Lankayan Island Dive Resort
Lankayan Island Dive Resort is a hidden gem in the Sulu Sea, offering pristine beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, it’s a paradise for divers and non-divers alike. The island’s lush greenery, coupled with breathtaking sunsets, creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. With its intimate setting and luxurious accommodations, Lankayan Island promises an unforgettable escape into nature’s beauty. more so due to its easy accessibility from Sandakan town.
How to go to Lankayan Resort
- Land Transfer: Once you arrive at Sandakan Airport, the resort provides a land transfer to the Sandakan jetty. This transfer takes about 30 minutes.
- Boat Transfer: From the Sandakan jetty, you will then take a scheduled speedboat to Lankayan Island to depart at 10 am daily and only once. The boat ride takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions and sea conditions. It’s advisable to arrange the boat transfer in advance, as the resort typically provides this as part of the booking package.
We highly recommend the guests to stay the previous night at Sepilok or Sandakan Town for peace of mind.
3N4D Lankayan Island Dive Resort
Lankayan Island Dive Resort, the island’s only resort, opened in 1997 with a strong focus on sustainability, and it stands as a prime example of eco-tourism’s role in conservation. Today, it is home to SIMCA (Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area), a 467-square-kilometer privately managed area that includes three key atolls: Lankayan, Tegaipil, and Billean. These islands are important nesting sites for the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles, and SIMCA plays a vital role in protecting them by enforcing a no-take zone, safeguarding turtle eggs, and monitoring environmental factors like coral health, fish populations, water quality, and sedimentation.
To further support conservation, a portion of your payment goes into SIMCA’s fund, helping with boat patrols by locally trained wardens, the turtle hatchery, and other marine conservation initiatives.
Aside from its conservation efforts, the resort offers a charming stay with 23 beachside wooden chalets, each featuring a private balcony and direct beach access. Guests can enjoy fresh, delicious meals with a focus on locally caught seafood, and evening barbecues at the bar.
For diving enthusiasts, Lankayan Island is a fantastic destination. The resort’s dive center offers three boat dives per day, or you can explore the vibrant house reef right from the shore. If you’re not a diver, there are plenty of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or visiting the turtle hatchery to keep you occupied.
The Lankayan package requires a minimum stay of 2 nights and must be booked for at least 4 adults. If this requirement is not met, a fuel surcharge of RM864.00 nett per booking will apply. To avoid the surcharge, bookings of 3 nights or more can be made with a minimum of 2 persons.
09.00 AM: You’ll be picked up from Sandakan Airport or your hotel in Sandakan for road transfer to the Pulau Sipadan Resort (PSR) jetty. If you’re flying into Sandakan, please ensure you arrive by 9:00 AM to allow enough time to reach the jetty for the Once daily boat to Lankayan Island.
10.00 AM: Depart to Lankayan Island on the scheduled speedboat (1.5 hour boat ride). Check in, register, and settle into your chalet on the island. For divers, an orientation will take place at 3:00 PM. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Enjoy breakfast at the resort. Divers will embark on three boat dives right in front of the Dive Center. Non-divers can relax and enjoy their free time – you can rent snorkel gear and explore the house reef right off the beach.
Enjoy breakfast at the resort. Divers will embark on three boat dives right in front of the Dive Center. Non-divers can relax and enjoy their free time – you can rent snorkel gear and explore the house reef right off the beach.
6:00 AM: Finish your breakfast and depart the resort at 7:00 AM to head back to the Pulau Sipadan Resort jetty, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Sandakan, Sepilok, or the airport. If you’re catching a flight, please make sure it’s scheduled for after 11:00 AM. The package also includes a guided tour to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center once you arrive in Sandakan—just remember to cover your own entrance fees.
Book any flight from 11:00 hrs onward.
Depart from LANKAYAN is at 07:00 hrs ONCE DAILY ONLY.
Package includes:
- Airport Pick up and Drop off service.
- SIMCA fees.
- Three full meals daily.
- Service Tax 8%
Package excludes:
- Personal spending money for drinks of any kind.
- Any food item not mentioned.
- Laundry, phone calls or any personal charges.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Diving equipment & gears, Snorkel gear.
Lankayan Non-Diver
3N4D Luxury Sea-Escape-
Stay in Beach Chalet
-
All meals & Boat Transfer
-
Unguided Snorkelling
Rooms in Lankayan Island Dive Resort
At Lankayan Island Dive Resort, there are two types of charming chalets to choose from:
Water Chalets
These overwater chalets offer a unique and stunning experience, with direct access to the crystal-clear waters right beneath your feet. Featuring a private balcony with incredible views of the surrounding sea, the Water Chalets provide a tranquil and luxurious retreat. Ideal for guests looking to enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean and watch the vibrant marine life below.Beach Chalets
The Beach Chalets are nestled along the shoreline, offering easy access to the beautiful sandy beach and the clear, shallow waters. These wooden chalets provide a cozy and peaceful setting, each with its own private balcony where you can unwind and enjoy the view. The Beach Chalets are perfect for guests who prefer to be closer to the beach while still enjoying the comforts of a spacious and comfortable room.
Dining in Lankayan Island Dive Resort
Dining at Lankayan Island Dive Resort offers a delightful and relaxing experience, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and flavors. The resort’s restaurant serves a variety of delicious meals throughout the day, catering to all tastes with an emphasis on locally caught seafood. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast, light lunches, and flavorful dinners, with options that reflect both traditional and international cuisines.
The dining area overlooks the beautiful surroundings, creating a perfect setting for meals while enjoying the island’s natural beauty. In the evenings, guests can look forward to a relaxed barbecue at the bar, offering a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy freshly grilled dishes under the stars. Whether you’re savoring a seafood feast or simply enjoying a casual snack, the resort ensures a memorable dining experience for all guests.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Lankayan Island Resort
Can I mix diver and non-diver package in Lankayan?
No, usually it is not allowed to mix diver and non-diver packages for the complete stay. However, consult with us during booking for update on this policy from the resort.
How to go to Lankayan Island?
Once you reach Sandakan, you will be picked up at 9 am and transfer by road to the PSR jetty, from there 10 am scheduled speedboat transfer you to the resort. unscheduled transfers can be arranged at additional charges.
Do I need any diving certificate to book diver package in Lankayan?
Certified divers minimum requirement is PADI Open Water-recreational dive certificate or equivalent.
For Diver, the following additional INFORMATION is required prior to booking-
a) Diving Qualification & Level
b) Number of logged dives (approx)
c) Last logged dive (dd/mm/yy)
No dive allowed within 24 hours prior to departure flight time.
Can I rent Diving and Snorkelling gears in Lankayan Resort?
Certainly, you can rent diving equipments from the Lankayan Diving Resort’s diving centre at reasonable charges. You can talk to Safari Acacia for the updated prices.
Is there any age restriction in Lankayan Island Dive resort?
- Pregnant Women are not allowed to Lankayan Resort.
- Elderly guests (80 and above) are not allowed to Lankayan Resort.