Cox's Bazar

General Description

Cox's Bazar (Bengali: কক্সবাজার) is a town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh. It is known for its wide sandy beach which is the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. It is located 150 km south of Chittagong. Cox’s Bazar is also known by the name "Panowa", the literal translation of which means "yellow flower". Its other old name was "Palongkee". The modern Cox's Bazar derives its name from Captain Cox (died 1799), an officer serving in British India. In the 18th century, an officer of British East India Company, Captain Hiram Cox was appointed as the Superintendent of Palongkee outpost after Warren Hastings became the Governor of Bengal. Captain Cox was specially mobilised to deal with a century long conflict between Arakan refugees and local Rakhains. The Captain was a compassionate soul and the plight of the people touched his heart. He embarked upon the mammoth task of rehabilitating refugees in the area, and made significant progress. A premature death took Captain Cox in 1799 before he could finish his work. But the work he had done earned him a place in the hearts of the locals and to commemorate his role in rehabilitation work a market was established and named after him as Cox's Bazaar ("Cox's Market"). Although Cox's Bazar is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh, it has yet to become a major international tourist destination, due to lack of publicity.

How to go to Cox bazaar

The transportation system of cox bazar is extremely fine. Government took good initiatives to make the Dhaka to Cittagong and Chittagong to Coxbazar more stunning and wide.

If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of Bangladesh you may choose the Chair Coach to go to Chittagong First. It is a sorrowful matter that there is no direct bus service from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar. It is better to rent a car which will drive you directly to the Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach at hassle free along with taking less time.

So eventually if you decide to go by any Bus Service you may get it in the Sayedabad Bus-stand where lots of renowned chair coach service is available. After reaching chittagong you should rent a Texi to go at Sea Beach.

Those who want to reach the coxbazar even swift they may ride on the Biman Bangladesh Airlines service from Dhaka to Chittagong. Then you will find the next rush to Cox Bazar from Chittagong to Sea Beach easy.

Tourists and accommodation

Cox's Bazar, arguably the most popular tourist spot in Bangladesh, is visited by a large number of tourists from Britain, America, Korea, Japan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and many other countries each year. Though there is no record kept by the Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation (BPC) on how many people visit the beach annually, an AFP report says that during the winter there can be 10,000 available rooms in the beach area Accommodations near the beach range from expensive high-end resorts to more reasonable options. Many private hotels, BPC Motels and two "Five star" hotels are located on or near the beach.

Don’t miss to visit here

In coxbazar, the world’s largest sandy beach is not only for worth visiting but also a lot of places can daze you by their beauty, rarity and uniqueness. There are several most famous sea beach point which are the most crowded area and peoples are usually goes there.

Laboni Beach

Laboni beach is considered as the main beach area of Cox’s Bazar as is at the central location and close to town. The beach is always crowded by tourists. Visitors can sunbathe, surf, jog, cycle, and swim. It is best for swimming and relaxation. Numerous souvenir shops around the area can attract tourist to purchase the souvenirs, beach accessories and some other stuffs.

Inani Beach

Inani beach is famous for its golden sand. The beautiful beach attracts most of the tourist who appreciate warmly the wonders of nature. With flights frequently available at http://www.fly.com/ to the nearby Cox’s Bazar airport, it’s no wonder that this has become a popular holiday destination. Tourists like to come here for relaxing as it is free from the crowd of visitors who are typically seen at the Laboni beach. The beach is generally considered to be the world’s longest beach.

Location: Located about 32 km to the south of the famous tourist destination of Cox’s Bazar

Attraction:

• Backdrop of lush green hills rising up on the east.
• The sea stretching out endlessly to the west.
• Unusual shaped rock and coral boulders scattered lavishly in the beach and trough the sea.
• Fringed with tall palm trees swaying gently in the breeze.
• Seashells of different colors, shapes, and sizes are found along here.
• Calm lagoon which is wonderful for the little ones to paddle in.
• Getting on the rock & coral boulders with the waves washing up on the shore around you, will be an extremely therapeutic experience.
• Beachcombing.
• Shark free water is suitable for sea bathing.

Note: Every year numerous foreign and local tourists come here to spend their leisure in Inani Beach. However, it lacks several amenities that visitors can expect. It is wise to take a packed lunch and water with you when you visit the beach. But those people who have taken the time to explore the beach can testify that its beauty and cool breeze far outweighs anything it might be lacking in amenities. When visiting Inani Beach, ensure you have camera along to capture the amazing sight of the sun setting over the sea.

Himchari

Himchari is one of the most attractive places for the visitors. Journey to Himchari is also exciting because the road to Himchari runs by the lovely green hills on one side and open blue sea on the other side. The scenery of the two side of the road pleased all.

Location: Located 12 km south of Cox’s Bazar Town and 6 km from the Kalatali beach by the hill.

Area: 1,729 hectares

Getting there: From Kalatali stand, it is only 15-minute ride to entry; if you take a taxi or chander gari (local transport). You can also rent a car from Cox’s Bazar.

Outstanding Features:

1. Beautiful Waterfall
2. Himchari National Park
3. Broken Hill
4. Christmas Tree

1. Beautiful Waterfall: The amazing waterfall of Himchari is a very rare scene to enjoy. The waterfall from the green hill is relatively extraordinary to look at. However, in the winter it dwindles whereas in the rainy season it is really wonderful and full waterfall could be enjoyed.

The spot is ideal for picnic, shooting, relaxing and sunbathing. But whenever you have sunbathing locals can rush around you as Bangladeshis’ are not used to see women in swim costume. Here you get beautiful hilltop resort centre where you can stay for relaxing and can hear the shore of the Bay of Bengal.

 2. Himchari National Park: The Park is a beautiful tropical rain forest (evergreen & semi-ever-green) around the South Asia. The park was established in 1980. This place is maintained, protected and secured by the government for the foreign tourists and the local visitors. The Park is not only attractive for the tourists it is also attractive for the biologist.

The park gets high forest, low forest & grasslands with a few trees. Around 58 species of trees, 4 species grasses, 15 species of shrubs, 19 climbers and 21 species of herbs altogether 117 plant species are available here. In the forest area there are at least twenty kinds of important herbs like Curculigo recurvata, Swintonia floribunda and Alpinia nigra are available which most valuable plant are for the biologist.

The park is also considered as a paradise of birdwatcher. A lot of bird watchers are gathered here for the seeing the different kinds of birds, as more than 286 species of birds found there. Additionally, 55 species of mammals, 56 species of reptiles and 13 species of amphibians are found in the evergreen forest. A small number of elephants and leopard also found here. The US administration already made an agreement with Bangladesh government to induct tigers in to the forest areas.

• Wild life: Elephant, Tigers, Capped Langur, Gibbon, Rhesus Macaque, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Hirundo Rustica, Indian Muntjac, Wild Boar, Cypsiurrus Parvus Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat,  and Acridotheres.
• Adventure: Picnic, Shooting and Bird safari
• Entry Fee: Tk. 5.00/ Person
• Present Visitors: 2,00,000 / Year

3. Broken Hills: It is also an attraction for most of the visitors. Come and see what wonder waiting for you.

4. Christmas Tree: The Christmas tree of here is another famous attraction for the tourist.

Best Time to Visit: September 01 to October 31

Accommodation: After visiting Himchari if you want to stay at night, should stay in Cox’s Bazar. You will get a number of hotels and restaurants there with different budget.

Note: You can reach Himchari only by the beach. So, ensure you are back to town before high tide rise in the evening. It is not wise to stay here after sunset.

Great Hotels in Cox’s Bazar

Seagull Hotel

Rank: 5 star

Rooms: 182 well appointed guest rooms. (Regular Rooms – 120, Deluxe Rooms – 41, Suite Rooms – 20, Presidential Suite – 01)

Services & Facilities:

• Central Air-conditioning System
• 24 Hours Room Service
• Travel Desk
• Coffee Shop-serving Multi-cuisine Menu
• Five Specialty Restaurants
• Lawn Tennis
• Swimming Pool
• Safe Deposit Locker
• Beauty parlor
• Barbar Shop
• Bar-well Stocked Choice of Liquors Available
• Doctor on Call
• Left Luggage Room
• Running Hot and Cold water
• Elevator- 3 Units
• Money Exchange
• Power Generators
• Business Center
• Rent – A – Car Service
• Shopping Arcade
• Valet Service
• Laundry Service
• Airport Transfers
• Gym
• Sauna
• Steam Bath
• Hot Spa Therapy  & Massage

Five Specialty Restaurants are:

Rangdhanu: Coffee-Shope serves multi-cuisine menu & excellent buffet breakfast specialized in Thai, Chinese & Continental Food.

Madhurima: Pool side restaurant & sunken bar provides you a variety of liquors, snacks, barbeque, cold drinks, and pizza.

Jharna: A fast food lounge serves burgers, snacks, and assorted pastries.

Parijat: Specialty restaurant serves authentic Bangladeshi Tandoori, Kebabs and Indian Cuisine.

Niharika: Roof top restaurant serves exotic Barbeque, Kebabs, and Italian dishes. Feel the ocean breeze and watch the panoramic view of Bay of Bengal while eating.

Accommodation Cost:

Regular – Sea View (Single Bed) BDT 2,590/=

Regular – Sea View (Double Bed) BDT 3,190/=

Regular – Hill View (Single Bed) BDT 2,420/=

Regular – Hill View (Double Bed) BDT 2,970/=

Deluxe – Sea View (Single Bed) BDT 3,300/=

Deluxe – Sea View (Double Bed) BDT 3,850/=

Deluxe – Hill View (Single Bed) BDT 3,080/=

Deluxe – Hill View (Double Bed) BDT 3,630/=

Suites BDT 7,700/=

President Suite BDT 25,000/=

Above rates are subject to addition of 10% Service charge and 15% VAT.

Reservation:

Hotel Motel Zone

Cox’s Bazar Beach, Bangladesh, Tel: 0341-62480-91, Fax: 88-0341-64436

E-mail: seagull@agni.com, seagullhotelcox@gmail.com.

Dhaka Office

White House Hotel, 155 Shantinagar, Dhaka -1217, Bangladesh.

Tel: 88-02-8322973-6, Fax: 88-02-8317726.

HOTEL SEA PALACE LIMITED

Rank: 5 star

Services & Facilities:

• Gym
• Swimming Pool
• Water sports
• Billiard Room
• Burmese Shopping Arcade
• Business Center Facilities
• Ball Room
• Conference Room
• Board Room

Restaurant & Bar:

Crown Restaurant: Open round the clock. It serves genuine Bangladeshi, Thai, Chinese, Indian and Continental & Seafood. Offer poolside snacks & beverage. 180 people can sit here at a time.

Bar-B-Que: The restaurant set to serve delicious food.

Lobby coffee shop: Open day-night round the clock and glowing furnished decorative environment serving various fast food, beverage, drinks (hot & cold).

Sahara foods: Very well decorated restaurant serving traditional Bangladesh & Multi cuisine menu. 150 people can sit together here.

Bar: Well stocked choice of liquor.

Accommodation Cost:

Presidential Suite: BDT 60,000/=

Royal Suites: BDT 20,000/=

Honeymoon Suite: BDT 15,000/=

Crown Regular Suite (Twin bed): BDT 6,000/=

Crown Regular Suite (Couple bed): BDT 5,000/=

Super Deluxe Room (Twin bed): BDT 4,500/=

Deluxe Room (Couple bed): BDT 4,000/=

Regular Room (Couple bed): BDT 3,000/=

15% value added Tax and 10% service charges will be included with each of above.

Reservation:

Hotel: Kalatoli Road, Cox’s Bazar; Tel: 88-0341-63692, 63792, 63794, 63826, 63853. Cell: 88-01714652227, 01714652228. Fax: 88-0341-63769, Email: cxb@hotelseapalaceltd.com

Chittagong Sales Office: Mayer Shapna, 348 M.M. Ali Road, Room: 304 (2nd floor), Dhampara, Chittagong. Cell: 88-01554355116, 01716662274 E-mail: ctg@hotelseapalaceltd.com

Dhaka Sales office: Noorjahan tower (3rd floor), 2 Link Road, Banglamotor, Dhaka Tel: 88-02-9672876. Cell: 88-01819808842, 01711179678, 01913380847 Fax: 88-02-9672569, E-mail: dhaka@hotelseapalaceltd.com

Hotel Kollol

Rank: 4 star

Services & Facilities:

• Restaurant
• Coffee Shop
• Conference Hall
• Accept Visa & Master Card
• Doctor on Call
• Daily News Paper
• Spacious Car Parking
• Laundry Service
• Fax, NWD & Internet Facilities
• Tour desk

Accommodation Cost:

Royal Suite (A/C 02 pax) BDT 3600/=

Executive Suite (A/C 03 pax) BDT 2400/=

Luxury Deluxe (A/C 02 pax) BDT 1800/=

Super Deluxe (Non A/C 02 pax) BDT 1200/=

Deluxe (Non A/C 02 pax) BDT 1000/=

15% VAT & 5% Service charge will be added with the above rates.

Reservation:

Tel # 0341 – 64748

Fax # 0341 – 64748

Email-info@hotelkollol.com

Mobile # 01727613258, 01819548434

Address- Hotel Motel Zone, Sea Beach Road, Kollol Point, Cox’s bazaar.

Hotel Sea Crown

It is the hotels of cox’s bazar which is clearly praised by the peoples so far. Sometimes tourists blame the Hotel Sea Gull as saying that they don’t have well-trained stuffs and living room, bath-rooms are not so much clean and wide but strangely enough, this kind of accusation have not yet been raised to the Hotel sea Crown.

You can book your room by making a phone theme. Tel # 8822043, 8820402, 0175-042797, 88-0341-64474

Some Other Cox’s Bazar Hotels Information

Hotel Sea Palace
Kalatoli Road, Cox’s Bazar
Cell: +88-01714-652227, 01714-652228
Ph: +88-0341-63692, 63792, 63794, 638260, 63853
eMail: seapalace@gmail.com

Saint Martin Resort
Plot # 10, Block- a, Kalatali Road, Cox’s Bazar Bangladesh
Ph: +88-0341-62862, 64275
eMail: info@hotelsaintmartin.com.bd

Hotel Daffodil International
Kalatoli Road, Sea Beach r/A, Cox’s Bazar
Cell: +88-0189-874064, 01711-761672
Ph: +88-0341-64637, 62544
Fax: +88-0341-62544

Hotel Media International
Hotel Media Zone, Sea Beach Road, Cox’s bazar
Cell: +88-01711-341164, 0189-519719
Ph: +88-0341-62881 -5
eMail: shahin@bttb.net.bd

Hotel Sayeman
Hotel Sayeman Road, Cox’s Bazar
Cell: +88-01711-022088
Ph: +88-0341-63900 -4, 63703 -7
Fax: +88-0341-64231
eMail: sayeman@bttb.net.bd

Hotel Panwoa Limited
Prodhan Shorok, Cox’s Bazar 4000 Bangladesh
Ph: +88-0341-63282

Hotel Shaibal
Ph: +88-0341-63274
Fax: +88-0341-64202

Hotel Phanthonibash
Ph: +88 0341-64703
Fax: +88-0341-62223

Motel Probal
Ph: +88-0341-63211

Motel Labonee
Ph: +88-0341-64703
Fax: +88-0341-62223

Motel Upal
Ph: +880-341-64258

Foods, Drinks & Nightlife

Foods

• Western, Thai, Chinese and continental food is available in major hotels and restaurants.
• Local dishes are usually far better and more exotic.
• Curries of many types around, cooked with proper spices and hot curry powders, including local Rezala, Korma, Bhoona and Masala Gosht, mutton, beef, Chicken, fish and prawns, Chicken Baghdadi, Chicken Afghani, Chicken Kashmiri, Chicken Tikka, shutli kabab, boti kabab, and a wide variety of fish curries should be tried.

There's a ton of restaurants along Sea Beach Rd and in the Hotel Motel Zone, most serving Bangladeshi standards.

• Jhawban Restaurant and Poushee Restaurant, next door to each other on Hotel Sayeman Rd just south of Sea Beach Rd, serve similarly excellent Bangladeshi food including fried fish, a Cox's Bazar specialty. Both are wildly popular, especially at lunch time - go with the flow. Meals Tk 60-130.

• Mermaid Café, Sea Inn Beach, (in Hotel Motel Zone), 01815 672855. Lunch and dinner until 7PM. Overlooking the beach south of Hotel Media International, this newer cafe is super friendly and laidback and probably the coolest place to hang out in the area. With its natural-fish vibe of wood and bamboo, it hints at the direction that Cox's Bazar could  taken way back when. If it were anywhere else it's prices would put it out of business, but here it's taka well spent. It has several sitting areas and hammocks, and a creative menu including crepes and savory pancakes, and seafood-heavy mains like shrimp salad, pastas and fish pizza for Tk 250-400. Delicious fresh juices are around Tk 80 and filter coffee and espresso around Tk 50. The music is occasionally dubious but they're very open to requests.

• Sea Stone Café, Sea Inn Beach, ☎ 01914458443. 11am till late. As the only two-storey building on the beach-front, Sea Stone Café offers superb 180 degree views of the Cox’s Bazar beach. Its top deck is the best place in town to watch the sun set over the Bay of Bengal. Quality Western and Asian dishes are on offer, as well as fresh juices, real coffee and herbal teas. Entrées include grilled prawns, calamari and niçoise salad. Home-made pasta, pizza, chicken, beef and seafood dishes are on offer for mains. If you are after fresh prawns, calamari, crab, lobster or fish, this is the place for you. The staff are friendly and although the service can be slow, it doesn’t matter because there’s nowhere else in Cox’s that you will be in a hurry to get to!  

•  
• Rice in the form of pulao, biriani (with rice & mutton or chicken) and khichuri are available in any reasonable restaurant.
• If you do not care for rice dishes will try plain parata, mughlai parata, or naan that go very well with different curries.
• Seafood and sweet-water fish are also available.
• Fish-lovers should not miss fresh bhetki, smoked hilsa, chingri (lobster/king prawns) malaikari, and Prawn dopyaza.

DRINKS

• Chai – the milky sweet tea (sometimes with zinger) available almost everywhere.
• Lassi – the refreshing yogurt drink give you different taste.
• Green coconut water is a fine, pure, safe, tasty and refreshing drink.
• International soft drinks, like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, 7-up, Sun Crest and RC cola are also available.
• Hard drinks are available in selected big hotels and restaurants.

Note: On Fridays drinking in public areas is not recommended for foreigners.

DESSERTS

• Misti Dhohi – Sweetened yogurt.
• Halua – Common dessert wide ranging from egg halua to carrot, sooji or almond, pistachio, wheat cream, nuts and many more.
• Sandesh – Milk based dessert.
• Zorda – Sweetened rice with nuts.
• Firni – Rice flour cooked in milk, sugar and flavoring.
• Rasgolla & Kalojam – Popular milk based desserts. Made with sugar, flour and ghee.
• Rosmalai – Round sweets floating in thick milk.
• Pitha – Blanket term for cakes or pastries with specific varieties like takti, andosha, pufi, chitoi, dhupi, bhafa and pua.

Nightlife

Bangladesh is a very strict place for enjoying the nightlife as a Muslim country. It’s not open just like other Asian destination like Bangkok, Singapore or Goa. However, opportunity is not rare. If you are looking for any bar then you can get bar in special places in Cox’s Bazar for example Hotel Seagull, Sea Palace or some others. You can also enjoy local made drinks. Heart break news for the western tourist as no nightclub and Spa facilities are available in here; though DJ is available inside Other Places of Interest along the Cox’s Bazar Beach.

Environment & Mineral Contents in Cox’s Bazar Beach

The main attraction of Cox’s Bazar is the world longest but least-crowded sandy beach which stretches from the mouth of the Bakkhali River and going all the way to Teknaf. Though normally known as Cox’s Bazar beach, but the beach stretches far beyond the region designated as Cox’s Bazar town. The setting for the beach with its silvery gold sand is tropical-forested hills.

“Miles of golden sands, surfing waves, rare conch shells, towering cliffs, delightful seafood, tribes, colorful pagodas and Buddhist temples” – this is not a literary description for Cox’s Bazar beach, it’s an illustration for the eager person who want to imagine the beach. The beauty of the beach cannot be described by writing as no suitable word you can get to describe it

Geography:
The town with an area of 6.85 km², and bounded by Bakkhali River on the north and East, Bay of Bengal in the West, and Jhilwanj Union in the south.

Climate:
The climate of Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon-type, with a hot and rainy summer whereas a dry winter. Often excessive humidity, heavy rainfall, high temperature, and distinct seasonal variations are common here. January is the coolest month with averaging around 26 deg C (78 d F) whereas April is the warmest one with temperatures averaging from 33 to 36 deg C (91 to 96 deg F). The climate is one of the wettest in the world. Most rains occur during the monsoon (June to September) and little in winter (November to February). The country is issue to devastating cyclones, storms originating over the Bay of Bengal, during the periods of April to May and September to November. Sometimes, accompanied by strong surging waves, those storms cause great damage and loss of life.

The climate of Cox’s Bazar is typically similar to the rest of the country. However, it characterized by the location in the coastal region. The annual average temperature in here remains at approximately highest 34.8 °C and lowest 16.1 °C. The average amount rainfall is at 4,285 mm.

Required Dress:

• Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year.
• Warmer outfits are needed in the evenings of the winter season.
• Waterproof dresses are necessary during the monsoon season.

Mineral content in beach sand:

• Hornblende
• Garnet
• Epidote
• Ilmenites
• Magnetite
• Rutile
• Pyrite
• Hydroxides

Bathing: The rise & fall of the tide is not great here; so, it is a better place for sea-bathing. However, the shark free warm waters are good for swimming & bathing. On the other hand, the sandy beaches offer sun-bathing opportunity.

Best Time for Tour: September and October

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit here is at sunrise and sunset while the sand changes colors.

Activities: Watching the sun set; it is fabulous and everybody watches it. Best place for capturing photos.

Hazard: If you are a foreigner, everybody would want to talk to you. They also have their photo taken with you. It is a lit-bit annoying. However, it is a great way to get opportunity to talk to local people and know their culture and tradition. If you are in bikini or western dress, locals’ eye may embarrass you.

Ecologically Critical Area

Ecologically Critical Area  ecologically defined areas or ecosystems affected adversely by the changes brought through human activities. The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (BECA), 1995 has provision for Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) declarations by the Director General of the Department of Environment in certain cases where ecosystem is considered to be threatened to reach a critical state. If the government is satisfied that due to degradation of environment, the ecosystem of any area has reached or is threatened to reach a critical state, the government may by notification in the official gazette declare such areas as Ecologically Critical Areas. The government shall specify, through the notification provided in sub-clause (1) or by separate notification, which of the operations or processes cannot be initiated or continued in the Ecologically Critical Area (Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act/BECA), 1995.

In April 1999, the Director General of the Department of Environment (DOE) officially declared nearly 40,000 ha, within seven separate wetland areas, as ECAs. These sites are Hakaluki Haor, Sonadia Island, st martin's island, and Teknaf Peninsula (cox's bazar Sea Beach) but not their buffer zones. tanguar haor, Marjat baor (oxbow lake) at Jhenaidaha and outside of Sundarbans Reserved Forest at 10 km extent all of which were deemed to meet the 'urgency criterion' required by BECA, ie, they were "threatened to reach a critical state". Although a large number of ecosystems in Bangladesh could accurately be described as "threatened", it would be impossible for the government to declare and manage all of them as ECAs. In order to identify priority sites, a series of biodiversity 'importance criteria' have been taken into account in addition to the above 'urgency criterion'. This led to the selection of two additional sites as ECAs: Tanguar haor, an important wetland area located in northeastern Bangladesh, and Marjat baor, a small but biologically significant oxbow lake. All ECAs thus far selected include a combination of public and private lands, with relevant restrictions equally applicable to both.

ECA site at Cox's Bazar lies at the extreme southeastern corner of Bangladesh on the border with Myanmar. The site consists of three component areas: (i) the western, coastal zone of Teknaf Peninsula (10,465 ha in area), which is a long, narrow and forested peninsula separating the bay of bengal from the estuary of the naf river and neighbouring Myanmar; (ii) St Martin's Island (590 ha), a sedimentary continental island located 10 km south of Teknaf Peninsula, and; (iii) Sonadia Island (4,924 ha), a barrier island a few km north of Teknaf Peninsula. The coastal and island habitats represent the site's 'focal areas' and total approximately 16,000 ha. An additional 30,000 ha, consisting of degraded but still biodiversity-rich upland forest watershed on Teknaf Peninsula, will be considered as the 'buffer zone'. While the project is designed to address and remove all threats to biodiversity within its focal areas, threats within the wider 'buffer zone' will be mitigated in order to provide additional protection for the 'focal areas'. People living within the Cox's Bazar site are heavily dependent on fisheries, marine products and, to a lesser extent, agriculture for their livelihood. The ECA area encompassed by the site contains biodiversity of global significance. Over 800 species of wildlife have been identified from the ECA areas, more than 20 of which are globally threatened. The following are the important areas in terms of biodiversity:

Teknaf Peninsula one of the longest sandy beach ecosystems (80 km) in the world. It represents a transitional ground for the fauna of the Indo-Himalayan and Indo-Malayan ecological sub-regions. The peninsula provides breeding areas for four globally threatened species of marine turtles and, lying along international bird migration flyways, serves as a significant bird area, with over 81 species recorded. Finally, its inshore water hosts globally threatened marine mammals.

St Martin's Island one of the few areas in the world where coral-algal communities dominate rocky reefs. This unique set of environmental conditions, biotic and abiotic, has no parallel in Bangladesh and perhaps not worldwide. The island also supports significant breeding areas for globally threatened marine turtle species and serving as a stepping stone for several globally threatened migratory waders.

Sonadia Island supports the last remaining remnant of mangrove forest in southeast Bangladesh, which once stretched along much of the coastline of Chittagong and Cox's Bazar. Sonadia's mangroves are distinct from the well-known sundarbans in Southwest Bangladesh, due to their development in a coastal lagoon setting rather than in a delta. This has led to the domination of different mangrove species, ones that were able to tolerate higher levels of salinity than their Sundarbans cousins. In addition to this important mangrove area, the island supports a large number of waterbirds, mollusks, echinoderms, and marine turtles. 

Cox's Bazar sea beach, the longest and unbroken seaboard of the world, is now in danger of being laid to waste. The present sight of the beach is shocking as it is littered with unplanned structures from makeshift sheds of bamboo and hay to permanent cement and brick buildings running as hotels, restaurants, gift shops and so on. One can also spot piles of brick and various construction materials on the coastline as well as signboards at different places declaring the names of title-holders of those sites.

If development of tourism in Cox's Bazar is the main objective of the government, how could it then allow such construction spree to go on unchecked? As reported in this paper's lead news, the district administration, despite the Department of Environment (DoE)'s directive, was not forthcoming with action to stop the senseless grabbing of land and construction work on the beach.

On the other hand, the district authorities, are trying to excuse themselves on a plea of government bodies like the forest department's as well as the government high-ups' involvement in the grabbing activities on the seashore.

Sadly though, the government's continued inaction in stopping such illegal construction activities and demolishing those structures already built is only contributing to encouraging the despoilers of the Cox's Bazar beach to go on with their encroachment uninhibited.

There is no gainsaying the fact that increasing its attractiveness is part and parcel of the beach's development. But destroying the landscape of the seashore with unauthorized structures is not the way to do that. As reported, both the government itself and the private individuals and organizations are at fault in destroying the topography of the beach.

Ironically though, there is already a government order since 1999 that declares the entire beach area from Cox's Bazar to Teknaf 'ecologically critical.' How then is it possible that government organizations themselves, let alone the private companies and individuals, are carrying out such activities that are detrimental to the beauty and ecological balance of the seashore in violation of that government order? The government must put its foot down to stop such activities forthwith.

While we are also for the private sector's involvement in the development of sea beach that does not mean it should take anarchistic proportions through its over-commercialization in private hands. Moreover, under no circumstances, the beauty and the unspoiled virginity of the landscape can be compromised. So, in order to develop the seaside with an eye to keeping the panoramic view, the environment and the biodiversity of the landscape intact, the government should think up a guideline involving local and international experts on the subject and ensure that its observance is made mandatory for the public as well as private sector entrepreneurs.

Saint Martins – Coconut Island

Saint Martins is the only coral island in Bangladesh, with beaches fringed with coconut palms, seashells and laid-back locals. The island is a tropical cliché. It’s a clean, calm and cool place for soak up the rays.

Location: Approximately 9 km south of the tip of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula. It is the southernmost part of Bangladesh located in the Bay of Bengal. It is around 8 km west of the northwest coast of Myanmar at the mouth of the Naf River. The total distance from Dhaka to St Martin is around 510 km.
Area: 8 sq. km but it reduces to around 5 sq. km during high tide.
Tourist Season: November to February

Original Name: “Narikel Jinjira” (Coconut Island) – The local name of the COCONUT is NARIKEL and the original name of this Island is Narikel Jinjira is derived from that.

Features:

• Beautiful Coral Reef
• Long Coral Beach
• Lots of Coconut Trees
• Peaceful Environment
• Bountiful Marine Life
• Deep Blue Water
• Sandy Beach

How to Reach?

To reach Saint Martins Island is just three-step process.

1. Fly or bus and get down to Cox’s Bazar (400 km from Dhaka).
2. Catch a bus to Teknaf.
3. From Teknaf, ferries run daily and take around 3 hours.

Ferries leave the island about 3 pm. Now, three shipping liners run daily trips to St. Martins. They are Sea-Truck, Kutubdia and Keary-Sindbad. For the regular Eagle ferries you need not to pre-book. However, for more reliable Keari Sindbad ferry and if you have not a roundtrip ticket you can book the return ticket at the Keari Marzaan restaurant. The restaurant only services to day-trippers on tours arranged by Keari Tours. The one-way fare is Tk 225.

For Contact:

Keari Marzaan Restaurant

Before Saint Martin’s Resort, off the main road.

+88 01727 266077, +88 0181 6820971

Local Transport: Cycle-rickshaws are the only transport besides walking. No motorized vehicles on the island, even no motorcycles! It is highly advisable that you travel the island on foot; otherwise, miss a lot of things. St. Martine is a small island. You just cover it around 3 to 4 hours on foot.

Thing to See:

Sunrise & Sunset: Observing sunrise and sunset St Martins is a better place. Sunset Point is a rocky peninsula on the northwest corner of the island.

Village life: A slow paced life — most work happens in the morning and evening, whereas midday is reserved for drying rice and fish. During the day time, some villagers sells coconuts while others sitting in the shade and chewing paan (battle leaf).

Sea Turtle Hatchery: Located on the west side of the island south of Shemana Pereye Resort. The hatchery is not officially open to tourists; however, it is generally empty and the gate unlocked.

Stars: Amazingly plentiful stars get on a moonless night, due to the lack of electricity on St Martine.

Things to Do:

Scuba Diving: Oceanic Scuba Dive Center, the only dive operation in Bangladesh. To experience the beauty underwater scuba diving is best but the cost is lit-bit high though negotiable.

Visit Chera Dwip: An extension part of St. Martins which is divided during tides. You can go to there on foot during low tide. It is about two and half an hour’s walk from St. Martins Island. You can also go the place by local boat or tourist boat during high tide. In Chera dwip you can find living and dead corals all over the Island. You will also get a small bush which is in the only green part of Chera-dwip, and enhancing the beauty of the island. No people live in this Island. That’s why; advisable for the visitors to go there early and back by afternoon.

Embrace Moonlight: Make a tour in St Martins by yourself in the moonlight. The astonishing beauty of full-moon in St. Martin’s Island never be expressed; you can only feel it. Over the night feel and listen the sound of the Bay of Bengal.

Watching Sun Rise: Wake up early and watch the sun rise.

Campfire: Make a campfire to stay up at night.

Shopping: A good number of small shops are near the port and along the main road selling essential commodities, odd souvenir t-shirts, hats and sunglasses. Various sea shells and things made from the shells are sold by teens around St Martine. However, it’s illegal as leads to the depletion of sea life.

Foods:

Food is relatively expensive here than on Cox’s Bazar. The food shacks line the road to the port. Bill of fare: Parothas – Tk 5, Omelettes – Tk 10 and vegetable curry – Tk 15 for breakfast. Various fish, dal (pulse) rice and vegetables are the rest of the day. Cha (tea) is Tk 5. Additionally, all the hotels have restaurants with the same typical Bangladeshi offerings. But higher prices & better quality than the food near the port. Chickens, lobsters and crabs are also available in the hotels. The islanders sell dried fish, which is little expensive but much fresher than those available up-shore in Cox’s Bazar.

Drinks:

Coconuts’ tasty water is available here with very low cost. But if you look for alcohol it’s very rare except some particular hotels. However, if you ask discreetly for the alcohol near the port, you may get it.

Accommodations: Accommodations facilities are very good here. You can easily manage a room according to your budget. Most of the evenings can be candle-lit as no electricity on St Martins, but a few of the much expensive hotels have generators services.

Saint Martin’s Hotels

Blue Marine Resorts

Dhaka Office

Lal Bhaban, 18 Rajuk Avenue

Dhaka-1000, bangladesh

Phone: 9556251, 01711827785

Email: sonali@bol-online.com

Fax: 8802-9562076

Cox’s Bazar Office

Samim Guest House

Kalatali Road, Cox’s bazar

Phone: 0341-62325

Cell: 01819063504, 01713103595

Saint Martin’s Office

Delpara, Narikel Zingira

Saint Martin’s, Bangladesh

Cell: 01817060065

Phone: 0341-62100, 62500

Shemana Pereye Resort

Dhaka Contact

Phone: 01190493887, 01711344451, 01818043415

St. Martin’s Contact

Phone: 01819018027, 01817042020

Saint Martin’s Resort (Motel Nijhum)

Phone: +880 01819 490129

Riyad Guesthouse

Phone: +880 018 1856 255

Hotel Prince

Ph: +88-017-11276250

Awareness:

• Avoid eating fish at every meal on the island as over-fishing rapidly vanishing sea life.
• Keep a sound distance from sea turtles and their eggs. Don’t disturb those fascinating but fragile creatures.
• Avoid western bathing suits both man and woman.

Displeasure:

1. No Land phone
2. No Motorized Vehicle
3. No Night Club
4. No Internet Facilities
5. Very Limited Alcohol

Sonadia Island – Home of Turtles

Sonadia is a small crescent shaped island. The western part of this island is sandy and different types of shells are found on the beach. Visitors can see the apparently endless beds filled with windowpane oysters. The land is a tranquil haven for fishermen as well as its small local community.

Area: 9 sq. km

Location: 7-km north-west of Cox’s Bazar.

Attraction:

•    The sight of game birds migrating Sonadia Island in huge numbers through the winter seasons.

•    Turtle nests.

•    Various bird species (More than 52 bird species including resident and migratory)

•    Wildlife

•    Live fishing and fishermen lifestyle

•    Shrimp Farm

Moheshkhali Island – Jewel of Cox’s Bazar

Moheshkhali is a jewel among the attractions of Cox’s Bazar. The island is famous for its beauty and tranquility. Numerous eager rickshaw pullers patiently wait for the arrival of tourist, and offer them an exclusive tour of the island.

Area: 268 sq. km

Attraction:

• Breathtaking Mangrove Forest
• Spectacular Hilly Areas ( around 300 ft. high)
• Salt Fields
• Striking Landscapes
• Picturesque & Peaceful Beaches
• Colorful Buddhist Temple & Pagoda
• Shrimp
• Battle Leaf
• Simple Island Lifestyle
• Rakhain villages

Place of Interest:

Adinath Temple: Located on the top of the Mainak Hill on Moheshkhali. The Shrine of Adinath is dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva, who is worshipped as Adinath. The place is famous for the annual fair held in the month of Phalgun according to the Bengali Calendar. The fair is taken place at the foot of the Mainak Hill and lasts 13 days. Thousands of Hindus participate here from all over Bangladesh.

Get in:

Waterway: You can reach the Moheshkhali by trawler (local motorboat) or by speedboat. By trawler, it is one hour and half an hour journey whereas speedboat takes just half an hour to reach the Island.

By Road: Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam Bridge connects the island to the mainland. So, you can easily reach their by road.

Note:
Traveling to Moheshkhali by waterway is advisable, as it is a super way to catch valuable memories on film and add extra adventure to exploration of Bangladesh