Diving at Mataking Island

Diving at Mataking Island

Diving at Mataking Island is one of the best dive experiences around Malaysia. While the dive sites here are relatively obscure and uncommercialized, they are genuinely among the best dive sites in the entire state of Sabah. Well, when you put Sipadan Island aside, of course.

While Mataking Island is well known for being a honeymoon destination, diving at Mataking Island is totally out of this world. From the primary photo, you can imagine the stunning underwater landscape.

Wrecks, rich marine life, colourful coral landscapes, fascinating wrecks, and the occasional large fish around here will complete any diver’s wishes and fancies.

The post office box is in a wreck at Mataking Island.

A visit to Mataking Island offers a truly relaxing escape, far removed from the busier and more commercialised areas of Semporna and Mabul Island. The island is peaceful, serene, and ideal for those seeking a quiet getaway surrounded by natural beauty.

There’s just one resort on the island—the exclusive Mataking Reef Resort—which caters to middle and high-end travellers looking for both comfort and a touch of luxury. When booking a stay, you can choose a package that includes scuba diving among its many activities, or you can opt to add on additional dives, including excursions to the world-renowned Sipadan Island.

One of Mataking’s most unique diving attractions is its underwater post box—a rare and whimsical experience. Guests can write a postcard at the resort’s office, have it sealed in a waterproof envelope, and then post it during a dive at the submerged mailbox. It’s a fun and unforgettable way to send a message from beneath the waves!

For those who don’t yet dive but want to try it out, the resort offers the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) program. This beginner-friendly experience allows you to dive up to five meters under the guidance of a professional instructor, providing a safe and exciting introduction to the underwater world.

That’s me diving at Mataking Island.

Mataking Dive Sites

Mataking Island offers a fantastic array of dive experiences, with five commonly visited dive sites and a total of 33 dive sites in the surrounding waters for those seeking a bit more adventure. First-time visitors typically start with the more accessible sites, which are impressive in their own right.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular dive spots around Mataking:

• House Reef
  Located just off the main jetty, this is the most frequently dived site on the island—and for good reason. The reef is teeming with vibrant coral life and a diverse array of reef fish, making it an ideal dive for both beginners and photographers. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a large barracuda cruising by.

• Bohayan
  Situated near one of the surrounding islands, this site offers a tranquil and private dive experience. It’s not uncommon for your boat to be the only one in the area, giving you uninterrupted time to explore.

• D’Wall
  Just a five-minute boat ride away, this wall dive near Mataking Kecil Island is a macro lover’s dream. The wall is rich in tiny marine life, perfect for those interested in spotting nudibranchs and other small critters.

• Gavin’s Playground
  A 15-minute boat ride brings you to this dynamic site known for its abundant marine life. Expect to encounter a diverse range of reef fish, macro subjects, and vibrant coral formations. It’s a lively and well-rounded dive experience.

• Garden of Eden
  True to its name, this site boasts a lush underwater landscape filled with colourful corals, macro species, and reef fish. The terrain here is picturesque, with gentle currents and a depth of around 25 meters—ideal for a relaxed yet rewarding dive.

• Underwater Post Office
  A unique and playful dive that also serves a conservation purpose. This is a wreck dive with a maximum depth of 27 meters, featuring a cargo ship that was deliberately sunk in 2006. The underwater post box, located approximately 20 meters from the wreck, allows you to post a waterproof postcard during your dive—an unforgettable experience!

Posting my postcard at the Mataking Island underwater postbox.

Best Time to Dive at Mataking Island

Like many islands along Sabah’s east coast, the best time to dive at Mataking Island is between March and November, when weather and sea conditions are typically calm and visibility is excellent.

December and January mark the rainy season, but diving is still possible, depending on weather conditions. It’s best to check directly with the resort in advance if you’re planning a trip during this time.

August is considered the peak diving season, drawing more visitors due to favourable conditions and marine activity. If you’re looking for a quieter, more private getaway, consider visiting during February or July, which are generally off-peak months with fewer crowds and a more tranquil atmosphere.

A turtle is seen during my dive at Mataking Island.

What Fish Can You Spot at Mataking Island?

If you’re curious about the marine life around Mataking Island, here’s what you can expect:

• For Advanced Divers:

  • Dive near the north point cleaning station for chances to see:

    • Grey reef sharks

    • Manta rays

    • Eagle rays

    • Hammerheads

    • Occasional whale sharks (season runs from April to June, but sightings depend on luck)

• For All Divers:

  The reefs are full of vibrant and fascinating marine life, including:

  • Colorful nudibranchs

  • Schools of shimmering jackfish

  • Sneaky moray eels

  • Sleek barracudas

  • Quirky frogfish

  • Flamboyant lionfish

  • Tiny squat lobsters

  • Camouflaged stonefish

  • Clever cuttlefish

  • Vibrant blue-ringed octopuses

  • Speedy trevally

  • Graceful trumpetfish

  • Elegant batfish

  • Impressive giant groupers

Whether you’re hoping to encounter large pelagic species or enjoy spotting the reef’s smallest creatures, Mataking Island offers an incredible underwater experience for everyone.

Where is Mataking Island?

Mataking Island is located about 40 minutes by boat from the town of Semporna, the gateway to Sipadan and Mabul Islands. The island comprises Mataking Besar (Big Island) and Mataking Kecil (Small Island), connected by a beautiful sandbank that appears during low tide.

There is only one resort on the entire island, and it offers you ultimate privacy. Usually, couples come here for their honeymoon or anniversary, but on average, you get the more serious travellers staying here.

Packages are all-inclusive, meaning you pay one price for a full-board package at Mataking Island. You can book your Mataking Dive Package from the resort operator. I have also written a review of Mataking Island for those who want to see more photos of the island and resort.

Mataking Scuba Diving Photos

Below are additional underwater photos of scuba diving at Mataking Island.

Diving at Mataking Island.

The Mataking Wreck is seen from above.

My Suunto Dive Computer shows 16 meters in depth and the wreck at the bottom.

Remains of another wreck at one of the dive sites in Mataking Island.

Back of the main wreck at Mataking Island (Apologies for the lens cover as it was in the way).

For divers or diving couples looking for an unforgettable experience, Mataking Island is genuinely one of Sabah’s best-kept secrets. From the photos I’ve taken, you can see just how stunning this place is.

Unlike more crowded dive spots, Mataking offers a peaceful atmosphere with fewer divers, allowing marine life to thrive in its most natural state. It’s a beautiful, tranquil paradise—perfect for a relaxing holiday combined with world-class diving.

My Other Scuba Diving Adventures

If you enjoy reading about diving, be sure to check out my scuba diving section, where I share stories and tips from my diving journeys since 2007. Over the years, I’ve explored incredible dive sites worldwide—from the vibrant reefs of the Red Sea in Jordan, to the macro-rich waters of Anilao in the Philippines, and the stunning marine life around Koh Lipe in Southwest Thailand.

I also ventured east to Indonesia for unforgettable dives at Komodo Island, followed by a significant trip to Alor Island and the breathtaking Raja Ampat. If you’re planning to explore Malaysian Borneo, don’t miss my list of dive sites in Sarawak—many are surprised to learn you can dive there, but I’ve been, and I highly recommend it.

Conclusion

Throughout the past decade, I’ve visited many of Malaysia’s exciting dive locations. For more details, check out my article on scuba diving in Malaysia, where I cover the best islands and dive spots to explore. Thanks for reading my scuba diving at Mataking Island review.