This Sabah Island With Crystal Clear Waters Leaves You Feeling Like You're In The Maldives
In need of a good dose of 'vitamin sea'!
By May Vin Ang — 25 Feb 2022, 05:43 PM
Pulau Mantanani is a not-so-secret gem of an island located off the west coast of Sabah
It has crystal clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and absolutely picturesque sceneries, making it the ultimate tropical island paradise.
Although remote, Pulau Mantanani is arguably a convenient holiday destination to get to, being only 90 minutes away by car from the capital of Kota Kinabalu, and a 45-minute speedboat ride from the Kuala Abai jetty in Kota Belud.
The travel will be worth it when you first lay eyes on the place.
Colloquially, Pulau Mantanani refers to a group of three islands – Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kecil, and Lungisan
Most tourism activities are offered at Mantanani Besar.
There are various accommodation options on the island such as GreenHouse EcoLodge and Nido Mantanani Lodge, as well as village homestays, but the most frequented is an all-inclusive resort called Sutera At Mantanani, and with good reason.
For a flat price, they offer gorgeous air-conditioned beachside chalets with all meals and activities included.
If you are travelling in a group, the resort also offers two-bedroom villas that are just as cosy.
Boat transfer to and from the island is inclusive as well!
The tropical hardwood chalets are just 10 steps away from the sea and its wide floor-to-ceiling glass windows means you also get to enjoy views from the inside
Meanwhile, the resort restaurant provides buffet meals for lunch, tea time, dinner, and breakfast.
If there are clear skies, you might also catch a glimpse of the majestic Gunung Kinabalu as the restaurant overlooks the mainland across the sea.
Besides relaxing on a hammock, there are many other activities to keep busy living the island life, such as snorkeling, kayaking, kite flying, playing frisbee, or ATV riding on the beach
The resort offers many activities, and all you have to do is head to their recreational centre to borrow the equipment then play around to your heart's desire.
Or, you could also just walk around, soak in the sun, and take absolutely Insta-worthy photos of the island's mesmerising blue waters and white sand.
So, the next time you find yourself in Sabah, visit Pulau Mantanani for a good dose of 'vitamin sea'!
For more information, you can visit Sutera At Mantanani Resort's website here.
