Mantanani Islands

The Mantanani Islands are a group of three small islands — Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kecil and Lungisan — located in the South China Sea off the northwest coast of Sabah, about 40 km northwest of Kota Belud town. Known for clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and coral reefs, the islands are a popular day-trip and overnight destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, including muck diving and dugong sightings, with several beach resorts on Mantanani Besar.

Visitors can expect a remote tropical island setting with white sandy beaches, clear shallow waters and fringing coral reefs around Mantanani Besar, the only inhabited island with resorts and a Bajau Ubian fishing village. Mantanani Kecil and Lungisan are uninhabited and visited by boat for snorkeling and diving. Facilities are basic resort-style with dive centres, restaurants and jetties. Activities centre on beach relaxation, snorkeling, scuba and muck diving, kayaking and boat-based island hopping. Access is only by speedboat from the mainland jetties.

Traditionally used as fishing grounds by the Bajau Ubian community; Mantanani Besar has long supported a small fishing settlement before recent tourism and marine conservation development.

Home to the Bajau Ubian community whose traditional fishing culture and village life remain on Mantanani Besar, contributing to the islands' local heritage and hospitality.