Intro
PULAU MANTANANI
Mantanani’s reputation as a dive destination is growing as fast as its tourist arrivals. Located not far from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, it consists of three small islands. Little is known about it. But this is your chance to discover diving at its evolutionary best.
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For novice divers, Mantanani offers pristine waters teeming with coral reefs and a cornucopia of fish life.
A good place to start is Ribbon Reef. On the descend, you will be greeted by the sight of ribbon eels, nudibranchs, lionfish and even marbled stingrays.
Pehen Rock offers unusual topography and plenty of bottomdwellers. Clam Garden too, features just that. Excitingly large giant clams congregate here, amid a school of batfish and occasionally, green turtles.
For the more experienced divers, some wreck diving is called for. Three Japanese World War Two ships lie halfway between Mantanani and the mainland. Their coral-encrusted hulls attract a variety of schooling fish and also large stingrays
A resort with charming bungalows lies on Pulau Mantanani for those interested in overnight stays. It is only a one-hour boat ride from Kota Belud, which is an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu. Day trips to this beautiful, untouched island are possible.
