About Mataking Island
Mataking Island is a private tropical island in the Celebes Sea off the southeast coast of Sabah, about 40 kilometres from Semporna town. It consists of two islands, Mataking Besar and Mataking Kecil, connected by a narrow sandbank at low tide. Known for clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and a house reef, it is a well-established dive destination near Sipadan, offering resort accommodation and day-trip access within the Semporna archipelago.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small private island with white sandy beaches, clear shallow waters and dense tropical vegetation. The island is divided into Mataking Besar and Mataking Kecil linked by a sandbank exposed at low tide. Facilities are centred around the Mataking Island Resort including a jetty, dive centre and chalets. The main draws are snorkeling and scuba diving on the house reef and nearby sites, beach walks, photography and turtle hatchery viewing where available.
Key highlights
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Narrow sandbank connecting Mataking Besar and Mataking Kecil visible at low tide
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House reef and nearby dive sites with coral, reef fish and macro life
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White sandy beaches and clear turquoise water for swimming and snorkeling
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Turtle hatchery and conservation activities managed by the resort
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Proximity to Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai for island-hopping and diving
Route
| By air | Fly to Tawau Airport (TWU), then transfer by road (approximately 1.5-2 hours) to Semporna jetty for boat transfer |
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| By road | Travel by road to Semporna town and Semporna jetty, then take a resort or tour operator speedboat transfer (approximately 40-60 minutes) to Mataking Island |