Lankayan Island Dive Resort
Sulu Sea · Malaysian Borneo
One island, one resort, and a private sea of coral around it - 23 wooden chalets, a protected marine conservation area of 467 square kilometres, and nesting turtles on the beach outside your balcony.
Enquire about this LodgeThe island's only resort since 1997 - and the reason its reefs, turtles and sharks are still here. Lankayan sits inside a privately managed no-take zone, patrolled by locally trained wardens your stay helps fund.
A Conservation Island in the Sulu Sea
Lankayan anchors SIMCA - the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area - a 467-square-kilometre privately managed sanctuary spanning three atolls. Endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles nest on its beaches, protected by a strict no-take zone and a resident turtle hatchery.
A portion of every stay goes directly into SIMCA's fund: boat patrols, egg protection, and long-term monitoring of coral health and fish populations. This is eco-tourism doing exactly what it promises.
The island, from the water.
A Closer Look at Lankayan Island
Beachside chalets, an overwater horizon, and a house reef that begins at the shore.
The house reef begins at the shore.
Dive It, or Simply Float Over It
The dive centre runs three boat dives a day across SIMCA's protected reefs - or you can step off the beach straight onto the vibrant house reef. Whale sharks pass through in season; turtles are near-daily company.
Non-divers are just as well looked after: snorkelling, kayaking, the turtle hatchery, and long afternoons on sand that rarely holds another footprint.
What Moves Through These Waters
A no-take zone since 2001 - and the marine life shows it.
Water & Beach Chalets
Twenty-three wooden chalets in total - over the water or along the shore, each with a private balcony.
Water Chalet
Built out over the crystal-clear shallows, with the sea moving directly beneath your feet and marine life visible from your own balcony rail.
- Private balcony over the water
- Direct sea access
- Uninterrupted sunset views
Beach Chalet
Nestled along the shoreline with the sand a few steps from your door - spacious, wooden, and quietly comfortable, with the shallows just beyond.
- Private balcony facing the beach
- Direct beach access
- Steps from the house reef
A Day at Lankayan Island
The sea sets the pace - most days move between dives, and long, unhurried hours on the sand between them.
First Light on the Reef
An early walk along the beach at first light, checking the sand for the night's turtle tracks before the island wakes.
The Morning Dive
The first of three boat dives across SIMCA's protected reefs, or a guided snorkel straight off the beach for non-divers.
Rest in the Shade
Lunch overlooking the water, then quiet hours in a hammock or on your chalet's private balcony through the warmest part of the day.
Sunset Dive, Then the Stars
A second or third dive timed to the last light, dinner at the beach bar, and - in season - a quiet wait for nesting turtles after dark.
Before You Go
Sandakan, then 90 minutes by sea
A road transfer to Sandakan jetty, then the daily 10am speedboat. We recommend a night at Sepilok or Sandakan beforehand.
Three boat dives daily, gear on site
Diving and snorkelling equipment can be rented at the resort's own dive centre - certification courses can be discussed with your consultant.
Locally caught seafood, barbecues under the stars
All meals are included - fresh, local, and served overlooking the water, with evening barbecues at the bar.
Just as rewarding above the surface
Snorkelling from shore, kayaking, the turtle hatchery - diver and non-diver packages can be mixed in one booking.
Continue Your Borneo Journey
Other Safari Acacia addresses worth pairing with Lankayan Island.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Primary rainforest, a private canopy walkway, and one of the wildest luxury addresses on earth.
View Lodge →
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
A private mangrove wilderness reached only by water, ninety minutes downriver from Sandakan.
View Resort →Begin Your Lankayan Escape
We arrange every detail - transfers, the right chalet, and a stay timed to the sea at its calmest.
Enquire About Lankayan Island