Sea Gypsy and the Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago

The Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago, located in southernmost point of Myanmar (Burma), comprises of over 800 gorgeous islands. Due to its virtual isolation, the islands and surrounding seas are alive with an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. The only human inhabitants in the area are the Sea Gypsy called Salone (Sea Gypsy/ Moken) by the Myanmar (Burmese) and Moken by Thais and Malays. They live on boats (Kabang) during dry seasons and remain on land during rainy seasons. They still practice the same fishing and boat building traditions used for generations. Being affectionate to sea, much skillful in swimming and diving, their ways of life and customs are so characteristic and unique that a traditional festival will be launched with an aim to attract international tourists; as well as to operate marine eco-tourism around the islands in the Myeik Archipelago.

Sea Gypsy Festival 

Among the Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago many interesting features of the Sea Gypsy can be seen at a small village on the Hasting Islands, west of Kawthaung (Victoria Point). Culturally and ethnically separate from the others, the Sea Gypsy / Salone/ Moken exist in only a few isolated areas along the Myanmar Andaman Coast. These seafaring peoples, lived a Spartan existence, shunning most of the trappings of the modern society in favor of their time-honored traditions. Shy and reserved natives, most depend on the sea for their livelihood. Although fishing has always been their main priority, selling seashells to tourists is gradually more widespread. A visit to their villages offers a glimpse into a unique culture. As you wander amid the huts and boats, remember that you are a guest in someone else's home and be respectful of your hosts' right to privacy. The villages may be closed to visitors during the full moon in March, when the Sea Gypsy hold ceremonies involving ancestral worship. Their accessibility could be check, before planning a visit, please call + 66 - 7 - 2833033.

Dates of the Sea Gypsy 2005 will be held from 15th to 18th February 2005 at the Hasting Islands, near Kawthaung (Victoria Point), Myanmar (Burma). 

TYPE OF TOUR PACKAGES

SF # 1: Itinerary: 

Day 1 - (Tuesday, February 15).
Transfer to Kawthaung Jetty by car from Kawthaung airport. Travel by a special chartered boat to Myauk Ni Island west of Kawthaung (Victoria Point). Visit to Sea Gypsy / Salone / Moken Village on the near by Island. Over night stay at safaris camps on the Myaunk Ni Island. 

Day 2
Attend the Inauguration and Opening Ceremony of the Sea Gypsy Festival. Participate in the traditional Nat (spiritual beings) Festival and troupe dancing. Take pleasure in the traditional entertainment which has been specially arranged for the Festival. Over night stay at safaris camps on the Myaunk Ni Island.

Day 3
Excursion trips around the Myauk Ni Island, St. Matthews Islands, Hasting Islands and to observe ways of life of the Salone (Sea Gypsy/ Moken). Over night stay at safaris camps on the Myauk Ni Island. 

Day 4
Visit to the Andaman Club Resort Hotel; Sightseeing; shopping at the Kawthaung market; visit the Pyidaw Aye Pagoda with its impressive Buddha images and Bayintnaung Point (Victoria Point). Transfer to Kawthaung airport by car.