Saint Martin – Lets Dive into the Blues & Get Lost

Well its been a while since my last blog, apologies for the delay. But the wait would be worth it. its none other than Saint Martin island this time. Also known as Daruchini Dwip. Which is discovered at the boarder line of Bangladesh, and going there takes a quite bit of energy so juice yourself up. Have you ever been conflicted over mountains and oceans, which attracted you more, then welcome to the squad. But no matter what it’s an amazing piece of heaven in the middle of Bay of Bengal. Note one thing, if you feel sea sick easily then you might want to reconsider this, but hey as always, no fun in easy. So, lets dive in. 

Starting Deck at Teknaf, This is the jetty from where the ship starts.

First of all you need to get to the Teknaf, the southernmost point in mainland Bangladesh. Now if you are traveling from Khulna or the southwest region of the country, then you need to go to the Dhaka first. Its like the hub city for traveling to any part of the country. From there you can choose different types of coach services ranging from 800-1600taka or more based on the coach type. It would take 9-10hours to reach Teknaf from Dhaka. That’s 20 hour journey from Khulna Already.

Reaching Teknaf awaits the main part, only commutes available to reach Saint Martin island is the Ships. There are total 5 Ships, 6 to be Specific. 5^th one is for Greenline Paribahan only. The passenger of the Greenline Coach Service get to board that Specific Cruise. The other ships are KEARI SINDBAD, LCT KAJOL, FARHAN, Cruise & Dine & BAY CRUISE. Here point to be noted, Bay Cruise is the most expensive and exclusive one. You need to be very careful about booking tickets as there are lots of syndicates and Blacker present there. No matter what you do, don’t purchase tickets by collecting number from google and pay over bkash. Its not authorized and same time unofficial. Why go through the hassle if you can just simply buy tickets upon arrival from the ship’s ticket counter. There are plenty of tickets available always even if some online agency tells you there are no more tickets. You can purchase return ticket also along with it which is a ideal process.

Open Deck of M.V Farhan, One of the largest ship of the fleet

The ticket price ranges from 350 – 800taka based on main deck, lounge or open deck. If you ask for my suggestion, go for the open deck. The scenic beauty, mountains, blues, seagulls cannot be enjoyed by sitting in VIP Lounge. And hey, it’s also cheaper.

It’s a three-hour journey from Teknaf to Saint Martin’s island. And the journey is so mesmerizing that you wouldn’t even notice how time went by. Bangladesh-Myanmar border will tell you that most of the amazing hills and mountains is on the other side. But the journey is so breathtaking as nothing is more soothing than seeing mountains and oceans altogether. Yes, the sun will shine right above your head but that’s just a minimal sacrifice in order to enjoy such beauty. You will also notice Burmese Fishermen’s activities to make a living. So many little things will be there to make this ride a beautiful masterpiece.

L.C.T KAJOL, another ship of the fleet, paving its way towards the island

Enjoyed the journey? time to anchor into the coral island. If you pay attention you can see from a distance it’s a very tiny piece greens in the middle of the sea. But as soon you approach, you will realize that this is what you came here for.

See past the ship, and you will see a piece of green among the blues

Now time to make landing, note that there are around 4 to 5 thousand people or travelers getting off from the ship at the same deck at a single time. So, you should not by any means hurry it. wait for the people to get off from the ship then slowly descend from the ship. At this situation it might be seem as, Oh God why did I come here. There are so many people and it’s so noisy. But upon crossing the deck. The wind will slowly start to blow you away. You will start to feel that its magnificent, and all the other words will fail to explain the beauty of it.

St. Martin Island Jetty, Don't rush too much for getting off the ships.

Check in into a hotel that you previously booked or you can easily find one as there are plenty of hotels, resort & cottages in the island. If you go little bit further you will find some amazing resorts that are situated by the beach. Don’t forget to find a resort that directly connects with the beach area. It’s very important.

Sea-fish waiting for you 

As its already lunch time, find a hotel to eat. There are numerous sea fish available but don’t fall for it, bargain the price. Don’t just settle with the price they told. There are other food items available also but as you are on an island going for the fish might just be the best idea. They are delicious to be honest. They only cook the fishes after you order them so choose whatever fish you like most.

Take some rest or you may not, because the ocean is calling. It’s just so irresistible to ignore the call to dive into the sea. But be careful, you need to follow some precautions in order to do that. Don’t forget to check the red flags which means that particular area should be avoided. Also watch for the coral as its sharp and you could easily cut yourself.

St. Martin Island

Try to avoid islands north beach as it is the most messy and dirty area (Please don’t pollute the beach by throwing plastics and Polybags). Also the beach area you will notice first upon landing on the island. As you progress deep into the island you will find west beach and east side of the beach more peaceful and relaxing. Which is also less noisy and crowded.

West Beach, Also the Largest Collection of Corals You Can See During Low Tide.

You could just sit at the beach area and stare at the blue ocean for so long and wonder the water is actually blue here. Wait for the sun to be set, you shouldn’t miss that. After finishing the dinner, don’t miss the late-night walks at the beach. Its safe. And if its full-moon then voila. You have just got the golden ticket. Beach at the full moon is so eloquently beautiful. You better not get to sleep as this is once in a lifetime experience. Also, on our visit it was a cloudy weather. So, we got to enjoy rain and more dynamic weather while on the island. May be luck favored us with a few extra surprises.

Clouds + Corals + Greens  = Magnificent

Heading onto the next day, wake up early. The beach is only 8 square kilometers, and if you love cycling then it’s just your lucky day. There are plenty of shops from where you can rent bicycle to roam around the beach.

Bicycle Shop from Where Bicycle Can be Rented Based on Hour Basis

If you’re on the island and haven’t heard about Chera Dwip. Which is a small adjoining island separated by the high tide. You need to start cycling at very early in the morning, otherwise it would be tough to get back from there before high tide hits. Fun fact in the morning during the low tide, you cycle through or walk to the Chera Dwip, but as the day progresses when its high tide, the island is being separated. I have had the luck to experience both of the situations.

Road to Chera Dwip During Low Tide

Let me share a short story, so we were cycling across the beach, obviously we started late as we all were sleeping. So, while crossing the joint and entering into the Chera Dwip I can clearly remember the path were dried up, but in the middle of that the water started to flow in. I told myself lets visit Chera Dwip tomorrow. On my way back I got so confused about which was the actual way as half of my cycle was already below the water within a few minutes of difference, it was scary and adventurous at the same time. It got me so pumped up. But I was able to find my way back at the main beach hopefully. Whether or not, it was an interesting experience.

Adjoining point of Chera Dwip and Main Island

Chera Dwip, St. Martin Island.

If you intend to visit Chera Dwip the cycling is the best way, but considering don’t have the stamina  for that, you can walk by there if you start it early. There are also boats which can take you to the adjoining island from the jetty. Which I don’t consider the best option. But that’s another story and um gonna cover them in some other blog. But no matter what you will enjoy your time at the island.

Just a Regular Afternoon at The Island

Coconut beach or also known as Narikel jinjira is where you will found a lot of coconut tree. Their crisp sound will soothe your soul. One more thing don’t forget to try green coconut while you’re at it. you will find more than enough juice to fill yourself up in a single container.

Limited Edition Crab?? 

You can try different types of crab there if its your thing. And also try the fish BBQ which is by the way amazing but again do your sheer amount of bargaining before placing orders. One thing is for sure. You will never run out of options to opt out for different types of fish each time. You can also camp there as the beach is very safe and will be a wonderful experience.

When You Wake Up-to this, Life Seems like So Beautiful

You can just walk around the beach and will never get bored of. There is one place at the middle of the island from where you can see both side of the beach at the same time. That particular area is known as Golachipa. 

St. Martin Island

While you’re at the island, try to cover as much as possible. Or you will regret it not doing so. The people are so friendly and helping, it will make you feel more like home. Every part of the island will feel like pieces of puzzle fitting into a giant storyboard. And there are so many stuff to do which make me feel like going there again and again.

Sometime Caption Fails interpret the Beauty

Thank you if you have made it this far. If you want to know more about the commutes, and how to’s then feel free to comment below. I will be more than happy to cover them.

A Bicycle Ride Across the Beach is Worth More Than Anything