Mataking - The Reef Dive Resort

Mataking Reef Resort is situated on the private island of Mataking, part of the Sabah archipelago in Malaysian Borneo. The resort is designed as an isolated retreat, accessible via boat transfers from the Semporna jetty.

As a PADI 5 Star centre, the operation is integrated with the resort's luxury accommodation, ranging from beachfront chalets to private villas. The location is particularly well-positioned for those looking to explore the diverse marine environments of the Celebes Sea, including the nearby islands of Timba-Timba and Pandanan.

The dive centre is staffed by professional instructors and Dive Masters who conduct all boat excursions. The team is experienced in guiding divers through various environments, from shallow reef flats to deeper offshore sites.

Environmental stewardship is a core part of the centre's identity. The resort hosts a resident marine biologist and manages a turtle hatchery programme, focusing on reef reconstruction and local marine conservation efforts.

The centre provides a complete range of PADI training, from introductory programmes like PADI Discover Scuba Diving and PADI Bubblemaker to full certification courses. You can complete your Open Water Diver course or progress through the levels with Adventure Diver, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver.

For those looking to move into professional diving, the centre also offers the Emergency First Responder course. The training is suitable for all levels, including those looking to complete a Referral Course to finish their training elsewhere.

Daily diving includes three boat dives to various sites around the island. While specific vessel names are not provided, the service includes all necessary weights, weight belts, and cylinders for your scheduled dives.

The centre offers a full range of rental equipment for divers who prefer not to carry their own kit. This includes regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, fins, and masks.

For those planning night dives, torches are available for hire. The resort's facilities are designed to support a seamless transition from the boat to the shore-based amenities.

The surrounding waters are known for frequent sightings of sea turtles. These animals are a regular presence on the reefs and are a central focus of the resort's conservation work.

The reef ecosystems are supported by a variety of hard and soft corals that provide the structural foundation for the local marine life. These habitats host a diverse range of reef fish and invertebrates across the different island sites.

Macro life enthusiasts will find plenty to observe in the smaller crevices and seagrass areas of the reef, though specific species lists are kept as part of the ongoing biological monitoring on the island.

Diving is conducted via daily boat trips to the surrounding islands. The resort's location on a private island provides direct access to the house reef for those wishing to dive outside of the scheduled boat excursions.