Mataking Reef Resort
The only resort on Mataking Island, 40 minutes from Semporna, with a short 3-night minimum for Sipadan access and the only underwater post office in Malaysia.
Mataking Reef Resort is the sole resort on Mataking Island, a two-part island connected by a narrow sandbar in the Celebes Sea. The 70-guest capacity keeps it from feeling crowded, and the fringing reefs and dive sites offer a mix of macro fauna and occasional pelagic encounters that most divers find worth the four-night trip even without adding Sipadan.
Sipadan trips can be arranged from here, though the 80-minute boat ride is longer than from Mabul. Most guests who book Mataking do so for the island experience first and treat Sipadan as a bonus. If maximising Sipadan diving days is the priority, the Mabul-based resorts are a shorter commute; if a reef island with conservation character appeals, Mataking earns its stay.
Your Sipadan Permit Allocation
This resort is alloted 7 permits a day. Based on this allocation, you can visit Sipadan Island at least once with certainty if you stay a minimum of 3 days 2 nights.
Additional boat transport fee to Sipadan Island may apply. Please see rates for details.
Conservation
The Mataking Reef Resort recognizes that Mataking's beautiful jungles and coral reefs must be protected for future generations to enjoy. As such, the resort takes great measures to be eco-friendly and to support reef building conservation projects in the area.
The Underwater Post Office
In March 2006 the Mataking Reef Resort sunk an old wooden cargo ship in order to create an artificial reef that would promote coral growth. The 40-foot ‘Mataking 1’ was seldom used and it was decided that the boat would make an excellent home for marine life. However, this is not just any artificial reef - it is also a real underwater post office. Divers can purchase postcards at the resort's gift shop, place them in a special sealed envelope, and deposit them in the mail box at the front of the ship's wheel house. Twice a week cards are collected and mailed around the world. A special stamp reveals the unique origins of the postcard. There are 5 underwater post offices in the world; this is the only one in Malaysia.
Reef Ball Project
In the recent past, dynamite fishing was a common practice in the waters around Mataking. Although no longer used, this destructive fishing method caused great damage to Mataking's reefs and marine life. Today the Reef Dive Resort is working with the Reef Ball Foundation to create artificial reefs using their innovative reef ball method. These concrete structures are specially designed to encourage the settlement and growth of coral larvae. The Reef Dive Resort staff have been trained in the construction of reef balls and guests are welcome to participate in the creation of a new reef.
The Friendship Reef
In July 2006 the Mataking Reef Resort and its partners created an artificial reef north of the island's house reef by using wooden boxes. Made from mangrove wood, forty of these boxes were tied together and stacked to form a tall tower. The structure was placed 20 meters below the sea and measures 13 meters in length, 7 meters in height. The Friendship Reef provides a home to many schools of fish.
Land Efforts
The Mataking Reef Resort strives to have as little negative impact on Mataking as possible. No water is extracted from Mataking's underground reserves as this would disturb the island's delicate ecosystem. Instead water is transported from the mainland. The resort also collects broken coral to place around the island's plants. This traps water in the soil for the better survival of the island's flora.
Facilities
The resort has a Jamu Spa, Reef Restaurant, Gecko Bar, beach volleyball, a 20-metre watchtower with island views, and an activity desk for island excursions across both Mataking Besar and Mataking Kecil. The Dive and Sea Sports Centre is PADI certified. Wi-Fi is available throughout.
The resort suits couples and mixed groups who want a genuine island experience alongside their diving, rather than a resort whose entire focus is the dive programme. Ask us if you are deciding between Mataking and the Mabul-based resorts; the right choice depends on how you are weighting island character against Sipadan dive day count.
The activity desk can bring you out bird watching, fish feeding, fish catching, or kite flying. Tours of the nearby Peacock sanctuary or of the seaweed and fish farm can also be arranged. Coconut bowling competitions and treasure hunts are frequently organized for guests.
Of course there is also plenty to do in the water from ocean kayaking to kookaburra boats to snorkelling. If you are looking to get off of Mataking, island-hopping expeditions to neighbouring Pandanan or Timba-Timba Island can be arranged. The islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park can also be visited - these include Bohaydulong Island, Bohayan Island, Kalapuan Island, and Baturua Island.
Night Activities
After a long day of scuba diving, island hopping and touring you may want to unwind at the Mataking Reef Resort's Sunset Bar barbecue, take in a cultural performance, or relax to the islands guitar entertainment. If you've still got energy there are night-time jungle treks where you can search for turtles laying eggs, scuttling coconut crabs, and fire flies. You could also hit the resort's dance floor and boogie the night away.
