KOTA BELUD : The Sutera@Mantanani Resort and Spa is inviting guests to enjoy the wonders of the various dive-sites around the island
To local scuba diving enthusiasts in Sabah, Kota Belud is a well-known fan favourite as an exciting dive destination, blessed with several numerous scenic islands with fantastic dive sites. This is especially true for Mantanani Island — an island that was once renowned as one of the few places in Sabah to spot the dugong, otherwise known as the manatee or sea cow.
Today, Mantanani Island boasts some of the better coral reef health, with nearly 40 per cent of the island being dominated by live coral cover — which mainly consists of hard coral (according to the 2021 Reef Check Malaysia annual survey report). Mantanani, which is home to a small Bajau Ubian fishermen community population, used to face major fish bombing threats in the previous years.
Nonetheless, with the reopening of the international borders and steadily growing opportunities in the ecotourism industry, Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort & Spa is hoping to create job opportunities for the local community from the neighbouring villages, especially the youths who would otherwise emigrate to the city.
“The reopening of the international borders will not only revive the state economy and tourism industry that the pandemic has since weakened, but also provide a new career path and upskilling opportunity for local youths from the neighbouring villages,” says Mr Ho Wei Chan, Executive Assistant Manager at The Magellan Sutera Resort/Sutera@Mantanani.
Realising Mantanani’s great potential as a travel destination, Sutera@Mantanani has also teamed up with Travel Box Sabah, the owner of DiverCity@Travel Box, which is the dive centre that operates on Sutera at Mantanani Resort, to promote Mantanani Island as a dive destination further.
“Although Mantanani is well-known amongst the active diving community, surprisingly, very few locals are familiar with Mantanani as a diving destination,” says Mr Bonny Wong, Operational Manager at Travel Box.
“People are generally more familiar with Sipadan and Semporna but not Mantanani,” Wong adds.
By promoting Mantanani Island as a dive destination, Travel Box hopes to attract young Bajau Ubian youths who may be interested in becoming divemasters.
“Fish bombing is usually done out of ignorance and lack of awareness of the importance of preserving our coral reef. Our dive masters are well-educated on the importance of sustainable fishing and preserving the coral reef,” says Mr Dean Lee, divemaster and Operational Manager at Travel Box.
“Once you’ve gotten to know the ocean better and it becomes your source of livelihood, you will take great pride in preserving it. Hopefully, this awareness will catch on within the fishing community, slowly but surely,” Lee adds.
Mantanani Island boasts 19 dive sites, including three nearby dive wrecks dating from World War II. Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort & Spa is located on Mantanani Besar Island About 90 minutes drive away from Kota Kinabalu City via Rampayan Jetty, Kota Belud (80 kilometres). From Rampayan Jetty, it will take another 30-40 minutes boat ride to reach the resort.
Suitable for divers of all experience levels, Mantanani Island dive sites have recorded sightings of blacktip sharks, juvenile sea turtles, and even macro sea critters, such as seahorses, imperial shrimps, blue-ringed octopus and nudibranchs.
Sutera@Mantanani also offers relaxing Balinese massage and exclusive spa packages at Bali Bali Massage & Therapy to cater to tired and sun-soaked divers. For more info on current promotions, visit Sutera@Mantanani’s website at www.suteraatmantanani.com.
About Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort & Spa
Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort & Spa is a Resort located on Mantanani Island which is famous for its diving and snorkelling sites due to its unique marine life. The Resort is owned by Singapore-listed GSH Corporation and is managed by the same team behind our award-winning Sutera Harbour Resort.
A trip to this relaxing and comfortable Resort is an invaluable vacation with the stunning beauty and serenity of the sea. Also known as the Maldives of Borneo, Sutera@Mantanani awaits your arrival on pearly white sands, swaying palm trees and excellent hospitality.
The journey to the beautiful Resort starts with a 90 -minute drive from the lobby of The Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu to Rampayan Jetty, Kota Belud, followed by a 30 -minute boat ride from the jetty to Mantanani Besar.
Mantanani Islands, sometimes called Mermaid Islands due to the presence of the mermaid-like creatures “Dugong” (sea cows) roaming the waters of Borneo, is also known as fishermen’s village. Fresh fish, shrimps, lobsters, abalone, and sea crabs are abundant and even sea urchins are available if you’re lucky enough to get them.
The Resort boasts 70 units of comfortable accommodation comprising Deluxe rooms, Chalet Sea view, Premium Chalets and 2 bedroom villas. All units offer cosy and relaxing stay and top of the line amenities.
Located right on the beachfront, Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort & Spa’s restaurant offers an impressive array of fresh seafood such as prawns, squids and fish – certainly scrumptious seafood galore for you to indulge!
From island trekking and sunset cruise to fishing or exploring the beach, you can do a whole lot of activities on the island. Also among the activities, you should experience are diving, snorkelling, kayaking, campfire, and a romantic sunrise stroll along the beach. Mantanani is also a scuba divers paradise with underwater visibility of up to 40 metres, over 16 different dive locations, and loads of marine life to see.
Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort & Spa offers many island activities to complement your perfect vacation, such as adrenaline-inducing ATV rides. This fun, exciting, and great alternative to traditional outdoor recreation is perfect for families and couples alike. Other land activities include beach volleyball, beach soccer and indoor games such as mah-jong and chess.-pr/BNN
