Mantanani Island is a cluster of three isolated islands (Pulau Mantanani Besar, Pulau Mantanani Kecil and Pulau Lungisan) located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Kota Belud, or about one hour drives from Kota Kinabalu and the journey continues on for about 45 minutes by speed boat ride from Kuala Abai, Kota Belud. The islands are surrounded by crystal clear blue waters lapping on white sandy beaches.
Pulau Mantanani Besar, the biggest among the 3 island, is about 3km across and 1.5km at its widest point. Sandy beaches surround the island except on the northern side. Located on this island is a resort at the western side and a village community with school and mosque in a middle of the island. There is also a police field force base on the island. You can also find basic facilities built by some local tour operators as bases to cater for their day-trippers.
Pulau Lungisan, the smallest island is located just off the western shore of Pulau Mantanani Besar with steep rocky formation right to the water and a small cave opening.
This photo show a boat approaching the cave opening of Pulau Lungisan
Pulau Mantanani Besar, the biggest among the 3 island, is about 3km across and 1.5km at its widest point. Sandy beaches surround the island except on the northern side. Located on this island is a resort at the western side and a village community with school and mosque in a middle of the island. There is also a police field force base on the island. You can also find basic facilities built by some local tour operators as bases to cater for their day-trippers.
Pulau Lungisan, the smallest island is located just off the western shore of Pulau Mantanani Besar with steep rocky formation right to the water and a small cave opening.
This photo show a boat approaching the cave opening of Pulau Lungisan
Pulau Mantanani Kecil is a knife shaped island blessed with a stretch of white sandy beach reaching up to 2.5km long. This narrow strip island is heaven for those searching for peace of mind and tranquility, away from thrashing fins and mass diving tourism. Infrastructure on this island, where the campsite is based, comes with very basic amenities equipped with a toilet, a storage room and a generator room.
The island offers an ideal site for camping with running water and toilet facility nearby, plenty of shades, spacious and conducive environment for outdoor activities complete with an awesome panoramic sea view.
Another view of the camp site. Taken during low tide, looking out toward the sea. This area is above the water line during high tide. Making it a prefect area for camping.
Looking in to the island, the white building is the toilet facility. Located by the side of the camp site, you will have no need to worry about the call of nature.
The white sandy, 2.5km in length offer plenty of space for activities.
Picture on the right show Mari Mari Dive Lodge.
Built nearby on wooden stilts over water is the Mari Mari Dive Lodge that offers an optional lodging facility with basic amenities such as wall fan, twin/triple bed, common shower room and toilet, open dining space and free flow of coffee/tea.
Itinerary for 2 days and 1 night camping on Mantanani Kecil
(Day 1)
0700 – Meet at predetermined area for bus pick up
0715 – Bus journey start
0900 – Arrive at Kuala Abai
(a fishing village at the river mouth)
0930 – Boat journey to the Mantanani
1030 – Arrival on Mantanani Kecil
1045 – Briefing on rules and regulation
1100 – Pitching up tent
1230 – Lunch
1330 – Activities
1800 – Prepare for BBQ dinner
2000 – Light out
(Day 2)
0700 – Rise and shine
0800 – Breakfast
0900 – Activities
1230 – Lunch
1400 – Dismantling tent and packing
1500 – Leaving the island
1600 – Arrive at Kuala Abai and proceed
to Kota Kinabalu by bus
1730 – Expected time of arrival in Kota Kinabalu
How to enjoy the day?
- For the active one, how about swimming or snorkeling
- Wish to stay dry, how about some beach volleyball, soccer or Frisbee
- When the tide is out, walking along the beaches looking for interesting object; beach combing
- Passive one will enjoy the nature and scenery. Bird watching anyone, frigate birds are plenty in the evening.
- Star gazing in the night. If the sky is clear you will be dazzle.
Other chargeable activities that are available:
- Try scuba diving
- Rental Mask and snorkel for snorkeling
- Kayaking
Special School Holidays program start this November.
