Is Pulau Mataking right for your trip?

Pulau Mataking is a Sabah island off Semporna, described by Wikivoyage as privately owned, with a speedboat of about one hour from Semporna ^[1]. It suits travellers who want a stay on a quieter island with meals and the boat arranged. It suits you less if you want to move around or compare more than one stay.

Our guide to choosing a Malaysian island helps you compare it with others, and the cost calculator lets you test the sums.

Who is Mataking a better fit for?

Mataking is a better fit if you like a single-operator stay where the boat, meals and room come as one package. Couples, families and small dive or snorkel groups may like that. Our comparison of Mataking and Pom Pom for snorkelling variety shows how it differs from its neighbour.

Another island is a better fit if you want a village, cafes or the freedom to eat elsewhere. Our guide on Mabul versus Mataking for a Semporna stay sets out the trade.

What does the resort site list?

The site lists Villas, Beach Chalets, Semi Detached Beach Chalet, King Chalets, Garden View Deluxe West and East, and a Premium Room ^[2]. It also lists full board of three buffet meals with free coffee, tea and snacks, and a return shared boat from Semporna jetty to Mataking ^[3].

The booking form separates children aged 3 to 12 and infants under 3, with no child rates shown ^[4]. These are medium confidence, and the exact operator name is not confirmed, so treat them as what to verify rather than as a promise.

How do you get to Mataking?

The boat leaves from Semporna, and the crossing is reported at about an hour ^[1]. From Tawau airport, a van to Semporna jetty is about 75 minutes on a comparable Mabul route ^[5], so treat the full journey as a day. Our guide on the Semporna jetty and the nearby islands explains the route.

Ask for the exact pick-up point, and the cut-off if your flight is late.

When is the season?

Research did not find season dates for Mataking. Sea conditions can stop a boat on any day, so ask what happens to your booking if the transfer is cancelled. Our guide on Sabah islands, seasons and permits explains how to ask.

What fees should you ask about?

Research found no fee for Mataking. A shared boat is listed as included, but a jetty fee, a conservation charge, dive or equipment hire may be separate. Ask for each line, and read our guide to Semporna island package inclusions.

What should you ask before you book?

• Who is the operator, and which room type is quoted?
• What time does the shared boat leave and return?
• Which meals, drinks and activities are in the price?
• What are the child rates and the extra bed rules?
• Are any park, jetty or dive fees separate?
• What is the cancellation rule if the sea is too rough?