The anchor drops into a deep bay, sheltered by forest-covered hills. No quay, no town, no engine noise on the shore. Macleod Island, in the heart of the Mergui Archipelago, offers one of the most peaceful anchorages in the Andaman Sea, and it is precisely this simplicity that draws cruise ships here.

A Still Little-Known Archipelago

The Mergui Archipelago brings together hundreds of islands off the southern coast of Myanmar. Long closed to foreigners, it remains one of the least visited island groups in Southeast Asia. Macleod Island lies about 75 km from Kawthaung, Myanmar's gateway to the region, and from Ranong on the Thai side. Ships drop anchor in the southern bay, deep enough to accommodate them, and tenders drop passengers directly on the sand.

Three White Sand Beaches

The island has three main beaches, each backed by dense tropical vegetation. The busiest borders the island's only establishment, the Myanmar Andaman Resort, whose pavilions blend discreetly into the forest. The others have to be earned: a trail leads on foot to a neighbouring cove nicknamed Nautilus Beach, where the shells that give it its name still wash up on the shore. Walking from one shore to the other is already an excursion in itself, between roots, vines and shafts of light.

Mask and Snorkel

The waters surrounding the anchorage are among the day's major attractions. The bay is well suited to snorkelling: corals, reef fish and clear sandy bottoms can be observed a few metres from shore. Kayaks let you explore the coast at your own pace and approach the mangroves fringing some coves, refuges for birds and crabs you can hear scurrying between the roots.

The Summit in the Forest

For walkers, a trail climbs to the island's highest point, at nearly 200 m above sea level. The climb takes place under the jungle canopy, in humid heat, to the sound of insects and birds. The effort remains reasonable for a morning, and the reward awaits at the top: an open view over the neighbouring islands, set on a sea that runs through every shade of blue and green.

The Rhythm of a Day

The light decides the schedule. In the morning, the calm sea offers the best conditions for swimming over the corals, before the breeze picks up; it's also the coolest time to attempt the climb to the summit. At midday, the shade of the tall trees behind the beaches becomes precious, and many passengers alternate swimming, reading and napping facing the anchorage. The afternoon belongs to kayakers and walkers, as the sun sinks and lengthens the shadows on the sand. Those who simply stay on their towels aren't wrong either: watching the trees slope down to the water and listening to the waves and the birds is already the whole program at Macleod.

A Port Call with No Agenda

Macleod should be approached for what it is: an almost deserted island, with no village, shops or monuments. The day is organized around simple elements — water, sand, forest — and it's this contrast with the big urban ports of call that leaves its mark on travellers. Bring water, a hat and good sandals; the rest is improvised on site, between swims.

When it's time to go back on board, the anchorage returns to its silence, barely disturbed by the returning tenders. Few passengers knew the name of this island before setting foot on it. Rare are those who forget it afterward, so peaceful is the face the Andaman Sea shows here.