
Explore accommodations in Cox's Bazar sorted by distance
Kutubdia is a small island in the Bay of Bengal, located off the coast of Cox's Bazar.
This island has a unique story - it's named after a Sufi saint called Kutub Uddin Aulia who came here centuries ago.
Today, the island is famous for two things: its historic lighthouse and Bangladesh's first wind power project.
What makes Kutubdia special is also what makes it sad.
The island has been slowly swallowed by the sea over the past hundred years.
The original Kutubdia Lighthouse, built by the British in 1846, now stands in the middle of the ocean - a haunting reminder of how much land the sea has taken.
A new lighthouse was built further inland, but even that one is now threatened by erosion.
Look across the island and you'll see rows of wind turbines spinning in the constant sea breeze.
Kutubdia is home to Bangladesh's first wind power plant, set up to capture the strong coastal winds.
These white turbines against the blue sky have become a symbol of the island.
Unlike the tourist-packed beaches of Cox's Bazar, Kutubdia offers a glimpse into simple island life.
The people here are mostly fishermen and salt farmers.
You'll see traditional fishing boats, salt fields that sparkle in the sun, and a community that has learned to live with the ever-changing coastline.
Kutubdia is for travelers who want something different.
There are no fancy resorts or crowded beaches here.
Instead, you get authentic village life, dramatic coastlines, historic ruins, and the unique experience of standing where land meets a hungry sea.
It's a place that reminds you how powerful nature can be.
Kutubdia Island has no entry fee.
It's a regular inhabited island, not a ticketed tourist spot.
Kutubdia is a regular island with residents, so there are no opening or closing hours.
You can visit anytime.
A full day trip is enough to see the main attractions.
However, staying overnight lets you experience island life more deeply.
Plan your day around ferry timings.
Missing the last ferry means you'll have to stay overnight - make sure you have backup accommodation plans.
November to February is ideal.
The weather is pleasant, the sea is calm, and ferry services run smoothly.
From Dhaka:
Magnamghat is the ferry terminal for Kutubdia, located north of Cox's Bazar town.
From Magnamghat jetty:
On the island:
Some travelers combine Kutubdia with a trip to Maheshkhali Island - both can be visited in 2 days.
Kutubdia is not a developed tourist destination.
Facilities are basic and limited.
The most unique experience in Kutubdia.
The original 1846 British lighthouse now stands in the middle of the sea, about 1-2 kilometers offshore.
Hire a fishing boat (৳500-1,000) to get close to this haunting structure - a powerful symbol of erosion and climate change.
The replacement lighthouse built on higher ground.
You can see it from various points on the island.
It's still an active lighthouse guiding ships in the Bay of Bengal.
Bangladesh's first wind power project is here.
Walk among the tall wind turbines spinning in the sea breeze.
It's a fascinating sight and makes for great photos against the sky.
During the dry season (December-April), watch traditional salt farming:
The beaches here aren't like Cox's Bazar - they're more natural and less crowded.
Walk along the eroding coastline and see firsthand how the sea is claiming the land.
The shrine of Kutub Uddin Aulia, the Sufi saint after whom the island is named.
It's a peaceful spot with local significance.
The sea crossing is the main concern for visitors.
Kutubdia is very exposed with almost no shade.
If you miss the last ferry:
From Cox's Bazar town, expect to spend:
If staying on the island:
Including bus fare from Dhaka:
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**The Heart of Cox's Bazar Beach** Laboni Point is the most famous and busiest spot on the world's longest natural sea beach. Located right in the center of Cox's Bazar town, this is where most tourists start their beach adventure. The name "Laboni" comes from a nearby cinema hall, and over the years, this stretch of sand has become the main gathering place for visitors from all over Bangladesh and beyond. **What Makes Laboni Point Special** This is the easiest part of Cox's Bazar beach to reach - just a short walk from most hotels and the main town area. The beach here is wide, with soft golden sand that stretches for miles in both directions. You'll find the water shallow and calm for the first 50-100 meters, making it safe for wading and playing in the waves. The view of the Bay of Bengal from here is stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset when the sky turns orange and pink. **A Beach for Everyone** Laboni Point is always alive with activity. You'll see families building sandcastles, groups of friends taking photos, and vendors selling everything from fresh coconut water to colorful beach toys. During evenings, the beach transforms into a social hub where locals and tourists mingle, enjoy snacks from nearby stalls, and watch the spectacular sunset together. **The Gateway to More Adventures** From Laboni Point, you can easily walk south to reach [Kolatoli Beach](/tourist-places/kolatoli-beach) and [Sugandha Beach](/tourist-places/sugandha-beach), or hire a beach bike or horse cart to explore further. Many visitors use this spot as their base to plan trips to [Inani Beach](/tourist-places/inani-beach), [Himchari](/tourist-places/himchari-national-park), or even [St. Martin's Island](/tourist-places/st-martins-island). The beach stretches 120 kilometers unbroken, and Laboni Point sits right at the beginning of this incredible coastline. **Day and Night at Laboni** During the day, the beach is perfect for swimming, playing volleyball, or simply relaxing under a beach umbrella. As evening approaches, the atmosphere changes - colorful lights illuminate the beachfront, restaurants come alive with the smell of fresh seafood, and the cool sea breeze makes for a perfect evening stroll. Laboni Point truly offers something for every hour of the day.

**The Southernmost Beach of Mainland Bangladesh** Teknaf Beach marks the end of Bangladesh's mainland, sitting at the country's southernmost tip about 85 kilometers south of [Cox's Bazar Beach](/tourist-places/coxs-bazar-beach). This remote stretch of coastline offers a completely different experience from the busy tourist areas up north. Here, you'll find a quieter beach, stunning hill views, and a glimpse into life at the edge of the country. What makes Teknaf unique is its location. On one side is the Bay of Bengal, on the other are hills that form the border with Myanmar. The Naf River flows nearby, creating an interesting mix of sea and river landscapes. This is also where most travelers catch boats to [St. Martin's Island](/tourist-places/st-martins-island) and [Chera Dwip](/tourist-places/chera-dwip). **A Less Crowded Alternative** Unlike the packed beaches of Cox's Bazar, Teknaf Beach remains relatively peaceful. The sand here is coarser, the waves can be stronger, and the overall feel is more raw and natural. Local fishing boats dot the shoreline, and you'll often see fishermen bringing in their daily catch. It's a working beach as much as it is a tourist destination. The lack of major resort development means Teknaf has kept its authentic character. Small tea stalls, local restaurants serving fresh seafood, and simple guesthouses make up the hospitality scene here. **Gateway to the Islands** Most visitors to Teknaf are either on their way to St. Martin's Island or returning from it. The Teknaf Jetty is the main departure point for boats heading to Bangladesh's only coral island. But Teknaf itself deserves more than a quick pass-through. Spending a night here before or after your island trip lets you explore at a relaxed pace. **Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary** Just outside town lies the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Bangladesh's oldest protected forest areas. Covering over 11,000 hectares, this hilly forest is home to Asian elephants, wild boars, various deer species, and numerous birds. The sanctuary connects to the beach area, making it possible to combine forest walks with beach time. **Border Town Atmosphere** Teknaf has the interesting vibe of a border town. You can see Myanmar's hills across the Naf River, and the local markets sometimes carry goods that have crossed the border. The town itself is busy with fishing activity, boat traffic, and travelers heading to the islands.
Maheshkhali is the only hilly island in Bangladesh. Located just 12 kilometers west of [Cox's Bazar](/tourist-places/coxs-bazar-beach) city, this 362 square kilometer island offers a unique mix of hills, mangrove forests, beaches, salt fields, and ancient temples. Around 400,000 people call this island home. **How It Got Its Name** The island is named after "Mahesh," which is one of the 108 names of [Lord Shiva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva) (also called Adinath). According to historians, the island was formed in 1559 when a powerful cyclone separated it from the mainland. A Portuguese traveler recorded this event in his journals. **The Famous Adinath Temple** The most famous attraction on the island is the [Adinath Temple](/tourist-places/adinath-temple), sitting on top of Mainak Hill. This ancient Hindu temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, a Nepalese king built five Shiva temples across the subcontinent after having a divine dream - Adinath Temple is one of them. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit during the Shiva Chaturdashi festival. **Natural Beauty** From Mainak Hill, you can see the entire island spread below you - the mangrove forests, the sea, and the coastline. The island is fringed with mangroves that are home to many bird species and wildlife. **Local Life** The island is known for its betel nut leaves, salt production, and dried fish (called "Shutki"). Walking through local villages gives you a glimpse of traditional island life that has continued for generations. **Nearby Islands** From Maheshkhali, you can also visit nearby [Sonadia Island](/tourist-places/sonadia-island), a quiet eco-tourism destination known for its pristine beaches and migratory birds.
**Bangladesh's Only Coral Island** St. Martin's Island is a tiny piece of paradise sitting in the Bay of Bengal, just 9 kilometers south of [Teknaf Beach](/tourist-places/teknaf-beach). This is Bangladesh's only coral island and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Locals call it "Narikel Jinjira" (Coconut Island) because of the thousands of coconut trees that cover its landscape. The island is small - only about 8 square kilometers - but it packs an incredible amount of natural beauty. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and stunning sunsets make this feel like a different world from mainland Bangladesh. About 6,000 people live here permanently, mostly fishermen and their families. **A Unique Ecosystem** What makes St. Martin's truly special is its coral reef ecosystem. The waters around the island are home to over 66 species of coral, 187 species of fish, and various sea creatures including sea turtles, starfish, and sea urchins. During low tide, you can walk on exposed coral rocks and explore tidal pools full of marine life. The island is divided into three main areas: Uttarpara (North), the main settlement area with the jetty; Golachipa in the middle; and Dakshinpara (South), which is quieter and more natural. The southern tip connects to [Chera Dwip](/tourist-places/chera-dwip) during very low tide. **Island Life** Life on St. Martin's moves slowly. There are no cars or motorcycles - just walking and occasional rickshaw vans. The main industries are fishing and dried fish production, which you'll smell everywhere. Tourism has grown rapidly in recent decades, bringing hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops to the main areas. The islanders are warm and welcoming. Many have opened small guesthouses or restaurants serving fresh seafood caught that same day. The simplicity of island life - no traffic noise, limited electricity (generator-powered), and minimal mobile coverage - is part of the charm. **Marine Paradise** The waters around St. Martin's are cleaner and clearer than anywhere else in Bangladesh. Snorkeling reveals a colorful underwater world, though the coral has suffered from increased tourism and climate change. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this fragile ecosystem. Sea turtles nest on the beaches between October and February. If you're lucky, you might see baby turtles making their way to the sea. Dolphins are sometimes spotted in the surrounding waters. **Visiting St. Martin's** The island is only accessible during the tourist season from November to March. Boats from Teknaf take 2-3 hours to reach here. Most visitors stay 1-2 nights to properly explore, though day trips are possible. The best experiences come from slowing down, walking the beaches, watching the stars at night, and enjoying the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere.