Sipadan or Metaking

[Sel]

Hi Everyone,
It's the time of the year again and we're looking for dive destinations (yipppeee). We're sorta in a bit of a dilemma. We've dived Sipadan every 1-2 years and Sipadan Water Village has become a comfort zone. This year, we're thinking of Metaking. Has anyone been there? What's diving like? What's the resort like? What's the difference between Sipadan and Metaking?
Any help is GREATLY appreciated!! Thank you!!
Sel

 

[OnTheSpot]

Hi Sel,

If you are a loved up couple or on your honeymoon Mataking is a beautiful resort. There is air-conditioning in the rooms.

Most of their diving is done locally - they take the 80 minute trip to dive Sipadan twice a week.

 

[Sel]

Thanks onthespot. We are definitely into romantic getaways and the pictures of the resort look great. We were wondering about diving there. What's it like? What's the difference in comparison to Sipadan?

 

[Quero]

Sei, I thought your other post said you had decided on Bali ??? Are you doing both Malaysia and Bali this time?

Mataking is pleasant, more of a couples place than a hard-core diver's destination. The diving is pleasant too, but generally thought to be a bit less exciting than Sipadan. If you love Sipadan/Mabul for diving and just want a change of pace for your resort, you might consider Kapalai, which not being on Mabul, will certainly give it a different flavor.

 

[Justine]

Thanks onthespot. We are definitely into romantic getaways and the pictures of the resort look great. We were wondering about diving there. What's it like? What's the difference in comparison to Sipadan?

A little info that may help. Dived Mataking in December and we spent about 8 days there. Resort is beautiful no doubt, solitary resort on the island, they also run an active conservation program there.

Staff are professional and knowledgeable about local marine life, friendly. Diving wise, there is a new wreck about 5 minutes boat ride away from the resort, max depth at 28m, schooling jacks, ghost pipefish, frogfishes, etc.

There is an abundance of macros around the area, reef sharks, turtles, similar to sipadan - but not as large schools as those in Sipadan.