The island
Fishing can be combined with sight-seeing as well as to experience the nature. Some of you I know are always looking for some places where you can do some fishing activity as well as relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the nature. I will start publishing about many beautiful island in Malaysia. This time I am going to talk about Pulau Mantanani.
Many Malaysian I believe never heard about this particular island called by the local here in Sabah as Pulau Mantanani. Pulau Mantanani is a group of three isolated islands northwest of Kota Belud, 80 km north of Kota Kinabalu. It was so isolated in fact that not until recently, only a few locals knew the existence of the islands.
Popular attraction
But most popular attraction of Pulau Mantanani are the dugongs (sea cows). Here you can swim with them. The island is virtually unknown to most people, although the indigenous Ubian fishing tribe here have for years sighted dugongs. So if you are coming here to fish please don't ever think about fishing the Dugong. Dugong is a protected species and heavy fine is awaiting you if you fish or kill them.
Accomodation
As far as I know there is only one resort operating in Pulau Mantanani. Mantanani Island Resort (Mantanani Dive Resort,Tel: +6088-230000, Fax: +6088221106) is located at the western end of the largest island and lies on the edge of an enchanting white sandy bay. Nestled among the tall coconut trees are 9 rustic beach chalets that come with attached bathrooms, hot showers and air conditioning. The resort caters not only to divers and bird watchers but it is also the perfect getaway for anyone who appreciates the serenity and tranquillity of a paradise island. Other than staying in Mantanani Island Resort you may also arrange your accomodation with the local there. Some of them are renting out rooms to tourist and the best part is they know where to fish in the area. SO they can be an excellent fishing guide for your fishing trip. I will get the contact for you and post it here soon.
How to get there?
To get to Mantanani, you would have to take a direct flight from KLIA (if you are from peninsular) to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. From Kota Kinabalu, make your way to Kota Belud by road, which takes about an hour. There are public transport available in Kota Kinabalu bus terminal near Bandaran Berjaya or Kota Kinabalu Bus Terminal in Inanam. Once in Kota Belud you would have to take a speedboat from Usukan Jetty, which can take up to another hour to get to Pulau Mantanani.
For your next fishing trip please don't forget to consider Pulau Mantanani to be your next fishing destination. I know you will like it there.
