Travel is more than simply going from one place to another. Sometimes, we just need to get away from the dust, traffic, noise, and routine of city life and spend a little time somewhere quieter. In the winter of 2019, we did exactly that. We set out for Saint Martin’s, Bangladesh’s only coral island, looking forward to a few days by the sea with family, friends, and colleagues.
Tales of the Blue Waters and the Coral Isle
Our Journey to Saint Martin’s (2019) — Rezwan Ahmed Suhrid
The First Call: An Invitation to the Road
Our journey began in Dhaka when the Green Line Scania bus left the city behind. It was a night journey, and as the bus moved along the highway, the familiar lights of Dhaka gradually disappeared. Through the windows, we could see occasional shops, roadside lights, and small towns passing by.
Inside the bus, though, nobody seemed particularly interested in sleeping. We were travelling together as a group, with family members and close colleagues, so there was plenty of conversation, laughter, and excitement. The journey itself became part of the fun.
Keari Sindbad, Jetty, Teknaf
After travelling through the night, we reached Teknaf around dawn. The closer we got to the coast, the more noticeable the smell of saltwater became. At the jetty, the Keari Sindbad was waiting to take us across to Saint Martin’s. Seeing the ship after an overnight bus journey made the trip feel real at last.
Companion of the Voyage, the Seagull
An Epic Across the Sea
Once the ship left the jetty, the landscape changed completely. The roads and buildings were gone, replaced by open water in every direction. The morning sun reflected off the waves, and the sea seemed to stretch endlessly toward the horizon.
Most of us spent a good part of the journey on the deck. Some were busy taking photographs, others were simply watching the sea, and there was plenty of conversation as we enjoyed the change of scenery. Every now and then, a fishing boat appeared in the distance, looking tiny against the huge expanse of water.
The Endless Sea, on the Way to Saint Martin’s
The roughly four-hour sea journey gave us plenty of time to slow down and simply look around. The farther we travelled from the mainland, the more isolated everything felt. Watching the small fishing boats moving across such a vast stretch of water also put things into perspective. Out there, surrounded by the sea, we were reminded how small we really are compared with nature.
Struggle upon the Waves
Eventually, something green appeared on the horizon. As the ship moved closer, the shape of the island became clearer—white sandy beaches, coconut trees, and the blue water surrounding them. After hours at sea, seeing Saint Martin’s ahead of us was a welcome sight.
Arrival: A Doorway to Another World
Stepping onto the island immediately felt different from being in Dhaka. There was no traffic, no constant city noise, and none of the usual rush of everyday life. There was the sea, the wind, the sound of waves, and coconut trees moving in the breeze.
Sea Find Resort, East Beach, Coast Guard Road, Saint Martin’s
After checking in and taking a short rest at the resort, we started exploring. Lunch was waiting for us, and after the long journey, it was exactly what we needed. There was fried fish, crab, calamari, rice, and lentils. Nothing particularly complicated—just fresh food, a good appetite, and the satisfaction of finally being on the island.
Lunch, Sea Find Resort, Saint Martin’s
Later, we went to the eastern beach. The afternoon sun was reflecting off the water, and we spent some time walking along the shore and letting the waves wash over our feet. By evening, we made our way to the western beach to watch the sunset.
The sky gradually changed colour as the sun went down. We stood there watching the last light disappear over the sea, taking photographs and simply enjoying the moment. It was one of those scenes that needs no explanation.
Sunset, West Beach, Saint Martin’s
That night, the resort arranged a barbecue. With the sea nearby, a clear night sky above us, and freshly prepared fish on the grill, the evening turned into another memorable part of the trip. We talked, laughed, ate, and enjoyed being together without having to think about the usual routine back home.
Barbecue Party, Sea Find Resort, Saint Martin’s
The Enchantment of Chera Dwip
The next morning began with sunrise on the eastern beach. The first light spread across the sky while the sea reflected the changing colours. Waking up so close to the water and starting the day with that view was one of the nicest parts of staying on the island.
Sunrise, East Beach, Saint Martin’s
After breakfast, we headed toward Chera Dwip by boat. The short journey itself was enjoyable. The water was clear, the boat moved gently across the sea, and the island gradually came into view.
Chera Dwip, Saint Martin’s
Chera Dwip had a different character from the main island. The clear water, exposed coral, small marine creatures, and quiet shoreline made it a wonderful place to spend a few hours. We walked through the shallow water, took photographs, sat by the shore, and simply enjoyed the surroundings.
With my wife, Chera Dwip, Saint Martin’s
Trips like this often remind us that we do not always need complicated plans to have a good time. A boat ride, clear water, an open sky, and the company of people we enjoy being with can be enough. Saint Martin’s gave us exactly that.
Samudra Bilash – Humayun Ahmed’s Dream Retreat in Daruchini Dwip
The Ache of Farewell
Like every trip, ours eventually came to an end. By afternoon, it was time to board the ship again. As Saint Martin’s slowly disappeared behind us, there was a familiar feeling of not wanting to leave. We had only spent a short time there, but the island had already given us plenty of memories.
Morning Light in Daruchini Dwip
We eventually reached the mainland and began the long journey back to Dhaka. By the time the bus arrived at night, our bodies were back in the city, but our minds were still somewhere between the island, the sea, and the memories we had made there.
At Last: A Priceless Memory
Our Saint Martin’s trip was much more than a few days away from Dhaka. It was time spent with family, friends, and colleagues; long conversations on a bus, a memorable journey across the sea, good food, quiet beaches, and countless photographs.
Even years later, those memories remain surprisingly clear. I can still picture the blue water, the sunset over the western beach, the morning light on the eastern shore, and the boat ride to Chera Dwip. Some journeys end when we return home. Others stay with us for years. Our journey to Saint Martin’s was one of those.
