Mantanani Islands – Sabah’s Hidden Tropical Treasure

The Mantanani Islands, a trio of gems off Sabah’s northwest coast, are where the magic quietly happens. Think Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kecil and Lungisan – three slices of paradise known for fantastic dive sites and the elusive dugongs that occasionally grace the waters.

I first heard about Mantanani from a friend in Kota Kinabalu, and the moment I saw photos, it shot straight onto my must-visit list. I’ve always had a soft spot for places slightly off the tourist radar. When I told my friends in Semenanjung about my plans, most of them went, “Where’s that?” – which isn’t surprising since names like Semporna or Sipadan tend to steal the spotlight.

For my little island escape, I stayed at Sutera@Mantanani, a cozy and laid-back resort right by the sea. Getting there is an adventure in itself – you can either make your own way to Rempayan Jetty in Kota Belud or take the easy route with the “shuttle bus” from The Magellan Sutera in Kota Kinabalu. I went for the latter, and after a 2-hour road trip, a speedboat ride whisked us away to Pulau Mantanani in about 30–40 minutes, depending on the weather’s mood.

The first glimpse of the island is unforgettable – the sea shifts from deep turquoise to brilliant blue-green, perfectly framing stretches of soft white sand. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to drop everything and just soak it all in.

One of Mantanani’s highlights is a night-time experience where you can see glowing blue plankton lighting up the shoreline. Sadly, it wasn’t the season during my trip, but I still had my own little adventure – almost walking solo to the sandbar at the island’s far end. Let’s just say I came to my senses quickly; the tide and darkness there can be tricky business.

As for food – no worries at all. The resort offers a full board package, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets that easily hit the spot. The menu changes daily, with generous portions of seafood, meat and chicken. The package also includes activities like snorkelling and kayaking, so you’re never short of things to do between lazing by the beach.

If you’re after a holiday where you can truly unplug, breathe in fresh sea air, and let time slow down, put Mantanani Islands on your list. It’s a serene little paradise that quietly wins your heart.
#localguides#deliciousfood

Post by OMAR AL-ATTAS | Aug 13, 2025