MATAKING ISLAND RESORT

The Reef Dive Resort at Mataking Island , Malaysia , is the newest and hottest dive spot in the Celebes Sea , located just 40 minutes from Semporna, a fishing town on the east coast of the state of Sabah , Malaysia . The resort provides luxurious accommodation for anyone wishing to explore the enchanting undersea world of Mataking Island .

Bask on the snow white sandy beach during the day, and enjoy the islands’ wildlife, like the coconut crab and the exotic migratory seabirds. At night sit out and watch the fireflies dancing; Green and Hawksbill turtles frequently come up to lay their eggs in the sands. and the fireflies.

Divers can explore the 100 metre deep Alice channel, which connects Mataking to Sipadan Island, and is just an 80 minute boat ride away.

THE DIVING .

The 30 or more dive sites in and around Mataking and the surrounding islands of Pandaman and Bohayan, are set in surprisingly clear water. Swim along with the barracuda, rainbow runner, turtles, trevally, tuna, goby, mandarin fish, giant frog fish & much more. The destination offers a combination of slope diving in the western shore offering macro fauna & nudibranch heaven, and wall diving at the eastern shore offering pelagic marine species and the magnificent living colours of hard and soft corals.

THE RESORT

Bar / Restaurant		Bedroom
Water Sports		Stunning Beaches

The reef chalets and deluxe rooms are built in traditional architecture offering simply elegant and exquisite accommodation for up to 100 guests. Facilities of the resort include luxurious rooms with air conditioning, hot shower, sea view balcony and bathroom, internet service, satellite TV, restaurant serving Asian and Continental buffets, coral bar, Jamu Spa & Jacuzzi and exotic gardens.

The dive centre offers 3 boat dives a day and unlimited house reef diving.

GEO-DIVE OPINION

We don’t advise you to choose this destination of you’re looking to dive the area around Sipadan; it’s a little too far away and although they do offer daily excursions to Sipadan at an extra cost, the total trip there and back is around 4 hours by boat.

The resort certainly falls into the deluxe category for the area in terms of structure and facilities; nothing is overlooked and we would recommend it for honeymooners. Diving – visibility is always very good, especially around the island of Pandanan ; it’s an excellent destination for macro-photographers; aside from the wonderful colours there are also sometimes (but not always) pelagic fish, and plenty of turtles.

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