Saint Martin’s Island A Magical Journey T The Only Coral Paradise Of Bangladesh
Saint Martin’s Island: A Magical Journey To The Only Coral Paradise Of Bangladesh
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Saint Martin’s Island, a small but breathtaking union territory of Teknaf Upazila in the Cox's Bazar district, stands as a crowning jewel of Bangladesh's natural beauty. Famously known as 'Narikel Jinjira' or 'Saint Martin's Coconut Ginger', it is the only coral island in the country. This emerald gem is the southernmost union of Bangladesh, surrounded by the vast, crystalline blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. The island’s unique charm lies in its rows and rows of coconut trees and its vibrant coral colonies, which draw thousands of travel-thirsty tourists every single day to witness its pristine landscape.
Covering a total land area of approximately 196 acres (about 6 square kilometers), Saint Martin is a tiny yet ecologically significant paradise. The distance from the capital city, Dhaka, to Saint Martin is about 405 kilometers, while it is located roughly 120 kilometers away from the main Cox's Bazar city. Despite its small size, the island offers an unparalleled experience where the turquoise sea meets the white sandy shores. The history of the island dates back to Arab merchants who settled here centuries ago, who originally named it 'Jinjira,' but today it has transformed into the most sought-after destination for nature lovers.
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Exploring the Hidden Gems: Detailed Sightseeing
Saint Martin is divided into several sections like Uttarpara, Golachipa, and Dakshinpara. To truly feel the island, you must explore these spots in detail:
- Chera Dwip (The Coral Extension):This is the southernmost point of Bangladesh. It is a small island that gets separated from the main land during high tide. You will find ancient fossilized corals and crystal-clear water here. Most tourists take a motorboat (Speedboat) or a wooden boat to reach here, but walking during low tide offers a different kind of adventure.
- West Beach (The Sunset Point): This is the most popular beach for staying and relaxing. The sunset from this side is magical. You can sit on the beach chairs (shacks) and enjoy the sound of the roaring sea under the coconut trees.
- Humayun Ahmed’s "Samudra Bilas": For many, a trip to Saint Martin is incomplete without visiting the cottage of the legendary writer Humayun Ahmed. It is located near the beach in the Dakshinpara area and serves as a significant landmark for fans and literature lovers.
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Comprehensive Transportation & Journey Guide
The journey to Saint Martin is an adventure that combines a long road trip with a beautiful sea voyage.
- Dhaka to Teknaf (The Road Trip): The 405 km journey starts from Dhaka. Premium bus services like Hanif, Shyamoli, Saint Martin Travels, and Green Line operate daily from terminals like Sayedabad and Gabtali. A non-AC bus costs around 900-1100 BDT, while AC coaches range from 2,000 to 2,500 BDT. It takes roughly 10 to 12 hours to reach the Teknaf jetty.
- The Sea Voyage (Teknaf to Saint Martin): From the Teknaf jetty, the ships usually depart between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM. Ships like Keari Sindbad, Bay Cruise, and Sukanya are the most reliable. The 2.5-hour journey through the Naf River is breathtaking. You can see the Arakan mountains of Myanmar on one side and the blue horizon of the Bay of Bengal on the other. Seagulls often follow the ships, creating a perfect scene for photography.
Food, Lifestyle, and Estimated Costs
- The Seafood Feast: You cannot leave the island without trying the "Tula" fish fry or fresh Koral, Roopchanda, and Lobster. Most hotels have their own restaurants where you can choose live fish and have them cooked to your taste. The sweet coconut water (Dab) here is exceptionally refreshing and costs around 50-80 BDT.
- Accommodation: There are over 100 resorts on the island. For a better view, try to stay in resorts located in the West Beach or Dakshinpara area. Budget hotels cost 2,500-3,500 BDT, while luxury resorts can go up to 15,000 BDT per night.
- Total Budget: For a standard 2-night, 3-day trip from Dhaka, a budget of 8,000 to 12,000 BDT per person is sufficient for a comfortable experience.
Important Instructions for Travelers:
- National ID Card: Since Teknaf is a border area, keep your original NID card and a few photocopies for security checks at the jetty and army camps.
- Environmental Protection: It is strictly forbidden to pick corals or snails from the beach. Please avoid throwing plastic bottles or packets into the sea to protect this fragile coral ecosystem.
- Limited Resources: Electricity is mostly provided by generators and solar power. Mobile networks might be weak in certain spots, and only a few ATM booths are available, so carry enough cash.
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