More Than Just a Boat – It’s a Way of Life
When you travel to the Similan Islands or Surin Islands with Love Andaman, have you ever wondered…
How did the Moken people travel and settle in these island villages?
The answer is the Kabang boat — a traditional wooden boat that is far more than just transportation. It’s a core part of Moken life, culture, and spiritual beliefs passed down for hundreds of years!
Table of Contents
What is a Kabang?
A Kabang is an ancient wooden boat used by the Moken people as both a home and a means of travel.
It is designed specifically for life at sea, featuring a curved hull resembling a large canoe. The entire boat is crafted from a single giant tree, hollowed out and extended with wooden planks — no nails used!
Instead, they bind it with ropes, natural fibers, and tree resin.
Here’s the amazing part:
The Moken don’t use blueprints, models, or written plans.
They build Kabangs purely from memory and experience. True craftsmanship!
More Than a Boat – It’s Their Spirit
For the Moken, the Kabang is not just a vehicle. It is a part of their soul.
- It once served as a family home, traveling and living across the vast sea.
- It is used in spiritual ceremonies like the “Floating Spirit Boat” ritual, believed to send away bad spirits.
- A Kabang is considered a living being that must be respected. If no longer in use, it cannot simply be abandoned — a special ceremony must be performed.
How is a Kabang Built?
Building a Kabang takes months, starting with carefully choosing durable woods like Takian (Hopea odorata) or Lumpho.
The boat’s construction follows traditional wisdom handed down through generations.
Each part of the Kabang symbolizes a part of the human body:
- Hull = Body
- Mast = Backbone
- Bow = Head
- Stern = Hips
It’s like creating a human being from wood!
Today, Kabangs Are Rare
Nowadays, authentic Kabangs are incredibly rare.
Modern engines have replaced them, but some Moken artisans still strive to preserve this ancient craft.
At the Moken Village on Surin Islands, master boatbuilders continue to teach young generations how to make Kabangs.
Where to See a Real Kabang
📍 Moken Village – Surin Islands
If you want to see an actual Kabang, join Love Andaman‘s Surin Islands trip!
You’ll visit the Moken Village, experience real sea nomad culture, and see real-life Kabangs with your own eyes!
