Transport Options

Most travellers reach Bandarban through Chattogram, whose Shah Amanat airport receives flights from Dhaka in under an hour. From Chattogram, buses leave from Baddarhat terminal and take around two and a half to three hours to Bandarban, while a private car is somewhat faster. Cox's Bazar airport is an alternative for travellers combining the hills with the beach.

Overnight buses from Dhaka, operated by companies such as Shyamoli, Hanif, S Alam and Unique, leave in the late evening and arrive in Bandarban around seven in the morning after nine or ten hours on the road. Both air conditioned and ordinary coaches run, with fares roughly between eight hundred and eighteen hundred taka.

The final section from Bandarban town up to Chimbuk is normally done by chander gari, the open back jeep that serves as the main transport of the Hill Tracts, or by hired microbus. The ride takes around an hour and passes checkpoints where foreign passports are inspected. The resort can help arrange a vehicle in advance.

Foreign nationals should prepare paperwork before travelling. Visits to the Chittagong Hill Tracts have required advance notification to the authorities, and certain upazilas beyond Chimbuk, such as Ruma and Thanchi, have been closed to tourists during security operations in recent years. Asking the resort about the current situation before booking transport saves unpleasant surprises at the checkpoint.

Once on the hill, movement is on foot around the summit or by jeep for excursions to Nilgiri, Shoilo Propat and back to town. Evening driving is best avoided. For departure, reserving the jeep a day ahead ensures a morning start and enough margin to catch the Chattogram bus or a flight.