Doris Mataking Resort
Activities
Snorkel from the jetty, take the glass-bottom boat or paddle a kayak around the island. Day trips by speedboat reach the islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Mabul and Kapalai.
At the resort
Snorkelling equipment is provided and kayaks are free to use. The reef off the jetty is home to sea turtles, giant clams and clownfish.
- Snorkelling
- Glass-bottom boat rides
- Sea kayaking
- Crab catching
- Karaoke
- Mahjong
- Sunset viewing
Day trip: Bohey Dulang hike
Bohey Dulang is a volcanic remnant in Tun Sakaran Marine Park. A 600 m forest trail, about 45 minutes, climbs to the 353 m summit and its view over the Celebes Sea. The trip includes snorkelling stops at Pulau Mantabuan and Pulau Sibuan.
- Moderate hike through forest and volcanic rock; sturdy shoes recommended
- Snorkelling at Pulau Mantabuan and Pulau Sibuan
- For nature lovers, snorkellers and active travellers
Day trip: Mataking, Timba-Timba & Pom Pom
Mataking is two islands joined by a sandbar at low tide. The trip continues to the white sand of Timba-Timba and to Pom Pom Island, good for sea turtle sightings.
- Walk the sandbar between Mataking Besar and Mataking Kecil at low tide
- Shallow reef snorkelling at Timba-Timba
- Calm water and reef snorkelling at Pom Pom
- Includes speedboat, snorkelling gear, marine park fees and a packed lunch
Day trip: Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Sabah’s largest marine park covers 346 km² and 8 islands in the Coral Triangle and was established in 2004. This is a flexible island-hopping day, with stops at Pulau Mantabuan and Pulau Sibuan for beaches and shallow reefs.
- Guided, and adjusted for snorkellers, photographers and explorers
- Suitable for all levels, including non-swimmers with guides
Day trip: Mabul & Kapalai
Mabul is known for muck diving, sea turtles, eagle rays and macro life. Lunch and photos are at Mabul Water Bungalows; at Kapalai you snorkel from the boat over soft corals and reef fish.
- Snorkel Mabul’s reef wall
- Snorkel the shallows around Kapalai from the boat
- Pass Bajau Laut houseboats near Mabul
Sipadan (permit required)
Sipadan is a protected island with wall dives such as Barracuda Point, South Point, Hanging Gardens and Turtle Patch. Sipadan diving and snorkelling can be arranged. Diving at Sipadan requires Advanced Open Water or an equivalent certification. The Sipadan permit must be requested well in advance, so include your preferred dates and certification level in your enquiry.
- Schools of barracuda and jackfish; green and hawksbill turtles
- Sipadan permit requested well in advance
- Best months: March to October
Multi-day Semporna package
A multi-day package for snorkellers, families and non-divers, with or without the Bohey Dulang hike. It visits Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Timba-Timba and Pandanan without a dive licence.
- Snorkelling only, or snorkelling plus the Bohey Dulang hike
- Includes snorkel gear, marine park permits, packed lunches, transfers and partner accommodation