He stands on one leg like a flamingo in his small boat. Slowly, he then stretches out his other leg into the air and wraps it behind his oar and begins rotating his leg through the water to move the boat along.
After a short distance he becomes completely still, effortlessly balanced.
Seemingly immersed in meditations for a few moments. He looks outward upon the vast expanse of water and lifts his conical net basket into the air before plunging it into the water. His catch has arrived.
Advantages of fishing upright on one leg
This upright position isn’t just for show, it has a number of practical advantages.
It enables the fishermen to see across the lake to spot the dense weeds that are scattered just below the surface of the water. At the same time, their hands are free to handle the large cone-shaped baskets, should they see the tell-tale bubbles to signal that a fish is below the water.
In spite of their seemingly natural movements, and ease of being stationary on one leg, I’d be kidding myself if I thought there was anything easy about any of it. Underneath their garments I imagine their limbs are taut and compact, like a martial artist.
I wouldn’t last a second working under the beating sun, and I can’t imagine the mental stamina one must cultivate to endure it day after day. I ache just looking at them, but above everything I feel deep, deep, deep reverence.
This unique style of leg-rowing is only a practise used by men, women still row in the universal customary seated tradition. I’m not sure why this is the case, if anyone knows the answer; please leave a comment so I can update this article.
The Intha people of Inle Lake
The Intha, are the people of Inle Lake, and today, around 100, 000 Intha work and live in stilt houses on the lake, commonly known as the floating village.
It’s a big lake, eleven miles long. You will see both men and women attending to their ‘floating gardens’ from their boat, which in reality are anchored to the water’s floor using long bamboo sticks.
You don’t just come to Inle Lake for its beauty, you go to see the traditions of the people who live there. I advise you to spend the whole day on the water by boat trip. Wake up early to experience a time of day when the horizon between water and sky is ethereally swallowed by the morning mist.
And stay to watch the sunset, if you don’t you will miss the most beautiful hour. If you’re lucky a few fishermen who are retiring for the day might show you what they have caught.
I had such luck. Lots of fish flipped and tossed around on the floor of their boats. One fisherman lifted up a wooden dish covered with a net cloth, he lifted off the cloth and stepped closer towards me – it was a huge fish, easily ten times bigger than the other ones.
He and his family were going to have a feast tonight. I hoped, at least.
Are you interested in seeing the leg-rowing fishermen of Inle Lake?
For those of you who are currently planning a trip to Inle, this bookable full-day boat trip of Inle Lake takes you to see the highlights.
Want to see more of Myanmar?
Take a look at my 2-week Maynmar itinerary for more information.
18 Responses
Incredible photos Shing! This is a tradition that has fascinated me for a long time – I’d love to see it in person!
They are mesmerising to watch Lizzie!
That’s really amazing Shing, I doubt I’d last more than a few sceconds trying that. But then they grew up with it.
The muscles on his toes and ankles must be something else
Hi Ted! There’s something to be said about honing a skill from a young age, isn’t there?
I know… their dexterity is phenomenal!
There is some lazy spirit in this post, a perfect read for sunday morning 🙂
Maybe women’s rowing differently is the matter of strength? But I’m only guessing.
I love the photos, especially the last ones with the sun rising light
Haha I think the fluidity of water combined with a sunset brings out Mr Lazy Spirit.
The difference in strength does seem like the obvious answer, but women have proven to be just as strong as men…
I didn’t know about this, thanks for sharing! I just returned from a trip to Myanmar, but we only had time for Yangon. Now I will have to go back 🙂
Isn’t Yangon a great city, Kathryn?! I’ll have to take a look at your site now!
I really want to go back too!
nice post!! I should share my photos too…you just brought up that nostalgia feeling!! thanks for sharing
Share your pictures! I’m glad this gave you the feeling of nostalgia! 😀
This is fascinating. I’ve never seen anything like this. I have a hard time believing they actually manage to catch fish that way and not fall in the water!
You have some stunning photos here my dear! Bravo.
I would have a hard time believing it too Colleen, but seeing is believing!! For starters, how can they stand right at the end of the boat like that without it capsizing?!
I’m dying to go to Myanmar! I’ve heard nothing but great things about Inle Lake. Hoping to get there sometime soon. Awesome photos by the way! : )
I hope you get there too Dave, it’s left a huge impression on me!
What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Myanmar again – we’ve been
there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!