The Mergui Archipelago the Mergui Archipelago MYANMAR 143

142 MYANMAR The Mergui Archipelago The Mergui Archipelago MYANMAR 143

That these islands exist in such an incredibly unspoilt state out of the forest and jump on the boat just before it leaves the many large islands still provide hundreds of well protected MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO is entirely due to historical accident. For 50 years following for another anchorage. Their arrivals and departures seem anchorages. There are occasional hurricanes in the Mergui the independence of Myanmar in 1947, isolationist policies random and follow no obvious pattern of time or tide. from May to June and again from October to December. served to keep foreigners out. Since 1997 access into the Be aware of the weather. There are many “hurricane holes” Thailand Sometimes the Moken cautiously approach our yacht with Mergui Archipelago became possible. Just 140 miles away to in the Mergui if necessary. From July to November there is a gift of rock oysters or the haunch of a wild boar after a Mergui the south of this magnificent wilderness area lies the island of sustained heavy rain in the Mergui Islands. successful hunt. They are always delighted when we give them Phuket in Thailand, a popular mass tourism destination which 40 a gift in return – a roll of cloth or a dive mask. If the Moken The charts of the Mergui are reasonable but not entirely Elphinestone is now experiencing a condominium property boom. Island do not approach you then they want to be left alone. accurate. They become less and less accurate as you go Of the 800 islands of the Mergui Archipelago only 50 or further north. There are a great many uncharted rocks (and 80 Plan to visit the Mergui between November and July. Mid so are inhabited. Many of the islands are huge, some are islands!). Navigate with care, particularly north of 11ºN where 25 December to the end of February is the best time, with larger than Singapore. A ban on logging in the Mergui has there are many rock pinnacles that rise vertically from depths Asia Events Co., Ltd. - Phuket, warm, sunny conditions, a reliable 20 knots of wind every prevented the widespread deforestation that is common of over 60m. If you are on a large yacht, consider employing day and flat seas. March and April have little wind and are elsewhere in Asia. As a result, all of the islands are covered the services of a guide with real navigational knowledge of the 33 very hot-these are the best months for diving and snorkelling. in thick jungle with majestic stands of Burmese Teak, area in addition to your MTT provided guide. (For information From May to July there are strong onshore winds and some 69 Mahogany, strangler figs and other indigenous vegetation. on guides and sailing permits, see Page 145) © 2006 - IMAGE thunderstorms. While there is large swell at this time of year, Most beaches are backed by trees that tower to over 150ft 48 tall while overhead there is the constant cacophony of birds and small animals feeding in the forest canopy. The beaches 68 Domel are covered in animal tracks – the only human footprints KAWTHAUNG APPROACHES Island in sight are the ones behind you. Jungle walks in this area,

while demanding, are also very rewarding with glimpses 4 Thailand 22 3 150 of the elusive wildlife and superb views through the forest ° Sims Reef 38 23 18.3 of the deep blue ocean beyond. 1 Thane Is. 60 Forrest Passage The dramatic scenery continues underwater with magnificent 42 1 1 11°N coral reefs around many of the islands. The snorkelling and 2 7 MYANMAR 11.9 scuba diving in this area is superb. In March and April each Pulau Jung year, migratory Sperm and Humpback whales visit the area. 15 51 Lampi Island 4 The water clarity increases as you go west and north in the 3 Asia Events Co., Ltd. - Phuket, 1 3 38 Mergui Islands. There are relatively large tidal ranges in the 0.6 5 Mergui Archipelago (4 metres at spring tide). Try to time 2 172 7 Andaman Pulau Besin 2 Club Jetty your dive or snorkel just before high tide. 8 29 5 12 P Palin Loughborough 11 © 2006 - IMAGE The indigenous people of the Mergui Archipelago are the 8 3 Jotien Hotel Island Vicoria Pt 095° Fl 5s 13M 095° Kawthaung. Moken (also known as Salones). These gentle, peaceful 9 10 (Victoria Point) 80 33 4 11 Investigator Channel people are a source of fascination to anthropologists as ° 20 062 Fl 35s 7M they still cling to their traditional nomadic existence, despite 3 2 162 1 attempts to settle them in permanent villages. Traditionally the 090° 5 0.6 Andaman 3 6 2 98°E Moken do not fish. They are hunter-gatherers mainly living 5 Club Ranong Town 3 12 Pulau Ru 5 0 50 0.9 Longitude East off shellfish collected in the inter-tidal zone. They also free- Eanga Is. 6 from Greenwich dive for shell fish and sea cucumbers, sometimes diving to 6 1 10 1 amazing depths ballasted by large stones tied to their waists. Ko Mo 2 169 They also occasionally hunt wild boar and small deer in the 0.9 forest with the aid of their dogs. ANMAR 1 MY To Airport The Mergui Archipelago Each Moken family group lives on a flotilla (ban) of traditionally Fl 2 10sec THAILAND 0.9 0.9 Imagine more than eight hundred tropical islands spread built wooden boats (kabang). Each member of the family also 2 over fourteen thousand square miles of Indian Ocean. has his own personal dugout canoe used for foraging. When 0 5 9°58.550N Victoria Point 98°33.370E Imagine mountainous, jungle covered islands that teem the Moken move from island to island, these dugout canoes with wildlife, spectacular waterfalls that tumble directly are towed in a long chain behind their kabang. onto white sandy beaches fringed by pristine coral reefs. We occasionally come across the Moken in the Mergui Southern Channel Northern Channel Imagine no tourists and indigenous tribes with an exotic Archipelago. They pull into a nearby beach in their flotilla of Enter via the channel between Ko Khon and Ko Chang. Ko While the channel to the west of Pulau Besin may look culture who live nomadic lives aboard their tiny boats. boats. Adults, children, cats, dogs, chickens and ducks leap Khon has a lighthouse on it. The entry channel now also has shallow on the chart, it is perfectly navigable with a minimum This place really does exist – it is the Mergui Archipelago off each boat and rush into the jungle to forage. Suddenly, at a number of large steel lateral marks so keep a very good depth of 5m. On leaving Kawthaung, head south into the off the south-west coast of Myanmar. some hidden signal, people and animals come rushing back lookout at night in case these are unlit. From here follow deep water channel to avoid the extensive mud bank to the the obvious channel east then north east to take you up the west of Victoria Point. Once in mid channel, alter course eastern side of Ko Mo. From here head for the eastern side to head for the monastery Pagoda on Pulau Palin (approx. Kawthaung (Victoria Point) Ed Shields of Pulau Ru just off the Andaman Club jetties and then into 275º). Once the western point of Pulau Besin bears 315º the Kawthaung anchorage. turn and head just clear of it. There is a rock and coral reef that juts out off this point – the extent of the reef is marked Western Channel with a wooden sticks with a cross on them. Gradually come Approach on a course of 090º heading for the highest point onto a northerly heading aiming just to the west of Thane of Pulau Ru (Andaman Club island). Once the southern point Island. There is a drying rock reef about marked with a metal of Pulau Palin bears 062º turn and head for it. This brings beacon about ½ a mile to the west of Thane Island. Pass you through a shoal area and into the channel just south of between this and Thane Island then continue on a northerly Pulau Palin. The drying bank of rocks and mud to your south heading. After a further ½ a mile alter course on to 330º is marked by a post with an X topmark. From here head just and hold this course until you are in more than 10 metres to the south of Victoria Point on a course of 095º. of water. Around the 10 meter depth there are substantial fish traps which are made of large bamboo staves driven into the mud bottom – keep a sharp lookout.

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longtail boats. At night there are large, hungry mosquitoes. It is recommended to use this anchorage during the day A BARWELL SAND SPIT B BARWELL CHANNEL THAY YAE KYUNN (BARWELL) KAWTHAUNG TOWN 15 miles from Kawthaung and to move to either anchorage (B) or (C) overnight. Let MTT know where you are going if you do move. Fuel Jetty 12 If you choose to stay in the town anchorage overnight it is Co. a good idea to fender both sides of the yacht and to leave This channel makes an excellent first and last night 7 © 2006 - Paul Johnson y

Sand spit g B or there is a water taxi service available from dawn until 10 A A beautiful anchorage just to the south-west of the sand hoto A p g about 21:00 at night. spit in 8-10 metres of water on a white sand bottom. The 5 7 On arrival, contact MTT to assist with checking in. The MTT surrounding islands offer all round protection. S Thay Yae Kyunn B 10 y office is on the southern end of the waterfront. h

p y B Superb protection can be found mid channel. Anchor 10 ra in 10 to 12 metres on white sand. og Kawthaung is a fascinating town, particularly if you take the t

o Myauk Phyu 15 h

p o time to explore. The Buddhist monastery on the hill at the

5 e northern end of town is particularly worth a visit with impressive S llit e e Myanmar Sailing Permits 20 at

s guardian dragons and great views over Kawthaung.

& s

n To cruise in the Mergui Archipelago you need to obtain 325 C o Kawthaung has a variety of good restaurants and bars along

ati °

v o cruising permits in advance. These are issued by the r the waterfront and up the hill behind the clock tower. The governmental travel agency Myanmar Tours & Travels

obse Honey Bear Hotel on the waterfront offers air-conditioned Zar Det Nge Kyunn n

o (MTT) in Yangon. You can arrange your own permit, but accommodation and is so proud of its two large generators, it sed it is easier to add your yacht onto the permit of one of the satellite & observation on based drawn hand is chart This a has them arranged as a showpiece either side of the foyer. b 0 1 n charter companies licensed to operate in the region. 10°08.1N

Kawthaung w A 98°18.9E Town ra d w

d Once you have obtained a permit and at least 10

A han B PULAU NYOR

s d days prior to the start of your cruise, you will need to i 2 miles from Kawthaung Victoria provide a detailed itinerary for your trip and passport hart c

Point s c information for passengers and crew to MTT. • Guide arranging fee US$15 per day for the yacht

10 hi T paid to MTT 0 1 09°58.7N When your yacht is in Myanmar waters you will have an A The best overnight anchorage while in Kawthaung. Anchor • Port clearance fee US$100 for the yacht 98°33.3E official guide aboard at all times. This guide is provided • Guide’s salary for the time spent aboard. in 5-8 metres to the eastern side of the channel between by MTT and is responsible for making sure you comply Pulau Nyor and the mainland. This anchorage is perfectly with local regulations and do not go to islands that are These fees make cruising in the Mergui Archipelago protected and has excellent holding in thick, black mud. A RANONG AND KAWTHAUNG (VICTORIA POINT) off limits. The guides are usually friendly people who can a relatively expensive proposition. You are however 131 miles from Patong Bay The large concrete jetty ashore has good diesel, fresh water help you with the day-to-day running of the yacht. paying for access into a unique, unspoiled and very and cooling ice. Approach the southern side of the jetty for special area – there are very few places left in the world diesel. Payment is in Thai baht. Provided your permit and documentation is all properly where you can explore over 800 jungle covered islands arranged in advance, checking in at Kawthaung is a and have practically the whole 10,000 square miles Approach from the south staying close to Victoria Point. quick and simple process and usually takes around half of wilderness just to yourself. Anchor in 4-8 metres in thick mud between the main C FUEL TANK BAY an hour to complete. When you arrive at Kawthaung, Kawthaung town jetty and Mwe Island (Browning Island). 1 mile from Kawthaung contact MTT to assist with the check in process. On The Myanmar navy operates checks on yachts in the This anchorage is well protected and is out of the main flow arrival there are the following fees: area. It would be pure folly to enter without the proper approvals and permits. of current that thunders past at 2-3 knots further out. • Immigration visa US$20 p/person (valid 30 days) There is however significant risk of collision with drifting A good overnight anchorage while in Kawthaung. Anchor just • Mergui entry fee of US$120 per person for 5 days For a printable version of this information visit boats in this anchorage and a permanent racket from inside the bay in 6m just outside of the main current flow. (beyond 5 days US$10 per person per day) www.andamanseapilot.com/mergui-regs.htm

Kawthaung Paul Johnson Paul Johnson Kawthaung

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MID GROUP Mid Group C POTTER ISLAND NORTH d 45 miles from Kawthaung The islands to the south of Pu Nala offer a wide variety

31 Thailan of day and overnight anchorages. 7 We have chosen only one of the prettiest spots in this 7 Another idyllic overnight anchorage with a spectacular white group, although you can spend days here exploring all the sand beach ashore. There are a variety of unusual trees Rocky Is. smaller rocky islands and hidden coves and beaches. Palu Bada along this beach including one of the biggest fig trees ever. 0.3 Every evening the local hornbills congregate in this tree to squabble and squawk over delicacies. 351 A 115 (FROST ISLAND) 10.28.00N 98.10.50E 4 Asia Events Co., Ltd. - Phuket, 46 miles from Kawthaung Frost Is. 22 22 D SOUTH EAST HUMP (115) C Caws Is. 28 miles from Kawthaung The Frost brothers of South East Asia Liveaboards (SEAL) A © 2006 - IMAGE Potter Is. discovered this jewel anchorage. Saddle Is. B 25 Anchor in 12-15 metres off the white sand beach. The all- This imaginatively named island is a perfect lunchtime stop tide, sandy beach here is breathtaking, and the fringing en-route to Kawthaung. Anchor in 12 to 15 metres on white Naked Is. coral reef provides excellent snorkelling. There are uncharted sand, clear of the fringing reef. There is excellent snorkelling 27 2 rocks to the south and west of this anchorage. here with good coral, blue spotted rays and small black tip Cat & Kitten Is. reef sharks. Hump Is. 5 B POTTER ISLAND SOUTH 44 miles from Kawthaung

36 17 Fantastic overnight anchorage with a white sand beach and a small spring ashore. Heading north from this anchorage there 6 are several uncharted rocks along the coast of Potter Island. Pine Tree Is. 23

Five Is. 33 21

263 Russel Is.

29 18

0 5 10°28.00N A 98°10.50E

Frost Island Paul Johnson

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KYUNN PHI LAR (GREAT SWINTON) KYUNN MEE GYI (CLARA ISLAND) Kyunn Mee Gyi 35 The eastern side of Kyunn Mee Gyee has a military base 30 40 and is off limits. The previously superb dive sites of North North Sentinel 25 and South Sentinel islands have been heavily dynamite fished and as a result have no surviving fish or coral. 46

35 © 2006 -Paul Johnson 20 © 2006 - Paul Johnson 52 25 20 15 A KYUNN MEE GYEE SOUTHWEST BAY 15 10 67 miles from Kaw Thaung B 20 B 30 A 30 42 58 534 30 Anchor in 8 metres on a sandy bottom off the fringing 25 35 Kyunn Mee Gyi Kyunn Phi Lar (Clara Island) reef in the south bay. There is a superb beach ashore t 45 20 u and great jungle walking. The water clarity in this area is (Great Swinton) o

p 12 D e exceptional. e k 25 20 - a e r A A y r 30 a B KYUNN MEE GYEE WATERFALL BAY 20 it 30 38 il 70 miles from Kawthaung C M 15 46 30 25 20 30 20 Anchor in 12-15 metres on white sand to the southern side 61 of the bay. The visibility here is so good that you can see South Sentinel This chart is hand drawn based on observation and satellite photography T the bottom in 30 metres of water. At the southern end of 0 1 2 A 10°34.1N 60 56 the beach is a spectacular waterfall that brings crystal clear, 98°01.7E cold mountain water down to the beach. 0 1 2 Longitude10°53.000N East A from97°53.500E Greenwich Kyunn Phi Lar

It would be possible to spend several weeks exploring are lots of large coral bombies in this area. There is all tide Paul Johnson x 4 Kyunn Phi Lar & Kyunn Mee Gyee this spectacular island. I have only shown 4 anchorages access to the eastern end of the beach. Three miles to the – in reality there are many more great spots. The island north “Shark Cave” is a superb dive site with a cave swim has everything with superb beaches, great snorkelling through that is home to several grey reef sharks. and diving, loads of wildlife, good jungle walking and stunning scenery. Note that the chart provided shows much more detail and many offlying rocks that do not C KYUNN PHI LAR SOUTH BAY 53 miles from Kawthaung appear on the Admiralty chart. Be aware there may be more underwater “features” and keep a good bow watch in water shallower than 15m. Yet another great anchorage in this well protected horseshoe shaped bay. Anchor in 8m clear of the reef on a sand A KYUNN PHI LAR EAST BAY bottom. The shallow fringing reef is excellent for snorkelling. 50 miles from Kawthaung The huge mangrove estuaries to the west of this anchorage are fascinating to explore by dinghy or kayak. There are lots of pythons that live in this estuary – they are completely harmless and tend to snooze of low branches that overhang A stunning anchorage that is well protected even in North the water. Easterlies. Anchor in 12m on a sand bottom clear of the fringing reef. There is great snorkelling from the anchorage to the southern point of the bay but beware of ferocious rip D KYUNN PHI LAR SOUTH WEST BAY tides off the point. Ashore there is good jungle walking with a 55 miles from Kawthaung stream and a small waterfall. The mangrove estuary around the southern point is perfect for kayaking, particularly in the evening when the local wildlife is on the move. Probably the most spectacular anchorage of the lot. Anchor in 15m on sand clear of the reef edge. The reef comes up B KYUNN PHI LAR NORTH BAY very quickly further inshore. There is great snorkelling here. 55 miles from Kawthaung There is tidal access to the stunning beach but be careful you do not end up stuck inshore of the reef on a falling tide. The small rocky islands and outcrops off the west end of Kyunn Phi Lar have great snorkelling and some amazing An even more beautiful anchorage with a mile and a half rock archways. crescent of gleaming white sand backed by pristine jungle ashore. Anchor in 5m in the middle of the eastern section of the bay between the small island and the east side of Kyunn Phi Lar. Do not go further west than this as there

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KYUNN TANN SHEY (LAMPI GROUP) C PU NALA (BO CHO) D PULAU LABIAUNG (LINN SHU ISLAND) 4 miles from Lampi/Pu Nala Channel 5 miles from Lampi/Pu Nala Channel Thailand

Enter the passage either side of the small rock island and A small island with a spectacular white sand beach backed south of the drying rock in mid-channel. Anchor in 7-10 by casaurina trees. Anchor in 6-8m on a sand bottom clear metres on a mud and sand bottom off the eastern end of the of the fringing reef. Lampi Island small village. The currents can run up to 3 knots at mid-tide 36 so put out plenty of chain. Dolphin E Asia Events Co., Ltd. - Phuket, KO PHAWT This village is the only habitation in the area and is definitely 8 miles from Lampi/Pu Nala Channel 358 worth a visit. The local monk at the Buddhist temple is a very 31 5 8 welcoming and interesting character. A local boat builder B 3 has recently set up shop behind the bridge in the village.

© 2006 - IMAGE He is constructing traditional Moken boats that are being This is a highly unusual area of mangroves and shallow 21 hand sawn from trees on site. Take your camera. waterways which is ideal for exploring by kayak and dinghy. There are around 30 small beaches on these islands and Wa Ale Kyunn 3 probably as many anchorages. The islands support a thriving 33 8 462 9 bird and wildlife population. It is common to see flocks of over E 100 wreathed hornbills competing for a particularly desirable 18 perch on the highest trees. There are also Asian wild cats, fruit Nine Pins 12 bats and macaque monkeys that make this home.

17 16 Mangrove A 34 PAN DAUNG ISLAND (DOMMEL ISLAND) ANAKENA BAY Creek 2 96 miles from Kaw Thaung 25 22 A Thailand 25 3 4 12 C A beautiful deep bay, with a gradual sloping sandy bottom. 18 1 321 7 4 Good anchorage is found in 6-8 metres on a sand bottom. 34 6 3 Pu Nala 7 The beach is approximately 1 mile long, with a tidal 1 river at the southern end ideal for kayaking and dinghy 7 11 D exploration trips. There is a thriving bird population and Asia Events Co., Ltd. - Phuket, 27 Pu Labianug 3 lots of wildlife, including pythons and huge monitor lizards. Dommel also supports larger game including buffalo and 27 4 6 11 wild boar. There is a rumour among the local fishermen 5 4 that the almost-extinct Asian rhinoceros may still survive in 2

© 2006 - IMAGE the thick forest. 23 0 5 9 B 10°53.00N 98°05.00E 20 B ANTARCTICA BAY - WSW OF AVELINE HILL 9 6 miles from Anakena Bay 2 12 5 22 Kyunn Tann Shey B SALET GALET B 14 miles from Lampi/Pu Nala Channel 536 It is possible to anchor just about anywhere off the 14 5 A beautiful anchorage off the northern of the 3 beaches in western coast of Lampi Island. Lampi is the largest island 6 15 metres on sand. This is another great area for wildlife in this southern group and, apart from the occasional 683 enthusiasts with superb kayaking and jungle walking. The nomadic fishing village, is uninhabited. The size of Lampi The channel of water separating the islands of Lampi 23 floating structures and the buildings ashore in the southwest allows it to support much larger wild animals including and Wa-Ale Kyunn is about 200 metres wide and about bay of Dommel are a pearl farm which is off limits. Stay well A clear of this and do not anchor anywhere near this. leopard and a small herd of elephant. 2 miles long. On either side, the channel is banked with 8 steep sloping rainforest and by fringing coral reef below. 11 Anchorage in the middle of the channel is in 10-15 metres. A THE WEST COAST OF LAMPI This anchorage is safe to sit out any storm. Salet Galet 6 C YANNEKEE BAY (SOUTHERN TIP) 471 4 12 miles from Anakena Bay 50 miles from Kaw Thaung is an area of outstanding beauty and is a good place to 8 spot monkeys, wild pigs, hornbills, sea eagles and other creatures. There is a great jungle walk up west peak on 13 5 Lampi with spectacular views over Salet Galet channel. The 2 Anchor anywhere on sand in 6-12 metres. The Mangrove mangrove river on Wa-Ale Kyunn is ideal for kayaking and 4 Another ideal anchorage for jungle walks, kayaking and 7 31 River is superb for dinghy exploring with plenty of wildlife ends in a small fresh water stream and waterfall. C wildlife viewing. Anchor in 5 – 7 metres on sand off a very and huge century-old mangrove trees towering overhead. 4 gently shelving beach. This is a great place for exploratory trips by dinghy. 0 1 2 Longitude11°33.00N East The northern island group east of Dommel has spectacular Afrom Greenwich 98°12E limestone karsts similar to Phang Nga Bay in Thailand. If you look carefully you will find a lagoon hidden inside the island with access through caves that you can swim through.

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THAYAWTHADADANYI KYUN (ELPHINESTONE ISLAND) Approaches to Mergui Port MERGUI TOWN Iron Passage 22 1 Thailand Thailand Approach from north through the Iron Passage between 11 11 51 3 14 Thamihla Kyun and Kadan Kyun (King Island). There is 18 8 plenty of water through the passage although there can 13 3 5 be strong currents. 22 1 1 1 2 25 Travelling south after navigating the passage is straight 3 11 11 forward until you come to the lighthouse (Fl.8M) at 40 Asia Events Co., Ltd. - Phuket, 46 the northern approaches to Mergui Port. The light is a 3 Fl 8m Asia Events Co., Ltd. - Phuket, 3 Port Maria significant structure and can be seen quite clearly.

Fell Possgee Fell Mergui Town 11 3 12 9 Pass to the west of the light within 100-150 metres. The 2 QKFL 25 A 536 waters are shallow during the approach and there are © 2006 - IMAGE 1 © 2006 - IMAGE 2 mud flats that dry at low tide further to the west of the 0 10 Longitude12°25.705N East 333 Afrom Greenwich light. This area is known as the Mergui Bar. 98°35.609E 7 40 2 The port is visible at this point and further south in town 413 1 You need to check in at the port offices, as well as the 3 is another quick flashing navigational light which may 6 harbourmaster, immigration and customs offices, which be more difficult to see. The depth of water will remain are located at the entrance to the floating pontoons, B constant until reaching the anchored vessels in front of before proceeding into the town. 22 the town. The best anchorage is to be found slightly south of the town directly in front of the large reclining Buddha Mergui is a fascinating town with a colourful history. 10 image on Pataw Island. Depth of water is approximately Established around 1500, Mergui’s strategic position 4 ensured its rapid growth into a major trade entrepot. 6 15 metres and the holding is good but strong currents prevail. Boat traffic is a little less hectic here. Sailing ships of the time, faced with the fickle winds, 12 5 uncharted reefs and pirates of the Malacca Straights Fell Passage to the south, preferred to offload their trade goods in 3 The shorter route to Mergui Port for shallow draft vessels Mergui. From here the goods were trans-shipped by is the Fell Passage which saves about 25 miles. The elephant convoy across the Malaysian Peninsula to the depth of water through the passage is never less than ancient kingdoms of Ayutthaya, Cambodia and southern 9 3 metres in the centre of the channel. The navigation is China. The invention of the steam driven cargo ship 22 straightforward, although by looking at the chart it does lessened the importance of Mergui and it gracefully seem daunting. This route is not advisable at spring low declined into the market town it is today. 0 5 12°22.00N tides. The importance of Mergui on a historic Indian Ocean A 98°02.00E Mergui Town trade route can still be clearly seen today. There is an interesting mix of Chinese, Indian, Arabic and Burmese Pu Nala There are three floating pontoons that provide shore influences. Take the time to explore the back streets of A PORT MARIA (NORTH BAY) access. The middle of the three should be used. It is safe Mergui: visit the Chinese tea shop, the market bazaar, 148 miles from Kaw Thaung to leave tenders tied to the inner-side of the pontoon. the temples and the various restaurants to really get a feel for the unique culture of Mergui.

Paul Johnson Salet Galet A well protected anchorage with a small fishing village and military base ashore on the southern beach. You are permitted to go ashore here. The south western side of the bay has good kayaking and jungle walking.

B HETARIOUS BAY 10 miles from Port Maria

Hetarious Bay is a long deep bay, a good protected anchorage with a gently sloping bottom. There are a few small beaches set around the bay. It is a perfect night anchorage in the northeast monsoon. on s ohn J aul P

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