Mantabuan islet, Celebes Sea

Mantabuan is a tiny volcanic island (10 hectares) in Tun Sakaran Marine Park. It is located 2 km from Pulau Bodgaya, the largest volcanic island in Tun Sakaran Marine Park in the Celebes Sea.

There is a huge coral reef around this small island. There are other islands in this area, one of them is Sipidan, which has a coral reef considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

There are no other inhabitants on the island other than itinerant sea Gypsies called Bajau Laut, who live in their boats or huts built on stilts on coral reefs. Due to the proximity of the Philippines, a small military unit is also stationed there.

We sail to the islet of Mantabuan

We reach the Mantabuan islet by a small boat from Semporna. The duration of such a trip is about 30-40 minutes, depending on the state of the sea. The island is considered the most beautiful in the Celebes Sea. The islet is famous for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

The island captivated us from the very beginning.

Like all the surrounding islands, the water around them has excellent transparency and is a great place for diving and snorkeling.

Happy, calm, few inhabitants, few tourists

We knew what to expect, beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters of coral reefs and beautiful views. But what we saw in these shallow clear waters was amazing.

Coral reef

A coral reef full of sponges, corals, lichens, sea urchins, starfish, all kinds of fish it was wonderful.