Long island in Andaman is one of the most offbeat locations in the archipelago. This destination is not yet discovered by many who know about the Andaman Islands. Fairly because of many reasons. The foremost reason that we see is the remote locality of Long Island and the poor connectivity of this destination. Besides, limited accommodation facilities are available on Long Island. Until 2019 this destination has decent popularity among foreign nationals. However, many Indian travelers don't plan Long island in their itinerary as a visit to Long Island will require 10 or more days' visit to Andaman.
Long Island can also be considered as the gateway to many hidden and unexplored beaches like the Lalaji Bay Beach, The Guitar island and the Merk Bay Beach at North Passage Island. The exotic and untouched virgin beaches, the Lush green tropical forests make it a perfect combo for natural rejuvenation and it is a golden feather in the crown of Andamans. It can also be considered a paradise for bird lovers if visited during the right season and has unique marine eco-system too. We are glad that you are here, where we’ll let you know how you can plan a visit to this island.
What to Expect while visiting Long Island?
This island is a small rural settlement which is not connected by any road network to any of the islands. There is no blacktop road on the island. Only a concrete footpath connects different parts of the area. The roads leading towards the wood is still a kaccha road (mud road). The Casuarina trees (popularly known as the Jhau tree or she-oak) alongside the footpaths make it an adoring natural walkway. These trees also act as windbreaks for the island as it is amidst the open sea. Here in Long Island, all movements are on foot. There is no vehicle available which makes this island the best example of eco-tourism. One should not be expecting any luxury while entering this island. There are eco stay options which we will discuss in our accommodation segment ahead.
Where are the Accommodation Options in Long Island?
In Long Island, you have a Government accommodation Surmai Resort and a private property named Blue Planet. In any out of these properties, you can spend your night. Just for detailing, the Surmai resort is fitted with basic amenities and it is therefore recommended for Indian travelers to go to this island or for any traveler who plans this trip as a family holiday. The other one, Blue Planet is more of an eco hut of thatched roofing and walls and having only low lying mattresses and mosquito nets as their major amenities which should okay for backpackers.
You will need assistance for locally-based companies to get your accommodation booked as online things won’t work properly for Long Island. The accommodation facilities are very basic and kind of eco-stays so make sure that you are not expecting any luxurious or contemporary accommodation when on Long Island.
How to Plan a visit to Long Island?
Tour Plan 1 To Visit Long Island
For those looking into a compact package to reach Long Island, here is one of the itineraries that will come handy and recommended for people traveling to Andaman for less number of days and are planning to visit Long Island as well.
DAY 01 - PORT BLAIR TO RANGAT AND TRIP TO BARATANG ISLAND
Early in the morning, We begin from Port Blair to Baratang Island and visit Limestone Caves. Overnight we stay at Rangat in Middle Andaman. During this day you can cover some sightseeing in Rangat as well. Locations such as Ambkunj beach and Dhaninalah Mangrove Walkway can be covered on this day. Overnight stay in Rangat.
DAY 02 - RANGAT TO LONG ISLAND FOR DAY TRIP AND RETURN TO RANGAT
We take a boat from Rangat to Long Island, the boat tickets have to be manually purchased which our team will get it done. You will get on a boat to Long island from Rangat (In case you are planning this trip on a day when the govt. the ferry doesn’t operate, then you’ll have to hire a private chartered fiber boat to get to Long Island. Upon reaching Long Island you can spend some time in Long Island as a day tour. Post this, you return to Rangat from Long Island in the afternoon. Note: A guide can accompany you during Long Island tour, however, that will be at an additional cost. Overnight stay in Rangat.
DAY 03 - RANGAT TO PORT BLAIR
Today, we return to Port Blair from Rangat. Overnight in Port Blair.
Note: Please note that Long Island has very limited resources and travelers have to not expect too much luxury at this destination. This is a remote location and travelers have to be flexible during the tour program.
Tour Plan 2 To Visit Long Island
For travelers who are having more days in hand, they can take out 3 nights and 4 days and plan a stay in Long Island. It's worth to stay on Long Island.
DAY 01 - PORT BLAIR TO RANGAT AND TRIP TO BARATANG ISLAND
Early in the morning, We begin from Port Blair to Baratang Island and visit Limestone Caves. Overnight we stay at Rangat in Middle Andaman. During this day you can cover some sightseeing in Rangat as well. Locations such as Ambkunj beach and Dhaninalah Mangrove Walkway can be covered on this day. Overnight stay in Rangat.
DAY 02 - RANGAT TO LONG ISLAND BY BOAT
We take a boat from Rangat to Long Island, the boat tickets have to be manually purchased which our team will get it done. You will get on a boat to Long island from Rangat. Upon reaching Long Island, proceed to respective accommodation (Pre-booking of accommodation is required). Proceed to visit Lalaji Bay Beach, Guitar Island & Merk Bay Beach. Note: A guide can accompany you during Long Island tour, however, that will be at an additional cost. You need to charter a boat to visit all the 3 attractions on Long Island. Overnight stay in Long Island.
DAY 03 - RETURN FROM LONG ISLAND TO RANGAT & THEN TO PORT BLAIR
Today, we return to Port Blair from Rangat. Overnight in Port Blair.
Note: Please note that Long Island has very limited resources and travelers have to not expect luxury at this destination. This is a remote location and travelers have to be flexible during the tour program.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) About Long Island
- How many days are required to visit all 3 attractions from Long Island?
To visit all the three attractions from Long Island, i.e. Lalaji Bay Beach, Merk Bay Beach & the Guitar Island you will require 1 full day. You can hire a private charter from the Long Island Jetty to hop from one island to another and complete visiting all the 3 places.
- Is Long Island a Must visit place?
People who are in search of remote and exotic destinations in its pure form should never miss Long Island. For Backpackers, Nature photographers, Certified Scuba Divers and offbeat travelers Long Island is the place to be touched once in a lifetime.
- Who can avoid Long Island?
Travelers who are visiting Andaman for the first time and are coming for fewer number of days to the islands can avoid Long Island. Travelers with Kids can avoid this island as well.
- Is Long Island that unique an attraction?
Yes, Long Island is a unique attraction in the Andaman. Consider a location where no one uses a vehicle it is a true example of an eco-destination. Everywhere on the island, you have to walk and go. You are back in time when on Long Island. It has NO internet facility and no proper mobile network. You might need a BSNL sim card to stay connected.
