About the Island
Mantanani Islands 美人鱼岛 is a group of three isolated islands located northwest of Kota Belud, about an hour's drive from the state capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu. These islands are approximately 60 minutes boat-ride by speedboat from the mainland (depends on sea condition). The islands boast of crystal clear blue waters filled with a myriad of marine life and white sandy beaches fringed by coconut palm trees making it an excellent destination for snorkeling, scuba diving or island hopping. One of the main reasons that Mantanani Islands is popular for local and tourists alike is because of its picturesque scenery, cool breezes and serene environment.
About the Resort
Mari Mari Backpackers Lodge is located at Pulau Mantanani Besar. There are two types of accommodation here. The first is the charming "Sulap"-style (Hut or Cabin) huts which are made of very simple wooden village type house built on stilts and have teak wood floors. Below each "Sulap" is a deck area furnished with hammock between the stilts. There is a staircase to climb around 2 meters high to go to the room. Guests are provided with mattress on the floor, blanket and a pillow each. Each "Sulap" is equipped with lighting and socket points, and wall fan. For all Twin-Share Rooms, it comes with attached bathroom and hot water shower is available during the island's regular electricity supply time, i.e. 1800hrs to 0600hrs.
The second is dormitory type of accommodation. For Dormitory-Style Rooms (max. 8 persons in a room), guests are housed in Mari Mari Mantanani’s dormitory wing known as Sayang Sayang Hostel. Sayang Sayang Hostel is on the same beach with Mari Mari Backpackers Lodge, separated only by a narrow strip of land. The hostel provides guests with clean and no frill accommodation with basic facilities. This hostel offers four 8 beds mix dormitory rooms with common bathrooms (male and female segregated). Each room is equipped with lighting and socket points, and a ceiling fan. Hot water shower is available during the island’s regular electricity supply time, i.e. 1800hrs to 0600hrs. Guests are provided with bed, blanket and a pillow each.
The surroundings of the island are covered with a stretch of beach. Guests may enjoy walking along the beach but note that Island electricity supply is only available from 1800hrs to 0600hrs daily. Electricity supply voltage is 240v, 50-cycle system. Shopping options is almost non-existent. Mobile phone reception is not available on the island. The Lodge is nevertheless connected to the outside world by telephone and internet through satellite link (Calls are chargeable). Wi-Fi internet connection is available for rental when electricity supply is on.
How to Get Here
Journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes drive from KK city. Transfer to Mantanani Island by speedboat. Boat ride takes approximately 1 hour.
Check-in time: 1030 HRS
Check-out time: 0930 HRS
ACCOMMODATION
Dormitory-Style Room:
Sayang Sayang Hostel
- Maximum of 6 persons in a room
- Dormitory Bed with Blanket and Pillow
- Room is equipped with lighting, socket points and a ceiling fan
- Common bathrooms with Hot Water Shower (1800hrs to 0600hrs)
Twin-Share Room / Triple-Share Room / Single Occupancy Room:
Mari Mari Backpackers "Sulap"-Style Huts
- Mattress on the Floor with Blanket and Pillow
- Sulap is equipped with lighting, socket points and a wall fan
- Attached Bathroom with Hot Water Shower (1800hrs to 0600hrs)
MEALS
- Mari Mari Cafe
- Meals (not provided) are available for purchase at the Mari Mari Cafeteria.
Opening hours as below:
- Breakfast (0700hrs - 1000hrs)
- Lunch (1100hrs - 1400hrs)
- Snacks (1600hrs - 1700hrs)
- Dinner (1800hrs - 2000hrs)
Manta Shop
- Snacks, beverages and some basic items are available for purchase at Manta Shop.
ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE IN THE RESORT
(Subject to sea & weather conditions)
- Boat Snorkeling
- Night Snorkeling
- Scuba Diving
- Open Water Course (Recommended for 4days/3nights stay)
- Advance Open Water Course (Recommended for 3days/2nights stay)
- Night Dive
- Sunset Dive
- Sunrise Dive
- Sea Kayak (Single)
- Sea Kayak (Double)