The Mantanani Islands are a group of three small islands located in the South China Sea, approximately 38 kilometers off the coast of Kota Belud. The largest island, Mantanani Besar, is a hub for tourism and offers resorts. Mantanani Kechil and Langit are undeveloped natural areas, ideal for tourists seeking tranquility and a true nature experience.

The surrounding islands are renowned for their dive sites in Sabah, with over 15 dive sites, each with its own unique characteristics. These include vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks housing a diverse range of marine life, and areas where dugongs can be spotted during certain seasons. Divers can encounter clownfish, rays, and other small marine life in the crystal-clear waters.

The islands themselves also feature a small fishing village, most of whom are Bajaw, or "sea people," whose lives have been intertwined with the sea for centuries. Visitors can learn about local culture, such as wooden boat construction, traditional fishing practices, and traditional seafood dishes like "grilled fish" and "stir-fried shrimp with turmeric."

In recent years, local authorities have partnered with conservation organizations such as WWF Malaysia and local community projects to restore coral reefs and reduce plastic waste in the ocean. Visitors are advised to adhere to "Travel Green" principles, such as avoiding plastic straws, avoiding touching coral reefs, and not taking any marine life home as souvenirs.

Besides diving, popular activities on the island include kayaking around the island, watching rare birds, taking sunset boat rides, and observing bioluminescent plankton at night. This experience is hailed by international tourists as "the most magical in Sabah."

The island's peaceful atmosphere, with no cars or major roads, is only accessible by sandy paths and motorbikes. Overall, Mantanani Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to experience "Sabah's Dream Island."

---

How to Get There

Most travel is by purchasing a one-day tour package from Kota Kinabalu:

• Take a car/van from Rampayan Jetty or Sutera Mantanani Jetty in Kota Belud (approximately 1.5-2 hours).
• Take a speedboat from the jetty to Mantanani Island (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on sea conditions).

---

Travel Tips

Best time to visit:

• February to April (dry season), when the sea is usually calm and beautiful.

For those suffering from motion sickness:

• Take medication for motion sickness before departure.

Sun Protection:

• The sun is very strong, so bring sunscreen with a high SPF, a hat, and sunglasses.

Evening Activities:

• If you're staying overnight on the island, don't miss the "Blue Tears," a phenomenon known as bioluminescent plankton that appears on the beach at certain times.

---

Admission Fees:

• Island Admission: Free
• Main Cost: Mostly one-day tour packages (including transportation, boat, lunch, and snorkeling equipment), starting at around RM 210 - RM 300.

Opening Hours:

• Can be visited all year round.