MY · Sabah · 4.58°N 118.95°E

mataking island

A tidal sandbank between two islands, an underwater post box and reef dives off Semporna.

Best time
March to October is usually best for diving, with calmer seas and better visibility. December to February is wetter and windier. The sandbank needs a low tide, not a particular month.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Tawau (about 2 hours 45 minutes), drive just over an hour to Semporna, then take the resort's speedboat, about 45 minutes. Pick flights that land in time for the boat.
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MY · Sabahmataking island4.58°N 118.95°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A tidal sandbank between two islands, an underwater post box and reef dives off Semporna.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMataking IslandMY, Sabah
KLmataking island
≈ 1,921 km from KL, as the crow flies
Photo captured on 14 Oct 2018, on the beach of the small neck connecting Mataking Island with the Pulau Mataking Kecil

Photo: Angah hfz · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Two islands east of Semporna, Mataking and Mataking Kecil, joined by a sandbank you can walk at low tide. The bigger island has a single dive resort, so a stay here means the beach, the house reef and boat dives, with Sipadan permits arranged through the resort.

Makan

  1. Resort mealsAll meals are on the island and come with the stay.Map ↗
  2. Seafood in SempornaIf you overnight on the mainland, pick your fish at the restaurants on stilts near the jetty.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The sandbankAt low tide, walk across the sand to Mataking Kecil, about 20 minutes each way. Turn back before the water comes in.Map ↗
  2. The underwater post boxMalaysia's first, on a sunken wooden cargo boat on the house reef. Divers post waterproof postcards bought at the resort.Map ↗
  3. Snorkelling the house reefTurtles are common around the Semporna islands, and the reef starts just off the beach.Map ↗
  4. Sipadan and MabulDay trips for certified divers, with the Sipadan permit arranged by the resort.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Island-hopping boats from Semporna usually only snorkel offshore here. To walk the sandbank, stay at the resort.
  • If your flight lands late, sleep in Semporna and take the morning boat.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.