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Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park is the 42nd national park of Thailand, located in 3 southern provinces: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Trang. It was established on May 27, 1982. It is known for the diverse ecosystem and wide range of wildlife; consisting of 162 animal species. It was named by local people the “Bha Brommajan” which means “The Forest of Virginity”. Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park also has a great influence on people’s beliefs.

History
Khao Pu and Khao Ya are considered to be holy places for Phatthalung province; especially Khao Pu. People believe that Khao Pu is the place where Ta Pu spirit lives; Ta Pu is half-human, half-Gandharvas (God of music). People often visit and ask him for some blessing. Ta Pu symbolizes goodness and the sign of purity. Every year, around May and October, people gather together to participate in the ceremony, worshipping Ta Pu and their ancestors. Around April to May people annually participate in “Wan Wang” which means days off, usually held for 3 days; on these days people have to stop all kind of activities. This traditional ceremony is very similar to Songkran (Thai New Year) however in this ceremony not only layman can participate, monks are also allowed to join. People will gently pour and sprinkle water on statues of Buddha first, monks and the elders; nobody is allowed to play before the ablution. On every evening of each day there will be local folk story-telling, dancing and games. Around September to October people annually participate in “Ching Pretah Day” which means the giving day to the ancestor spirits, ghosts and demons. On this day people will bring some desserts for the ceremony, such as: Kanom La, Kanom Ba, Kanom Pong, Kanom Thian and Kanom Bae Som (also called Joah Hu). They also bring some rice, garlic, shrimp paste, chili, coconuts, sugar cane, salt, onions, bananas, candles and joss-sticks. Then they will set up the table. After the prayer people will gather around the table and snatch (it is a tradition, people do it just for fun) some food for themselves, believing that it will bring them good luck. Every dessert that people offer to the spirits represents particular objects: Kanom La is a blanket, Kanom Ba is a coin, Kanom Pong is jewelry, Kanom Bae-Som is money and lastly Kanom Thian is a pillow.

Geography
Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park is located in 3 southern provinces: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Trang. The park lies upon the Nakhon Si Thammarat Range or Banthat mountain range. Hin Tan Hill is the highest peak of the park which is 877 meters above sea level. Approximately 60 percent of the park is covered with tropical rain forest and some areas of the park are covered with evergreen forest. Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary is located beside Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park. The center of the park is considered to be the demarcation line, separated Trang and Phatthalung provinces and is cut by a brook, forming the water source for people who live in both provinces. Khao Pu Khao Ya in Phatthalung Province territory is the water source of La Mai, Mai Siab and Cha-Uat canal which unite with Pak Panang River. On the other side, in Trang province, Khao Pu Khao Ya is the water source of Lamphu Ra and Lamor canal which join Trang Main River.

Climate
The average temperature of the park is around 20-35 degree Celsius. The rainy season is around May and December and the precipitation is around 1,600-2,500 milliliters per year.

Fauna
Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park contains various types of animal species. About 60 species of mammals are found here; some are endangered species: Palm Civet, Ground Beetle, Serow and Yellow-Throated Marten. 67 species of reptile live in the park : Blue-winged Flying Lizard, Equatorial Spitting Cobra, Southern Curved-Toed Gecko, Roughneck Monitor Lizard and Cave Dwelling Snake. 70 species of insect are found: Troides amphrysus (butterfly), Giant red bug and the Malayan Jungleglory (butterfly). There are various types of bird live in the park: Blacked-headed Bulbul, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher and Puff backed Bulbul. In Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park the mammals are rarely seen. Some of them are found in some particular areas. Most of the animals are endangered species and they are under the protection of the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act. For example, the Malayan Tapir. The Malayan Tapir is under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act since 1992.

Flora


Most of the plants in the park are local plants which still exist in some southern rural areas and most of them were used for product design and architectural design. Some hardwood plants such as Hopea odorata, Semecarpus curtisii King and Intsia palembanica Miq. are very popular for building construction.

Matcha Cave
Matcha Cave is located in Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park, Phatthalung Province. There are 2 routes that lead to the cave; one is the main route which is 2.5 kilometers long, another one is a walking trail which is 1.8 kilometers away from the visitor center. Inside the cave, there is a fish lake which is 100 meters wide and it is decorated with the stalactites. At the cave center there are approximately 10 statues of Buddha. According to the slippery pathway, nobody is allowed to enter the area after 4 pm. and should ask for permission from the staff before entering the cave.

Pak Jam Waterfall
Pak Jam Waterfall is a 7 stepped waterfall located in Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park, Trang Province. Visitors can only travel by foot. It used approximately an hour to get to Pak Jam waterfall.

Nan-Prew Waterfall
Nan-Prew Waterfall is a stepped waterfall located in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The water originates from the Banthat Mountain Range and rejoins with Cha-uat canal below.

Bee-hive Cliff Viewpoint
Bee-hive Cliff Viewpoint is located within Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park, Phatthalung. The cliff is 250 meters away from the visitor center. Visitors can either travel by foot or bicycle which is also available in the park At the cliff, visitors can see clearly the entire area of the park and the Banthat mountain range. Along the cliff, there are thousands of bee hives built annually, around summer season (February and April).

Entrance Rate
The entrance ticket can be bought at the park entrance (for both Thai and Foreigners): Adult 50 Baht Admission for child below 12 years old is free

Renting Rate
Equipment that is available in the park: Binoculars 50 Baht Bicycle 50 Baht

Accommodation
There are many bungalows provided by the park. Camping is also available in the area. There is no air conditioning available.