SAINT MARTINS THE ISLAND OF BEAUTY
The marine life around the island is unique and very diverse, and at present, the most protected inhabitants of the island, are the sea turtles that swim up onto the western coast of the island, to nest. This part of the island is not very populated and domesticated animals and human egg hunters do not pose a problem to them. In previous years, the adult turtles were also targeted, but authorities soon took note of the falling numbers and have gone to great lengths to establish safe and secure beaches for the female turtles. So far, olive ridley turtles and green turtles have successfully been recorded, but the rare nests of the leatherback and hawksbills turtles are a cause of concern.
St. Martins Island is the most beautiful Coral Island where you will find live corals. Its only 30 km from Teknaf and you can go there by local motorboat, tourist boats, or sea truck.This small coral island about 10km (6mi) southwest of the southern tip of the mainland is a tropical clinch, with beaches fringed with coconut palms and bountiful marine life.
There is nothing more strenuous to do here than soak up the rays, but it is a clean and peaceful place without even a mosquito to disrupt your serenity. It is possible to walk around the island in a day because it measures only 8 sq km (3 sq mi), shrinking to about 5 sq km (2 sq mi) during high tide. Most of island's 5500 inhabitants live primarily from fishing, and between October and April fisher people from neighboring areas bring their catch to the island's temporary wholesale market. In this Island, you will find the beautiful Coral reef and long Coral beach and lots of coconut trees. The local name of the coconut is Narikel and the original name of this Island is Narikel Jinjira is derived from that.
St. Martin's Island has become a popular tourist spot. Currently, three shipping liners run daily trips to the island, including Sea-Truck and Keary-Sindbad. Tourists can book their trip either from Chittagong or from Cox's Bazar. The surrounding coral reef of the island has an extension named Chera Dwip.
In the past 5 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 of the island 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 Jinjera. Pieces of the coral reef are being removed in order to be sold to tourists.[1] Nesting turtles are sometimes taken for food, and their hatchlings are often distracted by the twinkling lights along the beach. Species of fish, a few just recently discovered, are being overfished. Every year the fishermen must venture further out to sea to get their catch. Most of them use motorless boats.
In the past 5 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 of the island 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 Jinjera. Pieces of the coral reef are being removed in order to be sold to tourists.[1] Nesting turtles are sometimes taken for food, and their hatchlings are often distracted by the twinkling lights along the beach. Species of fish, a few just recently discovered, are being overfished. Every year the fishermen must venture further out to sea to get their catch. Most of them use motorless boats.
The marine life around the island is unique and very diverse, and at present, the most protected inhabitants of the island, are the sea turtles that swim up onto the western coast of the island, to nest. This part of the island is not very populated and domesticated animals and human egg hunters do not pose a problem to them. In previous years, the adult turtles were also targeted, but authorities soon took note of the falling numbers and have gone to great lengths to establish safe and secure beaches for the female turtles. So far, olive ridley turtles and green turtles have successfully been recorded, but the rare nests of the leatherback and hawksbills turtles are a cause of concern.
Accommodation in St. Martins Island is limited, so it is advisable to book accommodation before you plan to go to this Island. Motel Nijhum is one of the best hotels in St. Martins Island. To book in Motel Nijhum, confirm you reservation from Dhaka. You will hardly get a chance to stay in this hotel if you are a sudden visitor of St. Martins Island. The other good hotels are Prashad Paradise & Sraboni Bilash.Booking of these hotels are also possible from Dhaka. All these three hotels are situated adjacent to Seashore. From these hotels lobby or veranda, you can enjoy the Sea. There are some other motels and hotels established in St. Martins Island. Overnight staying in St. Martins Island is really an exotic feeling where you will feel and listen the sound of Sea. If you are lucky enough then you can spend the exotic moonlit night at St. Martins Island. The beauty of Full moon in St. Martins Island cannot be expressed, if you are not there at that time.
Cheera-dwip is a part of St. Martins Island but divided during tides. You can go to Cheera-dwip by walking. About two and a half hours walk from St. Martins Island or you can go there also by local motorboat or tourist boat. In that Island you will find the Corals - living and dead all over the Island. A small bush is there which in the only green part of Cheera-dwip, enhancing the beauty of this island. People do not live in this Island, so advisable for the tourists to go there early and come back by afternoon.
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