Lankayan Island sits quietly in the Sulu Sea, off the northeast coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Small enough to walk around in minutes, yet rich enough in marine life to keep divers occupied for days, it draws travellers who want something far removed from busy resort towns. This guide covers what to expect when you visit — from getting there to what you’ll find beneath the water.
Getting to Lankayan
Your journey begins in Sandakan, a port city on Sabah’s east coast. From there, a speedboat transfer of roughly two hours delivers you to the island. The ride itself sets the tone — open water, no high-rises on the horizon, just the gradual appearance of a small coral island ringed by white sand.
Lankayan Island Resort is a luxury eco-resort located on a small coral island in Sabah, Malaysia, surrounded by protected reefs and rich marine life, making it a popular destination for diving, snorkeling, and relaxing tropical getaways.
Lankayan Island Dive Resort is the only accommodation on the island, which means the environment stays controlled and the beaches stay quiet. Arriving at the jetty, you step directly onto soft sand with turquoise water on all sides. There is no buffer between you and the reef.
Diving and Marine Life
The waters around Lankayan fall within a marine protected area, which has helped the reef systems recover and thrive. Divers regularly encounter blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, and an abundance of reef fish across colourful coral gardens. The visibility is frequently excellent, making it a strong destination for underwater photography.
Between March and May, whale sharks pass through these waters. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the chances are higher here than at many other sites in the region. For divers who have not yet encountered one, that alone makes the trip worth planning around.
Snorkelling is also productive. The reef begins close to shore, so you don’t need to venture far to find life. Beginners and non-divers will still find plenty to see without any specialist equipment.
Turtle Conservation
Lankayan operates a turtle hatchery as part of its broader conservation programme. Both green and hawksbill turtles nest on the island’s beaches, and the resort team collects and protects the eggs to improve hatch rates. Guests have the opportunity to witness nesting turtles after dark, or to watch hatchlings being released into the sea — an experience that tends to leave a lasting impression.
The programme is educational without being heavy-handed. Staff explain the pressures these species face and what the hatchery does to address them. It gives the visit a sense of purpose beyond recreation, which many guests find adds real depth to their stay.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation comes in the form of wooden chalets, either built over the water or positioned along the beachfront. The overwater chalets offer direct views across the sea and, at certain times of day, you can spot fish moving beneath the stilts. Rooms are comfortable rather than luxurious — the island draws people for what surrounds it, not for five-star interiors.
Meals are served in a central dining area where guests tend to mix freely. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and local flavours, with buffet-style dining that encourages a communal atmosphere. For a small, remote island, the food is consistently well-regarded by those who visit.
Is Lankayan Worth Visiting?
If you are after lively nightlife, a wide range of restaurants, or extensive land-based activities, Lankayan is not the right fit. The island is deliberately limited in what it offers on land, which is precisely the point.
For divers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to step back from noise and distraction, it delivers. The marine life is genuine, the conservation work is meaningful, and the setting is as peaceful as you will find in Southeast Asia. Plan your visit around the whale shark season if possible, and come prepared to spend most of your time in the water.
