Ko Tarutao, Island and former prison in Satun Province, Thailand.
Ko Tarutao is a large, jungle-covered island in Satun Province with mountains rising high above the Andaman Sea. The landscape features thick forest, steep slopes, and an unbroken coastline with several bays and beaches.
The island served as a prison from 1937 to 1948, holding thousands of inmates during that period. After the prison closed, the island was later converted into a national park for public use.
The name Ko Tarutao comes from the Malay words meaning "the island of old." Locals associate the place with stories of what came before and how the land has been used over generations.
An information center at the pier provides details and lodging options for visitors. The best time to explore is during drier months when trails are easier to navigate.
During World War II, when supplies ran low, prisoners and guards formed pirate groups that attacked ships in the Strait of Malacca. This unusual chapter remains part of the island's story today.
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