Saint 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 kilometers west of the northwest coast of Myanmar, at the mouth of the Naf River.
Figure : Saint Martin Island Banglasedh; Image : Wikipedia
Naf river is an international river marking the border of southeastern Bangladesh and western Myanmar. Some Arab crew discovered it 250 years ago. They named it "Jazira". During the British rule, it was renamed "St. Martinin" Island. The island's local name is Narikel Zinzira. It takes about 12 hours to reach Saint Martin from Dhaka.
Figure : A side view of Saint Martin Island Banglasedh; Image : Tour Group BD
Residents of this island initially took fishing as a livelihood. The main crops of the people are rice and coconut. The only way to travel on this island is the waterways. The St. Martin Island has become a popular tourist spot. In the last 5 years, St. Martin's visitor has increased dramatically. That is why it is proving profitable for the people here. Major activities are being taken to preserve marine coral and turtle here.
Figure : Tourist are going to Saint Martin Island by Boat. Image : Neel Diganta Resort
How to go to Saint Martin Island?
To go to Saint Martin from anywhere in Bangladesh, you must first go to Cox's Bazar. Everyday, many buses left Dhaka for Cox's Bazar. You can go to Cox's Bazar by these bus. The bus will cost AC $8-$10 and non-AC $4-$5. Then have to go to Teknaf by Bus or Car. Finally you will get many C-trucks, Ships or Trawlers in Teknaf to go to Saint Martin Island.
Figure : Look unclear view of Myanmar mountain ranges far away from St. Martin. Image : Wikipedia
Where you will Get Food??
Those who want to go to Sanit Martin for a short time, or want to return before the evening, they must come back to returning ships before 3 PM. It is enough for three hours to see the small island area roaming around. However, those who want to go to the Chera Dwip should have a lot of time. There are several hotels and restaurants here for tourists' food. Some of them are Kearny Marjan Restaurant, Beach Point, Hotel Allar Dan, Market Beach. Apart from Assam Hotel, Sea Beach, St. Martin's, Comilla Restaurant, Real Restaurant, Haji Selim Park, St. Martin's Tourist Park, Hotel Sadek etc. are notable.
Figure : View of Sunset from Saint Martin Island. Image : Wikipedia
Night Stay
There are some great hotels and cottages available to stay in St. Martin. Every night there can be stay at least 500 tourists in 16 hotels and several cottages. Many homes also have accommodation for tourists. The rent will be $4-$30 for each night. In the winter season, the owners of hotel and cottage take some extra for rent.
Figure : Coconut Trees at Saint Martins Island. Image : Wikipedia
Now Know Some Hotel-Motel's Name and Address
Simana Periye : There are 4 accommodation in each room of 10 rooms. Rent $10-$12 for each room. Food $1-$2.
Prince Heaven : Total Room 18, Double Room Rent $10-$12 for 4 people can living together. Single room for two person $5-$7.
Blue-Marine Resort :18 Double Bedrooms with 34 Guest Rooms. Triple bedroom 13 and 2 cottage. Rent for Double Bedroom $13-$15. Triple Bedroom $18, 6 Bed $20 and 5 Bed Cottage $30.
Somodro Bilash : (Writer Humayun Ahmed's House): In this home have total 4 rooms, every room is worth $8- $12.
Figure : The fishermen on the island of St. Martin are building boats. Image : Wikipedia
There are also more have 'Beach Camps; Hotel Sagar Par and Riyadh Guest House. There are hotels, Shopno Probal, Srabon Bilash etc. There have hotel named 'Marine Parks' in government management. Residential facilities are available in almost every home in the tour season. It is possible to talk directly to these houses for rent.
