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Seal Superyachts Asia - Myanmar Press Articles |
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Discovering Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago
by Adam Frost, Director of Seal Superyachts
Just twelve hours steaming time north from Thailand's premier
holiday destination of Phuket, lays eight hundred tropical islands. Virtually all of which are
uninhabited and devoid of Human habitation. When one considers that Phuket received more than three
million visitors in 2004, it surely has to be only a matter of time before these beautiful islands that
comprise the Mergui Archipelago, become the next hot spot for Asian Marine tourism. |
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Situated in Myanmar's Tennassarim province, the ten
thousand square miles of the Mergui Archipelago offer a cruising area that is second to none in terms of
isolation, adventure and beauty. With ninety-five percent of the islands carpeted in a lush primal forest,
the wildlife and fauna of the region is extremely rich and diverse. Due to the fact that the area had
being isolated for fifty years, since the end Second World War, it is only now that the Mergui Archipelago
is starting to reveal its treasure trove of secrets, both above and below the waves. |
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In December 96, The Myanmar government granted the first ever
Transportation License, allowing a foreign-based sailing company to operate sailing charters in to the
Archipelago. This company was South East Asia
Liveaboards, otherwise known as SEAL, based out of Phuket.
Established in the late eighties, by two British brothers, Graham and Adam Frost, the company cut it's
teeth operating sailing and diving charters to the Similan & Surin Islands. A now well-known Thai dive
destination.
Within a very short period of establishing charters in to the Mergui Archipelago, SEAL realized
the potential of the area, not just for diving, but also as an incredible playground for all marine
related activities. Today SEAL handles arrangements for virtually all of the privately owned
Superyacht's who wish to cruise in the Mergui. |
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Myanmar has been cast in a bad light in recent years
by western government sanctions, for the countrys' alleged human rights abuses. However, at a local level
the Myanmar people are genuinely very friendly towards western visitors. So through experience it has been
seen that rather than being a dangerous area to visit, the locals are welcoming to all. Since 1996, there
have not been any crime or safety issues related toward visiting yachts, cruising in the Mergui
Archipelago. |
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It should however be noted that as the area is so vast, and
local villages in the archipelago being sparse, a certain amount of independence and the attitude to be
able to rely on ones own, needs to be applied when cruising the area. The Myanmar navy does operate out
in the islands, but due to lack of money for fuel running costs, the patrol vessels tend to spend more
time in port, rather than out in the islands. This gives rise to the feeling of the archipelago being a
forgotten frontier. When you can literally loose yourself for days, without seeing sight or sound of
another boat, except maybe a local 'Moken' sea-gypsy dugout.
A few of the islands have army camps, of which cruising yachts are told to steer clear. It is not
uncommon, for a passing Army patrol to come visit boats at anchor, to check paperwork. This is always
done in a friendly way, and after a packet or two of cigarettes, they soon leave quite satisfied. |
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It is policy of the Myanmar government that each
vessel wishing to cruise the Archipelago, take aboard a government guide for their voyage. The guide's
job is to report on the vessels route and to advise on what Islands are out of bounds, due to a military
presence. These guides are arranged through the licensed operators such as Seal Superyachts,
who organize the cruising permits.
The gateway of the Archipelago is Kawthoung, Myanmar's southern most port. It is the only official port
of entry in to the islands for vessel's coming up from the south. When using the correct agent,
check-in procedures should take less than an hour to clear. After that it's out to the islands for a
voyage of discovery and adventure. |
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Some of the highlights of the islands are Lampi Island, now
designated a National Park. Lampi Island alone is the same size of Phuket and is just one of the eight
hundred islands out there. On the west coast of Lampi are a dozen or so beautiful white sand beaches,
some of which stretch for a kilometer or more in length. A walk on any of these, will revel a host of
animal tracks from small Lizards to Turtles and even Leopard of Elephant tracks.
Lampi also has a number or inland jungle river systems, which are great for exploration by kayak or
dingy. Wildlife encountered along these rivers is rich. Many kinds of Kingfishers, Monkeys, Reticulated
Pythons, Monitor Lizards and other such creatures are all quite commonly seen. |
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On the Northwest corner of Lampi is a stunning
s-shaped channel called Sallet Gallet. Once in side this natural harbor, it becomes impossible to sea the
open ocean. A great place to anchor, offering glass calm conditions all year round. Plain-pouched
Hornbills in flocks of thirty to fourty can been seen here at dusk, as they come in to roost from a
days foraging.
Sailing further north from Lampi, other attractions of the region are Tower Rock at Princep Island.
A stunning rock formation that towers vertically for more than three hundred meters. It is possible to
sail right next to the rock, as the depth below the water drops shear to more than forty meters.
The Marble Islands are also another hidden gem, limestone cast islands, similar in formation to those
seen in Phang Nga Bay. The main island of the group has a secret lagoon, which is accessible by a tunnel
exposed at low tide. |
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Scuba Diving out in Archipelago has been discovered to be
excellent. Most of the best dive sites are on the rocks and pinnacles further out to west of the island
chain, where the waters are deeper, and the visibility generally clearer. Black Rock is one such of these
great dive sites, where literally anything can be seen on a good day. Manta Rays in schools of twenty or
more are not uncommon. A host of different species of shark can also be seen here on a regular basis,
including the rare and elusive Whale Shark.
If time avails a visit to the old port of Mergui, (now re-named as Myiek) is a highly recommended stop-off.
Boasting a magnificent six hundred year old golden pagoda on the top of a steep hill, the town really is a
great place to explore. The old Market, and colonial era mansions all belie the towns chequered past,
which was once part of Siam. |
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It is also possible to now sail north from the Mergui
Archipelago to Yangon City (formally known as Rangoon). A few Superyacht's have done this in recent years,
including M/y Battered Bull and S/Y Yannekee II. Berthing at the dock in front of the infamous Strand
Hotel truly brings a feeling of Bygone days. A few Gin and Tonics at the hotel Bar, is the perfect way to
round off an Adventure through the Mergui Archipelago.
Note: Thankfully the Mergui Archipelago was not affected by the recent Asian Tsunami. It remains as
beautiful and unspoiled as pre December 2005. |
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Seal Superyachts Asia in Myanmar |
Seal Superyachts Asia (Myanmar) |
Tel: |
+66 (0) 76 296 934 |
Kawthaung Motel |
Fax: |
+66 (0) 76 296 934 |
Kawthaung, Myanmar |
Mobile: |
+66 (0) 81 979 6636 |
Contact: Adam Frost |
Contact us: |
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