Small island lost somewhere at the South China Sea. White sandy beaches, crystal clear water, no electricity during the day time. Place where time seams to stop. Check what you can do and see in this little piece of paradise (there’s underwater film as well).
Probably everyone wants to have some peace and quite during their holidays once in a while. That’s even more so if you work as a teacher. In this case - a week on remote island seams to be a great idea. It’s even better if you don’t have to travel that far to get there.
Mantanani Islands is a small archipelago consisting of 3 islands: Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kechil and Linggisan. The biggest one of them is only 3km long and 1,5km wide (in other words - hard to get lost). They’re situated 38km from the mainland Borneo. It’s a home to a few species of endemic birds with Mantanani Scops-owls being the most famous example. Every night (and for some kind of reason – every day as well) you can hear their rumble. They are very hard to spot however, which makes it quite frustrating at times. You here them so close and still see nothing but leaves. Those who were left disappointed by bird watching should go to the beach at night. If you are at place dark enough you can spot glowing plankton. Blue sparks appear in water when the waves crush at the shore. It looks like ocean of stars. There are maybe not so many of them but it’s still really pretty though.
Mantanani Islands is a small archipelago consisting of 3 islands: Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kechil and Linggisan. The biggest one of them is only 3km long and 1,5km wide (in other words - hard to get lost). They’re situated 38km from the mainland Borneo. It’s a home to a few species of endemic birds with Mantanani Scops-owls being the most famous example. Every night (and for some kind of reason – every day as well) you can hear their rumble. They are very hard to spot however, which makes it quite frustrating at times. You here them so close and still see nothing but leaves. Those who were left disappointed by bird watching should go to the beach at night. If you are at place dark enough you can spot glowing plankton. Blue sparks appear in water when the waves crush at the shore. It looks like ocean of stars. There are maybe not so many of them but it’s still really pretty though.
Most popular form of recreation on this island is 2days-1 night trip. That is why it’s very surprising when you tell people that you’re staying for more than a week. ‘What can you do at such a remote island for so long?’ – They ask. Well quite a lot as long as you don’t mind slow paced environment:
1. Swimming – most obvious of all. If you’re staying in a lodge located exactly at the sandy beach that’s the first thing that comes to your mind. Warm azure water, sunshine, white sand... what’s more to explain.
2. Snorkeling – you can do this right at the beach or go on a snorkeling trip. Doing this at the beach is very cheap option (gear rental is 20 MYR for a set/day) but there’s not that much to see to be honest. Just a few small colourful fish and sea urchins. If you of for a trip, they’re going to bring you to a small island where you can see corals and fish in great number and colours. It’s worth seeing at least once but for the trip you’ll pay 45 MYR.
1. Swimming – most obvious of all. If you’re staying in a lodge located exactly at the sandy beach that’s the first thing that comes to your mind. Warm azure water, sunshine, white sand... what’s more to explain.
2. Snorkeling – you can do this right at the beach or go on a snorkeling trip. Doing this at the beach is very cheap option (gear rental is 20 MYR for a set/day) but there’s not that much to see to be honest. Just a few small colourful fish and sea urchins. If you of for a trip, they’re going to bring you to a small island where you can see corals and fish in great number and colours. It’s worth seeing at least once but for the trip you’ll pay 45 MYR.
3. Diving – there’s a lot to see underwater but unfortunately it wildly depends on the season how much of it you’ll be able to actually see. I was there in February (for Chinese New Year) and visibility was 3-10m). The best time for diving is between April and June (according to the local diving instructor).
4. Kayaking – that’s a great way to spend your afternoon. Maybe even go and see a sunset from the kayak. Rental costs 30MYR or single and 45 for double.
5. Trekking – ok. Maybe not exactly trekking (because the island is just too small for that). You can however have a very nice walk across the ‘jungle’ to the other side of the island. There are more birds and lizards to spot there.
5. Trekking – ok. Maybe not exactly trekking (because the island is just too small for that). You can however have a very nice walk across the ‘jungle’ to the other side of the island. There are more birds and lizards to spot there.
6. Visiting a village – on both ends of the island there are 2 small fishermen villages. It’s really nice cultural experience to see them (along with cows walking along the beach). You can ask there to buy fresh coconuts (straight from the tree). Villagers will be more than happy than happy to share them with you. Just pay attention to dress modestly while going there (most people there are Muslim – so no bikinis).
7. Hanging in a hammock and reading a book – the least thrilling and yet sometimes most enjoyable ‘activity’. Perfect for people who just want to take it slow.
7. Hanging in a hammock and reading a book – the least thrilling and yet sometimes most enjoyable ‘activity’. Perfect for people who just want to take it slow.
Travelling tips:
- Place to stay: there are 3 resorts you can stay in while on the island (all information you can find here). I stayed at Mari Mari Backpackers lodge and really liked it there. They have diving center, snorkeling and kayaking. Dorm is located just at the beach. At the dinning hall you can unending supply of tea/coffee for free. It’s cheaper to book accommodation for a few days than to book a 2 days trip. That is because the greatest part of the price is the transport. While on the island you can get by for relatively low price. Just take it slow and don’t believe travel agents who say that you’ll get bored if you stay longer than 3 days. You won’t. Many people who came for a trip ended up extending their stay.
2. Transport: You need to get to Abai Jetty in Kota Belut. Transport from Kota Kinabalu can be booked in Mari Mari center in Wisma Sabah. Cost of the bus is 65 MYR (one way) and it takes 1,5-2h. It departures at 7.15 in the morning from Wisma Sabah. Later you’ll need to take a boat to the island (price is already included in accommodation). Trip will last around 40min.
3. Things to watch out for:
Happy holidays!
3. Things to watch out for:
- Sting rays, stone fish and sea urchins can be spotted close to the shore. So were either aqua shoes or fins while swimming/snorkeling.
- Sun burns – snorkeling is a fantastic activity but very treacherous as well. You can turn into something resembling roasted chicken without even realizing it. For that reason wear T-shirt or wet suit while going into the water.
- Snakes – at the Eastern part of the island sea snakes (very poisonous) can be sometimes spotted between the rocks. So watch where you’re stepping.
Happy holidays!
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