Mataking island: The secret hidden gem in Semporna island, Malaysia
Where would be your dream destination right after Covid? Malaysia probably won’t come to mind when someone think of a holiday destination. Mataking island in Semporna is a well-kept hidden gem in Malaysia. Mataking island offers sweeping views of turquoise crystal clear waters and glowing sandy beaches that take your breath away. After reading this, you’ll be itching to visit Mataking island.
Semporna to Mataking island
Semporna is situated at the southeastern coast of the state of Sabah in Malaysia. Semporna island is one of the most stunning islands in Malaysia also known as the Maldives of Malaysia. For budget-conscious travelers, Semporna island is a more affordable option than Maldives.
Tucked away from the bustling Semporna town where the Semporna jetty is, you will arrive at Mataking island with unspoilt nature and no other resorts nearby. Definitely an ideal resort to stay in Semporna island to unwind yourself and relax!
How to get to Mataking island?
To reach Mataking island, you need to take a boat from Semporna Jetty. It takes approximately 45 minutes from Semporna Jetty to Mataking island to experience resort living on a private island. During our arrival at Mataking island resort, we were greeted by a warm welcome session with drinks and singing by the staff.
The size of the island is approximately 40 acres in the vast Celebes sea, making it fun to explore and get around. Despite not having overwater bungalows, the resort is located on an island and offers water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and diving.
Types of accommodation at Mataking Reef Resort
At Mataking reef resort, various types of rooms are available. The garden view deluxe & premium room types offers a more affordable stay. If you are seeking an occasional luxurious staying experience, you can choose the accommodations with sea views. Accommodations with sea views are king chalet, Semi-detached beach chalet, beach chalet & Villa.
Their newly renovated rooms are premium rooms with garden views. The premium rooms are within walkable distance to the dining area and lobby so it’s more convenient.
Watch The Hidden Gem in Semporna Sabah Vlog
Beach chalet room at Mataking island resort
For our 3D2N at Mataking island resort, we have booked the beach chalet. Waking up to the sea view directly from the bedroom was one of the best things staying at the beach chalet.
It is really spacious inside the beach chalet room. In the living area, there is a king size bed and a lounging daybed by the windows. It would have been nice if there were more lights in the beach chalet room so it wasn’t so dim at night.
Also, there is a minibar that provides some necessities such as coffee, tea, kettle, fridge and freshwater.
The highlight of the beach chalet is taking a dip in the most instagrammable seaview jacuzzi. What a perfect beach vacation while immersing in the effortless gorgeous scenery!
Filling up the jacuzzi at the beach chalet was quite challenging. As the water had to reach the brim in order to activate the massage function, do expect some waiting time.
Our beach chalet room is by the beach so we caught this beautiful sunrise while strolling along the beach. Isn’t this gorgeous?
It is also close to a variety of instaworthy attractions on Mataking island, including the Promise Chapel, Mosses Walk, & many others. However, there is a distance from the lobby and dining area.
✦Travelereve pro tip: If you want to wake up to the sea view, book the beach chalet and king chalet room. Beach chalet rooms are one of the most popular choices of accommodation at Mataking island resort.
King chalet room
On the resort, each accommodation type has its own highlights. Choosing which room type to book was difficult because each type has different amenities and facilities. If you prefer a bathtub over a jacuzzi, book the king chalet instead.
The next travelogue, I will share what are the exciting things to do at Mataking island resort so subscribe to my blog to receive updates.
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Travelereve to inspire those “Smart Budget-conscious” or “Seeking-A-Occasional-Luxurious” millennials a unique, comfortable and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences! Come on an adventure with me~
