Long Island (Andaman Islands)
Long Island is an island of the Andaman Islands. It belongs to the North and Middle Andaman administrative district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The island is located north from Port Blair.
Geography
The island belongs to the East Baratang Group and lies east of Porlob Island.Climate
The island has a tropical monsoon climate.Administration
Politically, Long Island, along neighboring East Baratang Group, is part of Rangat Taluk.Demographics
There are 3 villages on the island: Long Village, Middle Village, and Lalaji Bay.Parkinson point, was previously also inhabited.
The island has its own power house, Boat Building Yard, Senior Secondary School, bank, wireless facilities, hospital, Range Forest Office and even police outpost. Long Island is a dreamland settlement without any road network.
Transportation
The island is reachable by boat 7 times a week from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, that ferry from PB, goes via Neil Island and Havelock Island. One can also reach Long Island from Rangat Jetty, as well as a smaller local boat from Yeratta Jetty which is only 29 rupee and will take one down the mangroves towards Long Island. Best time is usually 3.30pm but sometimes the same boat will have done an early morning run, with that return journey being around 10am.Tourism
Merk Bay and Lalaji Bay are 2 beaches popular as a picnic spot in this island. The island is a good location for beach camping.The accommodation at Lalaji beach is now closed, and has been for a few years. Theres a couple of local people who live there with their water buffalos and cows. One can rent a fibreglass motorboat from the Long Island jetty area- cost is around 4000 inr return. Walking is also an option, via the footpath directly in front of Blue Planet guesthouse or via the top footpath. The beach is empty of anyone and worth the walk. Take plenty of water and food.
Accommodation :.
Blue Planet is an option which is a 15 minute walk from the jetty, they will probably send a little jeep to collect you if you've booked.
Book through their website as online third party booking seems to have been stopped. Hilary has an email address with very quick replies to any questions.
Yogu guesthouse is relatively new and sits adjacent to the central sports field.
They have a restaurant which serves absolutely wonderful food at a very cheap price.
Booking can be done via their website as well as third party sites. It is privately owned and not governmental accommodation as I was told via other websites.
are mainly managed by the forest department.
A visit to nearby Guitar Island is also popular.