The small island of Saint Martin is an undiscovered gem in the Bay of Bengal between Bangladesh and India. This island has recently become a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the beauty of nature and local culture and history.
The diverse landscape makes it an ideal spot for exploring. Tourists can engage in underwater activities, relax on pristine beaches and explore the rainforest which is teeming with wildlife.
What Makes Saint Martins Island Special?
Saint Martins Island is a small coral island located in the North Bay of Bangladesh’s Bay of Bengal. The island is located 9 km south of the tip of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula and forms the southernmost part of Bangladesh.
What makes it so special? It may be remote, but it’s home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders.
The history of St. Martin Island is unique to its location – it was formed due to sedimentation from the mouths of rivers in Bangladesh. It only became visible above sea level around 300 years ago.
Here are just a few things that make Saint Martins Island stand out from other beach destinations around the world.
The Sandy Beaches and Blue Waters.
With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, Saint Martins Island is an ideal destination for sunbathing and swimming in nature’s calming embrace.
The shallow water near the shoreline makes it easy to explore the underwater life without having to go too deep into unknown waters.
Even better, if you go during low tide you can walk across parts of the sea bed and observe how marine life interacts in their natural habitat.
The History of the Island.
The Teknaf peninsula used to extend onto the island millennia ago, but later some of this peninsula became submerged, leaving the southernmost half of the peninsula as an island that was cut off from the Bangladeshi mainland.
Arabian traders who dubbed the island “Jazira” established the first village on the island 250 years ago, in the 18th century. The island was given the name St. Martin Island during the British rule in honor of Mr. Martin, the Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong at the time.
The island is known locally as “Narikel jinjira” (Coconut Island) and “Daruchini Dwip” (Cinnamon Island). It houses Bangladesh’s only known coral island.
Pirate Hideout.
Often called the “pearl of the Bay of Bengal”, St. Martin’s has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century.
Pirates had a significant presence here, with locals living under their tyrannical rule until eventually they were pushed out in 1784 by troops from the French government.
This island then became part of British India until 1947 when it was included in East Pakistan and later Bangladesh.
Activities: Boating, Hiking, and Swimming.
St. Martin Island, located in Bangladesh, is the perfect getaway for an outdoor enthusiast. The island offers a variety of activities to keep its visitors occupied, such as boating, hiking, and swimming.
Boating is ideal for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the surrounding sea while admiring some of the local wildlife. Hiking trails are available that take you through dense tropical forests and provide stunning views of the island’s beaches and coral reefs with varying degrees of difficulty.
Swimming is also popular on St. Martin Island due to its crystal clear waters and picturesque white sand beaches, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling or simply taking a dip in the ocean.
With these three activities on St. Martin Island, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy all this beautiful place has to offer!
The Wildlife.
The area surrounding Saint Martins Island is rich in wildlife due its proximity to two important ecosystems – The Bay Of Bengal and The Naf River Delta Wetlands.
Not only will you find common species like monkeys, birds, reptiles and mammals on the land, but also many rare marine species like dolphins, dugongs (manatees), turtles and even whales if you’re lucky.
A trip here offers amazing opportunities to see these creatures up close as they go about their daily lives in their own habitats.
Accommodation
St. Martin Island has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. With a wide array of accommodation options available for visitors, it is no surprise why holidaymakers flock to the island.
Hotels are standard accommodation on St. Martin Island and offer a range of facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants, and spas – perfect for those who want a relaxing staycation.
Holidaymakers can also choose to stay in one of the many luxurious villas found here; these villas are ideal for family getaways or groups who wish to rent out the entire place together.
All villas have private balconies overlooking the sea and top-notch amenities such as kitchenette facilities, concierge services, and even private pools.
Cuisine.
The cuisine of St. Martin Island consists mainly of fish, rice, vegetables, and fruits grown locally on the island. The most popular fish dishes are dried fish curry, fried hilsa (a type of herring), and smoked rohu (a carp).
Other local delicacies include steamed crabs with vegetables or coconut milk-based curries cooked with mustard paste or belacan (shrimp paste).
Conclusion.
St. Martin Island, located off the coast of Bangladesh, is a beautiful gem known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters.
The island has a rich cultural heritage and is home to some of the world’s most exotic wildlife.
St. Martin Island remains an integral part of Bangladesh’s economy and culture. The island provides an idyllic setting for tourists looking to escape from their busy lives and relax in paradise.
For those looking to explore nature, there are plenty of opportunities to hike through lush jungles or kayak along pristine coastlines.
With its picturesque scenery and vibrant culture, St. Martin Island has become a much sought-after destination for travelers worldwide who seek out its unique beauty and diverse local communities full of life and tradition.
