| Malaysia » Sabah » Mantanani | | Last updated : 05-Dec-2006 | 
Mantanani is a group of 3 isolated islands northwest of Kota Belud, or about an hour's drive from the state capital of Kota Kinabalu. Although only approximately an hour's boat ride by speedboat from the mainland, the islands are a reminder of an earlier and simpler place and time. Time slows down here amidst the crystal clear blue waters lapping on white sandy beaches.
Mantanani Resort lies at the edge of a white sandy bay at the western end of the largest island. Nestled amidst the tall coconut palms, are scattered beach cabins surrounding the main plantation styled house. These large and comfortable cabins come with attached bathrooms and air conditioning. The relaxing atmosphere makes this resort one of the best places to come to relax and get away (even for a little while) from the drumbeat of urban life. Afterall, there's only one resort here in these 3 islands, not the other way around.
The Mantanani resort is a pleasantly modest affair, with a collection of clean and basic air conditioned en suite bungalows grouped around a central dining area. The location is difficult to fault - It’s literally a five second walk into the sea from your front door. The dive store is about 10 seconds walk away. There are plans currently afoot for Mantanani’s resort to get a makeover with some additional landscaping and a seafront bar, designed to help the buildings blend further into the surrounding jungle and to add some more touches of luxury.
We only did one dive here and I wish it had been more - the viz was spectacular, at least 25 metres and the water was transparent - just sinking down to the reef in such perfect conditions was an experience, seeing the different hues of blue lit up by the sun above us. Our leisurely tour along the Naoko Paradise reef revealed an abundance of fish life, including sting rays, numerous different species of puffa fish and, my own personal favourite, a cuttlefish, who seemed quite content to let us hover nearby and watch him cycle through his kaliedoscopic collection of colours. With the conditions so calm and visibility so good, Mantanani seems a great destination for underwater photographers to get some worthwhile snaps without having to be an aquatic David Bailey.
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