Monday, November 28, 2011

The Saint Martin's Island


To travel, learn and make fun, Saint Martin’s can be an ideal destination in the holidays. The 8 km2 island is the only coral island of Bangladesh which is situated at the south-east end of Bangladesh and north-east part of Bay of Bengal. It is about 9 km away towards the Bay of Bengal from the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula. It is about 8 km west of the northwest coast of Myanmar at the end of the Naf River. It’s another name is “Jarikel (coconut) Jinjira”. The name appears because of surrounding huge coconut trees. “Chera Dwip” (isolated island) is the extension of Saint Martin’s island which becomes separated during the medium to high tide and is the furthest point of Bangladesh in the south.

Tourists have to depart from bus in Cox’s Bazar (have the longest beach of the world) before riding another bus or minibus for Teknaf. From there, ferries are available in the morning for Saint Martin and take around 3 hours to reach. Now a days, some buses go directly to Teknaf from the capital city Dhaka.

There are a number of private hotels, rest houses and cottages in the Saint Martin. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation also has a cottage named “Obokash” there. The room/suit rent is quite reasonable starting form Tk.1000.00 (about $13). You can choose different types of fishes for your meal in the restaurants. The island is quite secured for tourists to stroll day and night. The sea water is very clear but has a danger of tear due to coral beneath the water. If anyone go there for the first time, he/she will not want to leave the island and must promise to travel there again.

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