Saint Martin
Saint Martin’s Island is a coral island located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, at the southernmost point of Bangladesh. It lies about 9 kilometers south of Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar district and approximately 8 kilometers west of the Myanmar coast, at the mouth of the Naf River. Due to the abundance of coconut trees, the locals often refer to it as “Narikel Jinjira.” Additionally, it is also known as “Jinjira,” “Jajira,” “Derdiusa Island,” or “Daruchini Island.” However, its official administrative name is “Saint Martin’s Island,” while “Narikel Jinjira” remains the most popular name among locals. Geographically, Saint Martin’s Island covers an area of approximately 8 square kilometers and stretches lengthwise from north to south. The island’s foundation is composed of rocky formations that submerge during high tide and emerge during low tide. Including these formations, the island’s total area expands to around 10-15 square kilometers. The island is about 5.63 kilometers long from north to south, with its width varying between 700 meters in some areas and just 200 meters in others. There are numerous rocky outcrops extending far into the sea to the east, south, and west of the island. The island has an average elevation of 3.6 meters above sea level. On its northwestern side, there is a coral reef stretching approximately 10-15 kilometers. Saint Martin’s Island is divided into three distinct parts. The northern part is called “Narikel Jinjira” or “Uttar Para” (North Side), while the southern section is known as “Dakshin Para” (South Side), which is connected to a tail-like extension towards the southeast known as “Golachipa.” To the south of the main island, there are smaller islets covering areas between 100 to 500 square meters, collectively known as “Cheradia” or “Chera Dwip.” This is an uninhabited island. During low tide, it is possible to walk there, but during high tide, a boat is needed to reach it.
Saint Martin’s Island is mostly flat, although some sand dunes can be seen. The primary geological component of the island is limestone. Both the northern and southern parts have marshy areas rich in freshwater, which support limited agricultural activities. However, the island’s agricultural output is minimal compared to its needs.
The island is home to a diverse range of marine life, including 66 species of coral, 187 species of mollusks (shellfish), 153 species of seaweed, 157 species of microscopic marine plants, 240 species of fish, 4 species of amphibians, and 120 species of birds. One notable marine plant found in abundance is seaweed, locally known as “Peyjala.” Various species of seaweed grow here, but red algae (Red Algae) is the most popular globally. Additionally, there are 19 species of marine mammals found around the island. Among invertebrates, species such as sponges, stone crabs, hermit crabs, lobsters, and other shellfish are present. Fish species found in the surrounding waters include butterflyfish, red snapper, flying fish, and needlefish. The island is also a known nesting ground for two species of sea turtles: the Green Sea Turtle and the Olive Ridley Turtle. The southern part of the island has dense groves of Keora (mangrove) trees, along with other species such as Sundari, Sheora, Bayen, Pandanus, and various types of sea creepers.
Human settlement on Saint Martin’s Island began approximately 100 to 125 years ago. Today, the island is home to over 7,000 people. The majority of the population relies on fishing as their primary occupation. Fishermen mainly sell their catch to hotels and tourists. Small fish are dried on mats, medium-sized fish are dried on sand, and larger fish are split open and sun-dried on bamboo racks. Additionally, many residents engage in trading coconuts, seaweed, and seashells. Some operate small shops, while children often sell collected seaweed to tourists. Fresh coconuts and young coconuts (dab) are widely available throughout the island. It is also common to see Rohingya refugees from Myanmar’s Arakan region in and around the island.
History of Saint Martin
It is believed that the first Arab merchants named this island “Jinjira.” Notably, they used the island as a resting spot while traveling between Chittagong and Southeast Asia. Over time, the people of Chittagong and its surrounding areas became familiar with the island by the name “Jinjira.” Around the 1890s, some Bengali and Rakhine communities began settling on the island. They were primarily fishermen. Historical records suggest that the first settlers consisted of 13 families who chose the northern part of the island for their settlement. Over time, the island became predominantly inhabited by Bengalis. Before human settlement, the island already had Keora (mangrove) and Casuarina (She-oak) trees. It is believed that Bengali fishermen, in search of relief from water scarcity and exhaustion, planted large numbers of coconut trees on the island. Gradually, the entire island transformed into a coconut-dominated landscape. As a result, the northern part of the island came to be known as “Narikel Jinjira” (Coconut Jinjira) among the locals. In the 1900s, a British land survey team incorporated the island into British India. During the survey, instead of keeping the local name, the British named the island after Saint Martin. Over time, the island became widely known as “Saint Martin’s Island.” According to Professor Sheikh Bakhtiar Uddin of the Department of Botany at the University of Chittagong, the island was named after Martin, the District Commissioner of Chittagong at that time.
Another legend about the island’s alternative name, “Daruchini Dwip” (Cinnamon Island), suggests that many years ago, an Arabian merchant ship loaded with cinnamon encountered a violent storm near the island. The ship collided with an underwater rock and sank. As a result, the cinnamon spread all over the island. This incident led to the island being referred to as “Daruchini Dwip” (Cinnamon Island) in later years.
| Some government regulations | |
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| When to visit |
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| The Saint Martin’s Island is open for visitors every year from November for the next four months. During the remaining time, travel to the island is officially restricted. The weather is also most favorable during winter, making it an ideal time to visit. On the other hand, due to the lack of adequate electricity, traveling during the summer can be quite uncomfortable. During the hot season, Chera Dwip remains submerged in water, so even if you make the trip, you won’t be able to fully enjoy it. During the monsoon season, the sea becomes rough due to storms and heavy rain. Considering all these factors, the best time to visit Saint Martin’s Island is from November to February. However, due to high tourist demand during this period, accommodation, food, and travel costs may be significantly higher. |
| Special advice |
The cost of hotels or resorts in Saint Martin’s Island depends on tourist demand. Therefore, it is advisable to check and compare accommodation options in advance. Upon arrival, you will notice a billboard displaying important rules and regulations—make sure to follow them. There is a misconception that traveling to Saint Martin’s Island has become extremely difficult due to strict regulations, but this is entirely a rumor. If you wish to walk to Chera Dwip, you must start your journey before 4 PM; otherwise, you will miss the breathtaking sunset. To fully experience the beauty of Saint Martin’s Island and Chera Dwip, it is recommended to stay for at least one or two days. Before heading to Chera Dwip, check the tidal schedule, as it submerges underwater during high tide. Also, check the weather forecast before your trip. Every year, many people lose their lives while swimming in the sea. Therefore, avoid going too deep, stay as close to the shore as possible, and be cautious. A strong wave can make you lose balance, putting your life at risk. Taking photos of locals without permission is not allowed. Avoid engaging in arguments with the island residents. Maintain cleanliness by not littering, and do not dispose of plastic items, bottles, or waste in public places. Carrying a life jacket is recommended for safety. Corals are usually sharp, so be careful while walking. To save money, it’s best to avoid visiting the island on Fridays and Saturdays, as costs tend to be higher on weekends. Since all supplies are brought from outside, food prices on the island are relatively high. For a three-day trip, an individual’s expenses may range from 5,000 to 6,000 BDT. However, for larger groups, the cost can be reduced to around 3,000–3,500 BDT per person.
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| Special Precautions |
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Be mindful that your light does not disturb others who are gathering in the dark at night. The extraction, purchase, and sale of coral are strictly prohibited and considered a punishable offense by law. Additionally, buying or collecting seashells, conchs, and other marine artifacts is forbidden. Sea turtles are an endangered species, and their conservation is crucial. Saint Martin’s Island beach is a nesting site for sea turtles, and winter is their breeding season. Therefore, lighting and making noise on the beach at night are strictly prohibited. According to international protocols and national laws, capturing, harming, collecting eggs, or selling sea turtles is a punishable crime. While walking on the beach, be mindful of crab habitats to avoid causing any damage to their shelters. Do not pick Keora (kea) fruit. Saint Martin’s Island is an environmentally fragile region. Avoid littering plastic, glass, or any non-biodegradable materials, as they do not decompose easily and can harm the ecosystem. The Bangladesh Navy has issued the following safety guidelines for Saint Martin’s Island:
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| To visit Saint Martin’s Island, you must first travel to Cox’s Bazar, as travel from Teknaf is currently restricted. | |
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Ways to travel from Dhaka |
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Bus Stands:-
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Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
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| Train |
Trains from Dhaka- Trains from Dhaka Kamalapur or Airport Railway Station to Cox’s Bazar Station-
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| Air Plane |
Air Planes:- Flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Cox’s Bazar Airport-
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Ways to travel from Rajshahi |
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Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
| Train |
(Since there is no direct train service from Rajshahi to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to go to Dhaka first and then take a train to Cox’s Bazar.) Trains to Dhaka:-
(As you have to catch the Dhaka mail train. So it is better to go to Dhaka by fast express from Natore first) |
| Air Plane |
Air Planes: Flights from Rajshahi Airport to Cox’s Bazar Airport-
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Ways to travel from Rangpur |
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Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
| Train |
(Since there is no direct train service from Rangpur to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to go to Dhaka first and then take a train to Cox’s Bazar.) Trains to Dhaka:-
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| Air Plane |
(To fly directly to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to travel to Saidpur Airport, which is 40 km away from Rangpur city.) Airplanes:
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Ways to travel from Sylhet |
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| Bus |
Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
| Train |
(Since there is no direct train service from Sylhet to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to go to Dhaka or Chattogram first.) Train to Dhaka:-
(Train schedules and operating days are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check before traveling.) Train to Chittagong:-
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| Air Plane |
Air Planes: Flight from Sylhet Airport to Cox’s Bazar Airport-
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Ways to travel from Mymensingh |
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| Bus |
Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
| Train |
(Since there is no direct train service from Mymensingh to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to go to Dhaka or Chattogram first.) Train to Dhaka:-
(Train schedules and operating days are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check before traveling.) Train from Chittagong:-
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| Air Plane |
(Since there is no direct flight service from Mymensingh, you will need to travel to Dhaka first and then take a flight from there.) Air Planes:-
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Ways to travel from Khulna |
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| Bus |
Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time) |
| Train |
(Since there is no direct train service from Khulna, you will need to travel to Dhaka first and then take a train from there.) Train to Dhaka:-
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| Air Plane |
(To fly directly to Cox’s Bazar, you will need to first travel to Jessore Airport from Khulna city.) Air Planes:-
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Ways to travel from Barisal |
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Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
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| Air Plane |
Air Planes:-
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Ways to travel from Chittagong |
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(Since Cox’s Bazar is part of the Chattogram division, many local buses from the city to Cox’s Bazar, as well as buses from all over Bangladesh, pass through Chattogram, making it easy to find numerous coach buses.) Bus Stands:-
Buses:-
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| Train |
(All trains from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar go through Chattogram.) Trains:-
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| Air Plane |
Air Planes:-
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Some notable ships from Cox’s Bazar to Saint Martin’s Island:
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Accommodation and food arrangements |
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(There are all kinds of accommodations and dining options available in both Cox’s Bazar city and Saint Martin’s Island.) |
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| Residential Hotels |
Hotels in Saint Martin:
Whether you come from wherever and however, plan in such a way that you can reach Cox’s Bazar before your ship departs in the morning. Alternatively, you can arrive in Cox’s Bazar in advance and take accommodation. High-quality hotels in Cox’s Bazar:-
Mid-range hotels in Cox’s Bazar:-
Budget Hotels in Cox’s Bazar:-
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| Restaurants |
The resort or hotel you stay at in Saint Martin will have meal arrangements in place beforehand. Notable restaurants in Cox’s Bazar:-
Additionally, there are many other new and old restaurants. |
| Note: With the passage of time, many new hotels and restaurants for accommodation and dining are being established. | |
Advantages of traveling are-
- Advanced communication system.
- Facilitate spending quality time with family/couple or friends.
- Beautiful and pleasant environment.
- If Necessary, Take Water Bottle, Umbrella Or Raincoat And Water Proof Bag.
- Get Full Charge On Mobile, Torch, Power Bank.
- With The Help Of A Local Guide You Can Tour The Whole Region Beautifully.
- Don’t Forget To Take Necessary Materials For Trekking.
- Travel In Groups Of At Least 6 People.
Note- Beware of all kinds of brokers/scammers. Be very careful on the way so as not to get into any kind of danger. In case of any problem, take the help of local administration or call the National Emergency Service of Bangladesh – 999.
→ Email- [email protected]
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Other Tourist Attractions
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| 1. Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach |