Mantanani Island is a group of three isolated islands northwest of Kota Belud, a one-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. Although only approximately an hour's boat rides by speedboat from the mainland, the islands were only known to a few locals. Time slows down there amidst the crystal clear blue waters lapping on white sandy beaches. Three wrecks have been discovered which still hold plenty of secrets and are now home to a menagerie of marine creatures such as Lionfish, Scorpionfish, octopus, glassfish and many species of rays flutter around like blue spotted ray and marbled sting ray amongst large schools of fish. The coral reefs surrounding the islands have plenty to offer, for both novice and experienced diver even snorkeling too. There are now 16 dive sites been identified by Mantanani Island Resort with many more still to be explore. The island promises the most diverse marine life with visibility up to 40 metres.