Dive-site story
Located off Mataking Island in eastern Sabah, Coral Garden features a gently sloping reef formation that terraces into deeper water. Divers drift across expanses of staghorn, table, and leather corals interspersed with sandy patches. The site is sheltered from severe ocean currents on most tides, making it a reliable spot for macro photography as well as observing resident sea turtles.
Extensive hard and soft coral fields spread across a wide reef shelf
Frequent encounters with green turtles resting on ledges
Macro subjects including ribbon eels, nudibranchs, and ornate ghost pipefish
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Diving occurs year-round, though the driest weather and clearest water typically align with the spring and summer dry season.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Hawksbill Sea TurtleEretmochelys imbricata | Common | ||||||||||||
| Blackspotted PufferfishArothron nigropunctatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Bluespotted Ribbontail RayTaeniura lymma | Common | ||||||||||||
| Ribbon EelRhinomuraena quaesita | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
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