By ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

With photo contributions from the management of Tarutao National Park, Pamela Reblora, and Eisen Bernardo.

Tarutao National Park

Tarutao National Park is surrounded by a sea, measuring 1,490 square kilometres. It is located in Tambon Ko Sarai, Amphoe Muang in the province of Satun.

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Limestone formation of Tarutao (2015) by Pamela Q. Reblora and Eisen BernardoASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Old, mysterious, and primitive

This is what Tarutao means in the dialect of Southern Thailand, and for centuries, the island has been the home of Chao Lay ethnic group, a sea gypsy community.

Viewpoint in Tarutao National Park by Pamela RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

The park covers 51 islands and can be divided into two main parts: the Tarutao Archipelago, located 30 kilometers away from the coast, and the Adang-Rawi Archipelago, another 45 kilometres to the West. 

Tarutao small island (2013)ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Various nature trails lead to panoramic views and superb beaches. Visitors can ride boats or kayaks, and go island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, and caving. Bird watchers and avid photographers will also enjoy the tremendous wildlife inhabiting the park.

Corals and Fish by Pamela RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

A great area for snorkeling and scuba diving

Some of the more important marine species include shark, grouper, eel, carp, catfish, salmon, flying perch, angelfish and butterflyfish. Marine mammals that can be spotted include dugong, the common dolphin, the Irawaddy dolphin, sperm whale, and minke whale.

Tarutao Hornbill (2015) by Pamela Q. Reblora and Eisen BernardoASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Wildlife of Tarutao National Park

The island is dominated by large mangrove trees such as Sonneratia caseolaris, Anacardium sp., Vitex sp., Myrsine sp., Rhizophora sp., Brugiera sp., and Ceriops sp..

Tarutao Lizard (2015) by Pamela Q. Reblora and Eisen BernardoASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Wildlife of Tarutao National Park

Dusky langurs; crab-eating macaques; mouse deer and wild pigs; squirrels; tree shrews; gaur; serows; hornbills and woodpeckers; banteng; bears; tigers; dhole; lesser mousedeer; bird species include reef egret, white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, and hornbills.

Bird spotted in Tarutao National Park, Pamela Reblora, From the collection of: ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
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Crab-eating Macaque, Pamela Reblora, From the collection of: ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
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Mangroves in Tarutao National Park by Pamela RebloraASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Habitat Types

Moist evergreen forest; dry evergreen forest; mixed deciduous forest; mangrove forest; secondary forest; old agricultural land; beach forest; coconut plantation; and scrub forest.

Tarutao beach (2013)ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity

Learn more about Tarutao National Park

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ASEAN Heritage Parks

ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) are protected areas of high conservation importance that provide valuable contributions to safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity. 

AHPs provide a window to the world, showcasing a wealth of biodiversity that is uniquely ASEAN.

Credits: Story

With photo contributions from the management of Tarutao National Park, Pamela Reblora, and Eisen Bernardo.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity