Mataking Island, Semporna

It took more than an hour by speedboat from the Semporna jetty to get to Mataking (mainly because our boat developed engine trouble a few times on the way, in the middle of this wide expanse of water, and was a heart stopping experience because I can't swim, need I say more?)

Our boat to Mataking arrives (CNB 2012)

All aboard for the boat trip to Mataking (2012)

Some islands of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park (CNB 2012)

When we finally got there, the journey was most definitely worth it. The Reef Dive Resort there provided us a  reasonable buffet lunch, but it was the beautiful white beach and turquoise blue waters that draw the oohs and the aahs.

The offspring island of Mataking Kecil is seen on the
the left/centre (CNB 2012)

An island welcome - Mataking style (CNB 2012)

Posing by the jetty to the Reef Dive Resort, Mataking (2012)

Colourful fish seen around the jetty area (CNB 2012)

Diamonds in the sky sea (CNB 2012)

Mataking is in fact two islands. During low tide one can cross the long stretch of a sand bar to the uninhabited offspring island, Mataking Kecil. A unique feature of Mataking is the 'Shipwreck Post' (underwater post office in a sunken shipwreck), where one can post letters to anywhere in the world. I guess divers are the lucky people here because they can get really close to the clown fish, turtles, barracuda, and other interesting denizens of the sea, in the waters around the island. It was a 'lightning' (read 'too short') visit to Mataking but still, it is another island that I have visited in the Semporna group. Kapalai, check; Mabul, check; Mataking, check!

The long sandbar leading to Mataking Kecil (CNB 2012)

Island palm flora (CNB 2012)

On our way back, we are 'accompanied' by two other boats.
In case there's engine trouble again? (CNB 2012)

18 May 2012