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 Matakings 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
Great for:
Highlights:
Barracudas, Hammerhead sharks, Eagle rays
Depth:
5 – >40m
Visibility:
20 – 50m
Currents:
Gentle
Surface conditions:
Can be choppy
Water temperature:
25 – 29°C
Number of dive sites:
>30
Experience level:
Recommended Length of stay:
5-7days
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:
Turtle Playground
D’Wall
Humphead Point
Sweet Lips Rock
Lobster Lair
Nudibranch Heaven
Coral Garden
Garden of Eden
Eel Garden
Magic Rock
House Reef
Mandarin Valley
Macro Mania
Frog Fish Farm
Treasure Hunt
Pandanan Bay
Nudibranch Town
Sweet Lips Table
Sting Ray city
Jalan-Jalan
Aquarium
Pistol’s Paradise
Eye Candy
Diver’s Delight
Cahaya Way
Pygmy Point
Pancang
Lands End
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
Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun:
JHB-TWU AK5632 Depart 12.55 – Arrive 15.40
TWU-JHB AK5633 Depart 16.05 – Arrive 18.50
All times are in Singapore GMT +8 hours
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
