MERGUI ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

The size of the Mergui islands ranges from ones with just a few palm trees to ones that cover hundreds of square kilometers. They tend to have a rugged limestone and granite topography: some islands even have caves and lagoons hidden throughout. The serene freshwater waterfalls and winding rivers that snake throughout the forest help the large variety of wildlife flourish. Above the high-tide line are dense bush and thick rainforest cover while along the coastline is a mixture of vast stretches of mangroves, stunning mile-long white sand beaches, rocky headlands, tidal creeks, and even some freshwater rivers.

Overall, the islands themselves are similar to the nearby Thai islands. The only difference between them is that the islands of the Mergui Archipelago have not been exploited for their beauty… yet. Below are some of our favorites.

Lampi Island (Lanbi Kyun)

Also known as Kyun Tan Shey or Sullivan Island, Lampi Island is the central hub of the Mergui Archipelago. The island is also Myanmar’s first marine national park, established in 1995. The Lampi Island Marine National Park is a protected area as well an ASEAN Heritage Park. It contains 50 documented globally threatened plant and animal species.

Being one of the most popular islands to visit, it’s a great example of what you can find in the rest of the archipelago with its rich biodiversity, mangroves, and coral reefs. With nine different areas of the island, it’ll take you a few days to explore all of it. It even has a river called, appropriately, Lampi River where visitors can kayak and see some of the land based animals and vegetation for themselves.

Nyuang Wee Island

This island is the home to some of the local Moken people. You are able to visit their villages, talk with them, and learn about their distinctive culture.

Phi Lar Island (Kyun Philar)

The British called it Great Swinton Island and it has been able to remain uninhabited despite its white beaches and shady palm trees. Around the island are also colorful coral reefs that are a great area for snorkeling.

115 Island

This oddly named island has white sandy beaches and clear waters teeming with colorful sea life from sea urchins to tropical fish hiding around the hard coral, perfect for snorkeling. The island also has opportunities for kayaking and jungle trekking on the island.

Hlaing Gu Island (Cavern Island)

Named for the several large caverns along the water line on the southern end of the island, Cavern Island also gives visitors a chance to explore waterfalls on its western end. The island is also a fresh water source for the local Mokens and fishermen.

Cocks Comb Island

Cock Comb island is sure to catch your attention with its heart shaped inland natural pool in the center of the island, which you can only access by swimming under the rocks on its perimeter from the sea.

Maung Ma Kan Island Group/Maungmagan Kynn

This group of 30 beautiful islands off the coast of Dawei is currently not part of the Mergui Archipelago restricted area and can be accessed by anyone without a permit. Also known as Mid Miscos, these islands are covered in jungle with a rocky coastline and small beaches on the southeastern side.

Sea Gypsies: The Moken (Salone) People

For hundreds of years, the only inhabitants in this region of Myanmar and Thailand have been the Moken or Salone (sometimes spelled Salon) people. Otherwise known as sea gypsies, these sea-faring people have a nomadic culture: they spend the dry season on boats and during the rainy season they stay on land.

Because of their intimate relationship with the sea, the Moken are extremely knowledgeable about navigating the unforgiving waters and how to hunt the aquatic life they need to survive. Masters of free diving, they have high visual acuity underwater and can hold their breath for up to six to seven minutes.

The fishing and boat construction techniques that they use today have been handed down for generations. There have also been reports that the Moken sensed the devastating tsunami in 2004 through a combination of observing animal behavior and following rules set by their ancestors.

This unique culture and people have even grabbed the attention of people like researcher Anna Gislen from the University of Lund in Sweden and even National Geographic.

In 1999, Gislen conducted an investigation into the amazing ability of the Moken children to see underwater. Gislen eventually published a study in 2003 that showed how well Moken children could see underwater compared to European children around the same age. However, these skills were not because of genetics and through some training, non-Moken children could adjust their eyes in the same ways as the Moken children could.

National Geographic created a documentary in 2004 on the nomadic Moken people entitled, “Burma’s Forbidden Islands”. The film by Klaus Reisinger and Frederique Lengaigne followed some of the Moken people as they face the threat of modern culture, tourism, and the government.

Diving in Mergui Islands and Archipelago

The Mergui Archipelago is the perfect area to go on a guided adventure, sailing, eco, or diving tours. (Currently, any visit to the Mergui Archipelago must be with a special permit and through an approved guided tour. Dives are conducted only on live aboard cruises – or from resorts based on the islands. The Archipelago’s scuba dive sites are considered to be among the best in the world. The waters offer reefs, drop-offs, caves, and even tunnels that cut through the underside of an island. The amount of fish and marine life is astounding. Divers are sure to run into sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, and even whale sharks.

Some of the most famous areas in the archipelago for diving are the Burma Banks, Black Rock, Western Rocky, and Shark Cave. These areas give divers opportunities to see sharks like the Silvertip, Whitetip, and Blacktip while navigating coral reefs and underwater canyons and cliffs. You can also see giant frogfish, seahorses, and harlequin shrimp.

Travel and access to Mergui islands is getting better. You have now more options to choose from, where to stay and how to travel.

Visiting Northern part of Mergui Archipelago from Myeik is now possible on day trips by speedboats.

Multi-day tours are also possible when there are enough travelers to make it feasible to run the boats. As it is still early days for regular scheduled service contact us to check for the latest updates.

If you travel to Mergui Islands from Kawthaung there are now more options. It is possible to do day trips from Kawthaung or to stay in one of these resorts.

Luxury | Wa Ale Eco- Resort on Wa Ale island near Lampi national park is a paradise for nature lovers. You will stay in luxurious safari tents and tree houses that blend perfectly with the nature. Participate in turtle conservation efforts with a biologist, snorkel and dive in pristine waters or explore mangroves. Wa Ale is a great hide-away to get back in touch with nature.  The resort opens in March-April 2018.

Luxury | Awei Pila Resort – on Kyun Phila island is new luxury resort due to open in Oct 2018.  This high standard resort is situated near Wa Ale island and Lampi national park 2hrs speedboat ride away from Kawthaung and has elegant open concept luxury yurts fitted with all comforts.

Nyaung Oo Phee Island Victoria Cliff Resort has great beaches and accommodation that varies from tents to luxury villas. This is great base for snorkeling and diving excursions to some of the most famous dive spots in Mergui Archipelago.

Boulder Bay Island Eco-resort offers rustic Robinson style island experience on private island. There is beautiful beach just at your door step.

Myanmar Andaman Resort on McLeod Island. The first resort in Mergui Archipelago MAR has excellent location in a beautiful bay. This modest eco-resort is a great base for exploring the hilly island and enjoying powdery white sand beach and sea sports.

For adventurous travelers on lower budget it is possible to stay in tented camp on one the amazing islands after a days snorkeling tour.

Southern Archipelago offers many options for sailing holidays. You can hire a cabin on a fully catered sailing journey which generally takes 5-6days. For families and groups of friends chartering own boat with crew might be a more suitable option. There are different kinds of boats from mid-range to ultra lux superyachts.

Contact Discovery team for more information! 

Best time to visit Mergui Islands Achipelago is from October to May when sea is more calm. During summer monsoon travelling between the islands can get rough and most boats stay away anchored to sheltered bays or have their annual maintenance in Thailand or Malaysia.