Mataking

Mataking Island is a private island resort off the coast of Semporna, offering exclusive beachfront accommodation, excellent snorkelling, and the unique 'underwater post office' dive site. It is quieter and more exclusive than Mabul.

By Plane

Tawau Airport (TWU) — 1.5 hr drive to Semporna, then 45 min boat ride. Direct flights from KL (3 hr) and KK (50 min).

By Train

No train.

By Car / Road

Drive to Semporna (from Tawau airport 1.5 hr, from KK 8 hr). Check in at resort office in Semporna, then boat transfer.

Sipadan is uninhabited — day diving only. No accommodation on the island. Resort boats transport divers from Semporna, Mabul, or Kapalai.

• Sipadan walls — vertical walls plunging 600 m, covered in soft corals and sponges

• Turtle Tomb — an underwater cave system where sea turtles sometimes become trapped

• Barracuda Point — massive schools of barracuda and jacks

• South Point — hammerhead sharks December–February

• **Whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, mantas, and eagle rays

• Scuba diving — the only activity; 120 permits per day, book months in advance. 3-dive packages from RM 600–900

Dive resort restaurants on Mabul/Kapalai (where you stay).

Provided by resort.

No accommodation on Sipadan. Stay on Mabul, Kapalai, or Mataking (resorts from RM 200–800/night).

No shops. Bring everything.

• Mabul Island (15 min by boat)
• Kapalai Resort (20 min by boat)
• Semporna — dive centre and gateway
• Mataking Island (30 min by boat)