» 5 Days Photography Expedition

Season: OCTOBER to MAY

Location: Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar/Burma)

Price: USD $1360

Join David Van Driessche on this Moby Dick cruise where we will shoot sunsets and sunrises on the most deserted beaches in the world,the hidden Archipelago of Mergui. We also shoot portraits of the Moken Sea Nomads,the last tribe that lives on their Kabang Boats and see them in their village where they do some trading between boat trips. Join us for an authentic cruise of photography and hidden and amazing locations.

Experience

Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and pro photographers*
Travel by boat and walking, small kayaks
Moderate elevation changes and some walking.
*non-photographers are also welcome

Deserted Islands and beach Photography

Moken Sea Nomads People Portraits

Sunrise and sunsets

Night Photography

Jungle and Mangrove Treks

Itinerary

Day 1: Kawthaung – Taung La Bo island – Poni Island – Island 115
Upon being greeted by your guide at the airport In Kawthaung or Ranong or the pier, your check-in procedure will be completed. If there is time before the departure take in bustling seaport of Kawthaung. The sidewalk shops overflow with a sizeable and varied stock of goods. Victoria Point is nearby and is the most southern point of mainland Myanmar.
There are great photo ops at King Bayint Naung statue and the Pyi Daw Aye Pagoda where you can capture scenic views across the river to Ranong, Thailand.
Departing Kawthaung smooth seas and adventure await as we cruise into the Mergui Archipelago. Once on board of MV Sea Gipsy, take a little time to get acquainted with your cabin. But don’t wait too long as a deck chair is calling to you. Relax, take in the luscious sea breeze and enjoy the smooth ride to our first stop at Taung La Bo Island where we do some long exposure on pristine beaches.
This quaint island is a perfect place for your first dip in the beautiful waters of the Mergui Archipelago. Returning to the boat after your fun in the water the MV Sea Gipsy heads to Poni Island, before we cruise to Island 115, to photograph the sunset and where we spend our first night.
Day 2: Island 115 – Shark Island – Lagoon Bay
Waking from your restful slumber on the Sea Gipsy, the sun greets you as it slowly rises above the islands. Morning shoot at the Island. Your second day has begun. After breakfast, the Sea Gipsy heads to Shark Island. And don’t fear, the island gets it’s name because of its shape, like a shark, and not for sharks being in the safe waters around the island.
The water is fun and inviting but more adventure awaits with swimming or snorkeling. After a sumptuous lunch, our journey continues to Lagoon Bay to explore the mangrove forest by sea kayak. Lagoon Bay will also serve as our night port for a relaxing night’s sleep after our day of activities. Today we also learn how to make adventure and sport photography and talk about post processing them in the evening time on the boat.
Day 3: Lagoon Bay – Moken Village, Ba Wei Island – Boulder Island
At first light, we set to cruise to visit the Moken village and home of the Sea Gypsies. It’s a sure bet that the local Moken children will be on hand to greet us with smiles and waves. At the moken village we will make portraits and document the way of life of the sea nomads, a unique experience,…
Our next stop will be Ba Wei Island, which is a high cliff mountain. Take the kayak and passing the huge rock gate. A good place to relax and explore the sea life while swimming and or snorkeling, kayaking or Longtail SUP (Stand Up Paddling Board).
Our ride to Boulder Island gives our next nights stop for rest, Boulder Bay. Take you mask and Snorkel and discover the underwater world of Boulder Bay Reef and if the tide allows you have to opportunity to explore this amazing island with its many exciting treks. Evening long exposure scene at boulder rock.
Day 4: Jungle Adventure Trekking on Boulder Island – Myauk Ni Island – Thay Yae Island (Barwell Channel)
After shooting the morning light on Boulder Rocks, we head for an unforgettable trek on this previously uncharted island. The island offers so much more than what you can experience in a day with five beaches, all with great snorkeling. Kayaks are available to explore the waters around Boulder Island. If you brought your hiking shoes there are amazing treks that take you to various locations on the island.
One of our favorites is the hike to Eagle Rock, the highest elevation on the island. The view of Boulder Bay is spectacular. Return to the boat after your adventures as we set off in the late afternoon with a stop at Myauk Ni (Red Monkey Island) Island for a refreshing swim before our final destination for the evening and overnight stay at next to Thu Yee Island at the Barwell Channel.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner and sunset before retiring for the evening, and we then do more post processing of our images of the trip.
Day 5: Thay Yae Island (Barwell Channel) – Kawthaung
Day five sees us heading back into Kawthaung. We will arrive about 09am so if you have an early flight to catch you won’t be hurried. At Kawthaung, our staff will assist you with your return travel plans and immigration.
People returning to Yangon will catch the flight from Kawthaung airport and we provide transfers.
People returning to Thailand need a passport valid more than 6 months or a visa for Thailand.
The trip to Thailand is done by long tail boat (20 minutes) after you checked out of Myanmar
Immigration, where you will re-enter Thailand in Ranong Pier.
You can take the evening flight or bus back to Bangkok or Phuket here.

Explore more photography examples on David’s website: http://www.davidvandriessche.com

Price
Inclusions
Notes

$1360 USD per person on shared double Gazebo
Included
- Round Transfer from Airport Kawthaung or Airport/pier Ranong to Kawthaung jetty,
- Transfer from Bangkok to Kawthaung Jetty(Bus or Car) (DEPARTURE ON 4TH OF FEB 2016) (in case you do not use the transfer from Bangkok to Ranong there is no refund)
- Accommodation onboard MS Sea Gipsy based on double bed open -airgazebo
- On board meals(3 meals per day with minimum 3-4 dishes per meal )
- Soft drinks,fruits,snacks
- Sea Kayaks(sit-on -top), Snorkeling sets (mask,snorkel and fins),Fishing Gears
- Life Jackets
- Port fees
- Special travel permit application
- Local English speaking guide
- Photography guide David Van Driessche as explained in the program
- Post processing lessons on board on Photography
Not Included
- Other Transfers not listed above
- Mergui Archipelago fees(Royalty fees)USD 100.00 -140.00 dependingon the length ofthetrip per pax for every trip on board of MV Sea Gipsy.
- Myanmar Visa Fee (USD 30.00 per person)
- Single supplement surcharge
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Expenditures of personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages,souvenirs, tip for crew etc.
- Personal insurances such as health, trip cancellation, luggage damage and lost etc
- International and Domestic Air Tickets
- Service not mentioned above
- Fuel surcharge,if it is applicable
Notes
1.Minimum 4 pax is required to confirm the trip. 2.Maximum 10 pax of booking can be accepted. 3. The boat, MV Sea Gipsy, has no cabin on board but will provide secure lockers which are located on the lower deck,to store the guests belongings.The boat was built as 5 open-air gazebos which can be transformed into double beds with curtains etc for the night time. There are 2 gazebos on the upper deck and 3 gazebos on the main deck and all booking requests are always handled by the first received first served basis. 4. The boat is just a simple and not a luxury boat. Small fans can be used in the nigh time in the Gazebo's. There are 2 bathrooms (showers only) with toilets on the main deck and all the guests have to be shared it. 5. A booking is not confirmed until you receive a written confirmation from Moby Dick. You will receive an invoice by fax or e-mail as confirmation of booking. 6. Visa Note:Myanmar Visa needed + entrance fee (need minimum 3 weeks advance booking) 7. Payment Conditions:
- Deposit:50%within 10 days after booking confirmation.
- Final payment:50%60 days prior to departure.
9. Payment Method:
- Payment to be made:
- Please pay USD cash at our office in Yangon or by wire transfer to our indicated account that will be mentioned when we mail you our invoice. (account details will be mentioned in Invoice)
10. The boats embarkation time is between noon and 18:00 hours(6 PM) on departure day and disembarkation time is around 09:00 hours(9 AM) on arrival day for all Islands Safari trips. 11.In case of an unforeseen increase in fuel prices,we will keep our right to adjust the above prices by charging a fuel-surcharge. 12.Liability:
- We strongly recommend that each guest purchases comprehensive accident, medical,baggage and trip cancellation/ interruption insurance when they book the trip.Please be advised that if guest chooses NOT to purchase the trip insurance, we will not be responsible for any financial disappointment caused by any reasons beyond our control. No partial or full refund will be made for unused services.In the event that it will be necessary for Moby Dick to cancel or interrupt the tour due to weather there will be no refund.
13. Moby Dick Co Ltd.and its subsidiaries reserve the right to rearrange the order of any itinerary,to cancel or substitute elements of any plan without notice when local conditions force (weather conditions,flight time changes, tidal movements etc) such changes. 14.Note:All guests has to returned a complete filled out Booking&Liability Release Form before departure.