Ultimate Indonesian Yachts

5-DAY / 4-NIGHT ITINERARY – MERGUI

Embark on a 5-day sailing sojourn in the . This journey will take you to the idyllic Burmese onboard a private yacht, starting and ending in .

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

The Mergui archipelago is a string of some 800 almost completely deserted tropical islands off the coast of in the Andaman . For almost 50 years following Burma’s independence, the Mergui Islands were off limits to the outside world, frozen in time due to the Burmese government’s isolationist policies. As an indirect result, the islands were handed back to the indigenous , a people of Sea Gypsies who have lived a semi-nomadic sea dwelling lifestyle for centuries, surviving off the land and bartering fish and sea cucumbers. A remarkable combination of ethnicities in Myanmar results in a diverse and contrasting people. At Moken villages, visitors can observe the locals crafting dugout canoes with traditional techniques used for thousands of years, and taste specialities such as fresh cuttlefish. But sailing in Myanmar isn’t just about fascinating communities; the Mergui islands distinctive landscape is characterised by jungle-clad hills, lagoons, rivers and . Wildlife thrives, with monitor gibbons, civet cats, monitor lizards, pythons and mouse deer inhabiting the tropical forests alongside a plethora of birds including hornbills, white kits, kingfishers, emerald doves and sea eagles. This forgotten wilderness is sometimes dubbed “the lost world” and not without reason; it’s a veritable paradise, where cruising gives access to spectacular natural wonders, endemic wildlife and interesting culture alike.

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SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1: KAWTHAUNG

Upon arrival at Ranong airport, you will be met by a representative of the yacht and driven about 30 minutes to Ranong’s pier to clear departure formalities at the Thai border control. You will then board your private yacht in Kawthaung. After a safety briefing, you can relax on deck with a welcome drink as the yacht sets sail into the Mergui Archipelago. The afternoon will be spent enjoying the beautiful of Palu Beda – a group of many small islands and an idyllic anchorage. The jungle-laden mountainous islands that make up this group have over 50 white sand beaches and beautiful fringing coral . This is a great place for kayaking, snorkelling, fishing or just relaxing and enjoying the birdsong from the jungle.

DAY 2: LAMPI

Early this morning, the yacht will arrive at Lampi Island, the largest in the region. Lampi is an island of outstanding natural beauty and has been designated a National Park by the government. There are white sandy beaches along its coast, some of which stretch upwards of two kilometres. Some of the Moken or Salon people, commonly known as Sea Gypsies, have settled here. You will go on a rib exploration in the morning to watch as the Sea Gypsies collect fresh water from condensation on the rocks on shore. The island’s thick interior is almost impenetrable, and there are two tidal rivers on the west coast that are accessible by a small boat or kayak and can be navigated at high . The southern of the two rivers has some of the oldest on the face of the planet - some of the trees stand between twenty-five to thirty metres tall. Wildlife and birdlife is plentiful here including various types of Kingfisher, Hornbill and White Breasted Sea Eagle.

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DAY 3: GALET SELAT

After raising the anchor in the early morning, the yacht will head to Selat Galet, a hidden passage set between two islands. This narrow channel between Lampi Island and Wa Ale Kyunn forms a perfectly protected anchorage surrounded by pristine jungle. You may be lucky enough to encounter the nomadic Moken tribe in this area, who still live a hunter-gatherer existence in this remote wilderness. In the afternoon, you will visit a local fishing village and have time to or relax on one of the many great beaches before the yacht sets sail again, seeking a special spot for a bonfire and barbecue in the evening.

DAY 4: STEWART & HASTING ISLAND

Early this morning, the yacht will cruise to Stewart Island, locally known as Ba Wei, which has a distinctive large sink hole at its southern tip, excellent for photography. Here, you can also enjoy a taste of the Mergui Islands’ marine life, clear waters, scenic coral reefs and walls coated in clams and sponges, or head ashore and hunt for shells on flour-soft white beaches. This afternoon, you may take a trip to Hlaing Gu, also known as Cavern Island, to explore the caves at the waterline, where you’ll see bamboo ladders on the rocks where local fishermen collect birds nests - a delicacy in many parts of . A beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay in the south characterises this long, skinny island, and there's a trail leading to the top of the 270 metre-high peak cascading with miniature waterfalls.

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DAY 5: KAWTHAUNG

Today, after your final decadent breakfast, the yacht will sail into Kawthaung harbour, where the crew will assist you in disembarking and transfer you across the border to Ranong airport to catch your flight home.

Please note that all itineraries are subject to change, depending on weather conditions, progressing harbor clearances, changes to domestic flights and other deciding factors. Please contact Ultimate Indonesian Yachts to discuss your requirements. [email protected]

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