Diving in Mataking

Secluded Macro Haven

Mataking is included in our Sipadan section since it is possible to dive Sipadan from here although it is a little more removed from the immediate area than the resorts of Mabul and Kapalai. The resort is alone on the island which is a quiet spot with access to a lot of great macro sites that are more or less the exclusive playground of divers staying at Mataking.

The island's reefs are vibrant and colourful. Pygmy seahorses, squat lobsters and blue-ringed octopus, all quite the masters of camouflage, can be spotted by the hawk-eyed. Nudibranchs abound with all the colours of the rainbow along the walls and delightful house reef.

Highlights

Garden of Eden - Typically of diving Mataking, your companions on your 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.

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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.

Diving Season

The best conditions for diving here tend to be between the months of February and November with August the high season, having a 10% price surcharge. The resort tends to be less busy in both February and July yet diving conditions are normally excellent at these times.

Reef Summary

Great for: Small animals, underwater photography and non-diving activities
Not so great for: Large animals, wreck diving and visibility
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 8 - 25m
Currents: Gentle
Surface Conditions: Generally calm but can be choppy
Water Temperature: 25 - 29°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 33
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 tourist information

View a map of:
• Sabah - Borneo  -  Malaysia Peninsula

• Scuba diving vacation enquiries

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