| Mantanani
Island
Mantanani is a group of three isolated islands northwest of Kota
Belud, a one hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. Until recently, the
islands were only known to a few locals. The largest island houses
the only dive resort, Mantanani Resort which is situated at the
western end on the edge of a white sandy bay. Nestled amongst the
tall coconut palms are beach cabins scattered around the main plantation
styled house.
Three wrecks have been discovered which still hold plenty of secrets
and are now home to a menagerie of marine creatures such as Lionfish,
Scorpionfish, octopus, glassfish and the coral reefs surrounding
the islands have plenty to offer, both the novice and experienced
diver. Many species of rays can be found, Marbled stingray, Blue
spotted ray and large schools of eagle rays.
For macro photographers the “muck diving” is amazing, seahorses,
imperial shrimps, pink-eye gobies, jawfish, blue-ringed octopus,
ribbon eels and many nudibranchs you want be able to find in the
books! There are now 16 dive sites identified by Mantanani Resort
with many more still to be explored.
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