• House Reef Snorkeling & Diving – Just steps from shore, the house reef is teeming with vibrant corals, turtles, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish.
• Turtle Hatchery & Conservation Center – Run by the island’s eco-resort in collaboration with conservation authorities, guests can witness turtle nesting or hatchling releases during peak seasons.
• Sunset Jetty Viewpoint – A peaceful wooden jetty perfect for watching sunsets melt into the Sulu Sea, or spotting reef life right below your feet.
• Artificial Reef & Wreck Dive Site – Located close to shore, this small wreck has become a habitat for groupers, lionfish, and nudibranchs — accessible by both divers and advanced snorkelers.
• Mandarin Valley Dive Site – An on-island dive spot known for sightings of rare and colorful mandarin fish, especially during dusk.
• Night Snorkeling or Diving – Discover Lankayan’s nocturnal reef life — from sleeping parrotfish to glowing plankton and hunting octopuses.
• Beachcombing Around the Island – A complete lap around the island’s shoreline takes under 30 minutes and offers shells, coral fragments, and the occasional turtle track.
• Overwater Bungalow Marine Viewing – Watch baby blacktip sharks, rays, and turtles cruise by in shallow waters right beneath your bungalow deck.

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• Lankayan is part of SIMCA, a marine protected area established in 2001.
• The island is only accessible by boat — a 1.5-hour ride from Sandakan.
• Lankayan is one of the top places in Southeast Asia to spot whale sharks.
• Only one eco-resort exists on the entire island.
• Turtle nesting and hatching occurs almost daily during peak season.
• Lankayan’s reefs are home to over 500 marine species.
• The island has no cars, no shops, and no stress.
• It’s an ideal spot for honeymoons, photography, and digital detoxing.
• Many of the dive sites were discovered and named by local guides.
• The sunset jetty is a favorite spot for marriage proposals.

What is Lankayan Island known for?
Lankayan is famous for its diving and snorkeling, sea turtle conservation, and luxurious eco-resort lifestyle. It's a protected marine park, home to over 30 dive sites, whale sharks, and vibrant reef life.

Is the island a good destination for families?
Yes — especially for families who love nature, marine life, and quiet. The island is safe, car-free, and has shallow waters for kids, though it’s best for older children who can snorkel or enjoy the outdoors.

Is the island safe for tourists?
Absolutely. The island is remote, secure, and peaceful, with a dedicated marine police outpost and trained resort staff. Crime is virtually nonexistent.

Do you need a visa to visit?
Malaysia allows visa-free entry for many nationalities for up to 90 days, including EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia. Check the latest requirements based on your passport.

What’s the best way to get to the island?
Fly into Sandakan Airport, then transfer to the Sandakan Yacht Club for a 90-minute boat ride to Lankayan. Transfers are organized by the Lankayan Island Dive Resort and must be pre-booked.

Should I rent a car on the island?
No — there are no roads, no vehicles, and no traffic. You walk barefoot on sand paths and wooden boardwalks.

Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Partially — walkways are wooden and flat, and staff are happy to assist, but not all bungalows or beach access points may be suitable for all mobility needs. Check with the resort in advance.

What are the island’s most famous landmarks?

• The Lankayan Reef Dive Sites
• Turtle hatchery & conservation center
• House Reef directly off the beach
• Sunset viewpoint at the jetty

What are the best beaches on the island?
It’s a 360-degree beach island, so all the beaches are stunning — soft white sand, no crowds, and calm lagoons perfect for snorkeling.

What’s unique about Lankayan’s wildlife?
The island is part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA). You can spot sea turtles, baby blacktip reef sharks, nudibranchs, rays, sea horses, and, if you're lucky, whale sharks. Birds, hermit crabs, and monitor lizards roam the island.

What traditional foods should you try?
The resort serves Malaysian, Chinese, and Western fusion meals. Don’t miss:

• Sabahan-style seafood
• Rendang (spiced beef curry)
• Roti canai (Malaysian flatbread)
• Coconut rice with sambal
• Pineapple curry and banana fritters

Can you drink tap water?
Filtered water is provided. Tap water is not recommended for drinking — bottled and refillable options are readily available.

What’s the nightlife like?
Peaceful and nature-based. After sunset: stargazing, night snorkeling, turtle hatchings, or quiet time with a book or cocktail on your bungalow deck.

How can I stay connected to the internet?
Wi-Fi is available in the resort’s lounge, but signal is limited. Most guests embrace the digital detox.

What souvenirs should you bring home?

• Handcrafted sea turtle figurines
• Local beadwork or woven crafts (from Sandakan)
• Conservation merch (T-shirts, pins)
• Photos and memories — there are no shops on the island.‍

• “Reef Warriors” – Features Lankayan’s marine patrols and conservation programs.
• “Asia’s Wild Secrets” – Includes footage of Lankayan’s vibrant coral reefs.
• BBC Blue Planet (Regional Footage) – Scenes of reef life resemble those shot around Lankayan.
• Wild Malaysia (NatGeo) – Highlights Borneo’s sea turtle nesting beaches.
• “Turtle Diaries” (YouTube Documentary) – Captures nesting and hatchling footage on Lankayan.
• Eco-travel Vlogs – Dozens of creators have showcased Lankayan’s reefs and sunsets.
• Marine Research Field Studies – Filmed by universities and research teams.
• “Dive into Borneo” – A dive doc featuring Lankayan’s House Reef and Whale Shark Alley.
• SIMCA promotional videos – Available through Sabah tourism boards.
• Short wildlife clips – Circulate on social media during turtle season.