While the ideal destination for those who search for tranquility and relaxation in a virgin natural setting and for families with children, Lankayan Island is also becoming one of the hottest diving destinations on the map today: its dive sites - all just a few minutes away - boasting unbelievably colorful macro, fauna, fascinating wrecks and in season from March to May, regular sightings of gigantic and harmless whale sharks, the "dream date "of every diver in the world.
Situated within the Sea Turtle Corridor, Lankayan Island is also a nesting place and foraging ground for sea turtles; most commonly Green and Hawksbill Turtle. Therefore, guests will have a chance to see turtles nesting as well as new hatchlings of baby turtles released to the sea especially in season from June to September.
Lankayan Island is a virtually uninhabited island, located deep into the Sulu Seas off the North-Eastern coast of Sabah in Malaysia. There is only one resort offering access to these unspoiled waters.
Lankayan has been created as a truly beautiful resort, not only for discerning divers but for anyone who appreciates the serenity and tranquility of a paradise island - white sandy beaches, swaying casuarina pines, beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
The normal route to the island is through Kota Kinabalu International airport. here are also direct flights to Sandakan from KL on AirAsia. From KK, a connecting flight takes you to Sandakan where a transfer is made to the jetty to board the twin engine fibre glass boat to Lankayan Island, a journey of about 75 minutes on good seas. Note that there is only one boat transfer to Lankayan each day, departing Sandakan jetty at 10.00 hrs. Depending on your arrival time in Sandakan, you may need to spend a night in either KK or Sandakan.
Chalets on Lankayan Island
Lankayan Island is a small island fully covered with tropical vegetation, featuring tall casuarina trees and the ubiquitous pandan screwpine. The island is pristine, not having suffered human occupation for long, and has some interesting fauna subjects. After a dive, the place for relaxation is the upper lounge which overlooks the western beach and jetty. Here, the tourist can enjoy some sun with a favourite cool drink. A TV room is available for viewing the day's video shots or other footage.
Despite the remoteness, Lankayan offers all the amenities of a tropical resort.
A Beach on Lankayan Island
Visitors stay in bungalows, constructed from local timbers to blend into the natural surroundings. Twin/triple bungalows are available in Chalet accommodation. All chalets offer direct access to the beach. The chalets are well appointed, with hot bath and clean water from the RO system. Power is available with 220 V or 110 V.
In total, the resort accommodates between 40 and 50 guests at a time
The island is a great place to explore or simply to relax. Welcome to Asia's best kept secret.
FOOTNOTE
Lankayan Island is part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) which covers approximately 46300 ha. It was declared a conservation area in December 2001. The area is jointly managed by Sabah State Wildlife Department and private sector representatives. Lankayan is also governed by an extensive management plan to ensure sustainable use of resources and environmentally friendly tourism policies. Among other things, SIMCA representatives enforce a no fishing policy in the area, protect Turtles and their eggs, ensure a no anchoring policy for boats and limit tourist numbers and tourist facilities. Lankayan Resort used environmental consultants to design and implement waste management and recycling methods, build rainwater collection areas and ensure continued health of island flora. The results are positive and visible - healthy corals and rich vegetation.
The dive package to Lankayan Island includes:-
Despite the remoteness, Lankayan offers all the amenities of a tropical resort.
A Beach on Lankayan Island
Visitors stay in bungalows, constructed from local timbers to blend into the natural surroundings. Twin/triple bungalows are available in Chalet accommodation. All chalets offer direct access to the beach. The chalets are well appointed, with hot bath and clean water from the RO system. Power is available with 220 V or 110 V.
In total, the resort accommodates between 40 and 50 guests at a time
The island is a great place to explore or simply to relax. Welcome to Asia's best kept secret.
FOOTNOTE
Lankayan Island is part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) which covers approximately 46300 ha. It was declared a conservation area in December 2001. The area is jointly managed by Sabah State Wildlife Department and private sector representatives. Lankayan is also governed by an extensive management plan to ensure sustainable use of resources and environmentally friendly tourism policies. Among other things, SIMCA representatives enforce a no fishing policy in the area, protect Turtles and their eggs, ensure a no anchoring policy for boats and limit tourist numbers and tourist facilities. Lankayan Resort used environmental consultants to design and implement waste management and recycling methods, build rainwater collection areas and ensure continued health of island flora. The results are positive and visible - healthy corals and rich vegetation.
The dive package to Lankayan Island includes:-
- Land and Sea Transfers - Sandakan Airport to Lankayan Island and return,
- 3 meals per day plus afternoon tea and snacks,
- Accommodation on twin/triple sharing basis,
- 3 boat dives daily around the Island except on arrival and departure day,
- unlimited beach dives in front of Jetty,
- Provide tanks, weights and belt,
- Limited gear is available for rental,
- No extra charge for Night dives in front of Dive Centre for advanced divers or divers with night dive experience,
- Guided tour to Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabitation Centre on departure day from Lankayan (Optional) - entry fee to Sepilok not included
