Explore Mataking
Mataking is an island located off the coast of Semporna, in the state of Sabah on the east coast of the island of Borneo in Malaysia. This is one of those diving destinations that just has it all, tropical landscape, clear waters, macro marine life, large marine species and great diving conditions. It is bound to excite divers of all levels with some highlights being species such as Manta Rays, Grey Reef Sharks, Nudibranchs and Frog Fish, all amongst colourful and lively coral reefs. The dive centres here will take divers to the best of the best dive sites here, all while avoiding large crowds.
Dive Activity
Diving in Mataking
There are multiple different types of diving to be done here but one of the highlights would be muck diving; the nutrient rich waters may reduce visibility a bit, but it means a high abundance of macro marine species for divers to enjoy. Due to the coral reefs and macro species, this is also a popular spot for night dives. Some of the dive sites have stronger currents which allow for drift dives and there is even a wreck to explore. All the dives here will feature some impressive species and divers should always keep an eye out into the blue for some larger species which may glide by.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Mataking
What makes this an ideal location is the large variety of marine species. From the smaller marine critters which inhabit the flourishing coral reefs such as Nudibranchs, Frog Fish, Ribbon Eels, Moray Eels, Clams and Octopus, to the fish of the area including Lionfish, Jacks, Groupers, schools of Butterfly Fish and more! Some of the more unique species here include the adorable Pygmy Seahorses which hide among the stunning Gorgonians, the Grey Reef Sharks, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Coral Cat Sharks, Green Sea Turtles and on the luckiest of days a chance to see Hammerhead Sharks.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
244 Sightings
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17
F
12
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14
A
27
M
19
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27
J
18
A
18
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32
O
28
N
11
D
21
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
106 Sightings
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15
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14
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16
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25
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21
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0
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15
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
13 Sightings
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13
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
213 Sightings
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14
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10
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17
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18
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20
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20
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18
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22
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30
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22
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0
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22
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
138 Sightings
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11
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12
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13
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17
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16
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19
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22
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16
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0
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12
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 85
iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish
22 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
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10
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0
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12
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0
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
20 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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10
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10
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0
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 8
Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish
20 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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10
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10
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0
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0
The best Months to Dive in Mataking
The climate here consists of two seasons; the dry season and wet season. The wet season runs between November and February and will consist of a few rain showers in the afternoons, but nothing that will deter diving opportunities. The best months to dive are between March and October when the weather conditions are calm and warm. The air temperatures range between 27°C and 33°C and the water temperatures between 26°C and 29°C. Visibility ranges between 15 and 30 metres with only certain spots having strong currents from time to time.