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Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago
Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago, an enormous area
features more than 800 pristine islands dotted through out the
Andaman Sea of the coast between Myeik (Mergui) and Kawthaung
(Victoria Point). Due to its virtual isolation, the islands and
surrounding seas are alive with an amazing diversity of flora
and fauna and very beautiful underwater scenes and marine life.
Mergui Archipelago is famous as a destination for activities
such as diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, fishing and nature
research. There are not many islands left in the world that
pristine are as of islands in the Mergui Archipelago. It is
possible to visit islands in the Archipelago and find no signs
of human habitation.
Salone or Moken, Sea Gypsies of the Andaman Sea.
Salone of the Andaman Sea presents accounts of the nomads who
live in the Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago of southern Myanmar. The
minority groups of the Northern branch of the Austronesian people
have a very distinctive and peculiar culture: Most of the year they
live on their boats. During the rainy season they live on land,
grow some plants, but are not avid cultivators and make little use
of their agricultural produce. They have developed a strong
cultural identity, but are nevertheless adapting to a changing
environment. They still practice the same fishing and boat building
techniques use for generations. They are skillful in diving and
swimming. Their main livelihood is diving for pearl, collecting
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Kho Yin Khwa Kyunn(Macleod Island)
Macleod Island is situated in Myeik (Mergui)
Archipelago, at Latitude 10’ 10” and longitude 97’ 56” and
some 40 nautical miles from Kawthaung (Victoria Point) and
some 160 nautical miles from Myeik (Mergui). Macleod Island
is one of the unspoiled islands in Mergui Archipelago which
is perfect for diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking and fishing.
It is also a perfect place for bird watching, short trekking
and jungle safari as it is densely wooded and hilly. Its
single prominent summit is 173 meters high. Macleod Island
Bay’s dazzling underwater beauty is its infinite shades of
white, blue, and turquoises coral gardens. On the island
live at least 5 species of bird of preys: White-bellied Sea
Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis
cheela), Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus), Brahminy
Kite (Haliastur Indus) etc. Beside from birds of prey,
Macleod Island is an important breeding and foraging site
for Wreathed Hornbills (Aceros undulates), which is another
species indicator of the good health of the forest. Other
interesting birds on the island include important
populations of Edible-nest Swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga)
that breed in caves and high limestone outcrops, Collared
Kingfishers (Todiramphus Chloris) and the elusive Beach
Thick-knee (Esacus Neglectus), which is a large wader that
requires undisturbed sandy beaches to live on. Many more
bird species breed in the forest on the island, making it a
real bird’s sanctuary. Many species butterfly, cricket,
squirrel and wild life, like wild-pig and monitor Lizard,
etc., can also be found.
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Kyun Su (Cockburn Island)
Here at Kyun Su, we have a chance to explore and view the
limestone caves and rock formations and other wildlife.
Bo Wei (Mc Carthy)
Here at Bo Wei Island we have a chance to study the spectacular
vertical rock cliff formations. Bo Wei Island is one of the most
famous dive sites.
Kyunn Phi Lar (Great Swintons Island)
The beaches on Kyun Philar are uninhabitant, with very white
clean sands. Kyunn Phi Lar has many birds, animals, fishes and
marine mammals including monitor lizards, turtles, sharks,
snakes and also kites and sea eagles. You can enjoy snorkeling
and swimming while the staff prepares your lunch as it is also a
excellent place for snorkeling because of its colorful coral
reefs. The beach is half a mile long with good snorkeling
places, especially in the South-western Gt. Swinton and in the
North-eastern part of the island. There are a lot of coral reefs
and the water depth is from 9 to 12 meters.
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Bo Ywe
Here on Bo Ywe Island, we have a chance to view the magnificent
waterfall situated on Bo Ywe’s western shore.
Nga Mann
Nga Mann is one of famous dive sites. One can enjoy swimming and
snorkeling here as it has colorful coral reefs.
Hlaing Gu (Cavern Island)
Hlaing Gu is also one of the famous dive sites. It is also
famous for its large lime stone caves.
Lampi Island or Kyun Tan Shey (Sullivan Island)
The marine natural park is the most popular island for visitors
in the Mergui Archipelago. Established in 1995 as the country’s
first marine national park it is rich in biodiversity, mangrove,
clean water and coral reefs. It is also the favorite island for
nature lovers. This is a good place for bird-life including
hornbills, king fishers, kites and sea eagles. Crab-eating
macaques (monkeys) can be seen here on the shoreline feasting on
oysters. It will take at least three days in Lampi to see all in
details.
Bo Cho Island (Punala
Island)
There are Salone and Myanmar people in Makyungalet Village on
Punala Island. There is also a small Moken’s Museum in the
Village.
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Nyaung Wee (Pulubada Island)
Here on the southeast coast of Nyaung Wee Island, you will
experience the unique Moken culture and their fascinating life
style. Relax or go snorkeling at Crescent Bay (a cluster of
islands grouped together to form a beautiful bay) while the
staff prepares your lunch. A one mile-long beach, a creek and
many mangrove trees beside it are in the western Pulaubada. You
can see birds, monkeys, wild hogs and especially, a flock of
horn bills coming back to roost in the evening.
Island 115 (Frost Island)
Here we have a chance to explore the swiftlets cave, which is 15
feet in height and 8 feet wide. These small birds make nests
with their own vomit and these nests are collected and exported
to many East Asian countries as they are prized as an
aphrodisiac and a powerful medicine for almost all ailments. On
the island also we can see great hornbills, king fishers, kites
and sea eagles. This island has a white sandy beach with crystal
clear water which is rich in hard coral with small colorful
tropical fishes darting in and out plus many sea urchins. |
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Na Nat Thee (High Rock Island)
This island is rich with colorful coral reefs and very good for
snorkeling. It is the suitable place to go scuba diving. There
are varieties of crabs and sea horses under the clear waters.
Nyaung Oo Phee
Nyaung Oo Phee has many limestone caves for you to explore by
kayak. Here we can also stop for swimming or snorkeling in
crystal clear water and chance to stretch your legs on the white
sandy beach.
Nga Htway Rue
Like Nyaung Oo Phee Island, Nga Htway Rue is an island with many
caves for exploration by kayaks and also a very good place for
snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear for you to fully enjoy
the underwater marine life.
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Nga Khin Nyo Gyee
Nga Khin Nyo Gyee Island has so much to see and do as this small
interesting island has many bays, beaches and reefs.
Lai Ywei Lay Lone
Here one can enjoy kayaking through the limestone caves and
viewing the rock formations. It is also a good place for squid
fishing.
Nga Lon Lett Phei
Nga Lon Lett Phei is full of amazing scenes for you to fill your
camera with beautiful images. It is also famous as a snorkeling
site because of its colorful coral reefs. |
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