Boulder Bay Eco Resort: Your Gateway to Myanmar's Pristine Mergui Archipelago

[CharlieH]

There is no war or violence in Kawthaung, the southernmost tip of Myanmar. Here, you’ll be greeted by friendly, inquisitive locals before heading to the serene paradise of Boulder Island.

 

The Boulder Bay Eco Resort is situated on Boulder Island in Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago, a chain of over 800 islands in the Andaman Sea. Located 85 kilometres west of mainland Myanmar and Thailand, Boulder Island stands out for its limestone and granite formations, white sand beaches, tropical jungles, and undisturbed coral reefs and marine life.

As the island's sole accommodation, the eco-resort offers an exclusive escape into one of Southeast Asia's last unspoiled tropical paradises, perfect for those seeking a low-key island experience away from mass tourism.

Accommodation & Facilities

The resort features traditional Burmese-style bungalows, with beachfront and tree-bundled location options. These accommodations include one large suite bungalow and several standard and superior bungalows.

At the heart of the resort lies a spacious thatched-roof community centre that serves as the main hub, housing the dining area, bar, and lounge. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in panoramic views of the sea.

Don’t forget the beachside yoga centre, providing a laid-back space for meditation and gatherings, perfectly complementing the natural surroundings.

Activities & Experiences

Guests at Boulder island can immerse themselves in a handful of natural experiences. The pristine coral reefs encapsulating the island offer exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities with visibility reaching up to 30 metres. Certified dive instructors lead underwater expeditions to various sites around the island. Divers can expect to discover a wide spectrum of aquamarine life, with the resident clownfish, manta rays, and seahorses to name a few.

 

 

The island's eight unique beaches are perfect for watersports enthusiasts TO enjoy kayaking along the coastline, while paddleboarding is available in designated areas to protect the coral reefs. All of the above activities are available at the Research and Watersport Centre.As night falls, the perfect opportunity for stargazing arises, offering rich-starred skies rarely seen anywhere else.

The resort's restaurant serves three meals daily, featuring a mix of Burmese, Thai, and Western cuisines, with special consideration given to dietary restrictions when notified in advance.

For guests seeking to explore the broader archipelago, the resort operates the MV Sea Gipsy, a custom-designed Burmese boat offering multi-day cruises or sea safaris around the islands of the Mergui Archipelago. The vessel, decorated with open-air gazebo areas and an expansive sundeck, is perfect for island-hopping adventures along picturesque beaches. More information at islandsafarimergui.com.

 

The Mergui Archipelago is home to Burmese fishermen and the Moken (Sea Gypsies), known for their traditional sea-dwelling lifestyle. While there are no Moken villages on Boulder Island, guests can visit their communities during MV Sea Gipsy cruises. Visitors should respect local customs and avoid political discussions.

Getting There

 

The journey begins at Kawthaung, Myanmar's southernmost town. The recommended route is via Ranong, Thailand, accessible by:

●       Flight from Bangkok

●       Overnight VIP bus from Bangkok's Southern Terminal (about 700 baht, departs 7pm)

●       Transport from southern locations like Phuket

The resort provides complimentary transfers from Ranong and assists with immigration procedures. From Kawthaung, the resort's boat departs at about 10 AM for a 5.5-hour scenic journey to Boulder Island, including refreshments.

Alternatively, a 2-hour speedboat transfer is available for an additional fee but availability may be sporadic.

For early arrivals, the Honey Bear Hotel near Kawthaung Pier is recommended. Independent travellers can reach Kawthaung via a longtail boat (300 baht, 20 minutes) from Thailand.

Visas & Essential Information

The resort operates from early October to late April, with January to March offering the most favourable weather conditions. During these months, visitors can expect clear skies and calm seas. The facility closes during the monsoon season from late May to mid-October when heavy rainfall and rough seas make travel difficult.

Most nationalities require a Myanmar visa, which can easily be obtained through the eVisa system. The process typically takes 2 to 4 working days and costs approximately US$50. Alternative options include obtaining a visa at local Myanmar embassies or consulates which generally costs around 1,600 baht, taking up to 3 working days.

Your stay includes accommodation, three daily meals, activities, and plenty of entertainment options from the community centre. While the resort strives to provide modern amenities, the satellite internet connection may occasionally be weak, offering guests an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world. Note that scuba diving costs extra.

Boulder Island is indeed safe, with no dangerous wildlife - even the resident monitor lizards and pythons pose no threat. While Myanmar has experienced political unrest since 2021, the southern region including Boulder Island remains peaceful.

The island has no medical facilities, but resort staff trained in first aid can assist with emergencies. Guests should bring necessary medications and a first aid kit.

 

 

Environmental Commitment & Wildlife

Boulder Bay Eco Resort’s commitment to conservation efforts includes regular beach cleanups, plastic reduction initiatives, and the use of biodegradable products, which guests are encouraged to participate in. Powered by solar power and constructed with sustainability in mind, the resort aims to minimise its environmental impacts.

The island's ecosystem supports a diverse array of wildlife. In the surrounding waters, visitors might encounter black-tip reef sharks, sea otters, and numerous tropical fish species. As mentioned, the island is also home to multiple bird species, including rare and endangered species such as plain-pouched hornbills.

The coral reefs remain pristine due to minimal tourism impact, hosting a rich variety of marine life including parrotfish, pipefish, butterflyfish, and various species of rays.

The island's ecosystem is the lifeblood of these wildlife species, and Boulder Bay Eco Resort continues its eco-mission to ensure their livelihoods by minimising their footprint upon their habitats.

Practical Information

Remember to pack eco-friendly essentials including reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, first-aid kit, reusable water bottle, medications, and swimwear. Rubber swim shoes are recommended for protection from sharp objects while preserving fragile corals. Bring comfortable walking shoes and some reading material for leisure.

The resort package includes meals and basic activities, with extra charges for scuba diving. US dollars and Thai baht are accepted, but credit cards rarely do not work due to sanctions. Bank transfers can be arranged. Bring cash for drinks, diving, and staff tips as there are no ATMs on the island.

While the resort is well-equipped to handle most guest needs, visitors should bring any specific medications or personal items they might require, as there are no shops on the island.

 

 

More information:

●       For the resort, visit boulderasia.com

●       For the multi-day boat cruises with a short stay on Boulder Island visit islandsafarimergui.com

●       For enquiries contact [email protected] via email or our WhatsApp at (+66) 81 958 3310