[2025 Semporna Stay] Travel Guide for Mataking Reef Resort (Updated Apr)

1.⚠️Travel tips: Malaysia is visa-free, but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Remember to exchange Malaysian Ringgit in advance when you go to Semporna. Many shops there do not support online payments. You can withdraw money with UnionPay cards at local ATMs, but there is a handling fee. Buy a phone card in advance. I recommend buying a celcom one, which has the widest network in Malaysia and has a very good signal (✨Many small groups will give it to you). 2. When you go to Semporna to stay in a water villa, don’t choose the ones that cost a few hundred yuan. The environment is poor, there are few entertainment activities, and there is no experience at all. You must make a reservation in advance for a resort in Mataking Island! 💥There is only one resort on Mataking Island, and non-residents are not allowed to enter the island. If you want to go to the island's Tail Beach, you can only make an appointment with the resort. 3. Be sure to wear sports shoes to Pearl Island. Pearl Island is the only island in Semporna where you can climb mountains, but you must remember to wear a pair of comfortable sports shoes. It is more cost-effective to go from Kota Kinabalu Airport to Tawau Airport, which only takes more than 40 minutes and is cheaper. It takes about 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Tawau Airport and the price is also expensive. Most resorts adopt an all-inclusive form charged per person. Single occupancy requires a room difference. It is recommended that two people travel together for more economical and affordable 4. For a trip to Semporna, we recommend a 6-7 day Kuala Lumpur + Semporna route:▪️You will usually go to Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, and then spend 3-4 days in Semporna, snorkeling, free time at the resort, etc.▪️If you have enough time, you can also add Kota Kinabalu to watch the pink and purple sunset, play sunset paddle boarding, and enjoy the tropical rainforest and fireflies.

Sharing about Mataking Island in Semporna, which is different from the already popular islands of Mabul and Kapalai. Mataking Island offers an exceptional natural experience. 🏝️ It's recommended to stay on the island, allowing for unlimited snorkeling. 🤿 Diving enthusiasts must visit, as the water quality around Mataking Island is extremely clear and will not disappoint. The moment you dip your head into the water, 🐠 the vibrant corals and tropical fish will overwhelm you. Lionfish, blue tangs, clownfish, 🐢 and countless sea turtles are just some of the marine life you will encounter.

There is only one resort in Madang Island - Madinal Hulu Resort, Malay-inspired design, luxurious architecture, butler-style service concept, perfectly integrated with the island's natural scenery. It is the first five-star diving resort in East Malaysia approved by PADI. Motte has a peculiar waters terrain and excellent weather conditions throughout the year. It is an ideal place for underwater photographers to enjoy deep sea diving fun for beginners and intermediate divers. The east coast is a reef that stretches 100 meters deep to the bottom of the sea, while the west coast is a 100-meter deep vertical diving site. Beautiful corals of various shapes are one of the characteristics of Madian Island. Not only that, but it is also a paradise for many sea urchins and carp family life. [Resort advantage - unlimited snorkeling] Madin's snorkeling environment is very good, as soon as you enter the sea, it seems to enter a large aquarium, all kinds of fish shuttle around Corals of various shapes, oversized turtles, and of course Nemo in Disney cartoons, anyone in the colorful underwater world will be excited. Just snorkeling can also make people addicted. Enjoy the island holiday at the motorized color resort, the high-quality resort island, the luxury of one island hotel, and the most beautiful underwater world.

This is my second time in Semporna, and this time I'm on Mataking Island. Mataking Island is a relatively remote island, about a 45-minute speedboat ride away. It's quite peaceful, with no non-island guests, making it suitable for families and honeymooners. The sandbar is beautiful, but you have to leave early in the morning, otherwise, you won't be able to return once the tide comes in.

Preparation - Visa: Chinese citizens can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay, but must fill out an entry card on the official Malaysia Electronic Entry Card website 3 days in advance. - Items: Prepare summer clothes, sunscreen, rain gear, common medicines, British standard plug adapters, etc. - Currency and payment: Prepare an appropriate amount of Malaysian Ringgit cash, or bring a Visa card or UnionPay card. Many places also support Alipay. - SIM card: You can buy one at the airport or at a city center operator store, such as Celcom, Maxis, etc. - Transportation: Download the Grab ride-hailing app for convenient travel. Attractions - Kuala Lumpur: The Petronas Twin Towers are a landmark of Kuala Lumpur, and you can take photos around them; the Kuala Lumpur Tower offers a panoramic view of the city; the National Mosque is a magnificent building; Batu Caves is a Hindu temple with many painted statues; Bukit Bintang is a popular shopping area; and Independence Square is of historical significance. - Penang: The City Hall and Bank Street buildings are full of European style; St. George's Church is quaint and exquisite; the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a magnificent building; the Clan Jetties are a unique stilted wooden house village; Penang Hill offers a panoramic view of George Town; and Batu Ferringhi Beach is a great place to watch the sunset. - Malacca: The Stadthuys is the oldest Dutch building in Southeast Asia; Jonker Street is the busiest street in Malacca; and the Straits Mosque is built on the sea and offers beautiful scenery. - Kota Kinabalu: Tanjung Aru Beach is one of the top three sunset spots in the world; the University of Sabah has a unique pink landscape; and there are many beautiful islands such as Mantanani Island and Tiga Island for island hopping. - Semporna: Surrounded by beautiful islands such as Kapalai Island and Mataking Island, it is a paradise for diving and island vacations. Food - Nasi Lemak: Malaysia's national dish, served with fried fish, fried anchovies, fried peanuts, and a large chicken leg, with a rich flavor. - Char Kway Teow: A Penang specialty fried noodle dish, rice noodles with abalone sauce, onions, eggs, shrimp, etc., with a strong wok aroma. - Roti Canai: Served with chicken or lamb curry, with a rich aroma. - Laksa: Penang Laksa is a fish soup noodle dish with a sour and spicy taste. - Bak Kut Teh: A Chinese-style stew with pork bones, herbs, and spices, with a tender texture. Accommodation - Kuala Lumpur: It is recommended to stay near the Petronas Twin Towers, such as the InterContinental Hotel or Wyndham Suites, for convenient travel, shopping, and dining. - Penang: The George Hotel in George Town has convenient facilities and is close to World Heritage sites; you can also choose the Shangri-La Hotel by the sea to enjoy the sea view and sunset. - Kota Kinabalu: You can choose a hotel near the sea in the city center, such as the Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort, or a hotel close to the island hopping pier for easy access to the islands. - Semporna: The Lighthouse Hotel and Pali Hotel in town are close to the pier and convenient for travel; you can also choose a resort on the island, such as Kapalai Resort or Mataking Coral Resort, to enjoy a relaxing island vacation.

Come to Semporna and rush through the Mataking route with your eyes closed! It was so beautiful that I cried. The one-day tour to Mataking Island was really a special and surprising experience. Friends who come to Semporna for tourism must go! V Babies who are not afraid of water choose to experience deep diving Going about 10 meters deeper, you can see more abundant fish and corals. They are so beautiful that you want to cry. V Two deep dives and eleven snorkelings in one day? The experience is very good. You can see marine life from different perspectives V Timba Timba + Mataking Ten Pan Tamnan It's really nice to be able to take photos on the beach, snorkel, watch fish and play in the water in one day value Snorkeling in Bantanan is also amazing. I saw several turtles and colorful corals. The Mataking route was the Sea Monkey King. The 1-on-1 deep diving experience was really good and there was free photo and video service. The route is also well arranged. The deep diving is in two sea areas of Mataking. The scenery is beautiful. The snorkeling is in Bantanan Island. It is shallower and you can see The lunch we had on the day we went was deep fried chicken legs! ! Delicious. Overall very satisfied~

Finally, someone has explained Sabah travel clearly, and let us enter the dream world of Kota Kinabalu and Semporna together. 1. The relationship between Sabah, Kota Kinabalu and Semporna Sabah is a federal state in Malaysia. Kota Kinabalu (Kota Kinabalu), as the capital of Sabah, is full of vitality. Tawau is a province in Sabah, while Semporna is a district in Tawau. Beautiful islands or resorts such as Kapalai, Mataking, and Sipadan are all within the jurisdiction of Semporna. 2. Kota Kinabalu 1. Transportation: Kota Kinabalu Airport [Kota Kinabalu], direct flights are available from Beijing, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Shenzhen and other places in China. The daily price is relatively cheap and the flight time is about 3-4 hours. The airport is very close to the city. 2. Features: Very cost-effective, making it the first choice for traveling abroad for the first time. There are seas and mountains here, rich natural and cultural resources, and complete facilities for food, drink, entertainment and transportation. Compared with Semporna, it is more friendly to the elderly and children in terms of transportation and entertainment richness. 3. How to play: - Land: You can choose to visit the mangroves (there are many to choose from), Mount Sacred Mountain, Cultural Village, and eat in the city, such as University of Sabah, Gaya Street, Floating Mosque, etc. - Go to the sea near the islands: Go to the twin islands of Taomeng Island and Sabi Manukan to enjoy the fun at sea. - Go to sea on distant islands: explore Mermaid Island, Beach Island, Paradise Island, and experience the charm of diving. 3. Semporna 1. Transportation: Semporna’s airport is [Tawau], and currently direct flights to cities include Guangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, and Macau. Other cities require a transfer from Kuala Lumpur (3 hours) or Kota Kinabalu (1 hour) to Tawau Airport. Tawau Airport is about an hour's drive from Semporna town. 2. Features: If you want to experience delicious food and high-quality service, Semporna may not be the best choice. The main advantage of Semporna is the beautiful sea, while the conditions in the town are relatively average. 3. How to play: - One-day island hopping tour: You can choose the Mataking Line, Donshakaran Line, or Mabu Kapalai Line. - Half-day tour: Lover's Bay, mangroves, and sea fishing are all good choices. - Water House/Sand House Resort: If you have the budget, you can go directly to Kapalai, Mataking, and MWB; if you are looking for cost-effectiveness, you can consider Longzhu, White Pearl, and Arcadia; if you like diving, you can choose Borneo, White Pearl, and Xinjia Motor; if you want an Internet celebrity water house, you can choose crystal, royal, etc. 4. Itinerary reference 📅Kota Kinabalu, Semporna 6 days and 5 nights itinerary: D1: Domestic - Kota Kinabalu Airport - Mangrove Half-day Tour - City Hotel. D2: Kota Kinabalu chartered half-day tour - Fei Tawau - Tawau airport pick-up - hotel in town. D3: [Elizabeth Yacht] One-day trip to Dunsakaran Line. D4: One-day trip by speedboat on Madajing Line. D5: Stay in the water house - free activities and leisure vacation. D6: Hotel - transfer to Tawau Airport - return to China.

Release a baby sea turtle Watch the Bajau people rowing their boats Take photos on the sandbar Stay in a water villa Snorkeling in Mataking Bargain at the seafood market - ❤️ Release a baby sea turtle Resorts like Mataking, White Pearl, and Dragon Pearl have their own sea turtle conservation bases. When baby sea turtles hatch, the resort will notify you of the release time the next day. You can participate and watch the baby sea turtles run towards the sea. It's very healing. - ❤️ Watch the Bajau people rowing their boats You can stay in MWB water villa or join the Kapalai + Mabul Island island hopping day tour. You can see the small wooden boats sailing on the jelly sea, carrying seafood and coconuts. Take a set of "seafood stalls" cultural photos. Coconuts are about 5 Malaysian Ringgit each. - ❤️ Take photos on the sandbar There are two island hopping routes. The Mataking 3 Islands route goes to Timba Timba Sandbar, and the Tun Sakaran Marine Park route goes to Warship Island Sandbar. If you stay at Mataking Resort, you can also go to their private sandbar, which is even more beautiful. - ❤️ Stay in a water villa Stay in a secluded wooden house on the sea. Take photos on the flower-filled wooden plank road, watch the sunset and stars on the balcony. It's romantic and comfortable, but you must stay in a water villa with good water quality. Otherwise, snorkeling is not worth it, and photos are not good. The ceiling of Semporna water villa: Kapalai - ❤️ Snorkeling in Mataking If you don't have a diving certificate, you can go snorkeling in Mataking. There are many fish, sea turtles, and corals. The sea is very clear. It's a feast for the eyes! Island hopping route: Mataking 3 Islands - ❤️ Bargain at the seafood market Take a bunch of seafood you've bargained for to the restaurant for processing. It's very rewarding. You can put down your "i" and bargain with your voice. When the local black people get angry, they will speak some random Chinese words. You are beautiful, but you have no money... - For information and booking of Semporna itinerary, please click on the link below to consult customer service -

People live only for a few moments. Although I can't afford to go to Madai, I can still make a dash for Senbonna! And the prices here are similar to those in second- and third-tier cities in China, which is very nice. We have compiled some useful strategies to share with you. 1️⃣You can exchange currency domestically in advance or pick it up at the ATM at Semporna Airport upon arrival. Do not exchange money at those stores as the exchange rate is not good and many stores in Semporna do not support mobile payment. 2️⃣When shopping in Semporna, go to stores owned by locals, which are cheaper than Chinese stores. 3️⃣ When visiting Semporna, it is inevitable that you will be acclimatized, which may lead to occasional diarrhea. Avoid eating raw and cold food, ice cubes, coconuts, milk, etc., and try to eat cooked food. 4️⃣When buying seafood in Semporna, you must go to the seafood market. Be aggressive in bargaining. If you don’t agree, go to another one. Don’t let go. 5️⃣ Due to the conditions in Semporna town, it is generally recommended to book a better hotel near the pier, and try not to go out after 10 p.m. 6️⃣There is a durian street in Semporna. At KFC (the one on the Yongda side), you can enjoy fruit freedom. 7️⃣If you see a local child asking you for money or food, don’t give it to them. Otherwise, if you give it to a child, a bunch of children will surround you. 8️⃣Semporna is a small town. The hotels in the town are similar to domestic business hotels, so your expectations for accommodation can be lowered (do not book self-built houses by residents, otherwise there will be water and power outages) 9️⃣The resorts on the island are quite good, such as Water House Kapalai, Mabul Island, Sand House Madajing, Arcadia, etc., each with its own characteristics. 🔟There are three routes for island hopping in Semporna. If you have enough time, you can go to all of them. 🌈Itinerary D1: Pick up from Tawau airport D2: Town—Bantam Island (private island & infinity swimming pool & sea view of water and sky) D3: Mataking · Glass Sea · Snorkeling + Timba Timba · Long Tail Beach D4: Island (walk on the private beach and look for starfish/turtles)—town D5: Mabu Island + Kapalai snorkeling + experience sea fishing D6: Airport transfer to Tawau

The sea in Semporna is beautiful, but don't come if you don't have a good strategy from July to September, otherwise you will find it a rip-off. I have compiled a copy for you. If you find it useful, remember to turn it on and save it♥️. There are occasional house discounts~ ✈️Transportation in Semporna Semporna is just a small fishing village. Many cities have opened direct flights to Tawau Airport. After arriving at Tawau Airport, you need to take a car for about an hour to reach Semporna town. 🏨Accommodation in Semporna ▪️Hotels in Semporna Town: The price of hotels in town is relatively cheap, basically calculated by room. When choosing, choose those close to the pier and restaurants, such as Grace Seaview, Lighthouse, etc. ▪️Water House: It is not that you can go for the one with the word "water house" in it without thinking. Some water houses are built by local residents and cannot even meet the 24-hour water and electricity supply! If you have the conditions, you can go directly to Kapalai and MWB. If you pursue cost-effectiveness, you can go to Jelly Sea, Xinjia Motor, etc. ▪️Sand House: I personally think that sand houses are really not inferior to water houses, and the activity space is also larger! No brainer, go for Mataking Caihu Resort with two islands and one hotel and Arcadia Resort with one island and one hotel 🌸Semporna Tour ✅3 island hopping tours Mataking-Tingba-Tingba-Bangbang Island Mabul Island-Kapalai Dunsa Lanka Marine Park island hopping (Pearl Island + Gunkanjima + Mandabu Bay Island) ✅Feel the romance of fireflies in the mangroves, look for proboscis monkeys, and watch the beautiful sunset ✅Unlimited water activities in Lover's Bay ✅Experience the fun of Semporna's special sea fishing ✅Check in at Sipadan, a world-famous diving paradise ☘️Semporna food ✔️Tiger prawns: huge in size, sweet and elastic in texture, usually can be cooked with wet or dry butter Cooked in a traditional way ✔️Elephant Trunk Clam: It is a precious seafood with delicious taste ✔️Nyonya cuisine: It combines the characteristics of Chinese cuisine and Malay cuisine, and has a unique taste, such as curry chicken, nasi lemak, etc. ✔️Bak Kut Teh: A special food of Malaysia, usually enjoyed as breakfast. There are also good Bak Kut Teh shops in Semporna 🌈Itinerary D1 Pick up at Tawau Airport D2 Mataking + Pandanan Island (Bang Bang Island) + Timba Timba (Snorkeling) D3 Snorkeling at Mabul Island + Sea fishing in Kapalai Sea D4 Free activities (You can upgrade to Dun Sakalan Island Hopping Tour + Free Snorkeling for a fee) D5 Drop off at Tawau Airport More hotel accommodations, customized itineraries, pm

Semporna is a county in Tawau City, Sabah, located on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. It has a population of about 167,000. Semporna was originally just a small fishing village in Malaysia, so obscure that it couldn't even be found on a map, but now it has gradually developed into a world-famous underwater tourism center. If you want to go to Semporna, it's important to plan well and avoid pitfalls as the correct approach. When is the best time to travel? The average temperature in Semporna is around 29°C, with low rainfall. It generally cools down at night, and the temperature difference throughout the year is quite steady without significant fluctuations or distinct seasonal changes. Therefore, the best time to travel to Semporna is from February to October. November to January of the following year is the rainy season. The rain usually comes in showers and stops after a while. This period is not very suitable for diving as the underwater visibility is not high, but it does not greatly affect tourism. What diving activities are available? Snorkeling: Available near the offshore resort islands and on day trips. Scuba diving: Experience deep diving, OW certified deep diving, AOW certified deep diving. How to choose between water chalets and sand chalets? There are many water chalets in Semporna, and it's essential to understand them clearly. Check whether they provide 24-hour hot water supply, wireless internet, private bathrooms, airport transfers, etc. Everyone can choose a suitable resort according to their situation. (Listed from high to low quality) Mataking, Mabul Island MWB, Kapalai, etc. are of higher quality. Mabul Island's SWV, SMART, Bong Bong Island's Dragon Ball, White Pearl, Arcadia, etc. Budget water chalets, such as Dayang, Lotte, Crystal, Coral Sea, Shunshun, Dayang, Lotte, etc. Alternatively, stay in town and participate in island hopping, sea fishing, Lover's Bay day trips, etc. Travel Tips 1. Malaysian phone card celcom, wireless is generally poor on some islands. 2. British standard plug adapters. 3. Tourists themselves: Do not touch marine life casually, do not climb trees, do not perform dangerous actions at sea, and follow the resort's guidance. If you encounter the indigenous Bajau people, pretend not to see them and do not give them any alms to avoid a crowd scrambling. 4. It is not recommended to stay in remote lodgings.

Life advice‼ ️Be sure to stay in a water house before leaving Semporna! Just came back from Semporna, and finally fulfilled my dream of having a sea of ​​jelly! After coming back, I still don’t want to leave because it is so beautiful! Many people would be confused about whether to live in a water house. My answer is: since I’m here, I might as well live in one. ️I have compiled a guide on accommodation in Semporna for everyone. If you need it, you can 🐎 mark it! 🏝Deluxe type: 🔅Generally, the minimum booking period is 2 nights and needs to be booked 1-2 months in advance. ✔️Kapalai Resort It is difficult to book, I didn't get it this time, good privacy, good water quality ✔️MWB Mabu Island Great for taking photos, an earlier water house, fully equipped, the same one as Li Xian. You can also go to the island to take photos even if you don’t stay there, 50RM/person ✔️Mataking Coral Reef Resort There is a beach with a tail, right in Dunsakalan Marine Park, with good privacy. If you don’t stay there, you can go to the beach alone🏖️20RM/person 🏝Economy: 🔅Generally charged per person, minimum 1 night booking. ✔️Glass Sea This hotel we stayed in this time was newly built and has a high cost-effectiveness. There are two shuttle services to the island every day, and in addition to three meals a day, afternoon tea☕️ is also provided. Glass boat, internet celebrity trampoline, sea fishing, snorkeling🤿You can do it without leaving home, you can go into the water directly from the room. Sitting in the room watching the sunset over the sea 🌄 and relaxing, with the sea 🌊 waves as your pillow at night, is really healing. ✔️Jelly Sea I've been dreaming of it for a long time, but I still couldn't book it this time, woohoo... ✔️Crystal It looks good in photos, it's newly opened, there are few rooms, and it's hard to book Of course, you can also stay in a hotel in town🏨, Neo Play and Grace Seaview Hotel, which are closer to the pier, are also good👍. We stayed in town for two nights. Downstairs is the seafood market and seafood stalls, and it is also convenient for island hopping.

💖When you think of Semporna in Malaysia, do you almost smell the salty sea and the scent of the sun?🌞 As a popular travel destination, the water bungalow resorts are particularly enticing! With so many resorts to choose from, which one will you not regret? Come, take a look with me! 🏝️Kapalai Water Bungalow: 💙360° unobstructed sea view, it's like a private castle on the sea! Non-guests are not allowed on the island, ensuring utmost privacy💯. Each room comes with air conditioning and a large terrace, offering extreme comfort! And the water is crystal clear, making snorkeling an amazing experience!🤿 However, there is no beach, so the range of activities might be slightly limited. 🏝️MWB Resort: 💎Luxury hits you in the face! Fully equipped facilities, staying here feels like enjoying a five-star treatment. The terrace even comes with a jacuzzi, soaking in it is just too comfortable~ 🛁 But, there are tourists during the day, so privacy might not be perfect. 🏝️Mataking Resort: 💖One island, one hotel, absolutely quiet and private, super suitable for a vacation! You can also enjoy the romantic tri-color sea and trailing sand beach~ 🏖️ Plus, there are plenty of activities to ensure you won't get bored! But there's a small regret, there are no water bungalows here. 🏝️Pom Pom Island White Pearl: 💰Super affordable! There are free island-hopping activities every day! There are so many Instagrammable spots, your social media posts will definitely be on fire!🔥 The island also has a turtle conservation center, where you can release baby turtles, making it very suitable for family trips~ But, again, there are no water bungalows. 🏝️Starz Mia Resort: 🌅Newly opened, with 360-degree breathtaking sea views! There's also a sunset viewing platform, a sea view restaurant, and all-day butler service, offering a full vacation experience!💯 But the number of rooms is limited, so you have to book quickly~ 🏝️Sunset Water Bungalow: 🆕Opened in '23, with new facilities and good hardware, the thatched-roof houses are super stylish for photos! The large terrace allows direct access to the sea, which is just too cool!🏊‍♀️ However, the number of rooms is also limited, so be quick or you'll miss out~ 🏝️New Jia Mata Resort: 💰Great value for money! There are free island-hopping activities every day, and a special boat transfer service! Newly built fairy-tale cottages allow direct access to the sea, which is simply thrilling!🚣‍♂️ But there are no Sipadan slots, which is a bit of a pity. 🏝️Bantayan South Arcadia: 🏰Pure white Greek style, incredibly beautiful for photos! Floor-to-ceiling windows design, you can lie down and enjoy the sea and scenery, which is just too comfortable!🌊 But, likewise, there are no water bungalows. 🏝️Mabul Borneo Resort: 🎢An all-round resort with all kinds of entertainment facilities! There are also sufficient Sipadan slots, suitable for diving certification~ 🤿 But, the same, there are no water bungalows, which is a bit disappointing. 💖The annual pre-sale of all major resorts has been released, with great price advantages! Rooms are tight during the May Day holiday, so friends with plans remember to stock up in advance!💼 🌴🌊Come to Semporna, feel the romance and passion of the island!💕