ADAPTACIÓN: MARLENE CASTAÑEDA ADÁRRAGA

M E R G U IARCHIPELAGO

(MYEIK ARCHIPELAGO)

Once it was a place where pirates hit and attacked trading boats, which where going for Myeik to unload their cargo. Since 1940 it was closed to the outside

world, because of the defense strategy of Burmese military regime. Only in 1997 live abroad cruises for foreigners were allowed to enter the Archipelago from the most southern point of Myanmar

(Kawthaung) with special permission. For multiple day tours it is still necessary to

have a permission arranged

Once it was a place where pirates hit and attacked trading boats, which where

going for Myeik to unload their cargo. Since 1940 it was closed to the outside world, because of the defense strategy of Burmese military regime. Only in 1997 live abroad cruises for foreigners were allowed to enter the Archipelago from the most southern point of Myanmar (Kawthaung) with special

permission. For multiple day tours it is still necessary to have a permission arranged3 weeks ahead of departure. The permission need to be arranged through a travel and tour company. Cruises range from three to eight days and can include, sailing, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling and diving. Private charters are possible.

Since 1. September 2015 it is officially allowed to operated day tours into the Archipelago. Tourist still need to arrange this with a licensed tour operator. The tour operator has to apply for permission only two days before departure. We like to mention that individual travelers are currently allowed to take a fishing boat from Myeik to the closer islands without any

Possible day tours are:

Marcus Island (Snorkeling Trip)

Mergui Island (Bird Watching and Village Life)

Dome Island (Sea Gypsies -Moken people- and beautiful beaches)

Cocks Comb Island (Snorkeling Trip)

Nyaung Oo Pee Island (Snorkeling Trip)

permission. However it is not possible to visit a postcard beach as the nearby islands are situated in the mangroves. The surrounding waters are murky and the beaches are more brown than white. The fishing boats are too slow to take passengers further out and overnight stays on the islands for individual travelers are prohibited. Alternative there is a public ferry to Kyunsu Island in the morning for a visit to a fishing village. Travelers will need to return in the afternoon.

There are no dive centers in Dawei, Myeik or Kawthaung. Diving is only possible on live aboard cruises.

ZONE FEETo enter the Archipelago arrangements need to be made through an agency. On top of the tour package costs there will be a Royalty fee for the Mergui Archipelago. The fee contains harbour and service taxes as well as the permission costs. Fees vary and depend mainly on the length of stay as well as the size of the boat. GETTING THEREThe only two places to access the Mergui Archipelago are Myeik or Kawthaung.The Northern Mergui Archipelago remains uncharted as nearly all live aboard leave from the south. Myeik has plenty of options for day tours, which still need to be discovered.

The Southern Archipelago has seen a handful of tourists for the last 20 years, but still not every island has been visited. From 800 bigger islands and up to 4000 islands in total, there is still plenty to discover

PROBLEMSThe department of fishery has regulations in place for net sizes and fishing practices. However the don’t have the man power to control these. There are reports of huge trawlers catching everything from the tiniest little shrimp and even taking out the coral. Middle aged fishermen said back in the days they had more than enough tiger prawns to eat. Nowadays they are not that plenty anymore and fishermen can’t effort them.

“It is the last undiscovered place in South East Asia with unspoiled beaches, stunning landscapes and great visibility for underwater activities. Simple an explorers dream.

Calvin from Scotland after a live abroad cruise 2015.