The most northern island in Malaysia, Mataking Island, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Only 12 kilometers from the mainland, its white sandy beaches are more pristine than other islands in the country, and the waters surrounding the island are some of the most biodiverse on the planet. Beachgoers can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and boating, and many opt to bring an inflatable raft for swimming to the nearby islands.
Located on the northern coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah, Mataking Island is known for its pristine beaches and scenic views of the South China Sea. During the island’s heyday, it was the ideal vacation spot for the rich and famous: the British Royal family, the daughters of the Sultan of Brunei, and a host of film stars all made it their holiday destination of choice.
There’s a lot to see in Malaysia, whether it’s the heritage and culture of its cities or the natural beauty of its island destinations. If you’re looking to get away from it all, you can go on a wildlife expedition in the rainforest or go scuba diving in the South China Sea. What about those who want to go somewhere new but don’t really know where to go? If you’re looking for an exotic destination with a bit of history and culture, look no further than Mataking Island in Malaysia.
Travel Tips in Mataking Island
- Where to stay
Situated in southern Peninsular Malaysia, Mataking Island is a beautiful island that is less crowded and less developed than other beaches in the country. The island is surrounded by white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the South China Sea. Besides the beautiful scenery, Mataking Island is also known for its diving spots, where you can witness the undersea life without having to dive deep.
- Best time to go?
Mataking Island is a beach in Malaysia and is a great recreational place to visit in the summer and wintertime. It’s often visited by students and families. You can enjoy the sea, sun, sand, and music.
Mataking is a small island in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. The island is found in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, which is a marine park located at the tip of Borneo. The island is the closest point of land to the Philippine island of Palawan. The park was named after the first prime minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman, and was declared a protected area in 1974. The park has a total area of 1,766 square kilometers.
- Scuba diving
A short drive from the town of Kota Kinabalu should lead to the Island of Mataking, which happens to be popular for adventure activities. You should also be able to find Day tours from Kota Kinabalu that tend to offer guided activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking. Those who aren’t very keen on water activities can enjoy the beauty offered by coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters.
The diving on Mataking Island is really good, as the island sits atop a coral reef. The reef is about 100 meters from the shore, and it is easy to see from the sandy beach. As it is close to shore, the water for the reef is generally calm and clear, as it is not subject to the waves that can be found in other areas. The coral reef is a fairly easy dive, as it is not a long swim to the reef, and there is very little current.
Mataking Island, Malaysia, was a nice spot to enjoy the beauty of nature. There are a lot of beautiful spots. There is a beautiful beach called paradise beach and a nice coral reef that is perfect for underwater scuba diving. The reefs are home to a huge complement of marine life, including everything from clownfish and turtles to sea snakes and even the odd manta ray.
Mataking Island in Malaysia offers some of the best diving in East Malaysia. Its location, in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, makes it an easy diving destination. For those in the know, its greatest asset is the muck diving it offers, but if you are a beginner, you will enjoy the fish life and corals, which are still in good condition here.
At just 8 hours from Kuala Lumpur, its location is not too far. However, it has no direct flights, so you may need to get a connecting flight if you do not have a car or get a taxi or a minibus.
The island is a great place to get away from the rest of the world and escape stress.