ECOTOURISM

Myanmar is a forest-clad mountainous country that covers an area of 676,577 sq km with a coastline measuring over 2015 km. Myanmar endows with natural wonders and scenes and hospitable indigenous races. The ecosystem in the country constitute one of the biological reservoirs in Asia. These features naturally give Myanmar unique opportunities for sustainable growth.

Climate- Myanmar has a tropical monsoon climate. The rainy season is from May to September, and the dry season is from October to April. This general pattern forms extreme variation in climate within the country, with mean annual rainfall ranging from under 500 millimeters in the center of the country up to a height of 6,000 milimeters in the Ta-nin-thar-yi Division and the northern Ra-khine State.

People- By official count, there are 135 national races in Myanmar. Among the population of nearly 6 millions, Bamar comprises about 65 percent and the other main groups are Ka-chin, Ka-ya, Ka-yin, Chin, Mon, Ra-khine and Shan. Each racial group lives within its own culture, and most of the sub-groups live in remote mountainous regions.

Geography- Mt. Kha-ka-bo-ra-zi, the highest peak in Southeast Asia at 19,295 ft(5881m) is located in northern most part of Myanmar.
The Aye-yar-wad-dy River is a major topographical feature of Myanmar. It’s deltaic plains are very fertile and considered to be the most important part of the country covering about 18,000 sq km (47,000 sq km).

A complex array of plains with major rivers and plateaus running parallel to each other are also unique ecosystems supporting numerous lives. Myanmar is endowed with different forests because of its long range of latitudes from south to north and different elevations from sea level to snow-capped mountains that are over 5881 meters high.

Almost 50% of Myanmar is covered with forests that are comprised of teak, rubber, cinchona, acacia, bamboo, ironwood, mangrove, coconut, betel palm while northern highlands comprised of oak, pine and many varieties of rhododendron.

Its mountains, forests, dry and sub-humid land, inland waters, agriculture, and marine and coastal waters are important habitats for the myriad floral and faunal species that are vital recourses for the sustainable development of the country. One fourth of the total number of species is known to be endemic to Myanmar.

Myanmar is home to the second largest population of the Asian elephant (Elephus maximus) while India has the largest. The elephant species is completely protected in eight protected areas, with a total area of 1,520,800 hectares (15,208 square kilometers) designated as their habitat. There are now also a total 4,050 of this species under the ex-situ conservation program of the Forest Department, Myanmar Timber Enterprise and some private entrepreneurs. Some 5,000 to 10,000 wild elephants are estimated to be found in the forests across Myanmar.

Marine & Coastal Resources- The rich marine and coastal resources of the country form the basis of a productive fisheries industry and marine is one of the primary sources of income in the country. In 2003, Myanmar accounted for three percent of the world’s total fish catch and really two percent of global aquaculture production.

The importance of Myanmar’s coastal resources extends beyond the commercial value of its marine products. The resources provide sustenance to local communities and are important for tourism and recreation.

Protected Area Management- Myanmar has conserved and managed her forests since time immemorial. Today, 34 protected areas covering 3.93 percent of the country’s areas have been established while 9 forested areas have been proposed to be gazetted as protected areas. Protected areas are also established to protect and conserve critically endangered species.

Ecotourism sites operated by Forest Department of the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry are as follow:-

Chin State
5. Nat-ma-taung National Park

Mon State
6. Kyaik-hti-yo Wildlife Sanctuary

Shan State
7. In-le Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Pan-laung and Pa-da-lin Cave Wildlife Sanctuary

Sagaing Region
9. Alaung-daw Ka-tha-pa National Park
10. Chat-thin Wildlife Sanctuary

Mandalay Region
11. Po-pa Mountain Park
12. Law-ka-nan-dar Wildlife Sanctuary

Magway Region
13. Shwe-set-taw Wildlife Sanctuary
14. Wet-hti-kan Wildlife Sanctuary

Bago Region
15. Moe-yun-gyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary

Yangon Region
16. Hlaw-ga Park

Ayeyarwaddy Region
17. Mein-ma-hla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary
18. Tha-mi-hla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary

Tanintharyi Region
19. Lam-pi Island Marine National Park

The Elephant Camps
20. Myaing -hay-wun Elephant Camp
21. Hpo-kyar Elephant Camp

KACHIN STATE

Kachin State is bordered by China to the north and east, Shan State to the south and Sagaing Division and India to the west. The area of Kachin State is 89041 sq km and Myit-kyi-na is the capital of Ka-chin State , located 1480km (920ml) from Yangon, and 785km (488ml) from Mandalay. The name Myit-kyi-na means “near the big river”, and in fact, it lies on the west bank of the Aye-yar-wad-dy River, just below 40km (25ml) from Myit-son (confluence) where Mai-kha and Ma-li-kha Rivers meet. Myit-kyi-na is the northern most river port and railways terminus in Myanmar.

Pu-tao, the town where the snow-capped mountains are situated is the northern most town of Ka-chin State. It can be reached by air and reached by road during summer ( for nationals). The area around Pu-tao is famous for the variety of endemic birds and rare orchids, which grow naturally. Hka-ka-bo-ra-zi Mountain and other snow-capped mountains are visible from Pu-tao.

Bum-pha-bum Wildlife Sanctuary

Bum-pha-bum is situated in Sum-pra-bum Township and has an area of 1854 sq km. It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 2004.The elevation of the region ranges from 140 to 3435m. Key resources of this area are Asian elephant, gaur, serow, deer, clouded leopard, Asiatic golden cat, golden jackel, red goral, leopard, and bird species.

How to get there?
Bum-pha-bum is situated between Myit-kyi-na and Pu-tao.Visitors can go from Yangon to Myit-kyi-na by train, by plain or by car.The famous town Sum-pra-bum which is located in Bum-pha-bum area is 80miles from Myit-kyi-na and 120 miles from Pu-tao and onlu accessible by rugged motor road only from December to March.

What to see and feel?
• Studying rare species of animals, birds and plants.
• Enjoy among the Rhododendrons, Blue Pine and Coni Ferous and medicinal plants.

Hu-kaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Hu-kaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is the world biggest tiger reserve area with an area of 6371 sq km. It is situated in Ta-naing Township, Myit-kyi-na District of Ka-chin State and the area has been created with the purpose of conserving the tiger and their habitat. Chin-dwin, one of the largest rivers of Myanmar orginated from this valley. The sanctuary also conserves Asian elephant, clouded leopard, samber, wild boar, muntjac, gaur, macaque, otter etc.,. It is the best place to see several species of birds including the globally threatened species and critically endangered species like Rofous-necked Hornbill.

How to get there?
From Yangon to Myit-kyi-na, can be reached by air by train or by car .From Myit-kyi-na to Ta-naing and then Shin-bwe-yan can be reached by car.From Shin-bwe-yan visitors can trek to Hukaung Valley.

In-daw-gyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

Inn-daw-gyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, one of ASEAN heritage sites is located in Mo-hnyn Township, ka-chin State. It is the largest lake in Myanmar and composes 15 miles in length and 8 miles in width and its area of Inn-daw-gyi Sanctuary which was established in 1999 is 314.7 sq miles (201389 acres ). Visitors can observe natural beauty of the South East Asia’s biggest lake and biggest wetland ecosystem. For bird-watchers, there are various species of birds, water birds of the lake, rare cranes, pelicans, thoundsands of water ducks, swans, storks, migratory birds and so forth. Shwe Myit Zu Pagoda situated in the middle of the lake was built in 1868 and relics of the Buddha have been enshrined in it.

How to get there?
From Yangon, visitors can go to Ho-pin, by car or by train, at a distance about 721 miles and proceed to frontier conservation camp at a distance of 27 miles by car.

The other route is Yangon to Myit-kyi-na by air, Myitkyi-na to Ho-pin at a distance about 80 miles by car or by train and proceed to frontier conservation camp by car.(The road is accessible all year round though it may be rough a little in rainy season.)

What to see and feel?
• Studying the biggest wetland ecosystem of South East Asia;
• Paying homage to historical Shwe Myit Zu Pagoda;
• Observing the tradition and custom of local people;
• Studying the various kinds of animals, birds, butterflies, trees and plants, orchids, and insect etc.,
• Having a boat ride on the aesthetic lake and walk around the local village;

Kha-ka-bo-ra-zi National Park

It is situated in Naung-mung Township, Pu-tao District, Ka-chin State in the nothernmost part of the country. For hiking and trekking, in the natural forest mountain park, it might be the best place. Khakaborazi National Park is about 3812 sq km (1472 sq miles ) and the largest national park in Myanmar. It was designated as a protected area in January 1996 and as a national park in October 1998. It posses Mt. Kha-ka-bo-ra-zi, Southeast Asia’s highest at 5881 m (19296 ft) and various species of animals, plants, orchids, birds and butterflies, etc.

How to get there?
From Yangon to Myit-kyi-na, one can reach by air, by car and by train and proceed to Pu-tao by air. Currently, there are flight from Yangon to Pu-tao 3 times a week. From Pu-tao to Pa-nan-din, the village situated at the southern boundary entrance to the park, it is about 80 miles and accessible only on foot. From Pa-nan-din to Ta-hon-dan Village situated at the nothern end of the park, it is about 59 miles, that is, a 9 day trip on foot.

What to see and feel?
• Studying the tradition, culture and life style of high-land tribal
• Hiking, camping and recreation at snowcapped mountains
• Observing plants, mammals and birds species which can be found in high altitude (42 mammel species including Red Panda, Takin, Red goral, leaf deer which can be found in East Himalaya and 370 bird species including Naung Mung Scimitar Babbler, 365 butterfly species including Golden Bird Wing, Kaiser, Apollo and hill pine forests, ever green forests, medicinal plants, wild rare orchids in nature paradise)

Phon-kan-ra-zi Wildlife Sanctuary

Mt. Hpon-kan-ra-zi towering 3635m (11920ft ) above sea level with an area of 1044 sq-miles is the most suitable one to scale among the many peaks in the region. It is situated in Pu-tao Township, Pu-tao District of Ka-chin State and available time for trekking is from November to May. For the wild animals that wander around Mt. Hka-ka-bo-ra-zi and Hu-kaung Valley, it was designated as a sanctuary in December, 2003. It gives unparallel opportunities to present-day professionals in the fields of zoology, botany, forestry, environmental protection, conservation and ecology since the remoteness and difficult accessibility of the region has help maintain the pristine purity of its forests and ecosystem. On the other hand, it offers hardy ecologists and mountaineers a chance to challenge the rough tracks of the mountain.

How to get there?
It is situated 85 kilometers north-west of Pu-tao near Myanmar-Indian border. From Pu-tao one can go to Upper Shan-gaung Village at a distacne of 12 miles by car or on foot. From Upper Shan-gaung to the mountain top, for 5 night trip, you will have to make night stops at Wa-sa-dam Village, Awa-dan Village, Zia-dan Village, Hkan-taut-myit Camp and Ye-hke-sat Camp, and the next morning, it is only 1 hour walk to reach the top.

What to see and feel?
• Studying the ways of life and culture of the hill tribes
• Hiking , camping and recreation at snow-capped peak
• Observing wildlife such as numerous kinds of wild animals, butterflies and birds including endemic birds like White-Billed Herons and Wreathed Hormbills
• Trekking and observing rhododendron forest and other various kinds of flowers
• Enjoy adventure ousrafting along the forest driver

Pi-daung Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary was established in 1918 and is the first protected area to be designated in Myanmar. It is situated in Myit-kyi-na Township of Ka-chin State. The sanctuary was established in order to conserve biodiversity, to educate local people in environmental conservation , to encourage local people to participate in conservation activities and to develop their socio-economic condition.

How to get there?
Pi-daung Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the western suburb of Myit-kyi-na and visitors can easily go there by car.

What to see and feel?

SAGAING DIVISION

Sa-gaing Division is located in the north-western part of the country. It is bordered by Indea’s Na-ga-land and Manipur States to the north, Ka-chin State, Shan State, and Mandalay Division to the east, Mandalay Division and Ma-gway Division to the south, Chin State and India to the west. The region has an area of 93,527 sq km.

Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

Alaung-daw Ka-tha-pha National Park is located in Ka-ni and Min-gin Townships of Sa-gaing Region in upper Myanmar. It is also an ASEAN Heritage Park. Alaung-daw Ka-tha-pha is the name of legendary monk living there in historical time. The site is famous for the cave and pagoda and receives every year many local and pilgrims and tourists, especially during the annual pagoda festival.

How to get there?
From Yangon to Mandalay, visitors can easily reach by land and by air. From Mandalay, it is two hours drive (41 miles) to Ka-baing and visitors can start the tour by the track ways.

What to see and feel?
• Observing the nature of tropical rain forestry plants, orchids and wild lives which are still un-spoilt.
• Tracking around and explore the environs, shoot with your camera to the wild life.
• Feel the songs of the host birds while enjoying the natural beauty of various biodiversity.
• Enjoy the elephant ride in the forest.
• Visitors can pay homage to the Great Cave housed by Alaung-daw Ka-tha-pa.

Baw-di-ta-htaung Nature Reserve

Baw-di-ta-htaung Nature Reserve which has an area of 73 sq km, is situated in Mon-ywa and Chaung U Townships of Sa-gaing Rigion in the middle of Myanmar. Kyauk-kar (375m) is the highest hill of Baw-di-ta-htaung Range. The site has ridges, slope, and streams. The site has been designed to conserve the dry zone ecosystem and to promote cultural heritage site of the pagodas. The year proposed to be a nature reserve is 2008.

How to get there?
What to see and feel?

Chat-thin Wildlife Sanctuary

Chat-thin Wildlife Sanctuary is situated Kant-ba-lu and Kaw-lin Township of Sa-gaing Region in upper Myanmar. It has an area of 269 sq km and elevation of the site ranges from 165 to 260m.An area of 29936 acres was designated as a sanctuary in 1919 to provide fuel-wood for trains when Yangon-Mandalay-Myit-kyi-na Railroad had been constructed since 1886. Later, the area of sanctuary has been extended to p-resent measurement.

How To get there?
Along the 520mile long rail-road of Yangon-Mandalay- Chat-thin, the sanctuary situates at about 502 mile. By car, Yangon-Mandalay-Shwe-bo road is 577miles long. In dry season, Zin village can be reached by Mandalay-Myit-kyi-na Union Road and from Zin village 19miles to the west can be reached by car.

What to see and feel?
There is a watchtower to observe wild animals at night at Mine-thauk Ground and viaitors can experience the nature of Myanmar golden deer. There are San-myaung Camp Guest House (available 4 visitors),Kin-san Camp Guest House ( available 15 visitors) and Ta-gon-taing Guest House (available 8 visitors) for the convenience of visitors.
• Visitors, nature lovers can observe natural habitat of golden deer.
• In Sam-myaung Camp, there is a natural historical museum with the exhibition of extinct and living animals.
• While trekking, visitors can see the beautiful scenery of landscaping
• In Kin-san Camp, while walking through the forest-paths, In-taing ecosystem, shrubs and grass, trees and birds and fresh-water fish can bestudied while taking the boat-ride.
• In Ta-gon-taing Camp, you can also have a boat-ride.

Hta-man-thi Wildlife Sanctuary

Hta-man-thi Wildlife Sanctuary which has an area of 2151sq km is situated in Homa-lin and Kham-ti Township of Sa-gaing Region. It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in1974.

How to get there?
From Yangom to Homa-lin, there are 3 flights a week, which currently operate Fri day, Sat day and Tues day. By land, one can go from Yangon to Mon-ywa , and one night stop trip from Mon-ywa to Homa-lin passing Ka-lay-wa along Yar-gyi mortor road.From Homa-lin to Hta-man-thi, take about 4 hrs by 4wd jeep which can be accessible in dry season. By water way, it will take about 7 hrs by double decker up the Chin-dwin River.

Ma-har-myaing Wildlife Sanctuary

Ma-har-myaing wildlife Sanctuary is located in Ka-lay and Maw-like Township of Sa-gaing Region. It has and area of 1180 sq km and elevation of the site ranges from 145 to 590m. The year proposed to be a wildlife sanctuary is 2002.

Min-wun-taung Wildlife Sanctuary

Min-wun-taung Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Sa-gaing Township of Sagaing Region. It has an area of 206 sq km and elevation of the sanctuary ranges from 75 to 305m. The year gazette as a wildlife sanctuary is 1972.

Na-ga New Year Festival

In Myanmar, among 135 racial groups, Naga tribes are spread throughout the northwest hills of Myanmar along the Indian border. Tribes from throughout Naga-land - both on India side of the border and in Myanmar come together to celebrate the New Year Festival which is held in January. The host Naga village for this event changes every year.

SHAN STATE

Shan State covers an area of 155,800 sq km and borders China to the north, Laos to the east, and Thailand to the south. It is the largest state in Myanmar with almost a quarter of the total area of the country. Shan State is largely rural, with only 3 cities of significant size: La-shio, Kyaing-tong and the capital Taunggyi. Currently, trekkings in Shan State have been done around Pin-da-ya, reputed for natural cave pagoda, Ka-law, old British colonial station, Inle Lake, Kyaing-tong, ancient Shan royal capital and Thi-baw, a remote town for classic tours.

In-le Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

In-le Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Nyang-shwe Township in the heart of Shan Plateau of Eastern Myanmar. It is a highland lake which lay 900 m above sea level. The lake is 22km long and 10km across. In-le Lake is one of the famous tourism spots in Myanmar and visited every year by a large number of local and foreign visitors. Cultural highlights are traditional In-tha leg-rowing, fishing techniques, floating cultivation and traditional weaving as well as historical pagodas. Many accommodations and lodging facilities are provided around the lake as well as trekking opportunities in the surrounding hills.

How to get there?
Easiest way to get into In-le Lake is by domestic flight. The closet air port is in He-ho, which is 45 minutes drive from the lake. Another option is Yangon to Shwe-nyang (400 miles) by land and Shwe-nyang to Nyang-hwe is (7 miles) by land as well.

What to see and feel?
• Boat trip on the beautiful lake is a must to do.
• See thousands of water birds that depend on the lake as a breeding place and migration.
• Explore the tradition and custom of the local tribes.
• Visiting the famous historical pagodas and monasteries.
• Observing the cultivation on the floating islands, weaving and production of the local products.
• Hiking in the surrounding hills.

Loi-mwe Protected Area

Loi-mwe is a protected area established in 1996 around a hill station which was built by the British government as a location for officer’s summer vacations during colonial times.The site is located in Kyaing-tong Township of Shan State and has an area of 43 sq km The site is endowed with beautiful mountain scenery, and the surroundings are inhabited by several ethnic tribes (Pa-laung, Wa and Enn etc,.). From the town of Kyaing-tong, it is possible to request a permit to visit the place and do trekking in the surroung mountains.Over night stays are allowed only in the town of Kyaing-tong where a variety of hotel and other forms of accommodations are available.

How to get there?

What to see and feel?
• Observe old colonial buildings and feel beautiful mountain scenery.
• Trek in the surrounding mountains and get opportunity to meet the local tribes and buy traditional handicraft.
• Observe tea leaf and fruit plantation, beekeeping and production of local spirits.

Pan-laung/Pa-da-lin

Pan-laung-Pa-da-lin Cave Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Ywa-ngan Township of Shan State. Geologists estimated that Padalin caves are natural caves formed by under-sea current about 2 million years ago. It is known as No (1) Cave and No (2) Cave. The measurement of Cave (1) is 80 ft in length, 20 ft in width and 14 ft in height. 14 wall paintings that are over 11,000 years old, drawn by stone–age people can be seen in it. Cave (2) is 800 ft long and both caves contain over 16,00 stone relics and many animals and human bones and red ochre. The sanctuary, with an area of 334 sq km, is an important watershed area for the Kin-da dam. The year gazette as a sanctuary is 2002.

How to get there?

What to see and feel?
• Visitors can observe historical monument, Pa-da-lin Caves.
• Forest hard trekking, camping, and engine boat ride along the Pan-laung Stream can be done.
• Various types of limestone caves and species of animals and birds that live in the caves can be observed.

Taung-gyi Bird Sanctuary

Par-sar

CHIN STATE

Chin State is located in western Myanmar. It has an area of 36,019 sq km which is bordered by Ra-khine State in the south, Bangladish in the south-west, Sa-gaing Division and Ma-gway Division in the east, Indian state of Manipur in the north and Indian state of Mizoran in the west. The capital of State is Ha-ka and the state is covered with mountainous region and sparsely populated.

Kyauk-Pan-Taung

Nat-ma-taung National Park

Natmataung or Khaw Nu Thum or Mt. Victoria, at an altitude of 3200 meters is the highest mountain in Chin State. The site has been proposed as a National Park in 1997. It has an area of 723 sq km and is an important Bird Area and one of the world’s high plant diversity site. Natmataung is also an important catchments of two big rivers and 9 medium and small rivers, on which 3 million people depend for their livelihood.

How to get there?
Natmataung is situated 100 km west of Bagan. From Yangon to Bagan,320 miles by flight, Bagan to Chauk, 18 miles by car, Chauk via Seikphyu to Saw 68 miles by car and Saw to Kanpatlet, 12 miles by car or Saw to Mindat 42 miles by car.

What to see and feel?
This region is generally isolated and possesses many spicies of birds and plants. Some rare flowers found on its summit are nowhere else in the world. Natmataung offers a great opportunity for bird watching activities. As hill people, they have been isolated and to this day little is known of their animistic culture. Visitors can observe Chin tribe women wearing various pattern of tattoo on their face and attractive amber necklaces.

MANDALAY DIVISION

LAWKANANDAR

Lawkanandar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Nyaung Oo Township, Mandalay region in central Myanmar. This protected area is closely located to the famous pagodas of Bagan. The protected area is entirely covered by dry forest hosting deer, endangered star tortoise and rare birds. Currently, the park itself is receiving a few numbers of tourists.

HOW TO GET THERE?
Lawkanandar is a year round destination. One can reach to Nyaung Oo by air, by land and by water. From Yangon to Nyaung Oo 279miles by air, 460miles by boat, 430miles by car and 394miles by train. From Nyaung Oo to Lawkanandar is only 7miles drive.

WHAT TO SEE AND FEEL?
• Feel the tranquility of the ancient pagodas in the area which cool down the fatigue of the visitors.
• One can relax while viewing the scenery of Ayarwaddy River, one of the major rivers in Myanmar.
• Observing the beautiful animals in their nature.

Min-son-taung

Po-pa Mountain Park

Popa is situated in Kyauk-pa-daung Township of Mandalay Division and it is an extinct volcano in middle Myanmar. Po-pa Mountain Park was established in 1989 to protect the dry zone ecosystem, to conserve the watershed area of Kyet-mauk-taung Reservior, to conserve medicinal plant species of Po-pa Mountain, to conduct public education and research, and to promote ecotourism.

Pyin-oo -lwin

Shwe -u -daung

MAGWAY DIVISION

Shwe-Set-Taw Wildlife Sanctuary

The Shwe-set-taw Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Min-bu, Pwint -phyu, Nga-pe and Say-tote-ta-ya Townships of Ma-gway Region in middle Myanmar. The site boundaries are well marked by the Mone and Mann Creeks. Shwe-set-taw Pagoda is situated in the site and it is one of the famous pagodas in Myanmar. The site is visited every year by about 200000 local pilgrim and tourists.The site conserves the varieties of hard woods and medical plants and also the endangered wildlife species and rare birds.

HOW TO GET THERE?
Access to the site is easy due to the presence of motor roads and tracks.
Yangon-Pyay-Pa-thein-Mon-ywa (crossed Aye-yar-wad-dy River by Na-wa-day Bridge) route is 317 miles and Yangon-Ma-gway-Shwe-set-taw Pagoda is 364 miles (crossed Aye-yar-wad-dy River by Ma-gway Bridge).
WHAT TO SEE AND FEEL?
• Bird watching (over 113 species of birds including rare birds.)
• Getting chance to pay homage to the famous Shwe-set-taw Pagoda. (Buddha footprints)
• Observing the wildlife animals conserved in the site.
• Explore the medical plants in hard woods, dry forest.

Wet-hti-kan Bird Sanctuary

RAKHINE STATE

Ra-khine Yoma Elephant Range Wildlife Reserve

KA-YAH DIVISION

BA-GO DIVISION

Moe-yun-gyi Wet Land Bird Sanctuary

The site is located around an artificial lake constructed in 1904 at Pyin-pon-gyi Village in the Ba-go Region, 113km far from Yangon. The area measures 104 sq km and mostly flat. Therefore, it becomes flooded during the rainy season and dry during summer although some permanent water bodies exist. The depth of the lake in the rainy season is over 9 feets. It aims to conserve resident and migratory birds and their habitats, which also constitute the main attraction for tourists.

How to get there?
Pyin-pon-gyi Village is 71 miles far from Yangon and can be reached about 2 hour drive by car. It is situated on the 6 furlong right-side of the Yangon-Mandalay Highway Road.

Shinpinkyetthauk Wildlife Sanctuary

KAYIN STATE

Kahilu Wildlife Sanctuary

Mulayit wildlife Sanctuary

AYEYARWADDY DIVISION

Mainmahla Kyun

Main-ma-hla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Bo-ga-le Township, Ayeyarwaddy Division. It is an island of low flat land delta area and it is located very near to the open sea. The site is fringed by the Bo-ga-le River in the east and by the Ka-don-ka-ni River in the west. The sanctuary is covered with mangrove forest only. It has an area of 137 sq km and gazetted as a sanctuary in 1993. Myauk-ta-yar, a fomous pagoda of the region is situated to the south-east of the sanctuary. Main-ma-hla Kyun is one of Myanmar’s ASEAN Heritage site. A guest house was built by a local environmental NGO, FREDA, on the Byone-hmwe Island which is situated on the west side of the ka-don-ka-ni River facing the sanctuary in the east.

How to get there?
The sanctuary can be reach by both land route and water way. By water way, it is 87 miles far from Yangon to Bo-ga-le by 8 hour trip and by land route, 84miles from Yangon to Bo-ga-le by 5 hour car drive. Then proceed to Mainmahla Kyun by engine-boat under 3 hour drive for the distance of 12 miles.

What to see and feel?
• Studying the hatching camps of crocodiles, one can observe the conservation of orchids, medicine plants, mangrove forests, herbal- park, mangrove park in Byone-hmwe Island either along the wooden bridge.
• Make a pilgrimage tour to Myauk-ta-yar Pagoda.
• From watch tower, sun set view can be enjoyed on Mainmahla Island.

Thamihla Kyun

YANGON DIVISION

Hlawga Wildlife Park

Hlawga Wildlife Park is an open zoo whith an area of 6 sq km which was created in 1982 by the Forest Department in the proximity of Yangon. The objectives of creation are to provide environmental education facilities, to protect the forest and plant cover in the catchment of the Hlawga Lake, and to establish a representative collection of Myanmar indigenous plant and wildlife species. In 2010, the site has been passed to joint management of NWDC and private entities.

How to get there?
• Being situated in Mingaladon Township, far about 22 miles from Yangon, it is easily accessible by car. Visitors go there day return trip.
What to see and feel?
• Visitor can use park facilities such as tea shops, picnic sites, recreation areas, aviary, mini-zoo, biodiversity museum, environmental education center and chalets.
• One can enjoy adventurous trekking into the forest along the foot-paths.

MON STATE

Kelatha

Kyaikhtiyoe

TANINTHARYI DIVISION

Lampi

Lenya and Extension

Tanintharyi and Extension

Sailing and Diving Adventure in Myeik Archipilago

The Myeik (Mergui) Archepelago of Myanmar is unique both above the water as well as below. There are over 800 islands scattered over an area of some 12000 sq miles. Visiters will never forget the breathtaking scenery with virgin rainforests along diving on uncrowded reefs. The blue and pristing waters of Myeik Archipelago are the perfect showcase of underwater biodiversity. Adventure sailing and diving charters in Myanmar take you to remote areas where you will rarely see any other yachts. Although Myeik(Mergui) is the main city of this region but for the travellers who come from Yangom or Thailand have to use Kawthaung as the gate way to enter into this archipelago.

Kawthaung, the gate way to Myeik Archipelago

Although Myiak (mergui) is the main city of this region but for the traveler wherever he come from Yangon or from Thailand have to use Kawthoung as the gate way to enter into this archipelago. Kawthoung is located at the the most southern edge of Myanmar. The town was build by British and named Victoria Point. In the old days Kawthoung is just fishing, timber production and mining small town but nowadays it famous for tourism and trading. The river Perchan is the border river between Ranong province of kingdom of Thailand and Kawthoung township of Myanmar. So most of tourists who traveling in Thailand can arrive to Kawthoung from Ranong by just crossing that Perchan river by small long tail boats. It take just only 25 minute. There are many tourists come from Phuket direct to Kawthoung by luxurious liveaboards.

Diving Season- October to May see the main Myanmar diving season. For optimum conditions in the Myeik Archipelago we recommend you visit between the months of December and April. February to May tend to witness the most frequent manta ray and whale shark sightings.

Jungle Walks- You should not miss the experience of savoring Myeik’s diverse and rich flora and fauna. The regular residents of over 800 islands include the big cats- leopards and tigers, elephants, bears, rhinos, barking deer, saber, wild boars, macaque monkeys, gibbons, flying lemurs, cobras, pythons, sea otters and crocodiles. The birdlife of Myeik is equally diverse and prolific.

The islands for yacht adventure- Visitors can view wonderful Myeik islands offering pristine white beaches fringed by coral reefs and backed by hills covered in lush jungle sailing by comfortable crew yacht charter. Some islands feature rock pinnacles soaring 1000 meters. There are hidden lagoons only accessible through caves at low tide. Some famous islands for yacht adventure are as follow:

Salet Galet- The channel of water separating the islands of Lampi and Wa-Ale Kyun is about 2 mile long. On either side, the channel is banked with steep sloping rainforest and by fringing coral reef below. Anchorage in the middle of the channel is in 10 – 15 meters. This anchorage is safe to sit out any storm. It is a very protected piece of water of outstanding beauty and is a good place to spot monkeys, wild pig, hornbills, sea eagles and other creatures of the Archipelago.

Pu Nala ( Bo Cho)-  Enter the passage either side of the small rock island and south of the drying rock in mid-channel.Anchor in 4 –7 meters on a muddy bottom. The currents can run up to 3 knots at mid-tide, so try to plan around this for easier anchoring; put out plenty of chain. Beat to anchor opposite the small village on the north of Pu Nala. This village is the only habitation in the area and is definitely worth a visit. The local monk at the Buddhist temple welcomes all. Take your cameras, as these scenes may astonish even the most experienced traveler.

Mid Group(115-Island)

The islands south of Lampi and Pu Nala offer plenty of day and overnight options for stop offs.
We have chosen only one of the prettiest spots in this group, although you can spend days here exploring all the smaller rocky islands and hidden coves and beaches. Anchor in 12 – 15 metres off the white sand beach. The all-tide, sandy beach here is breathtaking, and the fringing coral reef provides excellent snorkeling. It is a very protected piece of water of outstanding beauty and is a good place to spot monkeys, wild pig, hornbills, sea eaglesand other creatures of the Archipelago.

Gt Swington (Kyun Phi lar)

The Gt Swington is a famous island in this region for tourists who love virgin beauty of nature. The island long in east to west, it may be 6 or 7 mile long but narrow for north to south proximately just 2 miles, so local fisherman call Kun Pi lar ( The different with others islands ) because the other islands are long in north to south but narrow in east to west. There are three beautiful beaches on Gt Swington, in the east, north and south western .Among those, the northern beach is the longest one, the length may be 2 or 3 miles. All three beaches are beautiful with white smooth sand and nothing distribution from human being. Multicolor birds always inhabit on those beaches. Coral life are great, water are quite clear, the most attractive beaches for sorcerers and beaches lovers. There is also very thicket tropical rain forest on the island. That is the home for wild pigs, monkeys, mouse deer, wild cats, civets and hornbills. Tropical tidal areas with two small are short tidal rivers and thicket mangrove found in southern part island. That is the place to kayaking, tracking and watching tropical tidal animals like monkeys, monitor lizards, Burmese Python, crabs, kingfisher and civets.

MaCleod island and Myanmar Andaman resort

Ma Cleod island is laying in west of Kawthaung (Victoria Point) approximately 40 nautical miles and 160 nautical miles from Myeik (Mergui). Macleod Island is one of the best island for diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking and fishing as well as birds watching, short trekking and jungle safari. The island is densely wooded and hilly (its single prominent summit is 173 m high). There are many small bays and beaches and underwater around island is infinite shades of white, blue and turquoises coral garden. On the island live at least 5 species of bird of prey: White-bellied Sea Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Brahminy Kite and an unidentified Buzzard. Beside from bird of prays, Macleod Island is an important breeding and foraging site for Wreathed Hornbills. Other interesting birds of the island include important populations of Edible-nest Swiftlets that breed in caves at sea level, Collared kingfishers and the elusive Beach Thick-knee, which is a large wader that requires undisturbed sandy beaches to live on. Many more bird species breed in the forest on the island, making it a real bird sanctuary. And some Butterfly, Cricket, Squirrel and wild life, like Wild pig and Monitor Lizard, etc., can also be found.There is a resort on south western bay of island, named Myanmar Andaman Resort, it is located in the middle of a picturesque one mile deep bay with white sandy beach and idyllically sited between scenic mountains and the shimmering blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

Langan (The Sisters)

The sisters is the name of a group of small islands, approximately 20 nautical miles away in the north of Limpi. Sea gypsies (Moken) call it as Langan, mean the fingers. Marie and Eliza are the biggest islands among them but three separate villages were build on Anne, Jane and Charlotte; those are smaller than Marie and Eliza. The village on Anne is the biggest one and most of villagers are Myanmar fishermen. There is a small and beautiful Sea Gipsy village on Charlotte there the people of origin resident of this area live and keep their traditional living style. Clear water, beautiful coral and very nice location is the land mark of the sisters.

Hngat thaik Taung (Yea Aye)

Hnget Thaik Taung is approximately one square mile wide a grassy, tree covered granite island. The mountain in the middle of island look like a volcano with the big hole. The cave in south eastern part of island is the entrance of that hole. By using kayak, traveler can enter into the hole passing from that cave. There are many limestone caves inside the hole and the birds (cave swift lets) stay and make their nest in there. So temporary camps of the bird nest catchers are also found in there.

Pulu Set (Nga Mann island)- Pulu Set or Nga Mann island, the island with small forest and beautiful beach. Nga Mann is not so interested place for divers but great place for snorkeler. The beach in western part of island is amazing one. It is not so long beach just a mile or a little bit more but the sand are so white and smooth, water is crystal clear, colorful hard coral, parrotfishes, triggerfish, colorful sea urchin, lobsters and plenty of reef fishes make crazy to sorcerers. There is small underwater rock with colorful soft coral, lobsters, crabs and many reef fishes, around 300 meters away from the northern western parts of the beach. That is good place for divers to make night diving.

Pulu Pakyat

Is a small island situated in the 4 nautical mile away from western part of Nga Mann Island and very close with famous Gt Swington (Kyun Pi lar) island. There are a small water fall falling water year round in the western part of island, opposite side of the eastern beach of Gt Swngton island. That water fall is the famous water resource for fishermen and Sea Gipsy and also the famous shower place for tourists who like to shower under nature water fall.

Lam-pi Kyun(Island)

In Myanmar Ta-nin-tharyi Division, Lam-pi Kyun (island) is further offshore and one of the largest and least disturbed island habitats in Southeast Asia has been designated as a national park. Extending about 90km long and 8 km wide, this rugged landmass features a forested, mountainous interior and two year round rivers that flow into the sea from the island's western shore. Wildlife on the island includes white bellied sea eagles, brahminy kites, parakeets, hornbills, gibbons, crab eating macaques, flying lemurs, civets, tigers, leopard cats, boar, barking deer, sea otters, crocodiles and fruit bats. Some naturalists speculate that the interior of Lam-pi Island might harbour hither to undiscovered animal species, or species thought to be extinct elsewhere in Southeast Asia, such as a Sumatran rhinoceros or kouprey. A few Phuket based tour companies operate hiking and river excursions on Lam-pi Island corporate with Myanmar tour agencies.

Dive Sites of Myeik Archipelago

High Rock

For the first destination for the travelers who like to feel the beauty of underwater life of Mergui archipelago is High Rock. That is just small granite rocky islet with a single tree, and has a wall on its north and east sides, and a rocky reef on its south and west. The sheer volume of fish life at High Rock hits you as soon as you descend. Blue line snapper form huge schools that obscure the reef wall from view. Glassfish are equally numerous, as are gold-striped fusiliers and yellow tail barracuda. Trivially dart into shoals of bait fish that move as one, safety in numbers their only defense. Large flute mouths stalk their prey and titan (giant) triggerfish guard their territory. Striped soldier fish and squirrel fish congregate together in the many cracks and crevices, and barrel sponges dominate the seabed with common lion fish sheltering from the currents inside the rims. The number of bearded and humpback scorpion fish on the wall make touching anything a risky business. The walls feature orange and green cup corals and a small overhang. There's a huge variety of invertebrates here such as lobster, hermit crabs, zigzag clams, black diadem urchins, oysters and squid. Yellow-margin, fimbriated, giant and white-eyed moray eels can all be seen in abundance, and different species are often even seen sharing the same hole. Look into the crags and you may be surprised to see Indian Ocean nurse sharks, residents of the Mergui, snoozing the day away.

High Rock Reef Basics: Pinnacle and nurse sharks
Depth: 5 - 26m
Visibility: 5 - 15m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface conditions: Can be rough
Water temperature: 25 - 28°C
Experience level: Easy – intermediate
Number of dive site: 1