Unpopulated and covered by thick tropical island vegetation on its topside, this peaceful, untouched little bit of paradise is ringed by an endless pure of white sandy beach.
Lankayan Island is considered by many travellers to be the most beautiful island in Malaysia. It’a tiny islands located in the Sulu Sea, northeast of the island of Borneo, in the state of Sabah, just 15 km from Sandakan.
Lankayan is the perfect island getaway for those who search for tranquility and relaxation in a virgin natural setting.
Lankayan Island is a true Macro world paradise. Saved are large stretches of beautiful hard and soft corals, among which are multitudes of macro world subjects and tropical fishes.
Lankayan Island offers a fascinating array of diving opportunities in a remarkably small area. Of all the islands in Malaysia, it offers the best chance for sighting whale sharks. The best time to see these mesmerizing giants is between March and May. Otherwise, you will have to be content with ogling bamboo sharks, mandarin fish, mimic octopuses, porcelain crabs, and ghost pipefish.
The other marine fauna that inhabits the waters of Lankayan includes barracuda, scads, jacks, parrot, whale sharks, blacktip sharks, giant clams, anemone fishes, spider crabs, coral shrimps, nudibranchs, prawn gobies, seahorses, ghost pipefish, frogfish, flying gurnards, rays, nd guitarfish.
Lankayan also offer a couple of wrecks which are home to an array of fish including yellow pikes, groupers and even the ghost pipefish.
Lankayan Island Resort offers all inclusive scuba diving packages for certified divers where one can enjoy up to three boat dives a day.
Lankayan Island is a nesting site for both green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles, and the island appears to be an important foraging area for these two species. 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.
There is only 1 resort in Lankayan Island – Lankayan Island Resort is a small, relaxed and informal resort offering, romantic atmosphere and secluded white sandy beaches. Wooden chalets are scattered around the pristine Island. Made out of local wooden materials to blend into the natural surroundings, chalets come with private balcony overlooking the white sandy beach and turquoise ocean.
Lankayan chalets are well appointed and equipped with hot bath, coffee and tea making facilities, mini refrigerator and fresh water from the mainland. All chalets offer direct access to the beach which is in fact just at your front door step.
Lankayan Island Resort has only a limited number of rooms, so it’s advisable to book at least 6 months in advance. The peak season is June, July, and August and it’s hard to find rooms available during that time.
Meals are informally served at the central open building, which boasts an amazingly beautiful open-air wooden terrace surrounded by swaying casuarinas, the ideal spot for after dinner relaxation and chatting, all the while admiring the dozens of juvenile black tip sharks swimming leisurely a few feet beneath.
ATV room is available for viewing the day’s video shots or other footages shoot during the dive. Internet access is also available at the resort’s main building which opens daily from 0800hrs to 2300hrs.
A small over the counter shop that sells souvenirs such as postcards, T-shirts, and other necessities such as film, batteries, and toiletries is integrated at the central open building.
Water sports gears and equipment for diving, snorkeling and ocean kayaking activities are available for rental at the dive centre.
Many Foreign Offices advise against travel to all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah, including Lankayan Island. Until now, no incident has occurred in Lankayan. The island is very protected – Malaysian army are stationing there to ensure the safety of the tourists. The presence of the army is reassuring and very discrete.
Update 3 Feb 2017
The Malaysian government is serious in this matter and we would like to update you that Lankayan security forces now has been increased.
There are now 35 army forces, 5 Maritime (Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency) and 8 PGA (Special Task Force) whom are assign and to be stationed at Lankayan to straighten the security of the resort. They will be assisted by another 6 in-house security workforces.
A total of 54 security forces now in Lankayan.
There are 2 Army escort for the daily boat transfer To & From Lankayan / Sandakan Jetty. 2 Army escort for the daily diving boats activities at the resort.
