Diving in Mataking
Secluded Macro Haven
One of the best things about diving Mataking is that there is the only one resort in the area and therefore your diving boat is the only one on any dive site. So no crowds of divers or multitudes of bubbles.
Instead you can investigate the floor and coral for wonders such as the blue-ringed octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, frogfish, pygmy seahorses and many other small-scale delights. Nudibranchs abound with all the colours of the rainbow along the walls and the delightful Mataking House Reef.
Returning to the resort to dry off and have refreshments, the ease of scuba diving in Mataking is in keeping with the comfort of the resort and if you want hassle-free dives in a macro-paradise this is the place for you.
You won't find any big pelagics here but instead an assortment of macro wonders that some rate as better than Mabul. There are 10 sites in and around Mataking itself and up to 23 other sites in the surrounding islands. The furthest site is only 25 minutes from the dive centre by speedboat across calm seas where you may spot a school or two of dolphins. The mighty whale shark as also been known to pass by in front of the resort.
The dive sites of Sipadan and Mabul may be a daytrip away but, because of the richness and convenience of some great nearby diving, many guests simply opt to dive the Mataking sites locally.
Garden Of Eden - Typically of diving Mataking, your companions on the boat are going to be the only divers at this site so if you are a photographer or even a slow swimmer you can have plenty of time to spend checking out the sights. Leaffish, ribbon eels and frogfish are included in the line up with also plenty of reef fish encountered, having their parasites removed by cleaner wrasses.
How to Dive Mataking
No other resorts run trips to these sites. That means the sites are all mercifully free of the large groups of divers you can sometimes see around Sipadan's more popular dive sites. The Reef Dive Resort is the only one on Mataking and offers comfort and luxury, convenient access to lots of great macro diving as well as regular daytrips to Sipadan.
Got a question?
Have a look through our Frequently asked questions
The best conditions for diving here tend to be between the months of February and November with August being the high season. The resort tends to be less busy in both February and July yet diving conditions are normally excellent at these times.
Good for: Small animals, underwater photography and non-diving activities
Not so good for: Large animals, wreck diving and visibility
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 8 - 25m
Surface conditions: Generally calm but can be choppy
Water temperature: 25 - 29°C
Experience level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 33
Distance: 25 km (40 mins) east from the port of Semporna, and 45 km (80 mins) north east of Sipadan
Access: Resort boat diving day trips
Recommended length of stay: 6 days, or longer if combined with other nearby areas
Dive Site Descriptions
For further information and details on the Mataking dive sites:
• Mataking Island travel information
View a map of:
• Sabah - Borneo - Malay Peninsula
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