A new word is slipping into the dictionary of diving in the Sipadan area and the word is Mataking. While there are plenty of options for diving Sipadan from as close as possible, Mataking is slightly removed from all the action and offers something different.

Mataking is in fact two islands connected by a sandbar and on Mataking Besar you will find the only resort, The Reef Dive Resort. Apart from the resort and a small police station the islands are covered in natural jungle as a little stroll will reveal. The main island is several times larger than Sipadan and is privately owned, meaning no other resorts will be setting up shop here.

The island is a short 40 minute ride east of Semporna where the peace and solitude of the luxury Reef Dive resort awaits you. From Mataking you can enjoy convenient, hassle-free and diverse macro-diving as well as the daytrips to world-famous Sipadan which is 80 minutes speedboat ride away.

Flight - Boat Transfer
The recommended flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau leaves at 7:00 hrs and arrives at 7:45 hrs with Malaysia Airlines. This is the flight that Mataking Resort prefers and guests will be collected here and driven for around one hour to Semporna, where the resort boat will transfer you the 40 minutes to the resort.

Later flights are available but can cause problems with transfers (there is often one in the afternoon) and will almost certainly mean no diving on the first day.

There are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau with Air Asia (07:20-10:05 hrs), and from Johor Bahru (07:50-10:35 hrs), but these may mean a long wait for pick up, or an overnight in Semporna and pick up from your hotel next day at 08:00 hrs. You can stay at the Seafest Hotel or Dragon Inn in Semporna.

Due to the dangers of flying after diving, some resorts may require you to sign a waiver. This is because some guests want to squeeze in as many dives as possible regardless of the risks. Guests who will be flying within 24 hours after departure from the resorts may be subject to diving restrictions on the last day.

Flights back from Tawau are Malaysia Airlines to Kota Kinabalu (14:40-15:25 hrs or 21:00-21:45 hrs). If you do not wish to stay overnight in Kota Kinabalu, you can fliy direct to Kuala Lumpur with Air Asia (10:30-13:15 hrs or 21:00-21:45 hrs) or back to Johor Bahru (11:10-13:45 hrs).

Note - flight times are subject to change.