The Mantanani Islands are a gaggle of three small, challenging-to-reach islands off the north coast of Sabah, Malaysia. With underwater visibility of as much as 40 meters and 16 completely different dive areas, the islands supply scuba divers an unparalleled diving expertise.
Along with world-class Dive spots, The Mantanani Islands boast 2.5 kilometers of white sandy seashore excellent for absorbing the solar and taking in island life at its most interesting.
Due to its lack of recognition, there are few lodging alternate options. Prematurely, chances are you’ll want to e-book Mari Mari Backpackers or Sutera Resort.
Nevertheless, there are a pair extra selections so that you can think about.
Which Island Ought to I Go to?
The most important island is Pulau Mantanai Besar, which you’ll keep on for the evening. The opposite two islands are Mantanani Kecil and Lungisan; nevertheless, there aren’t any lodging or locations to remain in a single day—you possibly can solely go to them throughout the day as a part of a dive journey from Mantanani Island.
The island of Mantanani Kecil is roughly 2.5 kilometers distant from Batu Bolong Island. When the ocean is tranquil, lungisan is just below 1 kilometer away from the principle island and adventurous vacationers might kayak round it by kayak.
get to the Mantanani Islands
The most effective arrival airport for you may be Kota Kinabalu in the event you plan to journey to the Mantanani Islands proper after touchdown in Sabah. The full journey time from Kota Belud to Pulau Mantanani Besar is roughly three hours, together with van and speedboat transfers. nPlease word that there’s just one speedboat to Mantanai Island every day. This boat leaves from Kampung Kuala Abai Jetty in Kota Belud at 9:30 a.m. Until you wish to spend the evening in Kota Belud first, you need to depart Kota Kinabalu as quickly as doable.
It takes round 1.5 hours to journey between Kota Kinabalu and Kota Belud on the north-eastern finish of the island. Even if there are a number of buses and minivans that ply between the 2 cities day by day, you need to purpose for the 7.30am bus from Wisma Sabah Procuring Centre. You may additionally reserve direct transfers to Mantanani Island right here.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Firms
The Mantanani Islands have 16 diving spots, 3 of that are World Warfare 2 Japanese Ship wrecks.
The islands boast a various array of marine life, together with turtles, dolphins, stingrays, eels octopus’, seahorses and many alternative sorts fish. For those who’re fortunate sufficient, you would possibly even catch sight of an area dugong.
There are many snorkelling alternatives for many who don’t wish to dive, with many shallow reefs across the island. Mantanani Divers operates a store on the Island and is run by locals. They usually host dive journeys at discounted charges to wash up ocean trash from coral reefs.
Different Issues to Do
The Mantanani Islands are a beautiful place each above and under the water, making them superb for scuba diving. Snorkeling is one other great various if you wish to discover the coral reefs however don’t wish to spend cash on PADI certification or simply want some train.
Sundown views:The complete island is rustic and unspoilt, with spectacular orange skies at sundown from the western aspect.
Fishing journeys: Fishing classes could also be procured by way of the Little Dolphin Resort on Mantanani Island’s north-west coast.
Kayaking: Hire a kayak from one of many resorts on the island and discover the coast. For those who’re on the west coast, you would possibly have the ability to paddle round Lungisan Island, which is barely throughout the channel.
Greatest time to go to the Mantanani Islands
Probably the most favorable time to go to the islands is throughout the dry season from April by way of July. Though, even within the dry season Sabah experiences some rain, so don’t be discouraged in the event you see just a few clouds every day. The Mantanani Islands are all the time open for vacationers however can generally grow to be inaccessible as a result of dangerous climate situations. If this happens, you could have to attend out the storm by staying put in Kota Belud for a day or two till it’s secure to journey once more.
Lodging on the Mantanani Islands
Mari Mari Bakcpackers ($) – The southern finish of the city is dwelling to this viewpoint, which is positioned in entrance of a seaside restaurant and bar nicknamed “The Cliffs” on its north aspect. This panorama will also be seen from Kudu Seashore Bar & Resort at Yandi Level (yandi level) east coast. The view is greatest appreciated from the Taodeni Nature Reserve’s picnic space about 900 meters south-west of the settlement. There are two distinct sorts of lodging to select from, primarily based in your price range.A teak wooden cabin with hammocks beneath is positioned on 2 meters stilts at The Conventional Sulap. Alternatively, there are eight mattress dorm rooms inside a brief stroll away at Yandina Bay East Finish (Yandina Bay). Each present beautiful sundown views.
Sutera Mantanani ($$) –The seashore at Maemai, positioned on the far south-east of Komodo Island, is one in all its sort when it comes to size and sand high quality. There are non-public homes proper alongside the sand right here. The resort additionally consists of three meals a day and spherical journey transfers from Kota Kinabalu, guaranteeing that your keep is worry-free whereas nonetheless permitting you to personalize it as a lot as you want.
