about lankayan ISLAND

Official Travel Guide

Lankayan Island is one of Sabah’s most carefully protected coral islands, a small white-sand paradise floating in the Sulu Sea off the northeast coast of Borneo. Famous for its sea turtle nesting beaches, clear tropical waters and vibrant coral reefs, Lankayan offers something rare in today’s world: an island where tourism exists not at the expense of nature, but in partnership with it.

This page serves as the official guide to Lankayan Island, created for travellers, divers, conservationists and nature lovers who want to understand how this island works, how it is protected and why it has become one of Malaysia’s most respected eco-island destinations.

The history of Lankayan

Before becoming one of Sabah’s most celebrated eco-resorts, Lankayan was an uninhabited coral cay shaped entirely by ocean currents and coral growth. For generations it was little more than a tiny patch of sand in the middle of the Sulu Sea, visited only by passing fishermen and migrating sea turtles. Its true importance, however, lay beneath the surface. The reefs surrounding the island were already rich in marine life, and its beaches were part of one of Borneo’s most important turtle nesting corridors.

In the late 1990s, the Sabah government recognised the island’s ecological value and approved the development of a small, low-impact island resort that would help protect it. Lankayan Island Resort was established in 1997 with a model that was still rare at the time: tourism would be used to fund conservation rather than replace it. Buildings were kept low and spread out, vegetation was preserved wherever possible, and strict rules were introduced to protect the surrounding reefs.

At the same time, Reef Guardian was founded on Lankayan to ensure that the island’s wildlife and marine environment would be actively protected. What began as a small turtle monitoring programme has since grown into one of Sabah’s most successful conservation projects. Over the years, turtle nesting numbers have increased, coral reefs have recovered, and Lankayan has become a benchmark for how island tourism and marine conservation can work together.

Conservation at the heart of the island

Conservation is not an optional activity on Lankayan Island. It is the reason the island exists in its current form.

The waters around Lankayan are part of a fully protected marine sanctuary — the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) — where fishing, netting, anchoring, and coral collection are strictly prohibited. In recognition of its high standards of protection and effective management, SIMCA has been listed on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, a global benchmark awarded only to well-managed, high-value marine sanctuaries (read about it in this WWF article). Reef Guardian rangers patrol the surrounding reefs, monitoring coral health, fish populations, and water quality while also watching for illegal activity.

Because fish bombing and poaching remain serious threats in parts of the Sulu Sea, Lankayan operates one of the strongest marine enforcement systems in Sabah. Reef Guardian works together with Malaysian military personnel stationed on the island to inspect intruding boats and deter illegal fishing. Underwater acoustic detectors are also deployed to detect fish bombing activity, allowing rapid response when explosions are detected.

Turtle conservation is one of the island’s most important missions. Lankayan is a major nesting site for green turtles and critically endangered hawksbill turtles, which return to the same beaches year after year to lay their eggs. Reef Guardian staff patrol the shoreline day and night, recording nesting activity, relocating vulnerable nests to protected hatcheries, and safeguarding eggs from predators and poachers.

When hatchlings emerge, they are released using carefully designed, low-stress methods based on scientific research. Releases are timed and managed to give the tiny turtles the best possible chance of survival in the open sea, and guests may witness these magical moments in a quiet, respectful way.

Even the resort’s daily operations are designed to minimise environmental impact. All rubbish is carefully sorted and shipped back to the mainland, with nothing buried or burned on the island. Wastewater is treated and converted into grey water, which is used to irrigate plants and maintain the island’s vegetation, helping to keep both the land and the surrounding reefs clean and healthy.

The natural environment of Lankayan Island

Lankayan is a small island, easily walkable in about fifteen minutes at a relaxed pace, yet it feels like a miniature world of its own. The centre of the island is thick with tropical vegetation, providing a cool, shaded habitat for birds, fruit bats, hermit crabs and other native wildlife. This green core also plays an important role in stabilising the island and protecting it from erosion.

The beaches are fringed with fine, powdery white sand that feels soft underfoot. Early in the morning, it is common to see turtle tracks etched across the sand, left behind by nesting mothers that came ashore during the night.

The shallow lagoon surrounding the island is ideal for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling, with calm, clear water that reveals coral gardens and schools of tropical fish. During low tide, corals can be very close to the surface, which is why guests are encouraged to enter the water from the dive centre jetty rather than walking across the reef from the beach.

One of Lankayan’s most remarkable features is how much marine life can be seen right from shore. Juvenile black-tip reef sharks patrol the shallows, green turtles graze on seagrass, bumphead parrotfish cruise past in schools and, on lucky days, even guitar sharks glide through the lagoon. Few islands in Borneo offer such rich underwater life so close to the beach.

The marine environment of Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island lies within the Coral Triangle, the world’s most biologically diverse marine region, often referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas.” This places the island in one of the most important and species-rich underwater ecosystems on Earth, and it explains why the reefs around Lankayan support such an extraordinary variety of marine life.

The waters surrounding the island are part of a fully protected marine sanctuary, where fishing, anchoring and coral collection are prohibited. As a result, Lankayan’s reefs have been allowed to mature and regenerate for decades, creating complex coral structures and healthy fish populations that are now rare in many parts of Southeast Asia.

Underwater, the landscape is a mosaic of coral bommies, sloping sandy seabeds and seagrass meadows. These habitats support everything from large animals such as green turtles, hawksbill turtles and juvenile black-tip reef sharks to an astonishing array of smaller reef creatures. For divers and snorkelers, it is common to encounter turtles on almost every dive, along with stingrays, schooling reef fish and colourful coral gardens.

Lankayan is also highly regarded among underwater photographers and macro enthusiasts. The protected reefs and sandy slopes are home to nudibranchs, frogfish, ghost pipefish, seahorses, octopus, mantis shrimp and many other cryptic species that thrive in stable, undisturbed environments. Calm conditions and generally good visibility allow divers to slow down and truly explore the fine details of the reef.

Night dives reveal yet another layer of biodiversity, with hunting cuttlefish, basket stars, crabs and bioluminescent plankton transforming the reef after dark. These experiences are a direct result of long-term conservation and reef protection, which have allowed natural predator–prey relationships and reef communities to remain intact.

Being located within the Coral Triangle gives Lankayan a level of marine richness that few islands in the world can match. Combined with strict protection and active conservation, this makes the island one of the most rewarding places in Borneo for both diving and snorkeling, not just visually beautiful, but ecologically exceptional.

Accommodation of Lankayan Island

Accommodation on Lankayan Island is designed to reflect the island itself: natural, peaceful and carefully integrated into the surrounding environment. Rather than large concrete buildings, the resort is made up of low-rise wooden chalets built along the beach and over the shallow lagoon, allowing guests to stay close to the sea without disturbing the island’s fragile ecosystem.

The island offers a limited number of rooms to ensure privacy, tranquillity and minimal environmental impact. Each chalet is spaced apart by tropical vegetation or open beach, creating a feeling of seclusion even when the resort is fully occupied. From the moment guests step onto their verandas, they are surrounded by the sounds of the ocean, seabirds and rustling palms rather than traffic or crowds.

Beach Chalets sit directly on the sand, just steps from the water, making them ideal for families and guests who enjoy walking straight from their room onto the beach. Water Chalets are built on stilts over the lagoon, offering panoramic sea views and direct access to the water for swimming and snorkeling. Both types are designed in a simple, tropical style that keeps rooms cool and airy while blending into the island’s natural setting.

Rooms are comfortably furnished and include private bathrooms, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, hot showers and outdoor seating areas where guests can relax and watch the sea or the sunset. There are no televisions in the rooms, by design, allowing guests to disconnect from everyday distractions and reconnect with the island, the ocean and each other.

What truly sets Lankayan’s accommodation apart is not luxury in the conventional sense, but location. Very few places in Malaysia allow guests to sleep just metres from an active turtle nesting beach or to wake up to reef sharks and turtles swimming below their verandas. On Lankayan, the island itself is the main attraction, and the rooms are simply a front-row seat to one of Borneo’s most remarkable natural environments.

Location and access: Getting to Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island is located in the Sulu Sea, off the northeast coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, approximately 80 kilometres from the mainland town of Sandakan. Surrounded by deep blue water and protected coral reefs, the island feels wonderfully remote while remaining surprisingly accessible.

Sandakan is the main gateway to Lankayan and is well connected by daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, making the journey straightforward for both Malaysian and international travellers. From Sandakan, guests travel to the Sandakan Jetty, where the resort’s boat transfers depart.

The journey from Sandakan to Lankayan takes approximately 90 minutes by speedboat, crossing open sea before the white sands and palm trees of the island come into view. Boat transfers are scheduled to coincide with arrival days and are carefully planned to ensure safe and comfortable crossings.

Because Lankayan is a small, protected island with limited capacity, transfers operate on a fixed schedule rather than on demand. This system helps control visitor numbers, reduces fuel use and ensures that the island remains peaceful and environmentally sustainable. Guests typically arrive and depart on designated transfer days, which also allows the resort to coordinate supplies, waste removal and conservation logistics efficiently.

Although Lankayan feels far removed from the modern world, its location within Sabah makes it one of the easiest remote island resorts in Borneo to reach. Within a single day, travellers can go from a major city to a quiet coral island where turtles nest on the beach and reef sharks swim in the shallows: a rare combination of accessibility and untouched-feeling wilderness.

Who Lankayan is for

Lankayan Island is designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of travellers. It is equally rewarding for experienced scuba divers and first-time snorkelers, with vibrant reefs, turtle encounters and clear tropical water just steps from the shore. PADI dive courses and guided dives are available through the island’s in-house dive centre.

The island is well suited to couples, families with children and senior travellers who are able to walk independently. The atmosphere is peaceful and safe, with gentle paths connecting all areas of the resort. Due to the boat transfers and the island’s remote location, Lankayan is not suitable for pregnant guests or wheelchair users.

Guests with dietary requirements are welcome, and the resort will do its best to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-related needs when informed in advance at the time of booking.

Despite its remote location, Lankayan offers reliable connectivity through Wi-Fi and Starlink, allowing guests to stay in touch with the outside world if needed.

The island is also available for private bookings, corporate retreats, CSR programmes, wellness retreats and special events, all of which must be arranged well in advance.

For safety, the island is equipped with trained staff, first-aid facilities and emergency evacuation procedures to Sandakan, ensuring peace of mind even in this secluded tropical setting.

Why Lankayan Island is different

Lankayan is not simply a beach resort in Sabah. It is a living conservation project, a turtle sanctuary and a marine protected area supported by responsible tourism. Every guest who visits helps fund reef protection, turtle conservation and the ongoing preservation of one of Borneo’s most beautiful coral islands.

For travellers looking for a place where nature is still the star of the show, Lankayan Island offers something increasingly rare: an island where marine life thrives, turtles return year after year, and the rhythms of the sea still shape daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lankayan Island suitable for non-divers?

Absolutely. Lankayan Island offers calm, shallow reefs ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. Guests can see turtles, juvenile reef sharks, colorful fish, and coral gardens directly from the beach or dive centre jetty. Even non-divers enjoy the island’s natural beauty without requiring scuba certification.

Can beginners learn to dive at Lankayan?

Yes. Lankayan’s in-house PADI-certified instructors offer beginner courses, guided dives, and refresher sessions. The waters are clear with mild currents, making it perfect for first-time divers while still offering exciting experiences for certified divers.

What diving and snorkeling experiences are available?

Lankayan is in the heart of the Coral Triangle, home to one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. Guests can explore coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, spot green and hawksbill turtles, observe juvenile reef sharks, and discover macro species such as nudibranchs, seahorses, frogfish, and mantis shrimp. Night dives reveal hunting cuttlefish, basket stars, and bioluminescent plankton. Click here for details.

Can I do macro photography or underwater photography at Lankayan?

Yes. Lankayan is ideal for underwater photographers and macro enthusiasts. Its protected reefs host an abundance of tiny, colorful creatures including ghost pipefish, octopus, shrimps, and a wide variety of nudibranchs. Calm water, excellent visibility, and thriving reefs provide perfect conditions for both macro and wide-angle shots.

Can visitors participate in turtle conservation?

Guests can safely observe or assist in Lankayan’s turtle conservation program under supervision. Staff patrol nesting beaches, safeguard eggs, and release hatchlings using scientifically approved methods. Visitors play an important role while respecting the turtles’ natural behavior and minimal-stress protocols. Click here for details.

When is the best time to visit Lankayan Island?

The best time is from March to October, when seas are calm, visibility is excellent, and diving and snorkeling conditions are ideal. Turtle nesting occurs year-round, but peak activity is typically from April to August. The island is closed in January to February.

How do I get to Lankayan Island?

Guests travel via Sandakan, which has daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. From Sandakan Jetty, Lankayan is reached in approximately 90 minutes by speedboat. Transfers operate on a fixed schedule to control visitor numbers and maintain the island’s protected status. Click here for details.

What types of accommodation are available?

Lankayan offers Beach Chalets and Water Chalets. Beach Chalets sit directly on the sand, providing families and guests with easy beach access. Water Chalets are built over the lagoon on stilts, offering panoramic sea views and direct access to the water. All chalets are designed in a tropical style, with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, fans, and outdoor seating areas to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Click here for details.

Can I do macro photography or underwater photography at Lankayan?

Yes. Lankayan is ideal for underwater photographers and macro enthusiasts. Its protected reefs host an abundance of tiny, colorful creatures including ghost pipefish, octopus, shrimps, and a wide variety of nudibranchs. Calm water, excellent visibility, and thriving reefs provide perfect conditions for both macro and wide-angle shots.

Is Lankayan suitable for families, children, or seniors?

Yes. Families and children enjoy calm waters, snorkeling, and turtle encounters, while seniors can navigate the island easily thanks to short, flat paths. The resort is quiet and low-impact, offering a peaceful environment for all ages. Pregnant guests are not recommended due to boat transfers and limited medical facilities.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and certain allergy-related diets can be accommodated if requested at the time of booking. Early notice ensures the kitchen can prepare meals safely while still meeting your preferences.

Is there Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity on Lankayan?

Yes. The island provides Wi-Fi and Starlink internet, allowing guests to stay connected if needed, though many choose to unplug and enjoy a digital detox.

Can I book the island for private events or corporate retreats?

Yes. Lankayan can host private groups, corporate retreats, wellness programs, or special events. Advance booking is required to ensure logistics, accommodation, and conservation schedules are properly coordinated. Click here for enquiry form.

What happens in a medical emergency?

Lankayan has trained staff, first-aid facilities, and emergency oxygen. In serious cases, evacuation procedures to Sandakan are in place to ensure guest safety, despite the island’s remote location.

Lankayan Island FAQ