Myanmar
Rising from its pariah status, the former state of Burma is an intriguing travel destination for intrepid travelers. Yangon (Rangoon) is the capital city and Mandalay is the cultural centre of the country. Both are packed with colonial architecture and Buddhist monuments and temples. But Bagan is one of the truly great historical wonders of South East Asia.
It is an ancient deserted city of some 5,000 pagodas and temples on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. The country also has large ethnic communities, huge forested lands, rivers and plains, and gigantic mountains. The Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago runs along the southern coastline and is a fascinating, remote and little-touched experience for scuba divers. It is also home to the Moken sea gypsies, who still practice a seafaring life here.
Recent Myanmar Articles
Diving with Trevallies – Apex Predators of the Reef
Trevally are among the more common fish encountered by divers, in a variety of species. These powerful silvery predators patrol the reefs and are often seen preying on smaller fish, making exciting, sudden dashes around the reef and thrilling any on-looking scuba...
Diving with Turtles – Underwater Ninjas
Turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. This is due both to their cute appearance and personality, as well as their declining numbers and their need for human protection, turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. Everyone loves an...
Diving with Tawny Nurse Sharks – Oooh Matron!
Dive with tawny nurse sharks. Photo courtesy: Macana Tawny nurse sharks are quite commonly encountered by divers. You may see them lying on a sandy floor or huddled together in their favourite cave or crevice during the day, or witness them hunting on a night dive....
Diving with scorpionfish: Motionless and Venomous
Scorpionfish are among the ocean’s most fascinating and enigmatic creatures, captivating divers with their extraordinary camouflage and formidable venomous spines. Belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, these ambush predators are found in tropical and temperate waters...
Diving with Moray Eels – a Foray into the World of Morays
You are finning along a reef with fish swimming all around you when suddenly something makes you stop on your tracks. You see a sight that at once captivates you and implores you to fix your gaze on a head protruding from a hole, seemingly glaring out and opening and...
Diving with Lionfish: a Devil Firefish or a Turkeyfish?
A lionfish at Lankayan Island, Malaysia One of the most photogenic fish you are likely to come across when scuba diving is the lionfish; a fish as beautiful as it is dangerous. Often found lurking in quiet areas of a reef or a wreck, the firefish has a very...
Diving with Leopard Sharks: Can a Shark Change its Spots?
A leopard or zebra shark in Thailand. Photo Courtesy: Lia Barret The leopard shark is a fantastic animal to encounter on a dive. Its grace and beauty in motion provides an exhilarating experience. They are docile sharks that you can admire and photograph safely in...
Diving with Clown Triggerfish: Prettiest Fish in the Sea?
Clown triggerfish, beautiful patterns. Photo Courtesy: Aggressor Fleet One of the most colourful fish to encounter when diving, clown triggerfish make for an excellent photo opportunity. Unfortunately they are quite camera shy and are exceptionally good at turning...
Diving with Dolphins – Man’s Best Ocean-Dwelling Friend
Thought to be among some of the most intelligent animals on the planet, dolphins' playful, inquisitive nature have made them popular with divers and a fascination for all humans for as long as we have known of their existence. In fact, many cultures consider the...