Mataking

Mataking Island, one of the hottest dive spot in the Celebes Sea is located just 40 minutes from Semporna, a fishing town at east coast of the state of Sabah, Malaysia.

When the crystal turquoise waters of Mataking beckons, it is an offer that cannot be refused. Suit up and explore the 33 dive sites in and around Mataking and the surrounding islands of Pandanan, Bohayan, Timba-timba and Buhai Dulang. The marine life close to Kalapuan shore is just as magnificent as those found in the deep end; the house reef literally lits up in the night.

Diving in Mataking and its neighbouring islands is truly an exhilarating experience. Especially the variety of small creatures will fascinate you. Pygmy Seahorses are not uncommon in Mataking Island. Not only small marine life can be sighted as Mataking’s proximity to the Alice channel, a deep-water channel on the east side of the island, makes the encounter of pelagics possible. Schools of Tuna and Barracudas come close to the reef as protection from bigger predators. Eagle Rays use the up welling currents from the deep-water channel as food source and a comfortable way of travel. The sight of Green and Hawksbill Turtles is also common on Mataking reefs.

Come on over and experience the beauty and wonders Mataking has to offer. Indeed, it is the promised island with majestic treasures for divers, holiday makers, family travellers and honeymooners alike.

Diving Season

Although the dive season for Mataking is open all year round, the optimum conditions are between February and November. The portion of this period of time which is less busy is during February and July.

Reef Basics

Dive Sites

There are approximately 30 dive sites diveable from Mataking which includes sites at Mataking Kecil and Besar, Baturua Reef, Pandanan Island, Timba-Timba Island and Bohayan Island. They are:

Getting There

• 1 hour from Singapore to Senai Airport, Johor Bahru, by minibus
• 2 hours 30 min from Johor Bahru to Tawau, Malaysia, by plane
• 1 hour 30 min from Tawau to Semporna, by minibus
• 80 min from Semporna to Mataking Island, by speedboat

Tawau Airport in Sabah has a regular international flight service to/from Johor Bahru with Air Asia

Accomodation

There is plenty of resorts to choose from on Mataking Island. Here's our choice!

• The Reef Dive Resort

  Classic package

  SGD849 5D4N Package
  Excludes equipment rental, air ticket, taxes, Sipadan Levy
  Book now or view more information about this resort