About Mergui Archipelago

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 shells and other valuable resources in the sea.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.