How to spend your first time on Mataking Island

🌴[Introduction]: Semporna Mataking Island – A Dreamy Miniature of a Blue Planet Semporna Mataking Island is located off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, about 45 km from Semporna town. It is a twin island consisting of a main island and a smaller island, and is famous for the "sea bridge" spectacle formed by the connected sandbar during low tide. It has Southeast Asia's top marine ecosystem, a "three-colored sea" with a vertical drop of 600 meters, one of the world's only five underwater post offices (converted from a World War II wooden boat), and dense coral reefs, and is known as the "Mecca of Divers." The island is densely vegetated, with coconut trees and sea breezes intertwined to create a tropical landscape, and the legend of the Bajau indigenous people adds to its mystery – it is said that this was once a pirate's treasure trove, and it still attracts the attention of adventurers. 🕘[Opening Hours]: All-weather island paradise, suitable for all seasons Island boarding times: Three boat trips daily (09:30/12:00/15:30), island departure times are 11:00/14:00. Suggested visit: 2–3 day in-depth tour (recommended to stay on the island to experience the deserted beach in the early morning and turtle spawning at night). Best season: April–October dry season, seawater visibility is over 30 meters, suitable for diving; November–March occasional showers, but fewer tourists and high accommodation value for money. Precautions: Touching corals and feeding fish are prohibited on the island, and the resort provides free eco-friendly bags. Avoid snorkeling at noon (11:00–15:00), and use SPF50 + physical sunscreen (recommended sunscreen mud to avoid chemical sunscreens that damage corals). 💴[Ticket Price]: A cost-effective choice with all-inclusive pricing Resort package: 2-night basic package: approx. CNY 1,500–2,500/person (including accommodation, three meals, round-trip boat tickets, unlimited snorkeling). Room upgrades: stilt wooden house (CNY 2,000/night), beach villa (CNY 3,000/night), water house (CNY 4,000/night), some packages include a scuba diving experience. Day trip: Regular speedboat: approx. CNY 300–400/person (including snorkeling, lunch, and transfers). Luxury yacht (such as Tianyu): approx. CNY 600–800/person (including water slide, glass boat, and afternoon tea). Recent changes: Prices are stable in 2025, and reservations are required 2 months in advance during peak season (June–August). ⛺[Things to Do]: Immersive three-dimensional experience on land, sea, and air 🌊Marine Activities Snorkeling (recommended index ★★★★★) Must-go spots: West side of Mataking: vertical coral reef group, visibility over 25 meters, close-up observation of nurse sharks and Napoleon fish. East of Timba Timba Island: turtle cleaning station, often encounter green sea turtle groups (it is recommended to bring an underwater camera). How to play: Depart by boat at 6:30 in the morning to avoid peak crowds, and return to the resort for breakfast after snorkeling. Scuba Diving (recommended index ★★★★☆) Classic dive sites: Dwall: vertical cliff next to Small Mataking Island, soft corals and sea fans form an "underwater garden", depth 5–30 meters, suitable for AOW certified divers. Shipwreck: the wreckage of a cargo ship from World War II, attracting a large number of jackfish storms, requires a dive guide. Certification: OW course approx. CNY 3,500/person (including theory + 4 open water dives). Glass Boat and Sandbar (recommended index ★★★★☆) Best time: low tide (14:00–16:00 daily), walk to the small island to photograph the "sky mirror" reflection, and capture the pink sunset in the evening. 🌴Land Activities Underwater Post Office: Divers can drop waterproof postcards into the wooden boat mailbox and send them from the seabed (must be purchased in advance at the resort). Night Turtle Watching: Participate in the resort's turtle protection program and observe female turtles laying eggs (reservations required in advance, do not use flashlights). 🚤Island Hopping Pom Pom Island: check in at the infinity pool and sea turtle hatchery, and experience the "Princess" sunset cruise (including seafood barbecue). Timba Timba Island: climb the 30-meter-high viewing point and overlook the "sea tail" and emerald atolls. 🚌[Transportation Guide]: Seamless sea and land transportation International Transportation: Kuala Lumpur → Tawau: AirAsia has multiple daily flights, flight time is 1.5 hours, and the fare is approx. CNY 300–600. Kota Kinabalu → Tawau: Malaysia Airlines direct flight, 1 hour direct, peak season fare is approx. CNY 800. Land Transportation: Tawau Airport → Semporna Pier: 70-minute drive, charter car approx. CNY 200/car (can be shared, approx. CNY 50/person). Semporna Pier → Mataking: 60 minutes by speedboat, provided by the resort or travel agency. Island Transportation: Walking around the island takes only 30 minutes, or rent a bicycle (approx. CNY 50/day) to explore the dense forest trails. 👉[Itinerary]: Five days and four nights in-depth tour Date Itinerary Highlights Day 1 Arrive in Tawau → Check in to Semporna Town Taste the creamy tiger prawns at Tianwang Seafood Restaurant Day 2 Semporna → Mataking Island Afternoon snorkeling + sandbar sunset Day 3 Mataking Scuba Diving + Underwater Post Office Night Turtle Laying Day 4 Island Hopping Timba Timba + Pom Pom Island Water Slide + Sea Turtle Base Interaction Day 5 Mataking → Semporna → Return Purchase durian ice cream as a souvenir Accommodation recommendation: Mataking Reef Resort: detached beach wooden house, including private terrace and sea view bathtub, 2-night package approx. CNY 5,000 (including scuba diving). Pom Pom Island Dragon Pearl Resort: water house with glass floor, you can directly observe schools of fish, 3-night package approx. CNY 7,000 (including sunset cruise). 🧡[Pre-trip Preparation]: Details determine the experience 📦Essential items Documents: passport (valid for more than 6 months), electronic visa (ENTRI), diving certificate (if any). Equipment: jellyfish suit (to prevent coral scratches), snorkeling gear (recommended full dry snorkel), waterproof camera (GoPro or Olympus TG series).Preparation: motion sickness medicine (take 2 hours in advance), gastrointestinal medicine, mosquito repellent (containing DEET). Other: UK standard adapter, 500ml folding water cup (reduce the use of disposable plastic). ⚠️Precautions Environmental protection: refuse to buy coral products, bring your own water cup to avoid using disposable straws. Culture: respect customs when entering Bajau villages, do not take pictures at will. Safety: follow the dive guide closely when snorkeling, and do not leave the team alone; avoid flying within 24 hours after scuba diving. 🌟Summary: The Charm Code of Mataking From the glass sea in the early morning to the fluorescent beach at night, Mataking Island uses a 360-degree dead-end blue aesthetic to interpret the definition of "paradise on earth". Whether it is swimming with sea turtles while snorkeling or exploring the shipwreck ruins while scuba diving, every inch of seawater here hides surprises. And when dusk falls, lying on the sandbar and watching the stars change, you will find that all the fantasies about the island have found answers here.