Our pickup van dropped us off another pitstop that looked like a make-shift travel agency slash open-air convenience store. Other backpackers were already sitting around waiting for their ride. A friendly and welcoming Thai lady will approached us and asked us if we already had a place to stay in Krabi; we said we were looking for options. She immediately brings out this brochure for Pine Bungalow. I immediately smelled a tie-up but the other backpacker dude told us that's where he just stayed and it was great. Schatzi asked me if it was alright, I asked the backpacker dude "How are the bathrooms?" This is my make it or break it question. He said it was OK showing us pics of the place on his Kodak camera. Now I know there's this "backpacker's code" of some sort wherein you trust each other coz you would never recommend a bad place but I just wanted to be sure.

The Pine Bungalow truck came to pick us up and off we went passing through some awesome views of Limestone cliffs, Elephant farms and cozy countryside scenery. The place is about 30 minutes from town, quite a change from the bustling city streets. We arrived safe & sound and were greeted by a warm & friendly staff. We were checked in one of the Bungalows without A/C and it looked exactly like it was in the pictures. Ours had a lounge chair outside, a sliding door with matching giant padlock. The room had a double bed (WARNING: Looks comfy but is NOT! Makes for back pains when you wake up), clothes rack, an stand fan and a sink & mirror. In the bathroom there was a handheld shower, toilet, a water pail and tabo (Filipino term for bath ladle). NO hot water here. It was nice & clean and sparse, but the surrounding area makes up for the rooms. The place was filled with so much flaura and fauna it seemed pretty to me. With the huts just a few meters away from the beach (light brown sand with a few pebbles here & there), you could either wade around the clean water, you can opt to bask in the sun (you CAN go topless but remember Krabi is a Muslim town, so i suggest you keep your junk in your trunk), read a book at the Nipa Hut or take a nap on one of the hammocks.

As for the food, I don't think you can ever go wrong when in Thailand. The menu comprises mostly Thai cuisine and Western staples I highly-recommend you try their catch of the day, Green Chicken curry (with lotsa fresh veggies) and of course, their version of the Tom Yum Goong. It's the perfect meal to wash down with a tall glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice or your trusty big bottle of Chang.

Pine Bungalow also has an Internet nook (NOT to be mistaken for a wi-fi available area as the staff otherwise says), a ping-pong area and a big dining area that cozily fits about 40-50 guests I assume. You can also put their "information board" to good use as it maps out places you can visit around Krabi or customized trips to the surrounding islands. Very very convenient. Whatever your need, be it motorbike rentals, boat or ticket reservations, times of departure, the old Thai guy (I think he is the Manager but I couldn't catch his name) or one of the many resort staff members will be happy to oblige.

Overall, I would recommend this place to any tired & weary traveler who wants to recharge a few days before moving on to his/her next adventure. Just remember to test the bed before you say yes to the room!

Happy & Safe Travels!