Saint Martins Island

Saint Martins Island is in the Chittagong Division ofBangladesh and lies about 10 kilometers south-west of the southern tip of the mainland.

Saint Martins Island Halal Travel Guide

Saint Martins is a tropical cliché and the only coral island in the nation, with beaches fringed with coconut palms and laid-back local residents. It's a clean and peaceful place with nothing more strenuous to do than soak up the rays — even mosquitoes are a rarity. There's a naval base near the center of the island, and the USA looked into setting up one of their own. The island was devastated by a cyclone in 1991 but has fully recovered, and was untouched by the 2004 tsunami.

It is feasible to walk around Saint Martins in a day since it measures only 8 km², shrinking to about 5 km² during high tide. Most of the island's 7000 inhabitants live primarily from fishing, and between October and April fishermen from neighboring areas bring their catch to the island's temporary wholesale market. Rice and coconuts are the other staple crops, and algae is collected and dried from the sea rocks and sold for consumption to Myanmar.

Most things are concentrated around the far north of the island, with the center and south being mostly farmland and makeshift huts. There is no electricity on the island, though the larger hotels run generators in the evenings for a few hours.

November to February is the main tourist season with the best weather, though keep an eye on the forecast, as the occasional cyclone can strike during this time.

Travel to Saint Martins Island

Travel on a Bus in Saint Martins Island

Getting to Saint Martins Island by bus is a two-step process. First you'll need to come Teknaf which is the last neighborhood ofBangladesh in southern part, which is right on the very southern tip of Bangladesh, sandwiched up against Myanmar. One can come Teknaf by bus from Dhaka, Chittagong and Cox's Bazar. Dhaka to Teknaf bus fare is Tk 850-950 non-A/C and Tk 1300-1700 A/C as of January 2012. Several bus services depart from Fakirapool, Dhaka to Teknaf. Maximum bus starts at night and the journey is near about 11-12 hours.

From Teknaf, mid-level ships run daily and take around 1½-2 hours named Kutubdia, Keary Sindabad, Shundorbon Service. The fare ranges from Tk 450-2500 as of January 2012. All the ships and cruises stars journey from Teknaf to Saint Martin at 9AM Monday - 9:30AM and return journey starts from Saint Martin at 3PM Monday - 3:30PM. During the off-season (May-August/September) these ships do not provide services because of bad weather. The pick-season is September-April. The total distance from Dhaka to the island is 510 km.

From Teknaf you can cruise to St.Martin's Island with the largest and the safest ship, LCT Kutubdia, and reach St.Martin's comfortably in 2 hours or less. LCT Kutubdia cruise journey is a pleasant one as you will see the spectacular views of Teknaf hill on one side and Myanmar on the other side while she cruises along the Naf River.

Ferries leave the island around 3PM. You don't have a round trip ticket you can book the return leg at the Keari Marzaan restaurant (+88 01727 266077, 01819 682091, just before Saint Martin's Resort, off the primary street). The restaurant only caters to day trippers on tours arranged by Keari Tours. The one-way fare is Tk 300 and return fare is Tk 750 as of 2011.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Saint Martins Island

By plane you have to reach firstly in Cox's bazar from Dhaka/Chittagong (inter-country) by BimanBangladesh Airlines or with private airlines like Rigent Airlines, United Airlines, and Best Air. The fare from Dhaka-Cox's Bazar is Tk 3000-4500 as of December 2011. Cox's bazar airport is the only airport near Teknaf.

After reaching Cox's Bazar by Plane, from Cox's Bazar there are several ways to get to Teknaf. Private vehicle rental services cost Tk 100-150. Public buses from Cox's Bazar to Teknaf cost Tk 60-80. Another way is for a group to rent a mid-level micro bus or jeep and travel to Teknaf.

How to get around in Saint Martins Island

Arriving from the port you'll walk through a strip of basic restaurants and retail outlets, and hit a t-junction. Left will take you to the eastern beaches (the cement ends shortly before the scuba dive center), while a right turn will take you along the main cement 'road' where most of the hotels and guesthouses are, ending at the north-west part of the island.

At one point a left turn leads around the newly built hospital and into the center of the island. It's an interesting walk and eventually leads out to the western beach just north of the Sea Turtle Hatchery, after a couple wrong turns.

Flatbed cycle-rickshaws are the only transport aside from walking. There are no motorized vehicles on the island, not even motorcycles (yay!).

What to see in Saint Martins Island

• Sunrise on the east side of the island, and after a lazy day head over to the west side for sunset. Sunset Point is a rocky peninsula on the northwest corner of the island, near Saint Martin's Resort, which exists only at low tide — a popular spot if sunset and low tide coincide.

Smi algae - An algae farmer lays his crop out to dry

• Village life is slow paced — most work happens in the morning and evening, while midday is reserved for drying fish and Rice and selling your coconuts. Or, more likely, sitting in the shade chewing paan.

St. Martin's Island Sea Turtle Conservation Project - Sea Turtle Conservation Project STURCNET at St. Martin's Island

• There's a Sea Turtle Hatchery on the west side of the island south of Shemana Pereye Resort. It's not open to visitors, but it's usually empty and the gate unlocked. If it's the right season there will be several bamboo cages in the sand with eggs buried under them — not much to see, but it's nice to know that good work is being done. This is under the Sea Turtle Conservation Project STURCNET (Sea Turtle Conservation Network).

St. Martin's Island Sea Turtle cages - Sea Turtle Cages of Sea Turtle Conservation Project STURCNET at St. Martin's Island

The first tag was attached in 2000, and in January 2003, a total of 65 tags had been attached to nesting Green and Olive Ridley turtles. The conservation project has so far included activities such as: monitoring of nesting turtles along the coastline; in situ conservation efforts, including protecting nesting beaches; protecting nesting females from predatory hazards, such as dogs; ex situ conservation through hatcheries; and an awareness-raising campaign about sea turtle conservation.

• Stars are amazingly plentiful on a moonless night, due to the lack of electricity on the island.

• Rock Beach - Rocky Beach Area | Dhakinmatha, Last point of the Island - The southern point of the island has millions of years old rock formed from coral. The area is popular as Rock Beach and can be visited on foot. A 10-15 minutes track can be explored within the area by taking permission from the local land owners to see wild life including lizard, migratory birds and unique sweet water turtles habitat.

Best things to do in Saint Martins Island

St Martin Island Chera Dwip - Chera Dwip, accessible at low tide

• Oceanic Scuba Dive Center - turn left from the pier at the end of the strip of restaurants, it's a couple of hundred meters down on the right, unsigned and well-hidden behind a bamboo gate ☎ +880 2 955 9751 - Tk 2000/dive, Tk 500 snorkel gear rental, Tk 600-800 boat fee This is the only dive operation in the nation, and is run by a friendly group of ex-navy divers. They only visit one site at the southeast of the island (off Chera Dwip), which is unspectacular but still makes for a nice boat ride and the most activity you could hope for during your stay on the island. They're working towards buying a 'German' boat which will allow them to explore sites further out to sea, which may yield some better diving and more sea life. Prices are a little high (and negotiable), but consider that you're contributing to these guys' livelihood and towards expanding the opportunity for future diving. They've also got one bamboo guest hut with two beds if you're diving with them, and they'll cook all your meals for you — an alternative to the lackluster good accommodation on the island. Food and lodging are by donation. On a safety note, this is nothing like a PADI certified dive center, and beginners should take care, especially alone — a guide/buddy is not included (though there's a good chance one of the guys will still come down with you).

• Walk the beach to the southern island of Chera Dwip, accessible on foot along a narrow strip of land at low tide, or via a boat shuttle (Tk 5/person) at high tide. Beware of sharp rocks if wading through the water; sandals are ideal. Walking the length of the island takes around 1½ hours. Take some sunscreen and water (though there's an occasional shack selling drinks, coconuts and snacks).

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Saint Martins Island

There are many small shops near the dock/port and along the primary street selling very basic necessities and the odd souvenir t-shirts, hats, dry fish, shoe, sandals, dry foods, cosmetics & toiletries and sunglasses and many more. These are relatively affordable from the main town. Specially one must buy dry fish from here, it's relatively affordable and high quality. There are also few restaurants along with the primary street of Saint Martins Island. The foods are affordable and good quality to eat. Anyone can complete the breakfast, lunch and dinner with various sea foods. Everyone should taste the experience with different sea fishes and food, if once go there.

Sea shells and things made from them are sold by little children around the island, but it's illegal and leads to the depletion of sea life. If any one go there, please not to buy those and encourage others not to buy those. These will slowly damage this Island and the natural life. There are also some fake product come from Myanmar and China. Please try to avoid those and buy the real one.

Halal Restaurants in Saint Martins Island

St. Martin's Crab - St. Martin's Island Crab

Food is a little more expensive here than on the mainland.

The food shacks that line the road to the port all cook up similar fare: parothas (Tk 8), omelettes (egg, Tk 20) and vegetable Curries (Tk 20) for breakfast, and (fish, dal, Rice and veggies at Tk 130) the rest of the day. Cha is Tk 8.

All of the hotels also have restaurants with basically the same typical Bangladeshi offerings, with higher prices and better quality than those near the port. Chicken is sometimes available but not very tasty, and lobster and crab may be available occasionally at very high prices. The restaurant at Blue Marine Resort and Appayan at Saint Martin's Resort are the best on the island.

The islanders also sell dried fish, which is a bit more expensive but fresher than those available upshore in Cox's Bazaar.

Early morning is the best time to get fresh fish from the fisherman near the market, you can often bring it to your hotel chef and ask him to fry it up the way you like, or some places may do a nice evening barbeque. Some places may even give you kitchen access to cook it yourself if you ask.

• Coconuts are the drink of choice (Tk 25), and coconut pushers are to be found along the length of the island, getting slightly less aggressive as you move south.
• Alcohol may be available at the larger hotels or if you ask discreetly near the port, though there is not even a hint of nightlife.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Saint Martins Island

Saint Martins Island - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Saint Martins Island, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Saint Martins Island. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Saint Martins Island and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Saint Martins Island. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Saint Martins Island. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSaint Martins Island: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Saint Martins Island.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Saint Martins Island: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Saint Martins Island, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Saint Martins Island.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Saint Martins Island, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Saint Martins Island, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Saint Martins Island and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Saint Martins Island, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Saint Martins Island, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Saint Martins Island without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Saint Martins Island is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Saint Martins Island.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Saint Martins Island is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Saint Martins Island, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Saint Martins Island Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are several hotels along the primary street such as Hotel Sea Heart, Bay of Bengal Guesthouse, Coast Guesthouse, Hotel Sadek, Oceanview and Coral Reef Guesthouse, all similarly dark and characterless with dank attached bathrooms and no running water. Anywhere else these rooms would cost Tk 500-700, but here you'll be lucky to pay Tk 1000 and be asked for as much as Tk 1500.

Most evenings will be candle-lit since there's no electricity on the island, but a few of the more expensive hotels have generators.

• There's a government resthouse signed only in Bengali on the primary street next to Bay of Bengal Guesthouse. Rooms are a little larger and cleaner than the surrounding guesthouses and have mosquito nets. It's not feasible to prebook rooms and, even if they're available, whether you can stay will depend on the mood of the man on duty. Rooms ~Tk 600.

• Blue Marine Resort - on the northeast corner of the island, visible from the port ☎ +880 01727 266077 - Tk 2000-3000 The most upmarket option on the island, this place is set to lead the way in tacky, environmentally unfriendly Cox's Bazar-style development (though thankfully still on a smaller scale). It's impeccably clean with a blue and white Miami sailboat feel and crisp white sheets. Attached baths are clean and have cold running water, laundry and room service are available, and there's a generator. There's also a good restaurant here selling the usual, plus lobster and crab at a premium, when available. The beach is visible from the front and the back of each room on the upper floors, and both the sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed from the private veranda attached to the rooms. They've also got a couple of cottages (Tk 2000) on the remote southern point of the island with kitchens.

• Shemana Pereye Resort Ltd. | Konapara, Saint Martin Island, Teknaf, Cox's Bazar on the west side of the island, walk south from Abakash Parjaton ☎ +880 1911121292 - Tk 2000/2300/2500 for brick/wooden/bamboo rooms Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: noon Budget-minders may want to splurge a little and stay at this super friendly and relaxed place with a nice garden environment, set just back from the beach in a quiet area yet still close enough to the village. It's not signed in English, but as you walk south look for a sign in Bangla next to a bamboo gate & mash; if you reach the Sea Turtle Hatchery you've gone too far. They've also got a decent restaurant serving the usual fish and Chicken.

• Saint Martin's Resort - at the end of the primary street, on the north-western corner of the island ☎ +880 01819 490129 - Tk 1500-2000 Check-in: / Check-out: 2PM Also known as Hotel Nijhum, it's run by the government owned Abakash Parjatan. Rooms are cleanish, staff are friendly, and it's very popular with Bangladeshi families on holiday. The beach in front of here is the most popular on the island, and where the day-trippers from Cox's Bazar hang out around during the middle of the day. It has running cold water, some sit and some squat toilets, and a generator running in the evening. Appayan restaurant is attached and good.

• Riyad Guesthouse - on the northwest corner of the island ☎ +880 017 1856 255, - Tk 500-300
• Coral Blue Resort - Eco Resort in St.Martin Island | Mast tip of the Island, Dakhinmatha Adjacent to Cheradwip ☎ +880 1713190007 - Tk 2000/2500 Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: noon Probably has the best view of St. Martins & Cheradwip. It is the last point of the island, where it is connected to Cheradwip by tide, on 24 acres with a natural lake that serves as a habitat for millions of migratory birds. This is the only tent resort in an eco friendly environment with modern sanitation facilities and solar power (with a back up generator). A good restaurant within the resort area serves fresh fish grill and BBQ besides regular meals.

• Coral Blue Resort - St. Martin's only Eco Resort | Cheradwip area ast tip of the Island on souther side ☎ +880 1711595147 - Tk 1500/2000 Check-in: 11AM / Check-out: noon Probably the best view of the island and Cheradwip's can be get here. The resort is on 24 acres of land, based on eco-friendly concept. 10 tent rooms with proper sanitation and solar power make it unique. A in house restaurant to BBQ or grilled fresh fish besides regular meal is available. Run by professional stuffs and quality of food and service is expected. The resort has water sports and beach activities facilities. Besides its scenic beauty of the sea and the resort has a sweet water lake inside the premises where you can see millions of migratory birds.

• Samudra Bilash Ananda Ashram | West Beach Side of tha Island. ☎ +880 1727368589, +880 1733900400 - 3000/ Check-in: 12:30PM / Check-out: 11:00AM This cottage is owned by the famous Bangladeshi writer, Dr. Humaun Ahmed. It has 6 rooms, which are well decorated.

• Panna Resort Konapara, West Beach ☎ +880 1819222212, +880 1824588445, +880 1718255375 Checkin - noon-2PM / Check-out: 1PM Monday - 2PM In peak-season the room rent is Tk 2000-2500 per day and in off-season rent nearly half, around Tk 1000 per day. Here, double and single room rent is relatively same - This is relatively a budget hotel with cottage out look. This is completely near to the western beach and from the room, one can see the beach. It independently have separate BBQ arena and provide individual service for special menu for breakfast/lunch/dinner. They also receive booking 1/2 day before check-in over mobile call.
• Labiba Bilash Kona Para, West Beach ☎ +880 1711668800, +880 1718847880 Check-in: noon-2PM / Check-out: 1PM Monday - 2PM Sept-Apr: Tk 2000-3000; May-Aug Tk 1000. One can arrange with better price if have good bargaining capability - This is completely a mid-range hotel to stay in this place. This is completely near to the western beach and from the room, one can see the beach. They also have separate arrangement for BBQ party and have separate arrangement for different kind of sea foods to serve. One can order their special sea fish for eat and they also have that kind of special services to provide. Dhaka office: Sena Kollayan Bhaban (17th floor), 195, Motijheel, C/A., +880 27117783, 027113555.

• HolidaysBangladesh - ☎ +880 1727368589 (reservation), +880 1731962662, +880 1754555243 (St. Martin's cell) - The price is little bit expensive but still affordable if anyone compromise with the facility and comfortable. Corporate office: Praasad Trade Centre, 6, Kemal Atatürk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka-1213. Cell: +880 1730577388.
• Panna Resort ☎ +880 1816172615 (Saint Martin office) - September - April Tk 2000-3000; May-Aug Tk 1000 - This is another mid-level resort with lots of facilities. BBQ arrange is also feasible only for couple also. Also have the BBQ arrangement for big group and family. Dhaka Office: Apartment-3A, House-120, Road-01, Block-F, Banani, Dhaka. ☎ +880 28857998. Fax: +880 28859108. Cell: +880 1819222212.

• Resort Dream Night - ☎ +880 1828165841 (Saint Martin office), +880 1815570356 (For booking), +880 27122986 (For booking) - They have the facility like family package, meeting, honeymoon package, group program, conference, picnic, seminar, cultural program. Room fare is mid-level and easy to affordable. Easy to book in off-season but it's quite hard to book in peak-season. Its not only for this resort but also for other hotels also. Dhaka office: 55/B, Purana Paltan, Noakhali Tower (E-10th floor), Dhaka-1000.

Local Customs in Saint Martins Island

The island has seen a massive increase in tourism (mostly Bangladeshis) over the last few years, and the fragile ecosystem on the island is not well equipped to handle it. Do what you can to encourage eco-friendly trainings, and definitely don't litter the island. It's also a good idea to avoid eating fish at every meal on an island where overfishing is a major problem and sea life is rapidly vanishing.

If you come across sea turtles or their eggs, keep a reasonable distance and don't disturb these fascinating but fragile creatures.

Westerners should be alert to the modest lifestyle of the islanders, especially women. It is not a good idea to swim in public places in western bathing suits, and modest dress is appropriate for both women and men.

Telecommunications in Saint Martins Island

There are no landlines, but cell phones work well, due to a few very imposing cell phone towers dotted around the island. Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, and Airtel are the service providers and well establish here.

There is no internet on the island and the nearest is in Cox's Bazaar. Otherwise there is internet modems which use the same signal of mobile companies with decent speed.

Travel Next

Naval Security - Naval Security checking at St. Martin Island's beach for visitor safety As tempting as it may be to cross into Myanmar, it is illegal and very unlikely that you could arrange a boat from here anyhow. Simply enjoy the views of the coast during the boat journey, and if you're intent on going, head up to Dhaka, get a visa, and fly from there.Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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