Location

Mantanani Map

Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet

1. The Mantanani Islands are located Northwest of Kota Belud. It is located about 38 km from the mainland. Mantanani is volcanic rock in origin around which an oceanic island has developed resulting on two distinct reef formats, one built upon volcanic bedrock and one on the calcareous rubble.
2. The islands consist of 3 islands, Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kechil and Linggisan. Mantanani Besar is approximately 3km across and 1.5km widest point.
3. There are about 12 dive sites at Mantanani Islands and still more to be discovered.
4. Mantanani Kechil is a designated bird sanctuary by the Malaysian Government but the Mantanani Islands do not fall under the Sabah Park jurisdiction.
5. The water temperature changes according to the currents and season. The water temperature can vary between 10C to 24C on a cold day and 29C to 33C on a hot day depending on the season.
6. The Mantanani Besar community has approximately 1000 people who are from the Bajau ethnic group and are predominantly Muslim. The local community here relay on sea produce as their main source of income and daily sustenance, but with the recent development of the island as a tourist destination, more job opportunities have been made available for the locals.
7. Mantanani is also home to a few endangered bird species (Christmas Island, Great and Lesser Frigate birds, Mantanani Scops-owls, Nicobar Pigeons). The island is also a good location for bird watching.
8. Mantanani Islands are famous for its Dugongs or “sea cow”, a 200-300 kg mammal. There is no specific season for dugong sightings but probability of spotting the dugong would probably be in September to November as from past research, it has been documented that these months are the mating season of the dugong. No sightings are guaranteed as these sea creatures feed on sea grass and are constantly on the move looking for new grazing ground. They will not stay in one place for ling and are very shy and wary of humans.

Things to do in Mantanani

Things to do in Mantanani

*Availability & schedules of all activities and facilities are subject to terms & conditions and sea & weather conditions.

Mantanani Additional Info

Dugongs in Mantanani

Mantanani is known for the presence of Dugong, a large marine mammal strictly herbivorous which is a close relative to the Steller's sea cow. The dugong is heavily dependent on sea grasses for survival and with its snout that is sharply downturned, which is an adaptation for grazing and uprooting sea grasses. The dugong has been hunted for thousands of years for its meat and oil. The dugong's current distribution is reduced and with a long lifespan of 70 years or more, and slow rate of reproduction, the dugong is especially vulnerable to extinction.

Several divers that have experience an encounter with these mammals, claimed that they are very shy and would swim away from human therefore you may find yourselves lucky should you see one swimming nearby.

Diving Around Mantanani

The term ‘diver’s paradise’ may sound trite, but Mantanani Island is exactly that and more. As you plunge into the Mantanani underwater world, you’ll be simply mesmerized by neon coloured fish in intoxicating swirls, adorable clownfish playing hide and seek amidst the sea anemones, vivid coloured finger corals waving about, and vast garden of living coral reefs.

Each dive site in Mantanani offers something unique. Other than sporadic encounters with dolphins, divers have also encountered some of the rarer underwater species such as the bumphead parrotfish, moray eel, sting ray, eagle ray, and several turtles. For underwater photography enthusiasts, the view is simply to-die-for—topped off with excellent visibility.

People in Mantanani

The island’s population is estimated at about 1000, comprises mostly of fishermen, the unemployed, and villagers employed by lodge operators to run the lodges and day trips to the island. The local people in Mantanani are all very friendly and just as curious of the tourists as you are of them. The children are always the first to shout “hello” and wave to you. Some may even pose for photos and ask for your name.

The villages are a collection of hand crafted homes made from whatever materials the locals can afford. There is a primary school for the villager’s children. There is also a small herd of cows on the island, most of which spend their time on the beach near the village.

For those who wish to stay the night at the island, there are accommodations available, humbly yet cozy for an island holiday away from the busy city sound of traffics.