Bangladesh is a country of natural beauty. The colors and winds change with every corner of the land. There are many popular tourist spots in Bangladesh, but Saint Martin’s Island is the most popular and enchanting of them all. In this article, I will share how you can visit Saint Martin’s Island, where to stay, what to eat, and other related aspects. Without further ado, let’s dive into the article.
Journey
Saint Martin’s is a coral island that is very susceptible to natural pollution and disasters, yet it is an amazingly beautiful place in Bangladesh. The journey to Saint Martin’s Island is not easy. If you are a foreigner, you first have to reach Cox’s Bazar. You can get there by air or bus. There are many available buses (both AC and non-AC) to Cox’s Bazar from Dhaka and Chattogram. From Dhaka, it takes around 8 hours to reach Cox’s Bazar, and from Chattogram, it takes about 4 hours.
The journey to Saint Martin’s from Cox’s Bazar is a bit hectic. So, I prefer to come to Cox’s Bazar the day before and stay overnight, then start for Saint Martin’s the next day. There are two ways to reach Saint Martin’s Island. The first is by launch (ship) that starts from Cox’s Bazar. The departure time of the launches depends on the tides. The second option is to go to Teknaf or Shahpuri Dip from Cox’s Bazar and then take a boat to Saint Martin’s. The second option is more economical but time-consuming.
The government of Bangladesh has decided to keep Saint Martin’s open to tourists only from October to February, considering the island’s biodiversity. So, if you plan to visit, you need to schedule your trip accordingly.
Upon reaching Saint Martin’s, you will find Coast Guard, Navy, and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel ensuring your safety. If you face any security issues, do not hesitate to inform them.
Food To Enjoy
Now, let’s talk about food. Saint Martin’s is ready to offer a huge variety of seafood during the tourist season. Don’t forget to try them all. My favorite is BBQ coral fish. You will also find many other fish, squid, octopus, and other seafood to try. You can also buy some dry fish for your family while returning. Saint Martin’s Island is also popular for its large coconuts. Due to the sandy soil, the coconuts grown here are big enough to quench your thirst.
accomodation
Regarding accommodation, there are many hotels where you can stay overnight. The price of hotels varies depending on quality and location. The Coast Guard also has resorts that you can book. Generally, sea-facing rooms in resorts are more expensive.
Entertainment
Along with enjoying the views, there are many things to do for entertainment. You can go scuba diving, hire a boat for fishing, or even rent a bicycle. You may also visit the house of the famous Bengali writer Humayun Ahmed, among other attractions
SAFETY
During the whole journey, be mindful of safety, especially while traveling by boat or launch. The sea is often rough, and you may experience seasickness. Always carry a life jacket during any boat or launch journey.
Come and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of Saint Martin’s Island. Happy travels!
