Semporna · Sabah · Malaysia
Mataking Island Beach
Step off the jetty and you're already above the reef—hawksbill turtles glide beneath your feet, parrotfish crunch coral in shallow water so clear you can count their scales. The sandbar connecting Mataking's twin islands emerges at low tide, a bone-white thread you can walk barefoot between jungle and open sea.
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Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Mataking Island Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
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- Conditions
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- Crowd
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- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
Step off the jetty and you're already above the reef—hawksbill turtles glide beneath your feet, parrotfish crunch coral in shallow water so clear you can count their scales. The sandbar connecting Mataking's twin islands emerges at low tide, a bone-white thread you can walk barefoot between jungle and open sea.
Photos
8 captures from Mataking Island Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Mataking Island Beach
Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia
4.5760°, 118.9210°
Top things to do
At Mataking Island Beach
House Reef Drift
Channel current brings pelagics
Sandbar at Dawn
Tide reveals connecting path
Turtle Encounters
Hawksbills nest May through September
Circumnavigate Both Islands
Paddle the sheltered lagoon
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Mataking Island Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Mataking Island Beach.
Is Mataking Island Beach safe for swimming and snorkeling?
Mataking Island Beach is generally safe for swimming and snorkeling, with calm, shallow waters protected by surrounding reefs. The gentle currents make it ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. However, always check with resort staff about current conditions before entering the water. Life jackets are typically available for non-swimmers. Be mindful of coral to avoid accidental damage and injury. The resort maintains safety standards, but standard precautions apply: avoid swimming alone, stay within designated areas, and watch for boat traffic near jetties.
When is the best time to visit Mataking Island for clear water and good weather?
The best time to visit Mataking Island is during the dry season from March to October, with April to June offering optimal conditions. These months feature calmer seas, excellent underwater visibility (often 20-30 meters), and minimal rainfall, perfect for snorkeling and diving. November to February brings the northeast monsoon with rougher seas and frequent rain, though the island remains accessible. Water temperatures stay consistently warm year-round (27-30°C). Book well in advance for peak periods like school holidays and major festivals.
