One Way Ticket!

 

Located on the Bay of Bengal, you will find Sentinel Island (part of the Andaman/ Nicobar chain). I've posted a lot of islands, but this one is a SUPER STRANGE SPOT! A vacation to this island only requires a one way ticket!!! Basically, you will be shot with a bow and arrow upon arrival making your return very unlikely.  Yes,  another strange spot of un-contacted tribes and minimally contacted tribes.  They fascinate me and draw me to learn more... there's only one problem... there is nothing more to learn.  The folks on this island are particularly hostile to outsiders and the reason for this behavior is unknown.  In 1867, an Indian merchant ship wrecked on the island, immediately the 106 survivors were attacked. In 1896, a British prisoner sentenced on nearby island escaped and drifted unintentionally to Sentinel Island only to be punctured by arrows and have his neck slit. 1974, a crew attempting to film the Andaman chain were also welcomed with bows and arrows, however they were able to capture a short video from their boat (one crewman took a arrow to his thigh). Two fisherman, in 2006, drifted near their island and were immediately killed. After a tsunami disaster in 2004, attempts to aid and rescue via helicopter were greeted with hostility. India has sovereignty over Sentinel, but the people of this island have no understanding of "India" and obviously do not recognize them a ruling the island.

After several failed attempts to make friendly contact with the Sentinalese, the Indian government decided to allow the people to remain in isolation. Today, all visits to the island are banned, as well as a 3 mile buffer zone to keep away tourist, explorers and meddlers. Accidental encounters still occur and none of them end well. The people of the island are described as "negritos", a term used is southeast Asia meaning short stature, dark skin and "pepercorn" hair.  "Sentinelese" is a name given to the people of this island, however no one knows what they call themselves. The island is so remote that they speak their own language that is understood by no one else. The population is estimated to be from the 40, through a median of around 250, and up to a maximum of 500. The Indian government confirmed 21 males and 18 females in 2006, however this was done from a great distance. The island's 17,800 acres are mostly hidden by tree tops.  The government is unclear of the human losses during the 2004 tsunami, but it is believed high.  It is known that the islanders do not farm and are hunters and gatherers. They live off of fruit, fish, tubers, wild pigs, lizards and honey. At any given time at least 1/2 the coupled females witnessed have been pregnant.  They also know one man is about 5'3" and is left handed.   Amazing!  That's it!  Since they are profoundly isolated,  I can't imagine they fear change or the modern world. How could they even imagine the modern world.  Maybe outsiders in the past  have violated them.   Do you suppose they fear their safety, are just protecting their territory, don't like outsisders or different looking people.... ? 

  A native from a nearby island that can be more welcoming to outsiders.