Mataking Diving

Macro Dives in Borneo

The dive sites of Sipadan and Mabul may be a daytrip away but, because of the richness and convenience of some great nearby diving, many guests simply opt to dive the Mataking sites locally.

You won't find any big pelagics here but instead an assortment of macro wonders that some rate as better than Mabul. There are ten sites in and around Mataking itself and up to 23 other sites in the surrounding islands. The furthest site is only 25 minutes from the dive centre by speedboat across calm seas where you may spot a school or two of dolphins. The mighty whale shark as also been known to pass by in front of the resort.

One of the best things about diving Mataking is that this is the only resort in the area and therefore your diving boat is the only one on any dive site. So no crowds of divers or multitudes of bubbles. Instead you can investigate the floor and coral for wonders such as the blue-ringed octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, frogfish, pygmy seahorses and many other small-scale delights. Returning to the resort to dry off and have refreshments, the ease of scuba diving in Mataking is in keeping with the comfort of the resort and if you want hassle-free dives in a macro-paradise this is the place for you.

• Mataking Island tourist information

• Map of Sabah - Borneo

Diving Season

The resort is open year round with optimum conditions between February and November. August is considered peak season. The months of February and July enjoy great diving conditions at a time when the resort is not very busy.

Mataking Reef Basics

Great for: Small animals, underwater photography and non-diving activities
Not so great for: Large animals, wreck diving and visibility
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 8 - 25m
Currents: Gentle
Surface Conditions: Generally calm but can be choppy
Water Temperature: 25 - 29°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 33
Distance: 25 km (40 mins) east from the port of Semporna, and 45 km (80 mins) north east of Sipadan
Access: Resort boat diving day trips
Recommended length of stay: 6 days, or longer if combined with other Sipadan area resorts

Dive Sites

More detailed information on the Mataking dive sites:

Dive The World Recommendations: Bohayan and Gavin's Playground.

Other sites that can be visited from here:

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