Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Accommodation takes the form of eight beachfront and spacious but unstylish 'Suite'
bungalows and 14 smaller 'Superior' bungalows. All are outfitted with air-con, fridge
and hot-water showers.
A one-day snorkelling excursion is included in the package; other optional activities
include hiking, kayaking and diving. Rates also include breakfast and dinner, and 1½-
hour private transfer to/from Kawthoung every Wednesday and Saturday (from island
7am, from Kawthoung noon). The resort is open from October to April.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
CLIVE WHITE: DIVE GUIDE
How long have you been diving in the Myeik Archipelago?
I'm a professional underwater photographer and dive guide with 14 years of experi-
ence in the Myeik Archipelago.
What's unique about the area?
The archipelago consists of more than 800 islands, including many unexplored
areas. The islands and pinnacles are formed from limestone and are of varying
sizes, some islands covering many acres, some just breaking the surface. These in-
tricate structures are the perfect substrate for soft corals, which grow in abund-
ance. These limestone formations also have large underwater caves and interest-
ing swim-throughs.
Is the archipelago home to any notable animals or coral?
The amazing diversity of marine life in the region ranges from large fauna, such as
sharks, rays and other pelagic animals, to many smaller species such as nud-
ibranches, harlequin shrimp and cuttlefish. There are some very special finds here
such as frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish and seahorses. There have even been sight-
ings of the extremely rare lacey scorpionfish; this species is the Holy Grail for un-
derwater photographers.
What are some particularly recommendable dive spots in the Myeik Archipelago?
Any trip to the region is incomplete without visiting the premier dive site, Black
Rock. Interesting fauna can be found here, and it is also a famous giant manta ray
aggregation site. The Three Islets group of islands have a well-known swim-
through called In Through The Out Door. This is a must-visit dive site for those
looking for diverse macro life and an exhilarating dive full of surprises. The islands
and pinnacles at Western Rocky are another highlight of the archipelago due to a
huge, cavern-like swim-through approximately 100-ft (30m) long.
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