St. Martin's Island, Coral island in Chattogram Division, Bangladesh
St. Martin's Island is a coral formation in the Bay of Bengal near Bangladesh's southeastern border. Sandy beaches surround the small inhabited center, while shallow water extends toward the open sea.
Arab traders called the island Zajira during the early medieval period as they navigated routes between India and Burma. British surveyors mapped it later in the 19th century and renamed it after one of their vessels.
Residents sell fresh fish and coconuts along the narrow paths that cross the village. Women dry seafood on flat bamboo racks outside their homes.
Boats depart from Teknaf port and arrive at the island in roughly two hours when the sea is calm. Bring sun protection and water, as sunlight feels strong on the open water.
This is the only place in Bangladesh where living coral reefs grow and expand. Fishermen watch plankton glow at night in the shallow water.
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