Photo of Monpura Island — Arman333 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Destination guide
Monpura Island
মনপুরা দ্বীপ
Bhola's only island upazila — 373 sq km of river-cut quiet. From one spot you can watch both sunrise and sunset. Spend the day in a hammock on the 1-km Dakshina Hawa beach, ride through keora forest to Maya Bridge, catch the sunset at Hajirhat Landing Station, or go fishing with Meghna fishermen for hilsa. Many say: 'It's not Cox's Bazar, but it has its own vibe' — and everyone agrees the island's greatest treasure is its people.
History & significance
An island of roughly 800 years. The name carries a folk-tale: a man called Mongaji leased the island and was killed by a tiger — Monpura bears his name. Portuguese pirates had a base here some 400 years ago. Painter Zainul Abedin created 'Monpura 70' after the devastating 1970 cyclone, and the 2009 film 'Monpura' was shot here — tourism has flowed in ever since.
How to get there
Hatiya-bound launches from Dhaka Sadarghat stop at Ramnewaz Ghat — they leave late afternoon (5–6 PM, some say 6–8 PM) and take 12–13 hours; deck Tk 300–600, single cabin Tk 1,200, double Tk 2,000. Careful — Betua-bound launches do not go direct to Monpura. Alternative: from Betua Ghat (Char Fasson) to Jontabazar Ghat by launch Tk 100–130 or speedboat Tk 250–300. On the island, reserve a bike — Tk 600–1,000 a day; autos/vans cannot cover the whole island in one day.
Entry fee
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No ticket for the island or the beach — the cost is transport and stay.
Opening hours & best time
Tour in daylight; the return launch to Dhaka leaves around 2 PM — be at the ghat before then.
Best time
Winter (October–March) — guest birds, date juice, wild-duck curry. In monsoon the rivers turn rough and tide shifts the ghat schedules.
Traveller tips
The return launch leaves around 2 PM — check out of the hotel by 12 noon.
The famous deer are rarely actually seen — keep expectations in check.
At Hotel Monpura, buffalo-milk yogurt and sweets are a must — Tk 350 a kg.
Power is limited and there are no ATMs — carry a power bank and cash.
A 6 AM–2:30 PM hilsa-fishing trip with local fishermen — for many, the best part of the whole visit.