The Khao Ok Thalu Mountain is the famous symbol of Phatthalung province. The Mountain is 250 meters high and this is the highest point of the province. It is located at Soi 4 Charoenditthain road, Kuhasawan, Muang Tambon Khuha Sawan, Phatthalung Chang Wat Phatthalung 93000. Google map click here. It is one of the tourist's destinations in Phatthalung Thailand. You can get here by Tuk-tuk or a private car. It's near the Phatthalung train station. From the railways, it rises in the east. The name of the mountain derives from the hole near the top that allows people to see through.
This is a temple on the mountain so if you want to go here kindly wear decent attire. You can wear shorts and a t-shirt with rubber shoes if you plan to climb up the mountain. This mountain has two cement-paved stairways that will lead you to a different location.
When you reach the first level you will find this gate (pictured above) on the left side. It will lead you to a temple where the monks live. The temple is hidden between two hills. But this is not the only way to get to the temple. They have an entrance on the other side of the mountain. The cement-paved stairways going to the hidden temple is clean. The monks swept the fallen leaves on stairways. You can also view the panoramic scenery of the province on this side.
On the right side, it will lead you to the top of the famous Khao Ok Thalu Mountain. The cement-paved stairways here is quite dirty. The fallen leaves left there rotten on the stairways. Not may locals or tourist climb up to Khao Ok Thalu Mountain because it is very high. To get there you must climb up the 1066 stairs. The stairs look creepy but it is safe I guess. It's like an abandon stair in the middle of the forest. I've been watchful while going up as I am afraid that the snakes will show up. Going upstairs is not hot because the trees will shade you from the sun. I can't even see the skies, the sun rays cannot penetrate the forest.
We tried to climb up but the weather wasn't good at that time, so we stopped in the middle. I was very tired at that time although I really wanted to reach the top. I listened to my body language so we decided to go down. If you plan to climb up you should prepare yourself. Bring your own water jar, face towel, and extra clothes. You'll get sweaty so you must change your shirt after climbing.
I wasn't prepared at that time. We didn't reach the top and when we go down, our legs are shaking. We sit on the benches and rest for a while. The muscles pain in my legs leaves there for a week. It's painful to walk and more painful when I took the stairs.
If you really plan to reach the top of Khao Ok Thalu Mountain, prepare yourself. You can come here any time of the day since it is an open space but the best time to come there is early in the morning. Don't come here late in the afternoon you might still in the middle of the stairs when the sunset come.
There are no shops around here. So you must bring your own snacks and water. There are tables and benches in the entrance where you can rest. The public toilet is free and clean. The parking space is wide and it's also free. The Mountain View Guest House is just a walking distance from here. It's the only place around here where you can stay.
Put some mosquito repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Only a few locals come here but the place is safe. I have noticed some monks are on the stairway going to the hidden temple. Khao Ok Thalu Mountain is 24 hours open and no entrance fee.
