Description
Sitting in the crystal clear waters of the Sulu Sea, the unpopulated Lankayan Island is an approved Marine Conservation Area off the coast of Sandakan, North Borneo. Covered in thick tropical vegetation on its topside, this peaceful, untouched island is surrounded by picture postcard white sand beaches.
Each wooden chalet and room exudes simple elegance and has a private balcony leading directly onto the sensational beach. Hot water, comfy beds and stunning views make these chalets the ultimate in desert island accommodation.
This tranquil, paradise island is fast becoming a hot diving destination with colourful species such as frogfish, blue ringed octopus and placid bamboo sharks. There are also four imposing shipwrecks nearby to explore and turtles in the surrounding waters, who sometimes visit the island to lay their eggs.
Please note that a stay here can only be booked through Scott Dunn as part of an itinerary with at least 7 nights accommodation in total.
Accommodation
The 16 Chalets and 9 Standard Rooms are built from local wooden materials and overlook the sea. The chalets have direct access to the beach and are simple but comfortable with private bathrooms with hot water, tea and coffee making facilities, mini refrigerators and fresh water from the mainland. All chalets have balconies overlooking the stunning beach and azure ocean beyond.
Childcare
Children are welcome and Lankayan is a wonderful place for children to be free and enjoy the beautiful beach, tropical surrounds and all the activities these bring, but there are no specific facilities at the lodge. However, triple rooms are available.
Facilities
Meals are served in a relaxed and informal dining area with seafront terrace and there is also a sunset bar for drinks and barbeques. There is a TV room (largely for viewing the day's diving footage), internet access and also a small shop for essentials. The dive centre has watersports activities and equipment for diving, snorkelling and kayaking.
Activities
Activities whilst at Lankayan Island centre on the world-class diving, ocean kayaking and fantastic snorkelling but on for those who prefer to be on land there are some beautiful beach walks and inland treks to be enjoyed.
When to travel
Like the rest of Malaysia, Sabah’s climate is hot and humid. Expect temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s throughout the lowlands. The state’s rainfall averages about 300cm annually and though it rains throughout the year, the heaviest rainfall generally occurs between October and January. At higher elevations the temperature is refreshingly cool, dropping to colder temperatures at night. Mount Kinabalu has its own climate and, above 3500m, temperatures can drop to freezing.
June to September is the best time to go to see turtles nesting as well as new hatchlings of baby turtles released to the sea.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Sulu Sea, Borneo, Malaysia
Lankayan Island is a jewel-like tiny island in the Sulu Sea, off the North coast of Sabah, Borneo.
How to get there
17-hour international flight (one change) to Sandakan Airport, followed by a 1-hour and 30-minute boat ride.
