After many months of hard work and preparation, the Reef Dive Resort at Mataking Island is proud to have achieved the prestigious PADI 5* Resort Status for excellence in recreational scuba diving.

PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is a worldwide organization which is leading body in certifying recreational courses worldwide.

Today PADI issues approximately 950,000 certifications a year, of which approximately 550,000 are entry level certifications. Over the years since its formation PADI has become a dominating force in scuba diver training; it actually certifies approximately 55% of divers worldwide.

At the Reef Dive Resort, the island has been a member of PADI for the past 6 years, and as the island has expanded, it has been responsible for more and more divers in all courses from introductory dives through to Assistant PADI Instructors.

Resort Manager and PADI IDC Staff Instructor, Mr. Luke J Cox said, “we are extremely proud to have achieved this fantastic award from PADI and continue to work hard with them to educate more divers and protect our fragile marine environment”.

In order to prepare for this award, the resort, which is only a short 30 minute boat ride from Semporna, has been continually providing a combination of quality dive education, experiences and services. This now includes competitive accommodation packages to travelling divers whilst actively promoting environmental awareness.

Executive Director, Mdm. Sophia Sie said, “PADI only provide this award to those resorts who are progressive in their approach to education, safety and environmental awareness. It is therefore very pleasing for us to have been accepted for this award, and we look forward to another great year working with PADI and promoting the dive industry even further”