Mantanani Islands are a group of three isolated islands located north-west of Kota Belud, about an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah. These islands are approximately 1 hour boat ride by speedboat from the mainland Kuala Abai Jetty.
Pulau Mantanani Besar, shaped-like a knife, has a beach that stretches up to 2.500 metres. The fact that these islands has never been commercialized, secures their hidden secrets from great number of divers and thus giving you a private but full enjoyment to the tropical island. Unfairly blessed with age-old shipwrecks and critters inhabiting in and around it. The island promises the diverse marine life with underwater visibility of up to 40 metres.
Many species of rays flutter around like blue spotted ray and marbled sting ray amongst large schools of fish. Besides that muck diving is excellent with the quiet existence of imperial shrimps, jaw fish ribbon eels, seahorses, pink-eyed gobbles and the jaw-dropping blue ringed octopus, amidst nudibranch of all sorts. Apart from the sea and white sandy beaches, the Islands are also popular for visitors because of its picturesque scenery, cool breezes and serene environment.
On Pulau Mantanani Besar (Big Mantanani Island), stay at theMari Mari Backpackers Lodge. Here the island is yours to explore. One can stay for days and be completely complacent enough with island life at the lodge.
Go island exploring and see what life is like for locals in the fishing village.
Hop into a kayak and try your hands at sea-kayaking or simply laze on the beach and work on your tan. Grab a book, find yourself a hammock and swing with the gentle sound of the wave.
When evening comes, enjoy a friendly game of volleyball.
At sunset, join our sunset cruise with our big wooden boat and watch the sun cast Technicolor rays across the sky as it slowly disappears into the horizon.
The PADI authorised Mari Mari Dive Centre is here at Mari Mari Backpackers Lodge. Here you can book a snorkelling or diving programs at the lodge.
Don’t know how to dive? Consider our Mari-Mari Discover Scuba Program or enrol in an PADI Open Water Course with our experienced and certified Instructors.
For licensed divers, further enhance your skills by taking up the PADI Advance Diver Course at our resort while enjoying your stay at this island paradise…
