The Maung Shwe Lay peninsula is located in Southern Rakhine State and is easily accessible from Yangon airport (50 mn flight) then by boat from Thandwe airport (45 mn). Thandwe airport runway is currently being extended in order to accomodate long-haul international flights (most likely from Bangkok and Singapore).
Maung Shwe Lay peninsula is part a Burmese region known in ancient times as “Arakan”, whose history deserves to be highlighted.
Arakan played a prominent role in the world scene from the beginning of the 15th century until the end of the 18th century.
Known as the Mrauk U period, often seen as the golden age in Arakan’s history, this period was characterized by significant advances in politics, economy, culture, and trade. The region, a key player in the maritime silk road, was a vital intermediary in regional trade networks and facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices between the East and the West.
Arakan was also well-known for its shipbuilding industry during the 16th and 17th centuries. Its favorable coastal location, rich teak forests, and skilled craftsmen facilitated a sophisticated shipbuilding sector. Arakanese ships were renowned for their quality and navigability, highly sought after across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Nestled in this larger context is Maung Shwe Lay, a small fishermen village near Ngapali : the village’s existence offers a unique insight into the everyday life of the Arakanese throughout centuries. Its history is deeply intertwined with the ebbs and flows of the Andaman Sea, providing sustenance and livelihood to its inhabitants.
The people of Maung Shwe Lay, mainly fishermen, have preserved traditional fishing methods passed down through generations. Their lifestyle has remained relatively unchanged, mirroring the practices of their ancestors who fished these waters hundreds of years ago. Their boats, reminiscent of the shipbuilding legacy of Arakan, sail the sea each day, just as they did during the high time of the Mrauk-U Kingdom.
Buddhism has a profound influence in the Maung Shwe Lay peninsula, deeply embedded in the local culture, lifestyle, and landscape. This influence is visibly present in the numerous monasteries and pagodas scattered across the area. Monasteries serve as the focal point of religious activity, offering places for worship, meditation, and community gatherings.
Agriculture, particularly paddy cultivation, holds significant importance in the Maung Shwe Lay peninsula. The region’s fertile alluvial plains and abundant water supply from the nearby hills create ideal conditions for rice cultivation.
The Maung Shwe Lay peninsula, with its tropical climate, is also home to a variety of lush and succulent fruits : mangoes, known locally as “Sein Ta Lone,” prized for their sweet and juicy pulp, jackfruits, rambutans, guavas, papayas, bananas,
pineapple and, of course, coconuts. The fruit diversity offers a colorful, flavorful array of choices for locals and visitors alike, making it a true tropical fruit paradise.
The people of Maung Shwe Lay peninsula are renowned for their remarkable hospitality and warmth. Visitors are greeted with genuine smiles, reflecting a deep-rooted culture of kindness and generosity. Whether it’s sharing stories, offering homemade meals, or guiding visitors around the village, the locals display a willingness to connect that is truly heartwarming.