Mataking Island
A secluded paradise in Sabah, Mataking Island offers pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unique attractions like an underwater post office.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best weather for island activities
Mataking Island
Best Time
Best weather for island activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded paradise in Sabah, Mataking Island offers pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and unique attractions like an underwater post office.
"Mataking Island is one of Sabah’s most romantic island getaways with powdery beaches and crystal-clear blue waters."
Pack for Sun & Sea ☀️
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and swimwear. Light, quick-drying clothing is ideal for the tropical climate.
Book Diving Packages 🤿
If you're a diver, consider booking a package that includes dives. Mataking offers excellent dive sites.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 232 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Post Office
Mataking Island
Send a postcard from the world's first underwater post office! A unique experience for any traveler.
Sandbank Stroll to Pulau Mataking Kecil
Between Mataking and Pulau Mataking Kecil
Walk across a narrow sandbank to the smaller island during low tide. A picturesque and romantic experience.
Diving and Snorkeling Paradise
Mataking Reef, D Wall
Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Famous dive sites like D Wall offer incredible underwater encounters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Island Escape Early
Understand Island Access & Packages
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for Sun & Sea ☀️
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and swimwear. Light, quick-drying clothing is ideal for the tropical climate.
Book Diving Packages 🤿
If you're a diver, consider booking a package that includes dives. Mataking offers excellent dive sites.
Capture the Blue Hues 📸
Mataking is famous for its stunning turquoise waters. Don't forget your camera to capture the beauty!
Day Trip Entrance Fee 💰
If visiting for a day trip, be prepared for a small entrance fee, typically around RM10.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for Sun & Sea ☀️
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and swimwear. Light, quick-drying clothing is ideal for the tropical climate.
Book Diving Packages 🤿
If you're a diver, consider booking a package that includes dives. Mataking offers excellent dive sites.
Capture the Blue Hues 📸
Mataking is famous for its stunning turquoise waters. Don't forget your camera to capture the beauty!
Day Trip Entrance Fee 💰
If visiting for a day trip, be prepared for a small entrance fee, typically around RM10.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mataking Island is lauded for its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly its pristine beaches and exceptionally clear turquoise waters. Visitors rave about the unique underwater post office and the romantic sandbank walk. It's a highly recommended destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, offering a tranquil and picturesque island escape. +1
"Small island hosting PDRM n Army base and jetty patrolling the Sipadan area. For budget group just a basic open air lunch area on the beach with wooden table and chairs. But for luxury group they hv airconditioned building canteen hall and dedicated jetty about 300m away. After mataking, just 5 minutes boat ride away is Pom Pom Island snorkling area where u can see the best n most beautiful shalow underwater coral while snorkling compared to other snorkling area Mataking, Timba Timba, Pulau Mabul, Pulau Kapilai."
lancelord888 sir
"We stopped by this island for having our packed lunch. We need to pay rm10 for the entrance. After lunch, we just walking along the beach. There're spots for taking photos and relaxing places."
Maliah Jamaliah Said
"A fantastic location and superb resort. Easy access to the best dive sites of Sipadan, but superbly located on its own tropical island.
Accommodations are excellent, food is great, fully equipped dive center and house reef.
Goid facilities for couples, families, small groups, including eye catching wedding venue."
D. at HostingAsia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mataking Island is accessible by boat from Semporna, Sabah. The journey typically takes about 45-60 minutes. Many visitors book packages that include boat transfers from Semporna.
The nearest airport is Tawau Airport (TWU), which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Semporna. From Semporna, you'll take a boat to Mataking Island.
Yes, day trips to Mataking Island are available for those who want to experience its beauty without staying overnight. These often include access to beaches and snorkeling spots.
The most common and convenient way is by speedboat arranged by your resort or a tour operator. This ensures a direct and timely transfer.
After arriving at Tawau Airport, you'll need a land transfer to Semporna jetty, followed by a boat transfer to Mataking Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is typically a small entrance fee for day visitors, often around RM10, which contributes to the island's upkeep.
Mataking Island is primarily known for the Mataking Reef Resort, offering various accommodation options. It's a private island resort.
The Underwater Post Office operates during daylight hours, but it's best to check with your resort for specific timings as it's part of the island's unique attractions.
Yes, you can book Mataking Island packages directly through resort websites or reputable online travel agencies. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Packages often include accommodation, boat transfers from Semporna, meals, and sometimes diving or snorkeling excursions. Prices vary based on the package and duration.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Mataking Island itself has a house reef, and nearby islands like Pom Pom offer excellent shallow snorkeling. The clarity of the water is consistently praised.
Absolutely! Mataking is renowned for its diving, with sites like D Wall and proximity to Sipadan. It's a prime location for seeing diverse marine life.
Expect to see colorful corals, various reef fish, turtles, and possibly even sharks and rays. The underwater world is vibrant and abundant.
Yes, during low tide, a sandbank emerges connecting Mataking Island to Pulau Mataking Kecil, allowing for a scenic walk.
While not extensive hiking, you can walk around the island, which takes about an hour, offering beautiful coastal views and photo opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
The sandbank connecting to Pulau Mataking Kecil, the pristine white beaches, the clear turquoise waters, and the underwater world are all incredibly photogenic.
Definitely! If you plan to snorkel or dive, an underwater camera will allow you to capture the stunning marine life and coral formations.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful soft light for photography. Midday sun can be harsh but still highlights the vibrant water colors.
The view from the sandbank during low tide, the underwater post office, and the panoramic beach shots are iconic.
Yes, the resort grounds and its surroundings are picturesque. However, always be mindful of other guests' privacy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit