Imagine stepping onto a tiny dot in the Sulu Sea, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. This is Lankayan Island, a hidden paradise gem in Malaysian Borneo. Privately owned by Pulau Sipadan Resort and Tours, the island is a tranquil retreat with a small resort, staff quarters, a turtle hatchery, and a lush green jungle.
You are about to discover why this 2.5-hectare island is considered a paradise found. With its unique location north of Sandakan, Lankayan Island offers an unparalleled escape from modern life. The island’s remote setting and conservation status make it an exclusive destination for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
As you explore this island, you’ll understand what makes it special among Malaysia’s many islands. From world-class diving and snorkeling to wildlife encounters, Lankayan Island is a bucket-list destination for adventure seekers and those looking for tranquility.
Discovering Lankayan Island: A Hidden Paradise
The serene Lankayan Island, part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area, is a hidden gem. You will find this tiny haven on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. As you explore this island, you’ll understand why it’s considered a paradise.
Location and Geography
Lankayan Island is situated in the Sulu Sea, north of Sandakan, Borneo. This island is small, measuring just 2.5 hectares, and can be circumnavigated in 15 minutes. Despite its size, the island boasts a lush jungle interior, making it a unique blend of beach and forest.
Conservation Efforts and Marine Park Status
Lankayan Island is part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area, a 46,000-hectare protected zone. As a result, the marine park enforces strict conservation guidelines. Visitors are required to follow rules such as not touching corals, not fishing, and not removing anything from the island, ensuring the preservation of this delicate ecosystem.
| Conservation Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Use | Strict guidelines to prevent pollution |
| Waste Treatment | Proper disposal methods to protect marine life |
| Wildlife Protection | No touching or feeding wildlife |
World-Class Scuba Diving Experiences
With its numerous dive sites, Lankayan Island is a paradise for scuba divers. The island’s coral reefs are just a few minutes away from the shore, offering a diverse range of underwater landscapes to explore.
Top Dive Sites Around the Island
The island boasts several top-notch dive sites, including Jawfish Lair, Gobby Rock, Jetty Wreck, Lankayan Wreck, and Mosquito Wreck. Each site offers a unique diving experience, from fascinating wreck dives to macro dive paradises.
At Lankayan Island Dive Resort, you can enjoy professional diving operations, complete with safety procedures, high-quality equipment, and experienced dive guides to enhance your underwater adventure.
Marine Life Encounters
As you dive into the waters around Lankayan Island, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter a diverse array of marine life. From colorful reef fish to larger pelagic species like yellowtail barracudas and blacktip sharks, the island’s waters are teeming with life.
Keep an eye out for other fascinating creatures, including anemone fishes, seahorses, rays, and guitarfish, as well as larger marine animals like marbled stingray, leopard shark, and giant grouper.
Snorkeling in Crystal Clear Waters
The island’s transparent waters make snorkeling a breathtaking experience. You can explore the underwater world without being an experienced diver. The resort offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, with equipment available for rent.
Best Snorkeling Spots
The best snorkeling spots are near the dive center, where a coral reef extends on both sides, providing a habitat for colorful marine life. You can expect to see a variety of tropical reef fish and possibly even turtles.
Equipment Rental and Guided Tours
The resort has snorkeling equipment for rent, including masks, snorkels, and fins. You can also join guided snorkeling tours to enhance your experience. These tours take you to the best spots and help you identify the marine life you encounter, making your snorkeling adventure even more enjoyable.
Witness Sea Turtle Conservation in Action
The island’s turtle hatchery is a remarkable conservation effort that you can witness firsthand. At Lankayan Island’s turtle hatchery, a dedicated team monitors the beaches day and night for sea turtles, including hawksbill and green turtles, that lay their eggs on the island’s pristine beaches.
The Turtle Hatchery Program
The turtle hatchery program is a vital conservation initiative that protects sea turtle eggs from predators and other threats. Once the turtles have laid their eggs and returned to the sea, the eggs are carefully collected and transferred to a safe hatchery. This program ensures the survival of the turtle population and contributes to the conservation of these endangered species.
Watching Turtle Hatchlings Race to the Sea
Witnessing the release of turtle hatchlings is a truly unforgettable experience. As the baby turtles emerge from their eggs, they are counted and then released on the beach to make their way to the ocean. This event is not only exciting but also educational, providing insights into the life cycle of sea turtles and the importance of conservation efforts.
By visiting Lankayan Island and its turtle hatchery, you are supporting the conservation of sea turtles and contributing to the protection of these incredible creatures.
Relaxing on Pristine White Sand Beaches
Imagine yourself on the untouched beaches of Lankayan Island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters. The island’s pristine white sand beaches are a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. You can unwind and rejuvenate in a tropical paradise that feels like your own private escape.
Beach Activities and Amenities
Lankayan Island offers a range of beach activities and amenities to enhance your relaxation experience. You can enjoy lounge chairs and shade options provided by the resort, allowing you to soak up the sun or relax in the shade. Beachside service is also available, ensuring that your needs are met without having to leave the beach.
Perfect Spots for Sunbathing and Swimming
The island’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. You can find secluded spots to enjoy the sun, or take a dip in the calm, clear waters. The best time for beach activities varies, with morning swims and afternoon sunbathing being particularly enjoyable. As the day comes to a close, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, enjoying the serene atmosphere of this island place.
Lankayan Island, Malaysia: Best Things to Do for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Wildlife enthusiasts will find Lankayan Island to be a paradise, teeming with life and adventure. The island offers a unique blend of marine and terrestrial experiences, making it an ideal destination for those looking to connect with nature.
Seasonal Whale Shark Sightings
Lankayan Island is renowned for its seasonal whale shark sightings, which occur primarily from March to May. During this period, snorkelers and divers have the exciting opportunity to encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The island’s location within the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area provides a protected environment for these magnificent creatures.
Bird Watching Opportunities
The island is also a haven for bird watchers, with species such as the grey heron and other tropical birds inhabiting the lush jungle vegetation. The diverse avifauna is a testament to the island’s rich biodiversity, making it a fascinating spot for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike.
| Wildlife Experience | Best Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Whale Shark Sightings | March to May | Around Lankayan Island |
| Bird Watching | Year-round | Lush Jungle Vegetation |
| Monitor Lizards | Year-round | Island Terrain |
In addition to whale shark sightings and bird watching, Lankayan Island is home to a variety of other wildlife, including monitor lizards and unique insects. The island’s diverse marine life further enhances its reputation as a biodiversity hotspot.
Water Sports and Activities
If you’re looking for more than just underwater adventures, Lankayan Island has a range of water activities to explore. The island’s crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for various water sports.
Kayaking Around the Island
One of the best ways to experience Lankayan Island from a different perspective is by kayaking. You can rent kayaks at the resort and paddle around the island, enjoying the serene water and scenic views. This activity allows you to explore the island’s coastline and get up close to its natural beauty.
Other Water-Based Activities
Besides kayaking, you can engage in other water-based activities such as paddleboarding, swimming, or simply floating in the crystal-clear water surrounding the island. You can also consider taking a boat tour to explore the surrounding areas. The island’s calm waters make it suitable for a variety of water activities.
Accommodation Options on Lankayan Island
The Lankayan Island Dive Resort provides an array of accommodations, from traditional chalets to luxurious over-water bungalows, ensuring that your stay is comfortable and memorable.
Beachfront Chalets
The beachfront chalets are arrayed along the eastern beach, offering direct access to the shore and a classic island experience. These chalets come with various amenities, including air conditioning, ceiling fans, toiletries, and more, making your stay relaxing and enjoyable.
Over-Water Bungalows
For a more luxurious experience, the over-water bungalows offer modern design elements, including chic bathtubs with sea views and separate shower rooms. The balconies of these bungalows face the sea, providing a serene place to unwind.
Whether you choose a chalet or an over-water bungalow, the main building facilities, including the dining area and lounge spaces, complement your accommodation, enhancing your overall stay on the island.
Planning Your Visit to Lankayan Island
To ensure a memorable experience, understanding the optimal time to visit Lankayan Island is crucial. The island offers a range of activities and experiences, but the best time to enjoy them varies.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lankayan Island is during the summer months, from March to September, to avoid the monsoon season. Although it may still rain, the rain is usually short-lived and often occurs at night.
How to Get There
To get to Lankayan Island, you need to take a 90-minute boat ride from Sandakan on the east coast of Malaysian Borneo. The nearest airport is in Sandakan, where you can fly from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines.
| Travel Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight | Fly to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur |
| Boat Ride | Take a 90-minute speedboat ride from Sandakan to Lankayan Island |
What to Pack
For your trip to Lankayan Island, pack essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, motion sickness medication for the boat ride, light clothing, and any specialized equipment for your planned activities.
Conclusion: Why Lankayan Island Should Be Your Next Tropical Getaway
Lankayan Island offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. With world-classdivingandsnorkeling,sea turtle conservation, and pristinebeachexperiences, it’s aparadisefor many. Unwind on thisislandby theseaand make yourtripunforgettable, savoring yourtimein this sereneplace.
