Hotels in Pulau Mantanani Besar

The Mantanani Islands form a small group of three islands off the north-west coast of the state of Sabah, Malaysia which is opposite the town of Kota Belud in northern Borneo. The largest island is Mantanani Besar whereas the other two are Mantanani Kecil and Lungisan. It is a popular site for recreational diving as there are three nearby dive wrecks dating from the Second World War, as well as being known for its dugongs. Pulau Mantanani Besar or Big Mantanani Island is known as island shaped-like knife and has a beach that stretches up to 2,500 metres. Muck diving is one of the most famous activity here and visitors can watch many sea creatures such as imperial shrimps, jaw fish ribbon eels, seahorses, pink-eyed gobbles and the jaw-dropping blue ringed octopus, amidst nudibranch of all sorts. Mantanani Islands are also popular for local and international tourists due to its picturesque scenery, cool breezes and tranquil environment.

The community uses Malay language with Sabahan dialect as main language to communicate with people. They also converse in English, Chinese and Tamil language.

How to Get There

By Boat

Mantanani islands can be access by driving an hour to the jetty of Kampung Kuala Abai in Kota Belud and take a boat to Mantanani. The boat ride takes 40 to 50 minutes depending on the sea condition and if the weather is bad, the ride might be cancelled. This journey must be booked prior visiting here due to its crowd and weather condition.

Tourist Attractions

Bird Watching

Mantanani Islands are great location for seeing birds such as Mantanani scops owl that usually nest on islands because of their lack of terrestrial predators and rareness on mainland. There are several trails through the center of the Mantanani Besar island where birds can be spotted. Mantanani Besar is also home to the Philippine megapode, which thrives in the coastal forests. Three species of sunbird has been recorded on the islands; the Brown-throated sunbird, the Red-throated sunbird and the Olive-backed sunbird. The islands are also home to four breeding pigeon species that include the Pied imperial-pigeon, Grey imperial-pigeon, Pink-necked green pigeon and Metallic pigeon. An additional two pigeon species visit the island occasionally from the mainland and they include the Nicobar pigeon and the Black-naped fruit dove as well as Emerald Doves. Other than that, Lungisan Island has a nesting cave colony of German's swiftlets which is an important roost for three species of frigate birds.

Diving

These islands are popular with diving activities and provide the most knowledge and experience about diving and snorkelling by PADI association here. There are many sea creatures to discover here such as imperial shrimps, jaw fish ribbon eels, seahorses, pink-eyed gobbles and many more. There are wide ranges of diving packages for an individual and for family and friends.

Hotels

Mari-Mari Backpackers Lodge

Mari Mari Backpacker Lodge is ideally situated in Pulau Mantanani Besar and can be easily accessed from the airport. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. The hotel offers daily housekeeping, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas and car park. The rooms are completely furnished with balcony, toiletries, coffee and tea maker and television. Among the rooms offered here are standard room, deluxe room and family room. Besides that, you can easily enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the private beach, diving, fishing, water sports by registering yourself at nearby diving centre here.

Sayang-Sayang Hostel

This hostel provides affordable yet comfortable stay for travellers. The accommodation is located less than 10 metres away from Mari-Mari Backpackers Lodge. You can see magnificient view of Mount Kinabalu and the beach from this hostel. There are a total of 4 rooms here and the power supply for the accommodation is available from 6pm to 6am. You also have direct access to activities such as diving, snorkelling and many more.