Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sailing packages starting in Yangon.
ISLANDS OF THE MYEIK ARCHIPELAGO
The Burmese used to say there were more than 4000 islands in the Myeik Ar-
chipelago, though British surveyors recognised only 804. The British took the
liberty of naming many of the islands, although some are also interchangeably
known by their Burmese and sometimes Moken names (some islands are even
known by old Thai or Arabic names). Most are uninhabited - some little more than
rocky outcrops - some have Navy and Army stations and are off limits, while oth-
ers are home to Burmese and occasionally small Moken communities.
The more noteworthy islands and diving spots in the Myeik Archipelago include
the following (from north to south):
Kanmaw Kyun (Kisseraing Island)
A large island (409-sq-km) home to Burmese,
Karen and Moken villages and expansive rubber plantations.
Black Rock
A remote, rocky outpost that is the northernmost extent of most
diving excursions. The site is home to clear water and rich sea life, including manta
rays (typically around March), making it one of the archipelago's premier diving
sites.
Lampi Kyun (Sullivan's Island)
A large island that is home to Lampi Island Marine
National Park, said to be one of the least disturbed island habitats in Southeast
Asia.
Bo Cho Kyun (Eyles Island)
This island is a spiritual home of the Moken, who call
it Pu Nala. The Burmese authorities have designated the island as a Moken reset-
tlement zone, and there is a permanent Moken village.
Rocky I
A rocky outcrop, approximately 10m above water, drawing lots of sea life
and home to one of the area's largest anemone fields.
Three Islets
A few miles north of Kyun Philar (Great Swinton Island), this area is
home to three notable diving sites: Shark Cave, an underwater canyon with sharks
and rich coral; In Through The Out Door, an underwater passage with several spe-
cies of coral; and OK Rock, supposedly a good destination for diving at any time.
Kyun Philar (Great Swinton Island)
Home to a freshwater spring where passing
boats fill up and a small Burmese/Moken village, there's decent snorkelling here
and the surrounding islands offer good diving.
