It's worth the hike! It's 30 Baht to enter. There is an okay view just before the pay booth which is free, but suggest going all the way to Viewpoint 2.
Beautiful views over the island after the initial step climb past Viewpoint 1. If you carry on towards Bob’s Bar there’s a path to get to the platform or you can scramble up the rock. Great sunset.
You have to pay 20bth when going up the stairs. You can also take a taxi that will leave you halfway on the road to long beach, but the walk is not so nice. 2nd viewpoint is the best, 3rd that better.
The climb is tortuous but the view is breathtaking. You can ride trucks going up the hill but what is the point? There are actually 3 viewpoints which are near each other. Go for sunrise and sunset