The Reef Dive Resort at Mataking Island is one the hottest dive spot in the Celebes Sea, located just 40 minutes from Semporna, a fishing town at east coast of the state of Sabah, Malaysia. It provides luxurious accommodation to the enchanting undersea world of Mataking Island. The Alice Channel which is about 100 meters deep connecting Mataking to Sipadan Island just 60 minutes boat ride away. This explains why Mataking is just as fascinating as famed Sipadan Island.

The Islands...

The islands of Mataking are just north of Bohayan and became famous in 1998 when a Scandinavian film crew stayed on the islands for several months to produce a "Robinson" TV series. Green and Hawksbill turtles frequently come up to lay their eggs in the sands. During the day, bask on the snow white sandy beach and enjoy the sight of the island's coconut crab scurrying up a tree, exotic migratory seabirds and fire flies. Climb up the King's watch tower and enjoy the breathtaking sight. You can also re-enact Moses' miraculous crossing of the red sea by taking a stroll down the 1km sand bar that connects Mataking and Mataking Kecil at low tide.

The Resort...

The Reef chalets and deluxe rooms are built in traditional architecture offering simply elegant yet romantic and exquisite accommodation for up to 70 guests in a serene and cozy environment. Facilities of the resort include luxurious rooms with air conditioning, hot shower, sea view balcony and bathroom, internet service, more than 30 channels satellite TV, restaurant serving Asian and continental buffet, coral bar, exotic garden, Jamu Spa and Jacuzzi.

The Diving...

When the crystal turquoise waters of Mataking beckons, it is an offer that cannot be refused. Suit up and explore the 30 or so dive sites in and around Mataking and the surrounding islands of Pandanan, Bohayan and Buhai Dulang. Swim along with the barracuda, rainbow runner, turtles, trevallies, tuna, goby, frogfish, mandarinfish and other rare species of fish. Be awestruck by the varied species of nudibranch and other macro that have made the western reef their home.

Head over to the Alice Channel on the eastern shore which stretches across to Sipadan Island, offering just as much exhilarating sea creatures. The D'wall, Nudibranch Heaven, Garden of Eden and Magic Rock are some of the diving sites that should be on every diver's list. If you would rather stay nearer to shore, grab your snorkeling mask and swim with the fishes there. The marine life close to shore is just as magnificent as those found in the deep end. You can checkout some reviews of Mataking's dive sites here: Mataking House Reef | D'Wall | Garden of Eden | Bohayan

Getting There...

The normal route to Mataking Island is catch a direct flight to Tawau Airport, there you will be met and transfer by air-conditioned coach to Semporna, a fishing town, the journey takes about an hour and half. From Semporna you'll board a fiber glass speedboat that will take you to The Reef Dive Resort on Mataking Island, a scenic journey of about 40 minutes in good seas.