6 Forbidden Islands On Earth No One Is Allowed To Visit (4 of 4)

6. Maya bay, Ko Phi Phi Le island

Theres a reason Maya Bay feels like a dream the moment you see it. Tucked away on the uninhabited island of Ko Phi Phi Leh in Thailand, this little stretch of sand surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and impossibly blue water became iconic after Leonardo DiCaprio made it famous inThe Beach. For years, it wasthepostcard image of Thai paradiseand people from around the world came chasing that postcard.

But paradise, it turns out, can be fragile.

After the movies release in 2000, Maya Bay exploded in popularity. And not just a little. At its peak, the bay saw around 5,000 visitors and up to 200 boats every single day. The crowds brought money and fame, yesbut they also brought anchors dropped directly on coral, sunscreen-polluted waters, and foot traffic that trampled fragile ecosystems. By 2018, over 80% of the coral reef was dead, and marine life had largely vanished.

That year, Thai authorities made a bold and heartbreaking decision: they closed Maya Bay to all tourism. What was meant to be a short break turned into years of healing. During that time, scientists and conservationists worked tirelessly to rehabilitate the reef and bring life back. Scientists replanted coral. Marine monitors watched for signs of life. And slowly, nature responded. The return of blacktip reef sharksonce chased away by the noise and chaosbecame a symbol of cautious hope.

Maya Bay finally reopened in January 2022, but under strict new rules. The bay is now off-limits for swimming. No boats are allowed to dock on the beach. Visitor numbers are now capped, and access is carefully monitored. Theres even a scheduled annual closure during the rainy season (usually August through September) to give the ecosystem time to rest.

Its not the free-for-all it used to beand thats a good thing.

Maya Bay still looks like magic. But its a different kind of magic nowone rooted in reverence, not rush. Tourists can still visit, but its no longer about getting the perfect Instagram shot. Its about being part of a bigger storya story about damage, responsibility, and the possibility of repair.