drop you off at Grand Andaman Pier (Koh Son, Burma).

A large songthaew picked us up to take us to the Grand Andaman Hotel.

Get off the car and wait for the bird guide at the hotel lobby. You can see the view of the swimming pool where you will go swimming.

The bird guide went to receive dinner coupons to distribute to the tour group.

Wait for the guide to distribute immigration forms and dinner coupons in the lobby.

After receiving the documents and food coupons, I took a shower at the poolside shower of the hotel. Anyone who wants to go swimming can do so.

After showering, please pick up a towel and change clothes in the bathroom. There are two bathrooms available. Don't forget to watch the hornbills by the pool. The hotel will provide food for the hornbills without confining or capturing them.

After that, I started to feel hungry and used my food coupon to enjoy a buffet meal at the Victoria Restaurant.

The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, but the flavors are rather ordinary.

Today's fruits are watermelon, pineapple, and guava.

Sticky rice cake, delicious cake.

The oyster omelet was not sweet enough and the texture was not thick enough, so I had to add more coconut milk.

Our meal for today

The view from the restaurant at sunset is beautiful.

After lunch, the guide, Nok, brought photos for us to download. We sent the photos to the Russian tourists and then went to look at the duty-free shops.

For those who want to try their luck, you can walk into the room opposite the duty-free shop. There are staff members supervising and photography is not allowed.

We boarded the return ferry at 7:00 PM. This time, there were many passengers returning, so the ferry to Ranong was a large one.

Before boarding the ferry, please remember to present your immigration form to the Burmese officials for stamping. Hotel guests are exempt.

The boat was air-conditioned. After waiting for a while, it was full of people and then departed back to the Ranong coast.

Upon arrival at the Grand Andaman Pier in Ranong, please present your immigration form and ID card to Thai immigration.

Our hotel van will pick you up directly at immigration, so there is no need to walk to the outside parking lot.

The Emerald Heart Island trip has concluded. This trip is highly recommended, with stunning scenery, pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and diverse coral reefs.

See you again in March... Our next trip will be to Hokkaido in the winter.

For those interested, the brochure we picked up is from Farmhouse Travel. We booked this trip through Farmhouse Travel.

Farmhouse Travel website: http://www.farmhouseranong.com/travel/