Scuba diving at Mataking - one Resort, two Islands & Spa
Immerse yourself in a new realm: a silent, weightless paradise of pure sensation.
When the crystal turquoise waters of Mataking beckons, it is an offer that cannot be refused. Suit up and explore the 30 or so dive sites around Mataking Island and its surrounding islands of Pandanan, Timba-timba, the Tun Sakaran Marine Park of Bohaydulong, Bohayan, Kalapuan, Baturua and Mantabuan island. The marine life close to Kalapuan shore is just as magnificent as those found in the deep end. At Mataking, divers can experience a combination of slope and wall diving which offers exhilarating macro as well as pelagic sea creatures at one place alone. (Hire gear available)
There are various sea animals and fishes living in these areas which include schools of Barracuda, Trevally, Spanish Mackerel, Ribbon Eel, Giant Clams, varieties of Goby, Eagle Ray, Giant Frogfish, Mandarin Fishes,unique and charming species of Shrimps, most photogenic and rare pygmy seahorses, spiders and much more. One must also look out for the ‘Orang Utan’ crab which can occasionally be spotted at Mataking’s Reef. The house reef literally lights up in the night with many strange and tiny creatures which has charmed many photographers to this site. The unspoiled and living color of hard & soft coral decorations is also another special highlight for divers visiting Mataking and the surrounding islands, a paradise for Macro under water photographers.
For the true big fish fan, dive trips to world renowned Sipadan Island can be arranged. A day trip excursion from Mataking with 3 dives on Sipadan’s reefs will explain to you why the island has been rated as one of the top dive sites in the world.
Dive sites at Mataking
MATAKING BESAR The reef structure is a combination of slope and wall where it drop to more than 100 meters. The water is crystal clear and the visibility is about 40 feet at good weather condition.
The water is inhabited with various species of hard and soft corals such as staghorn coral, brain coral, plate coral and many more . The under sea is full of species of small and big fishes, such as leaf fish, giant frog fish, ghost pipe fish, blue ribbon eel, schooling yellow tail barracudas, rainbow runner, green and hawksbill turtles, many species of nudibranch, sweet lip fish, unicorn fish, gobies and occasional whale shark on their migration route.
MATAKING KECIL a small island of a few acres in size is wooded and connected to the Mataking Besar by a strip of sand bar which is clearly exposed during low tide. One can walk from Mataking Besar to this island and it only takes about 8 minutes. The marine lives inhabiting around this island is almost similar to those found at Mataking Besar.
PANDANAN is an island about 8 minutes boat ride away from Mataking and currently used as a navy base in the region. There are a few attractive dive sites at Pandanan whereby the reef structure is steep slope dropping to more than 165 feet while other reef resembles steps. Plenty of young corals, soft and hard corals and colourful giant sea fan. Few big rocks where harlequin sweet lips, painted lobster, shoal of red snapper, rainbow runner, turtles, glassfish and pick handle barracuda used as their habitats. Eagle ray and tuna occasional also visit the outer reef.
BOHAYAN is another island in the region which we also bring our guests for diving. The sites are still being explored but many have commented on the beauty of these untouched corals or reefs surrounding this island.
SIPADAN DAY TRIPS is available upon request. Additional dives at Sipadan will be incur extra charges and subject to the availability of boats, divemaster and weather conditions. Diver permit must be requested in advance. Please inquire on charges for Sipadan Dive trips.
Package Information and Pricing
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