Diving at Mantanani Island

Diving at Mantanani Island

Diving at Mantanani Island, Sabah, is one of the must-visit dive sites here if you love muck diving or want to see macro life underwater. Pulau Mantanani is located just off the west coast of Kudat Town and is approximately a three-hour journey from Kota Kinabalu.

Known for its excellent visibility, this island has only three resorts, all of which offer basic accommodations. During my trip to the island in April 2012, I stayed at the Bemberan Beach Resort, located on Mantanani Besar (Big Island).

Getting to Mantanani Island is quite simple and easy, and if you book through a dive operator, they will pick you up from the Kota Kinabalu Airport and send you directly to the main jetty. At the Bembaran jetty, you will complete most of your diving gear like fins, BCD, and whatever else is needed for your dive trip.

Mantanani Island Photo.

The beach at Mantanani Island

Mantanani Dive Lodge

Bemberan Beach Resort or Dive Lodge is a stand-alone resort with no other resorts located along the private beach here called Dugong Beach. The reason for this is that, at one time, many Dugongs or Sea Cows (Ubian in the local language) used to frequent this beach, but they are no longer there.

The last sighting of Dugongs at Mantanani was in 2010, so you will be fortunate if you chance upon them. It is a simple yet comfortable place for most divers, with several basic facilities available.

There is a huge 42″ LCD TV hooked up to the local satellite TV in the main restaurant area. Games like darts and caroms are also available, while there is a possible WiFi connection available. During my last visit, the WiFi system was still under construction. For emergencies, they have a satellite phone in the office.

Bembaran Beach Resort lobby

The food here is presentable and served buffet-style for all meals. They usually have about four to five courses for the main meals, accompanied by orange juice, water, and coffee or tea, all of which are included in your trip.

For those who prefer stronger liquids, you are advised to bring your own. Ice is readily available, but please let them know in advance if you require a large quantity. For smokers, please bring enough supplies.

Rooms at Bembaran Beach Resort

They offer two types of accommodation: chalet units and longhouse units. There are five stand-alone chalets with air conditioning, attached bathrooms, and hot water, while one longhouse unit features six rooms and the same facilities.

Electricity here is also generated; therefore, it runs from 6:00 pm to 7:00 am. The chalets are also well-spaced, thus providing you with the necessary privacy. Each of the units here is also twin sharing, and a triple can be arranged.

Tip: For the hungry diver, be sure to stock up on plenty of extra food when you arrive, as there is nothing to eat after dinner. It is highly recommended to bring your own snacks, junk food, or even power bars, which can be purchased from the mainland before arriving here.

Scuba Diving at Mantanani Island

As everyone comes here mainly for scuba diving, the resort has its own air compressor and mini dive centre. However, you are advised to bring spare equipment as they do not sell anything here. Rental equipment is available on request.

Overall, there are about 14 dive sites at Mantanani Island, but only 4-5 sites are well known for the muck diving here. You should consult the local divemaster if you are planning on seeing certain nudis there.

Underwater photographers, note that you may have to bring extra batteries for your flash and that the electricity only goes on from evenings till mornings so don’t forget to charge your stuff in the evenings.

You will also have a field day here doing underwater photography as there is not much disturbance at most of the dive sites here.

Finally, if you plan to come with a large group of 12 to 15 people, you will likely have the Bembaran Beach Resort fully booked, as they can accommodate up to that number of guests.

Any more, you would have to pitch tents or share rooms quadruply. On the bright side, imagine having the resort all to yourself and your group! Now that is awesome.

Mantanani island dive sites map.

Diving at Mantanani Island – The Good:

• Peaceful surroundings on the island
• Beautiful sunsets
• Lovely beach
• Muck diving at its best, lots of nudis.
• Clear visibility
• Open Water-ready

Diving at Mantanani Island – The Bad:

• Isolated, no shops or restaurants nearby
• Very Poor Phone Connection, which means bad internet
• Bring insect repellent
• Diving – Hard to see large marine fish