SUN, SAND, SEA & MAGIC

These aerial shots by Louis Pang left me with no choice but to go

The pristine and secluded surroundings of the island is a given. Throw in a couple of football-sized coconut crabs, a 4-feet resident barracuda affectionately named Charlie, free-roaming monitor lizards, glittering fireflies and glowing planktons by the shore – and you’ll get Mataking Island.

No matter if you’re a nature enthusiast or lazy resorter, the abundance of life in Mataking Island both underwater and onshore will please just about anyone.

LOCATION

Country – Malaysia

State – Sabah

Closest Airport – Tawau

Jetty – Semporna

HOW TO GET THERE

1. Take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau, Sabah. I recommend an evening flight with AirAsia.

2. The resort’s driver will pick you up from Tawau airport to Semporna village. Drive takes about 1 hour. Stay the night at Semporna.

3. Boat transfer to Mataking leaves at 9.30am.

WHAT’S FANTASTIC

1. There’s only 1 resort on this island, limiting visitors to a count of about 50 pax, offering maximum privacy. 95% of visitors are foreigners, mainly from Japan and Italy.

2. Resort’s fitting and finish is great.

2. Buffet meals are great.

3. Abundance of fauna, both on land and underwater.

4. Diving and snorkelling gear are in good condition.

5. Safety is optimised with navy units patrolling the waters, as well as helicopters for emergencies (15mins flight back to Tawau).

WHAT’S NOT

1. Rocky surface along the shore. Sand NOT powdery fine.

2. Dead corals as a result of bomb fishing.

3. Accommodation is charged PER PAX, not per room. Yes, my pocket burned so badly I could hang both balls out of it.

4. 10% accommodation surcharge for non-Malaysian/Singaporean (even when the one paying for his Japanese gf is a Malaysian..)

HOW MUCH?

Here’s the minimum price PER PAX for Local Guests, with the duration of 4 Days / 3 Nights:

Deluxe Room -  Non-diver (twin share) – RM1,580

Premier Deluxe Room – Add US$70

King’s Chalet – Add US$150

Worth Noting

Surcharge of 10% is applicable for peak period like Christmas & New Year, August (fuckkk) and also Golden Week.

Surcharge of 10% is applicable for International Guests (non-Malaysian/Singaporean).

Package inclusive of the following services:
* Airport meeting service
* Return coach transfer
* Return speed boat transfer
* Accommodation
* Meals

WHAT’S FUN

1. Lots of nice setting for photography, especially with the ever-changing cloud formations and decaying remains of dead palms on Mataking kecil.

2. Michan and I met Nemo when we did the Discover Scuba Diving in Mataking’s house reef (RM150 per pax). If you already have an open water dive license and opt for the diver’s package, Mataking has 3 boat dives per day, including a trip to Sipadan (world top 3 dive site), 1.5 hours away by boat. Sipadan offers schools of barracudas, uncountable turtles, sharks, and other huge underwater shit.

3. Snorkelling is cheap and definitely a must. If you’re fit enough, swim from the main Jetty right to the sandbar that connects Mataking Besar to Kecil. This will bring you upclose with the likes of lion fish, angel fishes, cuttlefishes, green turtles, baracuda, razor fishes, crocodile fish, flounders, the intimidating triggerfish, puffers, starfishes, moorish idols, damselfishes, giant clams, large sea cucumbers, urchins.

4.  Jungle trekking at night with a local guide will lead you into the island’s thick forest and bring you face to face with the giant coconut crab. You’ll also be surrounded by fireflies and witness the magical glow of planktons washing up the shore. Costs RM10 per pax btw

5. Climb up the watch tower and enjoy a panaromic view of Mataking Besar’s mesmerising surroundings.

PHOTOS (4th to 8th August, 2008)

There are too many to put up here, but here’s some to get you poisoned:

MORE INFO

For details on resort pricing and activities, visit The Reef Dive Resort’s official site.