Lankayan is a small tropical island in the Sulu Sea, about one and a half hours by boat from the port of Sandakan, and sits within a large marine protected area with excellent diving. Unpopulated and circled by a white sandy shore, Lankayan Island is also exquisitely private, perfect for honeymooners and anyone seeking peace and tranquility.
As the only resort on the island, Lankayan Island Dive Resort was built in 1997 with sustainability in mind, and is an outstanding example of how eco-tourism can contribute to conservation. Today it boasts a privately-managed conservation area called SIMCA – Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area – which is 467 square kilometers and includes three main atolls consisting of Lankayan, Tegaipil and Billean. These three islands are historic nesting places for the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles, and SIMCA plays a crucial role in enforcing a no-take zone, protecting the turtle eggs, and monitoring long-term environmental changes in coral cover, fish life, water quality, and sedimentation.
If you want your tourism dollars to go a bit further, a percentage of what you pay goes into SIMCA’s conservation fund which helps sustain the patrolling of boats by locally trained wardens, supports the turtle hatchery, and aids in other marine conservation efforts.
Conservation efforts aside, the resort is lovely, consisting of 23 wooden chalets right on the beach. Every chalet has its own private balcony with direct access to the beach. Delicious fresh meals and snacks are available throughout the day, with an emphasis on locally caught seafood, and evening barbecues held at the bar.
If you are an avid diver, Lankayan Island is wonderful. Through the professional dive center, go on three boat dives a day, or simply buddy up and dive the excellent house reef straight from the shore. Non-divers can keep busy with snorkeling, kayaking, or visiting the turtle hatchery.
23 stand-alone wooden chalets on the beach (air-conditioning & ceiling fan) on double/twin or triple sharing basis and hot shower. Minimum stay is 2 nights and bookings are based on Diver or Non-Diver packages.
Buffet style in eating area. Vegetarians and special diets are catered for.
Eating lounge, sunset bar, TV room, internet access at main building 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM (ebbs and flow), shop (minimal supplies), electricity via generator, water sports and dive center.
Pick-up from your Sandakan hotel at 9:00 AM for transfer to Pulau Sipadan Resort jetty (If booking a flight to Sandakan, you need to arrive by 9:00 AM to allow travel time to the jetty to catch the once daily boat to Lankayan Island). Upon arrival, depart to Lankayan Island on the 10:00 AM scheduled boat (1.5 hour boat ride). Register, check-in and settle into your chalet on the island. For divers orientation will be held at 3 pm. Rest of the day free at your own leisure.
Lunch / Dinner
Breakfast at the resort. Divers will go on 3 boat dives in front of the Dive Center. Non-divers free at leisure – you are free to rent snorkel gear and snorkel off the beach at the house reef.
Breakfast/Lunch / Dinner
Early morning after breakfast at 7:00 AM, depart the resort to return to Pulau Sipadan Resort jetty for drop off at your hotel in Sandakan, Sepilok or airport. If booking an airport connection, please book flights after 11:00 AM. Included in the package is also a guided tour to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabililtation Center upon arrival back in Sandakan – you just have to pay your own entrance fees.
Breakfast
*Extension nights are available upon request.
Accommodation, fullboard meals including afternoon snacks, coffee, tea & drinking water, marine conservation fees, return land and boat transfers from Sandakan, optional guided tour to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre on last day (entrance not included).
Diver package: 3 guided boat dives daily except on arrival & departure day, tank, weight and weight belts
Diver package: Dive gear available for rent
| Item | Rate (RM) | 6% GST (RM) | Total (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC Jacket | 30.00 | 1.80 | 31.80 |
| Regulator / gauges / octopus | 30.00 | 1.80 | 31.80 |
| Mask, Snorkel | 15.00 | 0.90 | 15.90 |
| Wet Suit | 25.00 | 1.50 | 26.50 |
| Fin | 10.00 | 0.60 | 10.60 |
| Booties | 10.00 | 0.60 | 10.60 |
| Torch with batteries | 20.00 | 1.20 | 21.20 |
Non-diver package: Snorkel gear available for rent, boat snorkeling (min 2pax, 50RM per person)
Head lamp, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, dry bag, swimwear, walking shoes, flip flops, money (no ATM), water bottle, toiletries, basic first aid kit.
Daily based on a minimum booking of 2pax per departure. Single supplement applies for solo travelers.
Couples, honeymooners, divers, families with children wanting a private island beach escape
Please send us an email to info@stickyricetravel.com for enquiries or click “Book Now” to use our contact us form.
