Kalaw to Inle Lake (Y2018 Summer XP)

5 Days 4 Nights Trek in Myanmar – Kalaw to Inle Lake

(7 May 18 to 11 May 18)

Going beyond the usual places, this time, the Trekking team decides to venture into a new territory – Myanmar. While some people probably wouldn’t think of Myanmar as their top travel destination, Myanmar is a mystical land untouched by tourists. A country of hills and valleys, mountains and beaches, temples and jungles. As such it is not surprising when trekking is listed as the top activity on TripAdvisor, especially the route from Kalaw to Inle Lake. During the three days, we covered 63km. As we are unfamiliar with the trail, we decided to engage a reliable guide. A quick search on TripAdvisor recommended Green Nature Land Trekking Kalaw and we communicated with the owner and guide, Kenneth. For currency, their local currency, Kyat, is widely used and there is no need to bring extra USD. That said, our vendor quoted us in USD and we paid him when we are in Kalaw. As we travelled during the second week of May, the Sun was hot but the cool breeze made it a lot easier to trek. While we did not have much trekking experience prior, it was alright. Ample breaks were taken and there are enough places to buy water along the trek which costs between 300-500 kyats per 1.5L bottle. The daily treks end before the sun sets where we will reach the villagers’ homes. It is definitely a good way to experience the Burmese rural life as we slept in the villagers’ homes and watched food cooked using firewood. While we thought we were imposing them, the villagers welcome our presence.

Day 1, Trek Day 0

After saying goodbye to our dear friends who came all the way to send us off at 0800 (GMT+8), we quickly left to board our plane leaving at 0855. Flight to Yangon takes only 3 hours and we reached there at 1023 (GMT+7). Kalaw (1300m) is located some 580km away from Yangon. While there are nearby airports near Kalaw, flying into Yangon and taking a coach afterwards is much cheaper! (Sucks to be poor) (Un)fortunately, given that our flight landed in Yangon at 1023, we have until 1900 before taking the overnight coach. As we are carrying our luggage, we needed to deposit them somewhere. Luckily, we can deposit them with our bus operator located in Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station. With a stroke of luck, we managed to Grab (Yes! It’s available! Damn cheap!) there. After settling the admin stuff, our Grab driver kindly offered to drive us around Yangon for the next 6 hours at just 30,000 kyats (~SGD 30).

After a good tour of Yangon, we reached Aung Mingalar Bus Station just in time before the bus departs for Kalaw. Traffic conditions in Yangon aren’t too good as our usual 30 min route became an hour. Tickets from Yangon to Kalaw were booked by our wonderful guide Kenneth a few days before the trip started. Each one-way ticket costs 20,000 kyats (~SGD18.50).

While there are cheaper options, we decided to pay a little more for a comfier ride as it is going to be at least 10 hours. There were two breaks during the trip. One for toilet, the other for dinner. At 2200, we stopped over for a short meal.

Day 2, Trek Day 1

We finally reached Kalaw at 0500! Given that Kalaw is 1300m high, the temperature is low and we were shivering. It was nothing like the blistering heat in Yangon. We had arranged to meet Kenneth at Yar Zar Café at 0600. While waiting, we ordered some tea to warm ourselves up and prepare the necessary gear for the long-anticipated 3-day trek!

Kenneth soon came and told us we will be setting off at 1000. He gave us an overview of what's going to happen for the coming 3 days. After that, he went to the local market to buy groceries for us. While waiting for him to finish his errands, we decided to venture into the local market ourselves. The market life was rich as we saw much local produce on sale. Some other unique items we saw include rice field eels. There were also some stalls selling food too.

As soon as Kenneth came back, we began on our three-day journey across the Kalaw, wondering what this foreign untouched land may bring us.

After trekking for close to 7 hours and 22km, we reached our homestay at about 1830. During the trek, we took frequent breaks and there were sufficient water points to buy water. Since there were no electricity and the temperature drops rapidly as the night began, we quickly took our showers. By the time it is 1900, the sky was completely dark and we had to depend on our headlamps for light. Kenneth quickly whipped up a good meal for us using firewood.

During dinner, Kenneth told us that the trek next day would be tougher and longer. So, we decided to sleep early. While there are no fans available, it wasn't hot as the night is cool.

Day 3, Trek Day 2

We woke up at 0630 for breakfast which consisted of bread, fruits and tea. Starting at 0730, we trekked through farms and saw the hard work farmers put into their harvest. It was the longest distance trekked at 26km from Yar Pu village to Pattu Village.

Along the way, we also passed by a village where we saw children running around, women weaving fabric

Like the first day of the trek, we arrived at our accommodations before it got dark. Conditions were like the first night with Kenneth cooking for us. However, this time as we chatted with him as he whipped up a delish meal. It was so good that Zheng Nan always sweeps the extra.

Day 4, Trek Day 3

The last day of our trek. After having breakfast, we set off at 0730 for our destination – Inle Lake. After trekking for a good 5 hours covering the remaining 15km, we finally arrived! Entrance tickets to Inle Lake are required each cost 15,000 kyats (~13.67 SGD). This is also the point where Kenneth parted with us, sadly.

Day 5, R&R & Home Sweet Home

Like the first day, we took an overnight bus back to Yangon from Inle Lake.

While we did shower during the trek, we certainly missed the feeling of hot water. Hence, we booked a hotel to freshened up. We arrived at Yangon at around 0900 and grabbed straight to the hotel. After showering, we explored Yangon on our own before leaving for our flight at 1915. In Yangon, the streets were clean and there were many people in markets peddling their products. Everyone was trying to make a decent living.

This trip has been an eye-opening trek as we left the comfort of home and ventured into the unknown. These experiences were new to us. We were humbled by the simple lives the Burmese lived and their desire to make ends meet. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Singapore life, things are chiller in Myanmar. While the sceneries were indeed amazing, the friendships built were our greatest takeaway. Till next time~

Adventure. Fun. Family

Thanks for reading!

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 (7 May)

Singapore – Yangon

R&R

Yangon – Kalaw (Overnight bus)

Day 2 (8 May)

Kalaw to Yar Pu village

Day 3 (9 May)

Yar Pu village to Pattu Village

Day 4 (10 May)