English
French
Spanish
ItalianLankayan Island
Lankayan Island, located off the northeastern coast of Sabah in the Sulu Sea, Malaysia, should provide just the perfect haven for a tropical paradise. With pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and colorful marine life, this island is a haven for diving enthusiasts and lovers of nature alike who have ever been in desperate need of a quiet retreat.
The lush scenery of the island, combined with the high biodiversity, makes it an ideal place for eco-tourism, while it's still relatively undiscovered status guarantees a quiet retreat away from the noisy crowds in more commercialized areas.
The beauty of Lankayan Island (Source: BorneoEcoTours)
Lankayan Island has a rather short and colorful history. In the first place, it was just some outpost for locals to go fishing and do some agriculture. During the mid-1990s, the island started to gain attention because of its underwater ecosystems, which were really dramatic. Since then, it has emerged as a marine eco-resort.
In 2003, it became part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area, a protected area for the purpose of marine conservation and the promotion of sustainable tourism. This conservation area allowed for the protection of coral reefs and the rare species of fish in its waters, including whale sharks, sea turtles, and an array of tropical fish.
Crystal clear water at Lankayan Island (Source: BikeandTours)
Lankayan Island was declared a conservation zone, and from that day forward, the island grew into an ecotourism jewel, affording its visitors unparalleled luxury and proximity to pristine nature.
Lankayan Island is divers' heaven with plenty of underwater life and crystal-clear waters. The marine species that can be viewed in the surrounding coral reefs vary, including sea turtles, reef sharks, nudibranchs, and colorful tropical fish. There are above 30 dive sites around this island, each dive site differing from the others.
Diving destination at Lankayan Island (Source: Borneo)
Probably the most famous dive site is Lankayan Wreck, an artificial reef from a sunken fishing vessel often frequented by several species of marine life, including big schools of fish, and hence a must-see for experienced divers. Lankayan, however, offers PADI courses suitable for divers of all different skill levels, which means even beginners can safely experience the underwater magic.
If you are not a certified diver, snorkeling is an excellent alternative. It's very easy to reach the shallow coral gardens around this island, and you will see quite a lot of marine life without needing to dive deep. The waters are so clear that the visibility is excellent, and you may even see sea turtles or rays gliding by.
Snorkeling with friends under deep sea in Lankayan Island (Source: Klook)
Green and hawksbill sea turtles nest on Lankayan Island. During June to September, guests can witness nesting activity of the turtles leaving their mothers to lay eggs on the beach. The Island's Turtle Hatchery Program greatly helps in saving these endangered species so that guests can contribute to the conservation by being involved in sending baby turtles to their destination in the sea. This will be one of the most rewarding activities on the island: to witness wildlife and help protect them.
Turtle watching at Lankayan Island beach (Source: Borneo)
Kayaking and SUP are great ways to view the coastline of the island at a slow pace for those who like to be above the water. Around Lankayan, the waters are dead-calm, making for ideal paddling moments around the island with vistas of unprecedented dimensions and views from above the surface of marine life. Both activities provide a relaxing way to enjoy the sun, sea, and scenery while getting a bit of exercise.
Stand-up paddleboarding in Lankayan Island (Source: gili-lankanfushi)
Unspoiled white-sand beaches on Lankayan Island are ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. In fact, the island is so serene that it offers the best destination for travelers escaping everyday stressful life.
Besides its marine life, Lankayan is a home to a good variety of birds; thus, it is an excellent spot for bird watching. With its natural surroundings, the island's ecosystem can offer you an interaction with the monitor lizards, hermit crabs, and other creatures during your time here.
Stunning beach at Lankayan Island (Source: BorneoEcoTours)
March to May: This is the best period for diving, since the water visibility is superb and it's whale shark season; you might get in luck and encounter these gentle giants on your dives.
June to September: These months are in the turtle nesting season. If you want to see the miraculous sight of turtles coming ashore to lay eggs or want to take part in the hatchling release program, this is the time for a visit.
Best time to visit Lankayan Island (Source: BorneoCalling)
October to February: These months generally bring more rain, but the island remains accessible. It’s a quieter time to visit if you prefer a more peaceful, less crowded experience. While the diving conditions may not be as ideal as earlier in the year, you’ll still enjoy the island’s beauty and calm atmosphere.
By air: It has easy access via flights to Sandakan Airport (SDK), with frequent domestic flights arriving from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. International guests would find it quite convenient to fly into Kota Kinabalu first before taking a short domestic flight onward to Sandakan.
By boat: The speedboat will take you from the Sandakan Yacht Club on a 1.5-hour journey to this particular island. The boat ride gives stunning views of the Sulu Sea along the way, possibly even sight of dolphins or any other marine life if one is lucky enough.
Travel from Sandakan Yacht Club by boat to Lankayan Island (Source: sailmalaysialife)
Lankayan Island is among those hidden jewels within Malaysia, perfectly blending equal amounts of adventure, relaxation, and conservation. With its stunningly beautiful underwater landscape, bright marine life, and commitment to sustainability, Lankayan is sure to become an unforgettable experience for one who visits the island.
You may like: Malaysia Beach Holiday
