Indawgyi Myanmar 19: Boat trip to see Spot-billed Pelicans at Indawgyi Lake in Myanmar

Indawgyi Myanmar 19: Boat trip to see Spot-billed Pelicans at Indawgyi Lake in Myanmar

If you have followed my work, mr.hotsia, for a long time, you will know that I enjoy truly adventurous travel, experiencing nature up close, and immersing myself in the authentic lifestyle of local people. This trip took me to Indawgyi Lake in Kachin State, Myanmar, which is considered one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia and an important wildlife conservation area in Myanmar.

Indawgyi is a massive lake approximately 13 kilometers wide and 24 kilometers long. Around the lake, more than 20 villages live simply, with the main ethnic groups being the Shan people, also known as Red Tai, and the Kachin people. The local way of life is deeply connected to the lake, relying mainly on agriculture and fishing. I had the chance to talk with many villagers and saw that this lake is not just a water source but truly the heart of the community.

Interestingly, Indawgyi Lake was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1999 by Myanmar's Ministry of Ecotourism, covering over 780 square kilometers. It has become home to many mammals and bird species, especially the Spot-billed Pelican, which I came specifically to see with my own eyes. The boat trip around the lake was very impressive, as besides enjoying the beautiful views of the water and surrounding mountains, we also saw pelicans flying gracefully in groups over the lake.

Traveling to Indawgyi is not easy, but this challenge made the trip even more memorable. I started from Myitkyina city inKachin Statewhich is the source of the Irrawaddy River, an important river in Myanmar. Then I traveled to Indawgyi Lake, taking about 1-2 hours on roads that are still somewhat rugged. The scenery along the way was full of rice fields and small villages with a simple and warm atmosphere.

Upon arriving at the lake, I chose to rent a boat from a local guesthouse offering affordable prices. The boat driver was a local who knew the lake well. The boat took us through the lake's inlets, passing lush grasslands and mangrove forests. It felt like stepping back into pure nature, with no car noise or hustle, only birdsong and the breeze.

The highlight of this boat trip was seeing the Spot-billed Pelicans, recognizable by their large, pale brown bills mixed with white feathers. They gather in groups across various parts of the lake. From January to March is when these birds flock the most. I was lucky to see them swooping over the water and some swimming skillfully to catch fish—a truly unforgettable sight.

Besides the pelicans, the lake is home to many rare bird species that birdwatchers worldwide dream of seeing, such as the Greater Adjutant and the purple Swamphen, both endangered wildlife. I highly recommend nature-loving travelers and birdwatching enthusiasts to visit Indawgyi Lake for a unique experience.

After the boat trip, I also had the opportunity to visit the villages around the lake, where most people work as farmers growing rice and local vegetables. Talking with locals helped me understand how deeply their lives are tied to the lake, and they are committed to preserving nature for future generations.

For travelers interested in this kind of experience, I recommend preparing your trip in advance because this area still has few tourists and limited accommodations. Also, bring appropriate clothing for the weather and shoes suitable for light trekking. The reward of seeing Indawgyi Lake and the pelicans in full flight is worth every step.

For more stories about Indawgyi Lake and Kachin State, you can find details atIndawgyiandKachin Stateon my website hotsia.com. If you enjoy deep travel experiences, don't forget to follow this trip's video clips on my YouTube channel as well.Indawgyi Myanmar 19: Boat trip to see Spot-billed Pelicans at Indawgyi Lake in Myanmar

Finally, I, mr.hotsia, would like to say that traveling to places that still preserve natural beauty and traditional ways of life requires a love of learning and an open heart to new experiences. This way, you can truly appreciate the world's beauty in a way you won't find anywhere else.