On the 5th of January 2024, I embarked on a journey with a group of colleagues to Saint Martin Island, a remote paradise nestled in the Bay of Bengal. This escape from our busy schedules promised to be an unforgettable experience. On our way back from Saint Martin, we found ourselves in the enchanting Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar, where we were treated to breathtaking views of the sea, the majestic Gangchil mountains, and the sun setting over the horizon from the deck of a ship.
The Journey Begins
Our adventure commenced with an early morning bus ride, departing at 5 AM from our starting point. By 8 AM, we had arrived in Teknaf, where we indulged in a scrumptious breakfast at a local eatery. Afterward, we boarded our ship bound for Saint Martin, with most departures scheduled between 9:00 AM and 9:15 AM. As the ship set sail, we marveled at the endless expanse of blue sea and were serenaded by the melodious songs of birds accompanying us on our voyage.
Around noon, we reached Saint Martin's Jetty, where we were greeted by the mesmerizing waves and the natural beauty of the island. We promptly called the resort we had pre-booked and arranged for an auto-rickshaw to take us to our destination. Upon reaching our resort, we freshened up and enjoyed a satisfying lunch.
Culinary Delights
Notably, the quality of food on Saint Martin Island may not meet everyone's expectations, so it's advisable to opt for homemade meals when possible. Restaurants here vary in terms of food quality, so exercise caution to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience. During our visit, we savored a local's home-cooked meal, which was a delightful change of pace.
After lunch, we retired to our rooms for a brief rest before heading to Saint Martin's main market around 3 PM. Our first task was to rent bicycles, and for a mere 40 BDT per hour, we secured bikes for three hours. With our trusty bicycles, we embarked on a journey to Chhera Dwip (Chhera Island), pedaling along the shoreline and traversing sandy terrain.
Chhera Dwip (Chhera Island) Adventure
Chhera Dwip (Chhera Island) is a destination that demands a certain level of physical fitness, as the 30 to 45-minute bike ride can be challenging. Upon reaching Chhera Dwip (Chhera Island), we left our bicycles behind and explored the stunning surroundings. We spent the evening by the shore, savoring snacks and enjoying the serene atmosphere before cycling back to Saint Martin's main market.
Safe Return
It's crucial to ensure a timely return, as cycling after dark can be perilous due to the absence of streetlights. We returned to the market 40 to 45 minutes before dusk, returned our rented bicycles, and made sure our barbecue equipment was in working order. We purchased chicken, spices, oil, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and onions for a delightful barbecue dinner.
Back at our resort, we commenced preparations for our barbecue feast, marinating the meat and crafting a delicious jhalmuri for an evening snack. As the clock neared 10 PM, we made our way to the beach with our barbecue equipment and enjoyed a sumptuous beachside dinner illuminated by soft beach lights.
A Restful Night
At 1 AM, we returned to our resort, content and satisfied from our beachside barbecue adventure. We retired for the night, replenishing our energy for the adventures that awaited us on the following day.
A New Day
The next morning, we enjoyed a pre-arranged breakfast, featuring khichuri and fried eggs prepared by our hosts. After our meal, we set out to explore the south side of Saint Martin Island, immersing ourselves in the island's natural beauty.
In the afternoon, we returned to our resort for lunch and began packing our bags, as our ship was scheduled to depart at 3 PM. Around 2 PM, we checked out of our resort and made our way to Saint Martin's Jetty, where we boarded our ship. As we sailed back to Teknaf, we relished the tranquility of the sea and the mesmerizing twilight.
Conclusion
Our journey came to an end as we arrived in Teknaf. We called our bus, boarded it, and started our journey back home, cherishing the memories of our unforgettable trip to Saint Martin Island.
In closing, I'd like to offer some advice to future travelers to Saint Martin. This pristine destination is a national treasure that welcomes thousands of visitors daily, but it's crucial to preserve its beauty and biodiversity. Plan your visit in advance, especially during peak seasons like November, December, January, and February, and consider making hotel reservations ahead of time. Feel free to reach out to me for any travel tips or guidance; I'm always eager to assist fellow adventurers in making the most of their Saint Martin experience.
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