|
Mantanani Island is a group of three isolated islands
northwest of Kota Belud, a one-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu.
Although only approximately an hour's boat ride by speedboat
from the mainland, the islands were only known to a few locals.
The island are a reminder of an earlier and simpler place and
time. Time slows down there amidst the crystal clear blue waters
lapping on white sandy beaches.
The island houses the only dive resort,
Mantanani Island Resort
which is situated at the western end on the edge of a white
sandy bay at the western end of the island. |
|
Three wrecks have been discovered which still hold
plenty of secrets and are now home to a menagerie of marine
creatures such as Lionfish, Scorpionfish, octopus, glassfish
and the coral reefs surrounding the islands have plenty to
offer, for both novice and experienced diver. Until
recently, the islands were only known to a few locals. The
surrounding waters offer splendid fishing and scuba diving
adventures. Sailfish and marlin are the main quarry of sport
fishermen in these waters.
Scuba divers
come here for the underwater wrecks, which still hold
plenty of the secrets from the day they first settled on
the sea floor. These wrecks are now home to a menagerie
of marine creatures and an unrivaled marine photo
studio. For the novice scuba diver, the coral reefs of
these islands offer some of the best scuba diving this
side of Sabah. Juvenile Turtles are frequently spotted
around Mantanani Island. Many species of rays have been spotted in
the waters around the Island. e.g. Marbled Stingray, Blue
Spotted Ray and large schools of Eagle Rays. For macro photographers
the 'muck diving' can also be done there. Besides the 'muck diving'
is excellent with the quiet existence of imperial shirmps, jaw fish
ribbon eels, seahorses, pink-eyed gobbles and the jaw-dropping blue
ringed octopus, amidst nudibranch of all sorts.
Nestled amidst the
tall coconut palms,
Mantanani Island Resort
are scattered beach cabins
surrounding the main plantation styled house. The resort
not only cater for divers and bird watchers but it is also the
perfect getaway for anyone who appreciates the serenity and
tranquility of a paradise of the 'un-spoilt' island. These
large and comfortable cabins come with attached
bathrooms and air conditioning. The relaxing atmosphere
makes this resort one of the best places to come to
relax and get away (even for a little while) from the
drumbeat of urban life. After all, there's only one
resort here, not the other way
around. There are now 16 dive sites been identified by
Mantanani Island Resort
with many more still to be explored.
The best time to go is
from April to September. The island promises the most diverse marine
life with visibility up to 40 metres. You might need flexibility on
the date you plan to go scuba diving at
Mantanani Island as the sea state can, by exception during
this period, be too rough to cross to the Island.
|
