Lankayan

Borneo - Getting to know Lankayan

Located within the ‘turtle corridor’ (an immense protected marine area that spans Indonesian, Malaysian and Philippine waters), Lankayan Island is often referred to as the jewel in the Sulu Sea. Lying approximately 20 miles north east of Sandakan on the mainland coast, Lankayan is covered in lush tropical vegetation, ringed by a clean, white sandy beach, and minutes from some of the world's best diving. It’s only accessible by boat - the journey takes one and a half hours.

Both hawksbill and green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs throughout the ‘turtle season’ (approximately June to September). Lankayan is rapidly gaining renown as one of the world’s most sought after dive sites. There’s a friendly, fully equipped, professional dive centre which also rents out kayaking equipment.

Pristine coral and off-shore wrecks provide an amazingly diverse and healthy eco-system, home to hundreds of species of fish, rays, manatees, sponges, anemones, and a number of shark species, including the huge (but harmless) whale shark. 

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Where to stay on Lankayan Island

The island’s accommodation is limited to 23 simple but elegant beach-front chalets and rooms, with meals served at a central open air restaurant and bar. Read more here...

Please note...

...that the Foreign Commonwealth Office is currently advising against all but essential travel to all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, including (but not limited to) Lankayan, Mabul, Pom Pom, Kapalai, Litigan, Sipadan and Mataking.