Discovering Long Island: The Andaman’s Untouched Hidden Gem

Travel Guide | Long Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

There is a quieter side of the Andaman Islands that most travellers never get to experience.

Beyond the popular beaches, busy ferry terminals and well-known destinations lies Long Island, a peaceful island in the North & Middle Andaman district. With dense tropical forests, secluded beaches, narrow village pathways and a relaxed island lifestyle, Long Island offers a completely different way to experience the Andamans.

If your idea of a holiday is waking up to nature, walking through forest trails, spending time on uncrowded beaches and escaping the rush of everyday life, Long Island deserves a place on your Andaman itinerary.

Why Visit Long Island?

Long Island is one of the less commercialised inhabited islands of the Andaman archipelago. Unlike the more developed tourist destinations, you won't find busy markets, heavy traffic or a long line of tourist attractions here.

Instead, the island is about nature, simplicity and slow travel.

The jetty and village area are connected by a narrow concrete pathway, and much of the island is explored on foot or by boat. This simple way of life is one of Long Island's biggest attractions.

The island also serves as a gateway to some beautiful nearby destinations, including Lalaji Bay Beach, Guitar Island and Merk Bay on North Passage Island.

Lalaji Bay Beach – The Island’s Natural Treasure

Among Long Island's biggest attractions is Lalaji Bay Beach, a beautiful and secluded beach surrounded by tropical greenery.

The journey to Lalaji Bay is part of the experience. Depending on local conditions and arrangements, visitors can reach the area by trekking through the forest or by boat.

Once you arrive, the atmosphere is completely different from the popular beaches of the Andamans. White sand, clear tropical waters and thick greenery create a peaceful setting where you can simply slow down and enjoy the surroundings.

What makes Lalaji Bay special?

• Secluded and peaceful surroundings

• Beautiful tropical forest landscape

• Clear coastal waters

• Opportunities for swimming and nature exploration, subject to local sea conditions

• Excellent setting for photography

• A wonderful place to enjoy a quiet beach experience

If you're looking for a beach where the journey is just as memorable as the destination, Lalaji Bay is one of Long Island's highlights.

Explore Long Island on Foot

Long Island is not a destination you visit only by car.

In fact, the island does not have a conventional road network connecting its attractions. The village and jetty are linked by a narrow pathway, while many places beyond the village are reached on foot or by boat.

This makes walking an important part of the Long Island experience.

Take a leisurely walk through the village, explore the surrounding greenery and enjoy the slower rhythm of island life. For nature lovers, forest trails leading towards Lalaji Bay offer an opportunity to experience the island's tropical landscape more closely.

Keep an eye out for the rich birdlife and other signs of wildlife along the way, while maintaining a respectful distance from animals and their habitats.

A Gateway to Hidden Islands

One of the best things about staying in Long Island is its location.

From here, visitors can explore several beautiful destinations in the surrounding waters.

Guitar Island

Guitar Island is famous for its distinctive guitar-like shape and beautiful turquoise surroundings. The island is uninhabited and offers a wonderful setting for a peaceful boat excursion, photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the Andamans.

Merk Bay

Located on North Passage Island, Merk Bay is another beautiful destination accessible by boat from Long Island.

Its clean shoreline and tranquil surroundings make it an appealing choice for travellers who want to spend time away from the crowds.

Boat trips to these destinations depend on local boat availability, sea conditions and weather, so arrangements should always be confirmed locally before planning your excursion.

Experience the Village Life

Long Island is not only about beaches.

One of the most memorable aspects of visiting the island is experiencing its small and peaceful local community.

With limited traffic and a simple lifestyle, the island gives visitors an opportunity to see a quieter side of the Andamans.

Walk through the village, interact respectfully with the local community and observe everyday island life. For many travellers, these simple experiences become some of the most memorable moments of the trip.

Long Island's history is also interesting. The island was once associated with forestry activities and timber operations during the British period. After Independence, settlers from mainland India established a small community centred around activities such as fishing and agriculture.

What to Do in Long Island

Long Island is ideal for travellers who enjoy experiences rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.

Here are some of the experiences you can consider:

🌴 Forest Trekking

Walk through the tropical forest towards Lalaji Bay and experience the island's natural surroundings.

🏖️ Beach Exploration

Spend time at Lalaji Bay and enjoy its peaceful shoreline away from the busier tourist destinations.

🚤 Island Hopping

Take a locally arranged boat trip towards Guitar Island or Merk Bay, subject to weather and sea conditions.

🐦 Birdwatching & Nature Photography

The island's forests and coastal ecosystems provide plenty of opportunities for observing birds and photographing nature.

🌌 Slow Travel & Stargazing

With far less urban activity than the major tourist centres, Long Island is a wonderful place to slow down, enjoy the quiet and look towards the night sky.

How to Reach Long Island

Getting to Long Island requires a little more planning than visiting destinations such as Swaraj Dweep or Shaheed Dweep.

The most practical route is generally through Rangat and Yeratta Jetty.

Step 1: Reach Rangat

Rangat can be reached from Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) by road or by government ferry services, subject to the operating schedule and weather conditions.

The road journey from Sri Vijaya Puram to Rangat is approximately 200 km and can take around 7–8 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions.

Step 2: Rangat to Yeratta Jetty

From Rangat, Yeratta Jetty is approximately 9 km away and can be reached by road.

Step 3: Yeratta Jetty to Long Island

From Yeratta Jetty, visitors can take the available boat/ferry service towards Long Island. The journey is generally around 1.5–2 hours, depending on the service and conditions.

Important: Check the Schedule Before You Travel

Ferry and boat services in the Andaman Islands can change because of weather, sea conditions, operational requirements and seasonal schedules.

Therefore, do not plan your Long Island transfer based only on an old online timetable. Confirm the latest schedule and availability before travelling.

This is particularly important if you have connecting ferry tickets, hotel bookings or onward travel planned.

Where to Stay in Long Island

Accommodation on Long Island is limited compared with the major tourist islands.

You can find basic guesthouse-style accommodation and private stays, including options around the Lalaji Bay area.

Don't expect the same range of luxury resorts, restaurants and facilities that you may find in Swaraj Dweep or Sri Vijaya Puram.

And that's precisely the point.

Long Island is for travellers who are comfortable with a simpler stay and want to spend more time outdoors and less time inside a resort.

What to Carry

Because Long Island is a remote and relatively simple destination, it is better to prepare before you leave.

We recommend carrying:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Light and breathable clothing

• Sunscreen

• Hat or cap

• Sunglasses

• Insect repellent

• Reusable water bottle

• Personal medicines and essential toiletries

• Some cash for local expenses

• Power bank

• Waterproof bag for electronics and valuables

Mobile connectivity and access to facilities can be limited, so avoid depending entirely on your phone or digital payments.

Responsible Travel in Long Island

Long Island's greatest attraction is its natural environment.

That also means travellers have a responsibility to protect it.

When visiting:

• Do not leave plastic or other waste behind.

• Avoid disturbing birds and wildlife.

• Do not damage coral, plants or other natural habitats.

• Follow local instructions and forest or tourism regulations.

• Avoid loud music around beaches and village areas.

• Respect the privacy and lifestyle of local residents.

• Use reusable bottles and bags whenever possible.

• Leave the beaches and forests exactly as you found them.

Responsible tourism helps ensure that Long Island remains beautiful for future generations.

Best Time to Visit Long Island

The broader Andaman Islands are generally most popular with travellers between October and May, when conditions are usually more favourable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

For Long Island, however, your travel plans should always take sea conditions and ferry operations into account.

The best itinerary is not simply about choosing the right month—it is about allowing enough flexibility for weather and transport changes.

Who Should Visit Long Island?

Long Island is especially suitable for:

Nature Lovers
If forests, beaches, birds and marine landscapes interest you more than shopping malls and busy tourist streets, you'll love it here.

Adventure Seekers
Forest walks, boat journeys and exploring secluded beaches add a sense of adventure to the trip.

Couples
For couples looking for privacy and a peaceful island atmosphere, Long Island offers a beautiful alternative to the busier destinations.

Photographers
The combination of tropical forests, beaches, boats, village life and surrounding islands provides plenty of opportunities for photography.

Slow Travellers
If your ideal holiday involves doing less and experiencing more, Long Island is an excellent choice.

Long Island vs. the Popular Andaman Islands

Long Island isn't necessarily a replacement for destinations such as Swaraj Dweep or Shaheed Dweep.

It is different.

Swaraj Dweep is ideal for travellers looking for a combination of beautiful beaches, water sports, resorts and established tourism infrastructure.

Shaheed Dweep is known for its beaches, coral landscapes and relaxed island atmosphere.

Long Island is for those who want something more remote, simple and nature-focused.

You don't have to choose one over the other. If you have enough time, Long Island can be added as an offbeat extension to your Andaman holiday.

How Many Days Do You Need?

For most travellers, 2 days and 1 night can provide a good introduction to Long Island.

If you want to explore Lalaji Bay, enjoy the village atmosphere and include a nearby island excursion, consider staying 2–3 nights, depending on ferry and boat schedules.

Because transport connections can be limited, avoid planning an extremely tight itinerary.

A little extra time can make the experience much more relaxed.

Why Long Island Is Worth Visiting

Long Island doesn't try to impress you with grand attractions.

It does something much simpler.

It gives you space.

Space to walk through a forest.

Space to sit beside a quiet beach.

Space to explore without crowds.

Space to disconnect from your phone and reconnect with nature.

That is what makes Long Island special.

While many travellers come to the Andamans looking for famous beaches and water sports, Long Island offers another side of the archipelago—one defined by quiet beaches, tropical forests, village life and a genuine sense of escape.

Plan Your Long Island Experience with Pristine Andaman

Planning an offbeat destination like Long Island requires more attention to transportation, ferry connections and local boat services than a conventional Andaman itinerary.

At Pristine Andaman, we can help you plan the logistics of your Long Island experience along with your wider Andaman holiday—from accommodation and ferry arrangements to local transfers and sightseeing.

Whether you want to add Long Island to an existing Andaman itinerary or build your holiday around offbeat destinations, our team can help you create a comfortable and well-planned journey.

Ready to discover a quieter side of the Andamans?

Let Pristine Andaman help you explore Long Island—one of the archipelago's most peaceful and rewarding hidden destinations.

Think Andaman! Think Pristine Andaman!!