I first heard about Mataking Island on Kristin’s blog Camels & Chocolate. She and her husband honeymooned in Borneo several years ago and I can still recall my travel envy while browsing through her photos back then. Borneo — and Mataking in particular — went on my unofficial bucket list.

Two weeks before my Borneo arrival I began to plan my itinerary and investigate places to stay. I realized that if I wanted to spend a night on Mataking, I’d have to splurge on the island’s only accommodation — the pricy and exclusive Mataking Resort. It is shockingly expensive to stay here. The diver package (which includes three dives per day) starts at 1,235 MYR ($440 USD) per person per night; this also includes all food, beverages, and boat transfers to/from the mainland. And since all rooms are based on double or triple occupancy and I’m only one person, I’d have to pay a single surcharge of 50%… for a total of about $630 USD per night. WAY over my budget. And they reject my request for blog sponsorship.

So I do what any persistent travel blogger would do and repeatedly contact them until they finally offer me a lower rate. It pays off — they end up quoting $400 USD for one night, including three boat dives. This is not a blogging or photography discount (they don’t request posts or photos), but I suspect they have space available and want to get this obstinate girl off their backs. And while $400 USD is still a TON of money, I decide to go ahead with the splurge. After all, what are the odds I’ll get back here again? Time to seize the moment and loosen the grip on my wallet.

Cut to the morning of my departure to the island. The skies are cloudy and I’m so bummed at the less-than-ideal weather conditions for this special occasion.

The skies begin to clear as we arrive on Mataking, pictured below. It’s one long island connected by a stretch of sand that disappears during high tide, making it look like two islands. Can you make out the sand strip?

The water turns turquoise as we reach the dock. I’m starting to perk up.

It’s SO clear. These fish come over and say hello.

I love that ombre hue from the sand to the deep water.

And now I’m all smiles. The bad weather blues are behind me.

I’m led to my chalet for the night. It is glorious.

This is the view from my front porch:

The room is spacious and fit for a queen. A refreshing change after months of hostels!

That gold plaque above the sink states that the water has been imported from the mainland and, unlike tap water in the rest of Malaysia, is drinkable. That is a pricy but valuable amenity to offer guests!

The food at this resort is served buffet-style.

Here’s photos from several of my meals. I wish I could say the food is great, but it’s just okay. Better than I’d eat on my own, but far below what you’d expect for $400 per person per night. That said, the entire kitchen staff is extremely welcoming and eager to make your dining experience enjoyable. In addition to excellent service, there is nightly live music.

Each day they change up this floating fresh flower design on display in the lobby:

A garden of plaques honors each couple who has gotten married on the island in recent years.

After lunch I do an afternoon dive and see about a dozen turtles, giant schools of fish, and a barracuda. Photos coming tomorrow!

And it’s low tide, so I embark on a long walk around the island.

I’m not sure which island this is in the distance, but those peaks sure are dramatic.

I make my way across the sand to the other side of the island.

There is a whole host of tiny crabs hidden in this giant shell.

I’m frustrated to see more trash washed up on this end of the island. Perhaps since it’s farther from the resort they aren’t able to clean it up very often. It pains me to think that people on boats or on the mainland simply throw their trash in the sea, and it ends up polluting islands far away.

If I crop out the trash, it looks more tropical:

There’s a spa on the island (not included in the price) with a hot tub. Perfect place to view the sunset.

This is one of a handful of sunsets I still vividly remember from my RTW trip.

After sunset, I walk back to my chalet.

Here’s a shot of my cozy room from the window.

After two dives the next morning, it’s time to say good-bye.

I dig these giant, puffy clouds more than a clear blue sky. This is picture-perfect weather.

It feels like I just got here… oh wait…

Reluctantly, they drag me I climb into the boat and head back to the mainland.

So… was it worth it? $400 for a night in paradise?

YES and YES. But you won’t fully understand why until I share my diving photos tomorrow. That rate includes three dives, plus I tacked on an extra night dive (my first one). Diving itself is an expensive hobby and this is one of the best areas in the world to do it. So considering what I got out of the deal, I think $400 is fair. I only wish I could’ve stayed longer!