A scenic discovery among a typical Thailand day - here's how I found the Grandfather Rock Lagoon Viewpoint on Koh Tao.
Curiosity nudge
Morning started like any other - riding my motorbike to town to meet someone for breakfast + coffee. After dropping him off home, I remembered seeing an unexplored road yesterday. My curiosity pulled me yesterday, but I didn't follow it. Today, I did.
It led me up a steep hill, around tight corners, and straight to a scenic viewpoint. Somebody was collecting money at the entrance. Of course, another paid viewpoint, I thought. I drove past it.
Then I discovered: Grandfather Rock Lagoon Viewpoint. Nobody was there; there was only a sign, a rock, and the promise of a beautiful view on the other side.
The viewpoint
Down a short path, I came across the rock with two branches propped up against it that I knew were for climbing. I paused for a moment to analyze how I'd get back down after.
I went for it. As I got to the top, the rickety bamboo floor gave way. Somebody must have built this ages ago, I should be careful. The view was absolutely stunning.
Taking it in
I stood there longer than I expected to. Below me, Nang Yuan folded itself into layers of blue and green and dive boats occupied my first ever dive site—Japanese Gardens. The sound of the island was softer up here. No engines or voices; only wind and the faint sound of the sea.
I thought about how easily I could have missed this. One decision earlier, one nudge less curious, and this viewpoint would have been nothing to me. A place that existed without my ever intersecting it.
What stayed with me
Eventually, I climbed back down carefully, testing each foothold before trusting it.
I started the bike and headed back down, carrying a secret view with me that most people would never see.
Nothing about my day changed on the surface. Breakfast still happened. Plans still unfolded. The island kept moving at its usual pace. But my attention felt sharpened, like trusting curiosity and unsure footing matters.
