Sanhlan village in Longlon Township, Dawei District, Taninthayi Region launched a community based tourism (CBT) initiative on October 25.

The opening ceremony of the CBT in that village was attended by Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Ohn Maung, Taninthayi Region chief minister and other ministers. As a preliminary phase of the CBT project, 2 building comprising of 8 apartment units were opened.  They will begin accepting visitors starting November 1.

Sanhlan village is a village that primarily relies on fishing.

“It is the very first pilot project for us. Concerning the CBT, it is also the very first project in Taninthayi Region. I have great hopes for bringing Dawei Peninsula project here. From Dawei Peninsula, we can travel on a day trip to Sanhlan, Popokyauk, and Myin Khwar Aw and wrap the trip at the at Shin Maw Angu. But, due to my poor health, I had to spend 1 and a half months in hospital. So, my dream of bringing Dawei Peninsular project didn’t come true. I think, we can open Dawei Peninsular project in coming January or February. The main necessity is basic infrastructure. We need to get electricity access and many hotels. We need to be hospitable when the visitors come. After fulfilling basic infrastructure requirements, we will be able to open in early 2019,” said Dr. Le Le Maw, chief minister of Taninthayi Region.

It will cost K40, 000 per visitor according to Nyo Aye, Director of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism.

There are over 400 houses and more than 1900 people living in Sanhlan village in Longlon Township which is 16 miles from Dawei. The place is recently famous among travelers and main livelihood is fishing.