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Island in Bangladesh
Photo: Cacahuate, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Saint Martins Island is in the Chittagong Division of Bangladesh and lies about 10 km southwest of the southern tip of the mainland.
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Rocky Beach Area
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.
This is the only dive operation in the country, 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 budget 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).
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 nautical 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.
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.
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.
Eco Resort in St. Martin Island
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 barbecue, besides regular meals.
St. Martin's only Eco Resort
Probably the best view of the island and Cheradwip's can be gotten here. The resort is on 24 acres of land, based on an eco-friendly concept. Ten tent rooms with proper sanitation and solar power make it unique. An in-house restaurant to barbecue 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, the resort has a sweet water lake inside the premises where you can see millions of migratory birds.
This cottage is owned by the famous Bangladeshi writer, Dr. Humaun Ahmed. It has 6 rooms, which are well decorated.
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 barbecue 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.
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..
This is relatively a budget hotel with cottage outlook. This is near the western beach so rooms have beach views. It has a separate barbecue area and provides breakfast/lunch/dinner. They also receive booking 1/2 day before check-in over mobile call. Dhaka Office: Apartment-3A, House-120, Road-01, Block-F, Banani, Dhaka.
They have the facility like family package, meeting, honeymoon package, group program, conference, picnic, seminar, cultural program. Room fare is mid-level and affordable. Easy to book in off-season but it's quite hard to book in peak season. It's not only for this resort but also for other hotels also. Dhaka office: 55/B, Purana Paltan, Noakhali Tower (E-10th floor), Dhaka-1000.
এল মারেনা ইকো রিসোর্ট
Small eco-resort near Chera Dip at the quiet southern end of the island, away from the jetty. Two-storey wooden duplex cottages on stilts sleep up to 4, with an attached bathroom, balcony, hammock, lookout tower and complimentary breakfast (৳4,000–৳8,000 per cottage). Simple single cottages for 2 (৳2,000–৳4,000) and tents for 2 near the beach (৳1,000–৳2,000) share a bathroom. Prices are lowest from Sunday to Thursday. A drink, mineral water and 24-hour room service are free. There is an open-air seafood restaurant, a barbecue spot with evening bonfires, a football ground, a children's playground and solar panels on site. Bookings by WhatsApp or phone; they can also book ship tickets.
By plane
By plane you have to reach firstly in Cox's Bazar from Dhaka/Chittagong (inter-country) by Biman Bangladesh Airlines or with private airlines like Rigent Airlines, United Airlines, and US Bangla…
By cruise ship
Luxury cruise ship “MV Bay One” sails from Chittagong to St. Martin's Island.
After arriving at the ferry terminal, you will walk through a strip of basic restaurants and shops, and hit a T-intersection.
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