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maltatoday SUNDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2018 41 Travel The yelkouan shearwater is a secretive gull-like seabird. That strange word yelkouan is a Turkish word that means wind-chaser and it fits the bird to a T. Shearwaters spend virtually all of their long life at sea, gliding over the waves and diving for fish and squid. The only reason they come to land is to nest. The yelkouan shearwater (M. garnija) nests in several places around the Mediterranean, and Malta's cliffs are one of them: indeed we are home to 10% of this bird's world population! No wonder BirdLife Malta is super protective of this species and spends time and money studying the cliff colonies and seeking ways to ensure this precious population does not decline. Thanks to BirdLife's seabird research nine massive chunks of sea around the Islands were identified as the shearwaters' main feeding grounds and have been declared Natura 2000 sites. Go for an evening walk along the western cliffs, sit quietly near the edge and you could be lucky to hear their whinnying cry. 595. YELKOUAN SHEARWATER Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 498: Find out more: http:// www.foemalta.org/plasticfreepledge Text Victor Falzon Photo Frank Dhermain BEST PLACE TO STAY The nicest point to visit is the scenic view point at the View- Point Resort which, aside from being my home for a year, has the best restaurant on the island and is always a treat when craving both a Western food experience or a traditional Thai dish like Tom kha gai or Tom khati pla (spicy coconut chicken or fish soup). Viewpoint Resort is located at the top of coconut capped hills in the heart of a jungle of its own. This location overlooks Chalok Baan Bay and has a spectacular view of Bud- dha rock, which the people of Koh Tao regard with very high respects. BEST PLACE TO EAT Another favourite restaurant, which is highly recommended by locals and expats who go there for a casual breakfast, lunch, snacks and/or dinner, is called Babaloo. An elderly woman of around 70 years known as 'mama', prepares authentic Thai cuisine and has a reputation for being very friendly and kind (especially with her portions). This hot spot is hidden away in the coconut hills, above Chalok Baan Bay on the road that leads to Mae Haad. It re- ally stands out because of a huge statue of Lord Ganesha a Hindu God, which stands at the entrance of the wooden restaurant nestled within trees almost looking like a tree house. BEST PLACE FOR A NIGHT OUT Sairee is a popular place with the tourists on Koh Tao with many restaurants like Bara- cuda and a Taste of Home (also known as Ushi's, the German expat who opened the restaurant), trendy beach clubs like Maya beach and full moon, half moon, and all kinds of moon parties on the beach. How- ever, the world-famous full moon parties happen on sister island Koh Phagnan. Muay Thai boxing matches are popular and a regular event on the island, where both locals, tourists and expats get in action, either through training, participating or simply watching. It's some- thing that definitely gets alot of attention as a traditional sport in Thailand. Living like a local meant I was never around those locations that I could only compare to Paceville and which are not my cup of tea. BEST PLACE TO WIND DOWN AND ENJOY NATURE As a local, I did what most people seek to do in their free time on Koh Tao in Thailand - relax in hammocks on the bays, do yoga, walk in nature, trek, read, walk along the beaches or across them when the tide is low, get lots of massage which is very much part of the Thai people's culture (and whch they are always very eager to share) and of course talk to the locals and share food. Food in general is an intrinsic part of the Thai culture and though culinary courses and schools are found all over Thailand there aren't any on Koh Tao. However so, food is always ever present and offered to you if you are curious. As a standard, food breaks in Thailand are a time to rest and restore. Viewpoint Resort is located at the top of coconut-capped hills in the heart of a jungle of its own An elderly woman of around 70 years, known as 'mama', prepares authentic Thai cuisine at Babaloo and has a reputation for being very friendly and generous, especially with her portions Sairee is the place to go if you are looking for a night out. Bars and restaurants line the beach and you can also catch a Muay Thai boxing match The best way to enjoy nature on Koh Tao is to lie back in a hammock and take in the scenery