Sent Martin's Island is a small island in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar -
Teknaf peninsula, and forming the southernmost part of Bangladesh. There is a small adjoining island that is separated at high tide, called Chera Dwip.
It is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) west of the northwest coast of
Myanmar, at the mouth of the Naf River.
Native name:
Narikel jinjira (Bengali)
Daruchini Dwip (Bengali)
Location: St. Martin's Island
Bay of Bengal,
Bangladesh.
Area: 8 km (3.1 sq mi)
Length: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Width: 0.5 km (0.31 mi)
Foundation: Concrete base
Height: 35 metres (115 ft)
Focal height: 39 metres (128 ft)
Range: 20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi)
The first settlement started 250 years ago by Arabian sailors who named the island 'Jazeera'. During British occupation the island was named St. Martin Island. During the First Anglo-Burmese War between the British and Burmese empires in 1824–1826, rival claims to the island were a major factor.
The local names of the island are "Narikel jinjira" which means 'Coconut Island' in Bengali , and "Daruchini Dwip" which means "Cinnamon island"
in Bengali .
It is the only coral island in Bangladesh. It is also the southernmost part among Extreme Points of Bangladesh.
Most of the island's approximately 3,700 inhabitants live primarily from fishing. The other staple crops are rice and coconut. Being very common on the island, algae are collected, dried, and exported to Myanmar.
The only way to reach St. Martin's Island is by water transportation: boats and ships (mostly for tourists) from Teknaf. The only internal transport for island is non motorized van (pulled by man.) The roads are made of concrete, and their condition are decent.
From 1989 to 2004, non-residential Bangladeshis and foreigners were the only people permitted on the island; however, this has changed and now residential Bangladeshis are allowed. St. Martin's Island has become a popular tourist spot.
Five shipping liners run daily trips to the island, including Shahid Sher Niabat, L C T Kutubdia, Eagle, Keari Cruise & Dine, and Keari-Sindbad. Tourists can book their trip either from Chittagong or from Cox's Bazar .
The surrounding coral reef has an extension named Chera Dwip.
A small bush is there, which is the only green part, enhancing the beauty of this island.
In the past five years St. Martin's visitor population has increased dramatically. While this situation has proven to be lucrative for the islanders, it is causing the natural beauty to deteriorate.
Presently there are many efforts being put forth to preserve the several endangered species of turtles that nest on the island, as well as the corals, some of which are found only on Narikel Jinjira. Pieces of the coral reef are being removed to be sold to tourists.