These efforts enabled over 200 businesses to reopen by August, according to Hi Phi Phi.
Since then, the Paradise Found group has continued to funnel funds where they could see a need.
One woman on the island who sold fruit had lost her cart, Jones said, so the group paid for a new one to replace it, custom made in Krabi.
"One hundred UK pounds [US$176] and she was back in business," Jones said.
Jones' husband Lee was also able to act as a link between the Thai community and the group, finding out who needed help.
And the group are also rebuilding their own lives. A Danish couple replaced Lee's long-tail boat, which had been lost in the waves. He and Jones have given it the Thai name Matt Nam Jai, or Matt's Flowing Heart, in memory of their friend and colleague at the dive center, Matt McComish, who died in the tsunami.
While its clear that those who were killed in the tsunami are not forgotten, the survivors seem to have coped by keeping their eyes on the future.
Jones and Lecky said the urgent need for volunteers has passed, but they encourage people to visit the island.
"Support local businesses. [Help people] get back to normal. Make something good" out of what happened, Jones said.
For more information on the people and story behind Phi Phi Island's recovery visit:
www.paradisefoundproject.net/
www.hiphiphi.com/links.htm
Flights from Taiwan
● The Taipei Times traveled to Phi Phi Island via Phuket. Thai Airways offers an 8:30am flight from Taipei to Bangkok. From Bangkok, there are frequent flights to Phuket. Flying time is about 90 minutes.
● A recent quote from a travel agent in Taipei priced flights to Phuket booked before Jan. 10 at NT$13,800. Prices rise to NT$15,800 after that date.
● Ferries from Phuket to Phi Phi Island leave from Phuket town in the morning and the afternoon every day. The journey takes about 90 minutes.
● Alternatively, if you have a bigger budget some of the top-end hotels on the island provide a pickup service from Phuket Airport and shuttle boat to the island. Check with individual hotels.
Day tripping
● It's possible to visit Phi Phi on a day trip from Phuket. Some of the ferries to the island also offer an all-day deal that stops first in Phi Phi. Passengers can disembark at that point or remain on the boat for a snorkeling and sightseeing tour. The boat returns to Phi Phi in the afternoon and allows a bit of time for sightseeing there before returning to Phuket.
Accommodation
● There is a variety of accommodation on the island, varying from cheaper bungalows for the backpacker crowd to five-star resorts. Prices for accommodation rise significantly in the high season of December and January. A shoulder-season or off-season visit can be rewarding, with fewer people and reduced prices, but do check on the weather before you go -- the dry season lasts from December until April, expect rain during the other months.
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